Golden Retrievers are beloved family pets known for their friendly and playful nature. As a pet owner, you want to ensure that your Goldie is comfortable and secure at all times. This is why choosing the right collar is so important.
In this article, we at BarksInThePark will take a closer look at the top collars for Golden Retrievers. We’ll help you choose the one that keeps your pet safe, comfortable, and stylish. No matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got a collar that you (and your dog) will love!
Table of Contents
- 1 8 Of The Best Dog Collars For Golden Retrievers
- 1.1 1. Best Overall: Two-Tone Leather Padded Collar From Soft Touch
- 1.2 2. Most Stylish: Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Neoprene Padded Dog Collar
- 1.3 3. Best Budget Buy: OneTigris Military Dog Collar
- 1.4 4. Best American-Made: Logical Leather-Padded Dog Collar
- 1.5 5. Best Personalized: GoTags Personalized Nylon Collar
- 1.6 6. Best Martingale: PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar
- 1.7 7. Most Durable: DAIHAQIKO Leather Dog Collar
- 1.8 8. Best for Visibility: Embark Illuminate Reflective Dog Collar
- 2 Considerations When Choosing Golden Retriever Collars
- 3 How To Measure Your Golden Retriever For A Collar
- 4 Do I Need To Buy A Collar For My Golden Retriever?
- 5 Different Types Of Dog Collars For Golden Retrievers
- 6 FAQs
- 6.1 Which type of dog collar is the best?
- 6.2 What size collar is best for a Golden Retriever puppy?
- 6.3 Is a collar better than a dog harness?
- 6.4 Are shock collars a good idea for Golden Retrievers?
- 6.5 How wide should a Golden Retriever’s collar be?
- 6.6 What are the safety features I should look for in a collar for my Golden Retriever?
- 6.7 What is the average price range for a good-quality collar for a Golden Retriever?
- 7 Final Thoughts
8 Of The Best Dog Collars For Golden Retrievers
Sifting through thousands of available dog collar options can be difficult. We’ve made life easier for you by compiling a list of the best collars for Golden Retrievers for dogs and owners with different needs.
From a sturdy rolled collar to durable nylon collars, we’ve got something here for every pet and every owner!
1. Best Overall: Two-Tone Leather Padded Collar From Soft Touch
We’ll start with what we regard as the best dog collar. This leather collar is made from some of the softest materials around. It’s nicely padded on the inside, meaning the collar doesn’t cause your dog any discomfort. Happy dog = happy owner!
Additionally, it has a reliable brass knuckle fastener and D-ring. Both come stitched in to ensure the collar remains secure, even when rigorously pulled when the dog is on the lead (we’re not the only ones with Goldies that do this, right?).
If you don’t want to fork out close to $50 for a collar, check out our best budget pick at #3.
2. Most Stylish: Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Neoprene Padded Dog Collar
If you want your dog’s collar to stand out, this Blueberry Pet collar may be what you’ve been looking for. Although it’s a relatively basic collar, it has a striking jacquard pattern complemented by reflective stitching, making it a strong contender for the best collar safety and style-wise.
It’s designed to fit necks of 17 to 21 inches in circumference, so it should fit most Golden Retrievers. It also comes in four colors so you can find one that best suits your pup.
3. Best Budget Buy: OneTigris Military Dog Collar
Choosing the OneTigris collar for your Goldie has a range of benefits that go beyond just style and durability, and at just over $15, it doesn’t exactly break the bank, either.
Firstly, the high-quality nylon material used in this collar is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, making it safe and comfortable for dogs with sensitive skin. In addition, the comfortable padding on the inside of the collar reduces the risk of chafing and skin irritation, which can be a common issue with other types of collars. This ensures that your Golden Retriever will not experience any discomfort or irritation from wearing the collar for an extended period.
The customizable panel on the OneTigris collar allows you to add your pet’s name, a contact number, or any other decoration you’d like. This makes it easier to identify your pet if it gets lost or wanders off, increasing the likelihood of a safe return.
The metal buckles and reinforced holes of the OneTigris collar provide added durability, ensuring that the collar stays securely fastened around your pet’s neck. This reduces the risk of the collar breaking or coming loose, which could lead to a dangerous situation for your pet.
4. Best American-Made: Logical Leather-Padded Dog Collar
The Logical Leather-Padded Dog Collar is the perfect combination of form and function. Its hand-stitched design and premium leather material make it both stylish and durable, ensuring that your dog looks good while feeling comfortable and secure. As a bonus, it’s made in the USA, so you can be proud to support American-made products.
