Best Small Dog Collars in 2024: Top Products and Ultimate Guide

A collar is an essential attribute in the training and interaction with a dog. It shows that a pet has a house, an owner, and can serve as a piece of jewelry. Depending on the goals the owner pursues, they can be of different types: strict for dressing and adjusting behavior, LED, medical, casual, etc.

Best Overall
Product
Design Leather Dog Collar for Puppy Small Medium and...
Prime
-
Pros
Waterproof and damage resistant.
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Bestseller
Product
Blueberry Pet 5 Patterns Soft & Comfy Loving Daisy...
Prime
Amazon Prime
Pros
Soft to the touch.
My preview
Product
COLLAR Nylon Reflective Dog Adjustable Dog with Metal...
Prime
Amazon Prime
Pros
Has reflective stripes.
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Product
Rolled Leather Dog Collar for Small Dogs - Soft Dog...
Prime
-
Pros
Durable but soft.
My preview
Product
Country Brook Petz Premium Nylon Dog Collar with Metal...
Prime
Amazon Prime
Pros
25 colors to choose from.
My preview

Any dog needs a collar, regardless of its character or size. It is a mistake to suppose that a pet of a small breed shouldn’t wear it. In this article, I will share my top 5 best small dog collars for everyday use with you, tell you how to pick the right size collar, and answer the most popular questions of my readers. This accessory can be useful not only for memorizing commands; you can fasten a leash to it and hang a tag with the address in case your pet gets lost.

5 Small Breed Dog Collars Reviewed

While compiling this top, I focused on the following criteria:

  • Length and width of the accessory. It is important that the collar does not dig into the body and does not rub the neck of a miniature dog;
  • Comfort and ease of use. The collar should not be too stiff so as not to cause injury, and it should be easy for you to put it on and take off;
  • Product weight. For dogs of small breeds, the item should not be too massive;
  • Padding and seams. You need to minimize the risk of skin rubbing, especially if you have a smooth-coated dog.
  • Appearance. Of course, it is important to think about the functionality of the product first of all, but you do not need to forget about its good look.

1. My Top Pick — WAUDOG Personalized Leather Dog Collar

I put this model on the top of the list because it is a really high-quality product. The collar is made of genuine leather and is water-resistant. The base of this collar is black; however, you can choose one of five available patterns. Just look at these delicious donuts and cute doggies on a walk. The picture does not fade in the sun and does not crack after prolonged and frequent use.

All metal details (D-ring and buckle) are made of steel with a damage-resistant coating. They will not rust and harm your pet’s hair and skin. Be sure that the collar will not tear or lose its shape over time, as it is reinforced from the inside with nylon padding. It is a perfect accessory for everyday walks.

During the checkout process, you can write the dog’s name and your contact phone number in a separate line. The manufacturer will engrave this information on small plates to make one of the personalized dog collars. So, you do not have to look for and buy an additional tag.

Since the collar is made of genuine leather, at first, it seems a little stiff. However, over time, the material becomes softer and fits the dog better. It should be considered when choosing the right size. In this line of collars from the company WAUDOG, you will find an accessory for any dog breed. The smallest XS size has a width of 0.5 inches (12 mm), and the length varies from 8 inches (20 cm) to 11 inches (28 cm).

Positives
  • Waterproof and damage-resistant;
  • Colorful patterns;
  • Made from genuine leather, though odorless;
  • Has an ID-tag;
Negatives
  • At first, it may seem too stiff;
  • No reflective stripes.

2. Bestseller Soft Dog Collar — Blueberry Pet Neoprene Padded Dog Collar

Blueberry Pet accessories are quite popular on Amazon. Cute design and high-quality materials distinguish the collars of this company. They are made of dense polyester with a neoprene padding inside, which makes them very soft and nice to the touch. This model has a special ring so that you can hang a tag with contact details or some jewelry.

Thanks to a convenient fastener, you can quickly take off and put on the collar. All the details are made of plastic (except for the metal D-ring for a leash). Perhaps, it is okay if your dog bathes in the collar regularly. So you can be sure it will not rust. However, this seems unsafe to me, especially if your doggie often plays with other pets. Plastic parts are easy to gnaw.

