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This is our research and review of the debate about the material used for dog collars. Our staff at Dog Training Boss have spent many weeks researching the pros and cons of dog collar material. We will strive to give you the best information for you to decide for yourself and answer the question: Are leather collars good for dogs?
We listened to dog owners and enthusiasts tell us about what they liked and disliked about leather collars. We asked important questions about the dog’s size, the quality of the leather, and what pros and cons go along with different collar materials.
Let’s look at some possible benefits and drawbacks of choosing a leather collar for your canine companion.
What we liked about leather collars:
- Leather is a natural material and is less likely to irritate your dog’s skin.
- It’s durable – when properly cared for.
- Offers a softer/more flexible fit on your dog.
- Classic style/look
What we didn’t like:
- Leather requires maintenance (cleaning, conditioning).
- Quality leather can be more expensive.
- Fewer style options (colors, patterns, etc.)
- Genuine leather often has an initial scent that takes a while to fade.
Reviews: Are Leather Collars Good For Dogs?
We looked at several leather collars and quickly realized that not all leather collars are created equal. Dog owners have several options and it’s important to look at the collar size, quality, and how to take care of the leather.
Of the collars we researched, our overall Best In Show award goes to Soft Touch Leather Dog Collar. We liked the quality and the comfortability, and from listening and reading reviews – so do a lot of other dog owners!
While all the leather dog collars we reviewed offer benefits to both dog and owner, we felt the comfort of the sheepskin padding and price point of the Soft Touch Leather Collar were benefits many dog owners enjoy.
Overall Best In Show: Soft Touch Padded Leather Collar
Best Durability: Logical Leather Dog Collar
Best Heavy Duty: Riparo Genuine Leather Padded Heavy Duty K-9 Collar
Best Lightweight: DAIHAQIKO Dog Collar
Best Conditioning Product: Leather Honey Conditioner
Leather products and their care can add to the budget, so we aimed to review more affordable, quality options. Let’s take a look at some of our favorites.
Soft Touch Leather Dog Collar
Neck Sizes: 11” – 25”
Collar Width: 5/8” – 1.75”
Color Options: Yes
D-Ring for Leash: Yes
Key Benefits: Softly padded to help prevent irritation and provide extra comfort for your canine companion. In addition, the design of the Soft Touch Leather Collar also comes with a dog tag ring attached.
All hardware is solid brass to help keep it rust-resistant. Owners are generally happy with the quality of Soft Touch Leather Collars and customer service.
Some owners noticed the leather scent for a while after purchasing, but an odor can be common with some leather material and typically fades with time and use.
Logical Leather Dog Collar
Neck Sizes: 9”- 27”
Collar Width: 1 1/8″
Color Options: Yes (matching leashes are also available)
D-Ring for Leash: Yes
Key Benefits: Many dog owners like the durability and strong hardware that’s been thoughtfully worked into the design of Logical Leather Dog Collars.
The collars are lightly padded using sheepskin to help prevent skin irritation and provide a more comfortable fit. In addition to a variety of colors, Logical Leather also makes matching leather leashes for dog owners that like to have a completed style for their companion.
Some owners commented on the sizing chart, so be sure to measure your dog properly before purchasing.
Riparo Genuine Leather Padded Heavy Duty K-9 Collar
Neck Sizes: 10”- 29”
Collar Width: .75” – 2″
Color Options: Yes
D-Ring for Leash: Yes
Key Benefits: There are several features of the Riparo collar that we found valuable to dog owners looking for a heavy duty leather collar.
The surgical grade stainless steel hardware helps prevent rust while the collar’s inside sheepskin padding provides comfort. Many owners also like the separate dog tag ring that is built into the design of the Riparo collar.
Many owners describe the Riparo collar as strong and thick. Some mention the color of the leather leaving a light shade of that collar color rubbing off on their dog’s fur.
DAIHAQIKO Dog Collar
Neck Sizes: 13.4”- 25.8”
Collar Width: .8” -1.4″
Color Options: Yes,
D-Ring for Leash: Yes
Key Benefits: Many dog owners like the sturdy design of the DAIHAQIKO Leather Dog Collar and find it to be a durable product. The collar has a top layer of cowhide that is gentle on your canine’s skin.
One of the benefits of the DAIHAQIKO Leather Dog Collar is that owners find it to be lightweight, which can be valuable in warmer climates and a better product for some sizes of dogs.
Like other leather collars we’ve researched, some owners noticed the leather scent for a while after purchasing. Odor can be common with some leather material and typically fades with time and use.
