What makes a good dog collar?

You can see all kinds of collars on dogs' necks. There are narrow leather collars and stiff synthetic collars, choking chain collars, completely choking so-called retriever collars made of round rope. There are unpadded nylon strap collars and collars that appear to have some lining, but closer inspection reveals that it is hard and/or rough.

I believe that many people, unknowingly and completely unintentionally, may choose an uncomfortable collar for their dog. Even if a product is for sale and seemingly intended for dogs, it is unfortunately not a guarantee of the product's quality and actual suitability for the pet. For some, aesthetics that appeal to their own eye also weigh more heavily than the dog's well-being when choosing a collar. But a wide, soft, and non-choking collar is often the best choice for daily use from a dog's perspective.

 

What does a dog's collar affect?

A dog is a living being whose neck is a sensitive body part. A dog's neck and its structures can justifiably be compared to a human neck. I have sometimes replied to someone asking about the benefits of a wide collar by suggesting they try the collar they chose for their dog (or a strap/belt/chain of the same width and hardness) on their own neck and have a friend tug on it, and then consider how it would feel. After that, they can ponder whether they want their beloved family member to experience the same daily.

I understand that it can be difficult to control very large dogs without pain-inducing equipment, but still: controlling with pain and discomfort is not right. There are other methods, but I will not go into them here – plenty of good information can be found from professional dog trainers.

What is the structure of a dog's neck?

I made the attached image to illustrate the anatomy of a dog's neck, i.e., what all is in the neck under the collar. Each of us surely understands how serious consequences can arise if any of the internal structures of the neck are damaged.

A dog's neck is not a dense log that can withstand endless yanking, choking, and the pinpoint load of a narrow collar. The structures of the neck are mainly soft tissue and cartilage, and although the vertebrae are bone, they are also connected by softer tissues.

When these are subjected to forces caused by narrow, hard, or choking equipment, damage is possible immediately or later – and it cannot always be repaired even surgically.

Collar width, softness, and adaptability are crucial

To keep a dog's vital neck healthy, the collar should be:

• as wide as possible

• soft and padded

• non-choking

For a dog the size of a Jack Russell Terrier, this means a minimum width of about 4.5 cm, and for larger or long-necked dogs (such as sighthounds), the collar can be up to 10 cm or even more in width. A good guide line is that the collar should cover at least two cervical vertebrae areas, distributing the pressure more evenly.

It is important that the collar is padded and soft, and also soft at the edges, so that it conforms to the movements of the neck, yet is supportive enough. A wide but hard collar is a bad choice.

Lining material matters

The lining material is in direct contact with the dog's fur and skin. Each hair follicle has a nerve ending, and if the collar rubs, snags in the fur, or causes static electricity, it does not feel good to the dog. The lining should be smooth, friction-free, and gentle on both the fur and the skin.

“Oh no, that looks just like a neck brace”

I have heard this comment a few times from people whose eyes are accustomed to unergonomic, narrow collars on their dogs. And yes – a collar should function a bit like a neck brace, as its purpose is to protect the structures of the neck. But if the collar is excessively wide and hard, and/or constantly tight, it is also not a good choice, as such a collar restricts neck movement and discomforts the dog.

Soft and wide also for puppies

Puppies are often offered narrow collars, even though a puppy's collar should be wide and soft. A puppy does not yet know how to walk on a leash but darts and spins around – and a narrow collar can permanently damage the developing structures of the neck. Silko Dog's slip-om collars are also well-suited for puppies. As the puppy grows, the collar naturally needs to be replaced with a larger one, but relief for this is coming in the future – something is brewing on the design table!

Silko Dog's ergonomic collars

 

Our collars are:

• widely padded

• smooth and soft

• coat-friendly lined 

• lightweight but durable

Thanks to the slip-on design, the collar is easy to put on and take off, and it also loosens comfortably when the dog is not pulling.

NOLLA collar

A basic collar for all coat types. Slip-on, equipped with reflective stripes, and lined with Silko® fabric. Easy to wash and dries quickly. 

360° SILKO collar

Perfect for fluffy and long-haired/wire-haired dogs. The fully Silko® fabric-lined structure prevents fur from getting caught between collar parts. The full lining significantly reduces, if not completely eliminates, tangling and fur breakage. The other features of the collar are the same amazing ones as in the NOLLA collar.

 

The right size is important

A collar is the right size when it is snug at its smallest – it doesn't choke but also doesn't allow the head to be pulled out.

Note: The size number for Silko Dog collars is the internal circumference of the collar when it is at its smallest.

Collar size measurement instructions

How to measure your dog's collar size
1. Position your dog to stand upright

2. Measure the neck snugly, i.e., close to the skin, right behind the ears

3. Collar size = neck measurement ± 1 cm

If the dog's head is significantly larger than its neck, you can choose a slightly larger size – the most important thing is that the collar, at its smallest, does not fit over the dog's head. For dogs with very thick and dense fur, a slightly larger collar than what the snug measurement would indicate might also be suitable.

Silko Dog collars have a stopper on the tightening strap, which allows the opening of the collar to be adjusted. The tightening part opens the collar by a maximum of 7-10 cm, depending on the size. 

Note!

• Due to the slippery lining, we recommend harnesses for dogs that tend to pull their heads out of the collar.

• Currently, there is no collar model for large or giant breeds in our selection, but it has been requested. We'll see what the future brings.

Softness to your day,

Designer Kana

Silko Dog

We ship products all over Europe – fast deliveries from our warehouse in Estonia.

 
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