In the range of these padded dog collars, you can also find a collar for any dog breed. So, the Small size has a width of 0.7 inches (2 cm) and an adjustable length from 12 to 16 inches (30-40 cm). In my opinion, since it is made of soft material, it is not very convenient to change its size.

Among the shortcomings of this product, I want to note the absence of a breakaway buckle. It is necessary so that your dog does not suffocate if the collar clings to any object or drags on while playing with other pets. If you did purchase this pattern dog collar, I highly recommend you would not leave the pup unattended.

Positives
  • Cute design and several patterns to choose from;
  • Soft to the touch;
  • Does not hurt the pet’s neck.
Negatives
  • Plastic parts look fragile;
  • There is no breakaway safety buckle.

3. Best Value Strong Dog Collar — COLLAR Nylon Dog Collar with Metal Buckle

There is nothing excessive in this collar; really, it can be called a basic accessory. It is made of two-layer durable nylon and does not have any decorative elements, making it very easy to clean.

However, the lack of a soft lining may be a disadvantage. Such a collar can hurt the neck of a short-haired dog.

The design of this accessory is minimalistic, which is perfect for those who do not like tacky patterns; when ordering, you can choose only the color of the item (red, black, or blue). A big advantage is the presence of reflective strips above and below the collar. Now, even during night walks, you will not lose the sight of your dog.

This product line contains collars for dogs of different ages and breeds. The minimum XS size is 0.6 inches (15 mm) wide, and its length is adjustable from 11 inches (27 cm) to 13 inches (35 cm).

Be careful when choosing the right size. In my opinion, the manufacturer gives insufficiently accurate size system. Because the nylon used is stiff enough, the collar that is too wide can rub your pet’s neck.

Positives
  • Minimalistic design;
  • Does not fade in the sun;
  • Has reflective stripes.
Negatives
  • Has no lining;
  • Only three colors to choose from.

Related post:

4. A Lightweight Dog Collar — WAUDOG Rolled Leather Dog Collar for Small Pets

These collars are designed specifically for dogs of small breeds and puppies. The item is made of soft genuine leather and reinforced with a durable nylon cord inside. Because of this, it is not flat, like many other models, but round. At the same time, it is quite flexible and very lightweight, which means it will not cause discomfort even to the smallest dog.

You can choose the color of the collar to your taste: from plain black to orange and purple. The colors are really bright and vibrant, but you can be sure they will not dye your pet’s fur and will not fade in the sun over time.

Since these collars were designed specifically for small dogs, the size grid is limited. The minimum size you can purchase is 0.3 inches wide (8mm) in diameter and adjustable in length from 7.75 inches (20 cm) to 9.8 inches (25 cm).

Positives
  • Durable but soft;
  • A variety of colors;
  • Perfect for puppies and miniature dogs.
Negatives
  • Has such a small size that it fits cats.

5. Country Brook Petz – Premium Nylon Dog Collar with Metal Buckle

Collars in this product line are suitable for dogs of all sizes. They are made of durable nylon, soft, and smooth to the touch. However, this model also lacks a lining so that a short-haired dog can get abrasions on the neck.

Since this accessory is made of nylon and stainless steel (buckle and D-ring), it is really durable. Even with prolonged use and regular wetting, it will not fade or tear. And if it gets dirty, you can always wash it without harming the product, as Country Brook Design produces waterproof dog collars.

When ordering the item, you can choose one of 25 available colors. The minimum S size is from 11 inches (28 cm) to 13 inches (33 cm) long and 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) wide. As you can see, if you are the owner of a miniature dog or puppy, this model may be too loose and wide.

Positives
  • Very durable;
  • Smooth and soft to the touch;
  • 25 colors to choose from;
Negatives
  • The S size may be too big for miniature breeds;
  • Has no lining

Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Collars for a Small Dog

little doggie on the floor

Types of small pet collars

Today almost all manufacturers produce collars for dogs of various sizes, including the smallest ones. They can be divided according to the materials from which they are made, and according to their purpose. Most often, genuine leather, fleece, felt, synthetic materials (nylon), metal, and even a parachute sling are used in the collars production.

Depending on their purpose, they can be flat for casual walks, exhibitions, and decorative. Also, there are LED and reflective accessories that glow in the dark, medical collars to protect pets against parasites, and various smart devices. As you know, dogs of small breeds are not used for guard duties, so there is no need to put strict training or pinch collars on them.