Leather Honey Conditioner
Size: 8oz, 16oz, 32oz
Uses: All types/colors of leather
Do Not Use On: Suede, faux leather, or vinyl.
Non-Toxic: Yes
Water Repellant: Yes
There are many features to like about Leather Honey Conditioner, and for pet owners, their non-toxic, no silicone, odorless formula helps dog owners feel good about the product. In addition to being water-repellant and the conditioning treatment usually lasts about 6 months, so it doesn’t require as many treatments throughout the year as other leather conditioners.
Many dog owners also like supporting a family owned business. Leather Honey has been making leather care products for over 50 years. Maintaining and conditioning your dog’s leather collar not only helps to keep it from drying and cracking, but it also extends the life of your collar.
Some users do mention that it takes a bit of effort to work Leather Honey Conditioner into the leather because it’s thick, like honey but not sticky, and takes a while to spread on. This is likely less of a concern with smaller objects like leather dog collars, but something to keep in mind if you are planning to use the product on other leather projects.
So, Are Leather Collars Good For Dogs?
As we mentioned, the benefits of leather collars make it a good choice for owners, as long as they are willing to put in a little extra time and money to properly care for the leather.
If you think a leather collar is a good fit for your dog, we have researched a few important details to consider before you make a purchase.
Leather Collar Buying Guide:
We created a buying guide to take a closer look at some important things to consider before choosing a leather collar for your dog.
Size of Dog
We often are asked, are leather collars good for dogs with smaller necks? As with all collars, make sure a leather collar is the right size for your dog. Take a look at the collar sizing chart to make sure it’s not too tight, too loose, or too heavy.
Use a soft flexible measuring tape to correctly measure the size of your dog’s neck. Most products will have a sizing chart and explain the best way to measure your dog’s neck for a specific collar.
In addition to collar size, leather collars can often be heavier than nylon, which might make a difference for smaller dogs.
Quality of Leather
A thick, durable leather collar will require care to keep clean and conditioned, but doing so will help the collar last many years.
Budget
Leather collars have a large price range, but there are many good quality leather collars at the lower price points. Patterns or embellishments on leather collars will add style, but often add to the price tag. Owners should choose dog products that work with their dog product budget.
Maintenance Matters: Are Leather Collars Good For Dogs?
Before purchasing a leather collar, it’s important to understand how to take care of and maintain the leather. Many dog owners have asked us, are leather collars good for dogs? The short answer is, yes – if you are willing to put in a little extra care and maintenance.
Keep it Dry
While it’s best to avoid getting the collar wet, at some point, it’s likely to happen! When it does get wet, do your best to dry it as soon as possible. Air drying in a cool place with ventilation for a few hours usually does the trick.
Use Conditioner
Leather can become dry and crack over time, so it’s important to condition the collar on a regular basis. Conditioners can also help soften collars and help repel water. Make sure you choose a product that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could shorten the life of the leather or irritate your dog’s skin. We suggest using Leather Honey Conditioner.
Conditioning the collar a few times a year will help keep the leather soft and last longer.
Inspect For Wear and Damage
As with all collars, it’s best to regularly check your leather collar for any signs of wear or damage that could decrease the collar’s safety. Checking collars can help owners prevent small areas of wear from turning into bigger problems. If you notice any damage, it’s time to look into a replacement.
Here are some signs that it’s time to replace your dog’s leather collar:
- Inspect the leather for fraying or cracking.
- Check the size and make sure it maintains the right fit and isn’t too loose or too tight.
- Give the leather a smell test – if the collar smells bad it may have germs and bacteria that could make your dog sick.
- In addition to the leather, inspect the hardware and test buckles. This is a good idea for any collar, not just leather.
Doing these things will help you know if the leather maintains its strength, comfort, and safety. Replace the collar if you notice any of these signs.
If you start to notice wear and tear due to your dog pulling while on walks, you might want to look into our detailed collar guide specifically for dogs that pull and how to stop pulling behavior.
Our Final Thoughts
Choosing the type of material for a collar is a personal decision for many dog owners and often comes down to lifestyle choice and budget. So to answer the question, are leather collars good for dogs, our simple answer is yes, as long as you understand how to care for the leather.
If you are new to leather collars for you canine, take a look at Soft Touch Leather Collars. The leather quality, padding, and colors provide many reasons for you and your dog to be pleased!
Are leather collars good for dogs? We think leather dog collars are a good investment as long as you properly care for the leather. We hope this information will help you make the best choice for you and your furry friend.
