Thick Dog Collars – Selection and Fitting Guide

Collar width makes all the difference in the safety and comfort of large breeds. While something thin and dainty might be appropriate for a Chihuahua or a Yorkie, bigger dogs require thick dog collars to reduce pressure on their neck. 

The additional material and strength also ensure that your Mastiff or Irish Wolfhound can’t pop free with a simple tug. They’re designed to stand up to the wear and tear of more robust dogs, even those who have a history of popping buckles or ripping through standard-thickness nylon. 

To help you get an idea of what to look for, we’ve gathered up six different thick dog collars that are both stylish and strong:

Wide Leather Dog Collar by Leather Casual Shop

Thick dog collars don’t have to be tactical to be high quality. This custom-engraved option from Leather Casual Shop is crafted from double-stitched calf leather for added durability. If you’re looking for a collar that meets your standards for both craftsmanship and aesthetics, this is a great choice. 

 

Materials

Genuine cattle leather, brass buckle, belt tape

Colors

Whiskey, orange, dark pink, light pink, dark brown, light brown, cognac brown, turquoise, dark green, dark green, dark purple, black

Sizes

• Large: 22-inches, fits necks 14 ⅕” -19.”
• XLarge: 26-inches, fits necks 18 ½” -24″
• XXLarge: 30-inches, fits necks 24″ -28″

Closure

Traditional buckle

Other Features

• Free laser leather engraving
• Specifically designed for large dogs, such as Great Danes and St. Bernards
• Double-stitched for durability
• Handsome brass rivets on the engraved tag

 

ROAM Premium Dog Collar

ROAM Premium thick dog collars come in a range of rich, natural colors inspired by coast-to-coast adventures. The nylon is durable yet comfortable enough for extended wear and is machine washable to keep your dog looking his very best.    

              

Materials

Nylon webbing, rustproof metal, rubber

Colors

Alaska Daybreak, Arizona Heartbeat, California Horizon, Colorado Nightsky, Florida Seaside, Michigan Autumn, Montana Moonrise, Nevada Evening, New York Afterlight, Oregon Haze, Vermont Weekends

Sizes

• 4: 14″ -20.”
• 4.5: 15″ -23.”
• 5: 18″ -26.”
• 6: 20″ -32.”

Closure

Quick-release metal buckle

Other Features

• Two D-rings: large for leash attachment and small for ID tags
• Durable, multi-stitched nylon webbing stands up to the elements
• Matching leashes are also available

 

Regal Dog Products Reflective Collar

Let your canine companion show off their colorful personality with the Regal reflective collar. The soft neoprene construction is impressively durable , with thick inner padding to keep your furry friend comfy. 

At the same time, the 2″ width gives you better control over larger breeds that might break away from a narrower collar. 

 

Materials

Ballistic nylon, neoprene, mesh padding, metal

Colors

7 Different Colors to Choose From

Sizes

• Small: fits necks 12″ -16.”
• Medium: fits necks 16″ -20.”
• Large: fits necks 20″ -24.”

Closure

Buckle with five adjustable sizing holes

Other Features

• Reflective strip trim ideal for nighttime or early morning walks
• 5mm thick nylon prevents ripping and fraying
• Breathable mesh padding ensures comfort
• Fun, colorful design 

 

Heavy Duty Tactical Collar with Handle by Funny Dog Clothes

With a heavy-duty, no-seam leash ring and easy-grip handle, your dog will be safe and stylish! With the handle, you can keep your pup secure from running off into dangerous situations, including a reinforced “X” stitch to ensure that it won’t snap under pressure. 

 

Materials

Polyamide webbing

Colors

Digital camo, camouflage, black, Kryptek Nomad, Kryptek Typhon, military brown, coyote desert tan, gray, military green

Sizes

• Medium: fits necks 12″ -14.”
• Large: fits necks 14″ -16.”
• XLarge: fits necks 16″ -20.”
• XXLarge: fits necks 20″ -24.”

Closure

Military-grade ITW Nexus buckle

Other Features

• 350-pound pull weight on the buckle
• Reinforced rivet for securing ID tags
• Comfortable, tactical handle
• Extra-strong leash ring
• Wear-proof, break-proof, snap-proof

 

BTDCFY Crystal Studded Collar

Big dogs want to feel pretty too, and the BTDCFY Crystal Studded Collar provides a touch of girly glam in an extra-wide size. The soft, supple PU leather stands up to the challenge of keeping large dogs under control and looks chic doing it. 

 

Materials

PU leather, nickel-plated hardware, rhinestones

Colors

Purple, red, pink, black, teal, silver, yellow

Sizes

• XXS: fits necks 13″ -16.”
• XS: fits necks 1″ -18.”
• S: fits necks 17″ -20.”
• M: fits necks 19″ -22.”
• L: fits necks 21″ -24.”

Closure

Traditional belt buckle

Other Features

• Lightweight for dogs who walk on the leash well and are not prone to breaking collars
• Heavy-duty D-ring keeps your leash attached
• Five sizing holes allow for the perfect fit

 

BlazingPaws Mariner Thick Leather Dog Collar

For a genuinely high-class look with all the protection of thick dog collars, it doesn’t get much better than the BlazingPaws Mariner Thick Leather Dog Collar. It’s a loud and proud statement piece featuring a rugged design and bold accent studs. With this around your dog’s neck, they’re sure to stand out from the crowd. 

The brown design has military green padding, accent diamonds, and braiding, while the tan design has black padding, accent diamonds, and braiding. Both are impressive statement pieces for a dog who insists on always looking its best. 

 

Materials

Bridle leather, metal, crystals, padded suede

Colors

Brown, tan, with or without the engraved name tag

Sizes

• Large: fits necks 15″ -19.”
• XL: fits necks 19″ -23.”
• XXL: fits necks 23″ -27.”
• 3XL: fits necks 27″ -30.” 

Closure

Heavy-duty brass buckle with nickel-finish D-ring

Other Features

• Optional engraved leather name tag, so you don’t have to worry about keeping up with ID tags
• Stylish design features crystals, studs, and a leather braid
• The padded interior is soft and comfortable for your dog

 

Fitting Guide

Like any well-fitting collar, thick dog collars should follow the two-finger rule. It should be snug enough that two fingers easily slip between the material and your dog’s skin but tight enough that it won’t go over their heads if they try to back out of it. Find that sweet spot!

Another consideration with thick dog collars is where the width lands on Fido’s chin and chest. If it rubs against either, it’s going to cause irritation and discomfort. It should sit comfortably against the center of their neck without sagging down or riding up. 

 

Measuring Your Dog for a Collar

To measure your dog for a collar, get a soft measuring tape and gently wrap it around your pup’s neck at the thickest point. Then, adjust slowly until only two fingers fit in the space between the cloth and the fur. 

Mark the point where the measuring tape ends to form the loop. This number is the minimum length that the collar you choose should be. 

You should also remeasure your dog’s neckline frequently, even if it doesn’t appear that they have gained or lost weight. 

An appropriately-sized collar can start to feel uncomfortably tight once a groomed dog starts growing back their fur or stretching out over time, allowing them to slip out on your next walk.

 

Thick Dog Collars – Wrap Up

Collars are a fun accessory, but they should also serve their purpose well, especially if your pet tends to break away from traditionally-sized options. 

Choosing suitable thick dog collars helps keep your pet safe and their leash firmly intact, even when they’re tempted by a squirrel or stranger across the street. 

With our roundup of thick dog collars, you have a great starting point to help you find the ideal size and features for your paw-footed pal. 

Don’t forget to check out our full selection of quality dog products for even more options!