Main features

Collars for daily walks are most often made of soft but durable materials so that this accessory does not hurt the pet and, at the same time, lasts a long time. On such collars, there must be a D-ring, for which you can hook the leash. Make sure that it is made of durable materials (metal). A convenient addition is a special ring for ID tags, in case your dog will run away.

little dog in a bag

Exhibition collars are designed to emphasize the beauty of a pet. Some models are equipped with spikes or crutches that help the dog to run for a long time with its head raised. Decorative collars have the most striking design with a variety of pendants and crystals.

If you often walk at dusk or night, I recommend thinking about getting a LED collar. It can be a fully luminous plastic rim or a collar with a built-in LED module. So the pet will always be under your control. Such models have to be recharged regularly; otherwise, they will stop working at the wrong time.

How to choose the most comfortable dog collar

Picking the right type of collar depends on the size of your dog, its neck diameter, the length of the fur, and the desired materials and goals. Remember that the neck of a pet is a very soft and sensitive place. You definitely do not want your pup to hurt itself.

dog on a blue background

Pay attention that there is the padding on the collar on the inside; therefore, it will not rub the skin. The material may need to be chosen empirically. For example, some dogs feel uncomfortable in nylon collars and are constantly trying to take them off. You never know until you try it.

I do not recommend using fashion dog collars for dogs with thick hair. Some models can be gorgeous, but the pet will always be disturbed by the fact that its hair clings to decorative elements.

How to measure your dog for a collar

To determine the required collar size, you need to measure your pet’s neck diameter in the central part of it. Lock the dog in a standing position, make sure it looks forward. The measuring tape should not be too close to the body, but also should not hang freely.

dog looks into the distance

Add 2-3 inches to the resulting number to get a suitable circle. Ideally, there should be so much space between the dog’s body and the collar that you can stick two fingers (or one finger for small breeds). If your dog has very thick hair, you will have to extend it slightly; otherwise, the measurements will be too large.
The product width is also an important factor.

Too wide collars exert intense pressure on the throat of a small dog. Also, the skin under the wide collar sweats excessively, which can cause unpleasant irritation and itching. If your dog has a short neck, pick the narrowest models.

Choosing the best collar for puppy, follow the same criteria of measurements. Just keep in mind that the doggie is still growing, and over time, the accessory may not fit. Therefore, take a model which size can be adjusted.

FAQs

What are dog collars made of?

Most often, leather (including genuine), synthetic materials (such as nylon), and metal are used in the manufacturing of dog collars. Many models have a soft lining made of fleece, thin leather, or felt for more comfortable wearing.

What size collar to choose for a puppy?

The choice of a perfect puppy collar is very individual. Universal size charts should not guide you; it is better to measure the puppy in the same way as an adult dog, and then add 2-3 inches. Choose a model that has an adjustable length and can be used for a long time. Look for a suitable collar in the section for extra small and small dogs (weighing 2-10 lbs).

How to put dog collars on small dogs?

Remember that a collar should never be taken off or put on over the head; unfasten the buckle every time. It should fit tightly to the neck, but not strangle the dog. Make sure that at least one finger can be placed between the body of the animal and the collar (for small breeds). The D-ring should be located on the back of the head; then, the leash will not interfere with the dog during a walk.

How many inches are small dog collars?

The term “small dog” is not universal. It includes many different dog breeds that differ in body structure, weight, head shape, and neck thickness. Extra-small dogs most often include Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pekingese, Maltese, and others. Their weight ranges from 2 to 11 lbs, and the collar diameter can be from 6 to 12 inches. Breeds such as Cocker Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Beagle, Pug, etc. fall into small dogs breeds category. The weight of these pups ranges from 13 to 40 lbs, and a collar diameter can be from 10 to 15 inches.

Summarizing the Tips Above

When choosing a perfect collar for your pet, remember that dogs of small breeds have a fragile bone system and a particularly sensitive neck. Do not save, but choose a quality accessory that will bring joy to both you and your pet. I hope my review and guide will help you find the most comfortable collar.

Please tell me which dog collar for small dogs are you using now? What material do you prefer? And how often do you change your collars?

Britta Thygesen

Britta Thygesen

A passionate dog owner and a full-time certified dog trainer. Aspires to make DogCareHacks a go-to place for all the doggo info. Shares personal experience and professional knowledge.

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