Well-made leather behaves differently from synthetic materials. It flexes with movement, warms slightly against the skin, and becomes more supple over time rather than stiff or abrasive.

Compared with nylon or plastic-based collars, quality leather collars:

• are less likely to rub or chafe
  
• do not trap heat in the same way
  
• age without cracking or fraying
  
• are kinder to both short and long coats
  

For dogs who wear a collar daily, this difference matters.

Different dogs benefit from different collar designs. There is no single “best” collar — only the right one for the individual dog.

• Puppies

Puppies need lightweight, flexible collars that allow them to become comfortable with wearing something around their neck. A simple flat leather collar is usually ideal, with regular resizing as they grow.

• Small breeds

Small dogs benefit from collars that are wider and softer than their size might suggest. A flat, wider leather collar distributes pressure more evenly and avoids strain on the neck.

• Large or strong breeds

For muscular or powerful dogs, a collar should offer both strength and comfort. Wider leather collars — often with padding — help distribute pressure and reduce strain during walking or training.

• Sighthounds

Breeds such as Whippets and Greyhounds have narrow heads and delicate necks. Hound-style collars are designed specifically for this anatomy, offering extra width and a secure fit without discomfort.

• Woolly or long-coated breeds

Dogs with dense, curly, or silky coats are prone to matting where collars rub. Rolled leather collars are designed to minimise friction and help protect coat condition.

• Flat & wider leather collars

A versatile, everyday option suitable for many breeds. The wider surface area improves comfort and makes them ideal for regular wear.

• Padded leather collars

Designed for dogs who need extra cushioning, particularly strong or active breeds. Padding adds comfort without compromising strength.

• Rolled leather collars

Best suited to long-haired or woolly-coated dogs. The rounded profile reduces coat breakage and tangling.

• Hound collars

Purpose-built for sighthounds, combining extra width with a secure fit that respects their unique neck shape.

• Big dog collars

Built for strength and stability, with reinforced leather and fittings suited to larger, more powerful dogs.

A well-fitting collar should sit comfortably without pressing into the neck or slipping over the head.

General guidance:

• You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck
  
• Measure the neck where the collar naturally sits, not too high or too low
  
• Puppies and young dogs should be checked regularly as they grow
  

A collar that fits well will move naturally with the dog and remain comfortable throughout the day.

Not all leather collars are made equally. The quality of the leather, the way it is cut and stitched, and the finish of the fittings all influence how a collar performs over time.

Handmade leather collars, produced in small batches, allow for greater attention to detail and consistency. When made well, they are designed to last for years rather than seasons.

Dogs & Horses has been making handmade leather dog collars since 2006. Our approach has always been simple: thoughtful design, quality materials, and collars that dogs are genuinely comfortable wearing.

This guide reflects the same philosophy — practical, considered, and grounded in long experience rather than trends.