Dear Clueless: Historically, dog collars have two main purposes – identification and decoration. During medieval times dog collars decorated with metal work helped identify the dogs’ owners. Through the ages, as dogs became a status symbol of the wealthy (owners who could afford to keep a dog that didn’t work) collars began to have trappings such as silk and velvet. In modern times, collars also help with training.

There are a few main types of collars and each has a specific job. All come in the variety of materials and the coat texture of your dog will determine what type of collar you choose. Smooth-coated breeds like your Dachshund would do well with just about any of the regular materials like leather, nylon or ribbon. Some of the harsher collars made of chain-link or prongs (typically used for training) may not be suitable for such a breed. Chain-link and nylon, especially in a choke collar, tend to break the hair of long-coated breeds.

Types of Collars

The two leading collar types are the choke and the buckle followed by the martingale, slip and prong.

Choke – This has two rings at each end of a piece of nylon, chain-link or leather. The collar is created by pushing the material through one of the end rings creating a round loop to be placed over the dog’s head. With the choke, it must be worn correctly for it to work. Face the dog and hold the collar in your left hand. The collar should create the letter “P” with the tail of the “P” facing the ground. When pulled by a leash the choke will tighten around the neck. When the pressure is released, the collar will loosen. Chokes provide the least opportunity for escape, especially for dogs that pull.

Buckle – These collars are similar looking to belts we use to keep our pants up. These are very popular for training and holding identification tags. They also allow the most decorative possibilities. However, if it is not tight enough (you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the collar) the dog may “back-out,” leaving you with just a collar and leash in your hand.

Martingale – This collar is similar to a choke with two rings but has a third piece of material strung through the two rings. When pulled on, it tightens around the dog’s neck. When pressure is released it loosens. Martingales are popular on smooth-coated breeds and tall sight hounds like Salukis, Borzois and Greyhounds. The benefit over chokes is they can’t be put on incorrectly and have a more uniform pressure similar to a buckle collar. 

Slip – This type of lead is usually nylon or leather and has one brass ring that slips the material through it creating a leash with the long end. A hand loop is at the other end. These are used for temporary jobs like transporting dogs into boarding kennels or vets’ offices. 

Prong – These collars with long metal bent spikes are sometimes called “pinch” collars. They are great for training very stubborn dogs with thick fur around the ruff of the neck or very strong dogs that pull. I’d only use this if recommended by your obedience instructor. 

Collars for Every Occasion

Whether you are going to just decorate your dog or get down to some serious training, there is no shortage of places to shop. Some of the best leather collars I’ve seen can be found at www.smithmorrow.com including a very functional slip-snap collar. This website also gives you a handy measuring guide. Go to www.diva-dog.com for lizard skins, leopard print, crocodile colors, ribbons and leather items with decals and roses. The website www.felixandfido.com/catalog also has some great selections.

A current trend among celebrities is the traditional Swiss dog collar. These buckle leather collars are decorated with brass or alpine silver with views of the annual cow grazing procession up into the Alps. Visit the U.S. distributor at www.alpenschatz.com/collars.htm. Go to www.aboutdogtraining.com for a great training collar from the Triple Crown Academy. This is their answer to the old stainless metal prong collar. This version is made of a material that is gentler to the dog and handsome as well.

Lisa Peterson, a breeder and exhibitor of Norwegian Elkhounds, is a Delegate to the American Kennel Club. Ask Lisa questions at ask@lisa-peterson.com or Dogma Publishing, P.O. Box 307, Newtown, CT 06470