With durability-tested hardware, this collar is built to withstand the regular wear and tear of daily use. Additionally, it’s easy to clean, saving you time and effort in maintenance. Its classic design and two size options, 1.38 inches and 1.5 inches wide, make it suitable for most medium to large-sized Golden Retrievers, providing a perfect fit for safety and comfort.
Investing in this collar means peace of mind knowing that it is built to last, easy to maintain, and enhances your dog’s overall look. So if you want a reliable and stylish collar for your furry friend, the Logical Leather-Padded Dog Collar is definitely a top choice!
5. Best Personalized: GoTags Personalized Nylon Collar
The GoTags personalized collar offers many benefits that make it an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers of all ages. One of the most important benefits is the ability to add your dog’s name and your phone number to the collar. This way, if your dog gets lost, anyone who finds it can quickly identify it and contact you, helping to ensure a safe return home.
The collar’s adjustability ensures a perfect fit, reducing the risk of the collar being too tight or too loose, which could cause discomfort or lead to escape. Additionally, the collar features a side-buckle release, making it easy to put on and take off.
The collar is also available in a range of colors, allowing you to pick one that complements your dog’s coat and personality. The plush material ensures a comfortable fit for your furry friend, and the D-ring allows you to attach accessories like reflectors for extra safety in low-light conditions.
While the GoTags personalized collar is a great option for identifying and customizing your pet’s collar, it does not have some of the more advanced features found in other collars, such as GPS tracking or reflective materials.
Additionally, the collar may not be as durable as our best buy, as it is made of a soft material that may not withstand the heavy wear and tear Goldies tend to exert on their things! However, the GoTags collar is a budget-friendly option, just like the OneTigris collar.
6. Best Martingale: PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Martingale Dog Collar
Golden Retrievers are known for their energetic and playful natures, which can make them difficult to control during walks, jogs, hikes, and play sessions. The PetSafe Martingale Collar is the perfect collar to provide you with the control necessary to manage your Golden Retriever’s behavior.
With its unique tightening mechanism, the collar tightens when your dog pulls, preventing it from escaping or slipping out. This feature gives you peace of mind during walks, jogs, hikes, and play sessions with your dog.
However, this collar is also incredibly comfortable for your pet as it loosens when your dog stops pulling, allowing your dog to feel relaxed and secure. This ensures your pet is comfortable, and you won’t have to worry about the collar causing any irritation or discomfort.
With different sizes available, including the large option for neck sizes ranging between 13 and 20 inches, you can easily find the right size for your Retriever. The PetSafe Martingale Collar also comes with a D-ring and plastic quick-release buckle, making it a safe and convenient option for pet owners.
Compared to other collars, the PetSafe Martingale Collar stands out as the best option for managing your Golden Retriever’s behavior during outdoor activities, while ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety.
7. Most Durable: DAIHAQIKO Leather Dog Collar
This durable collar will stand up to the strength and energy of even the most powerful Golden Retriever. It’s one of the toughest collars available and is designed to resist wear and tear, ensuring it’ll last for countless dog walks. Besides its strength, it’s also comfortable for your dog to wear, like the Soft Touch collar, meaning more enjoyable walks too!
The DAIHAQIKO collar has an adjustable metal alloy buckle that can tailor-fit your Goldie, whether it’s a puppy or an adult dog. The stylish design comes in natural colors like brown and black or bolder options like red and green – the choice is yours! Size-wise, the large size is recommended for Goldies. It measures 1.2 inches wide and fits necks between 17 and 23 inches.
All in all, this collar combines the affordability of our budget pick and the timeless elegance of our best buy, making it the perfect happy medium.
8. Best for Visibility: Embark Illuminate Reflective Dog Collar
Golden Retriever dog collars don’t come brighter than this!
Embark’s Illuminate dog collar has striking color options and stands out in superior craftsmanship, design, and functionality. Its heavy-duty construction makes it ideal for dogs that pull strongly. This collar is adjustable to fit the dog’s neck size, but unlike the PetSafe Quick Snap, it doesn’t tighten on the dog’s neck once fastened.
However, the collar’s reflective material ensures your pet’s visibility at all times, even at night or in low-light conditions. You can also buy matching harnesses and leashes for a complete all-around look. This makes it the perfect choice for owners who take their dogs on long walks where visibility might be low – in foggy or nighttime conditions. Winter walkies will be no problem when your doggo is fitted with the Embark Illuminate!
Considerations When Choosing Golden Retriever Collars
When looking for a collar for your Goldie, here are seven points you can consider:
- Size: Measure your Golden Retriever’s neck properly and choose a collar that fits comfortably – we’ll show you how later. Too tight and the collar can cause your pooch discomfort, while one that’s too loose could get caught on something or result in further danger if your dog gets loose. Adult dogs can keep the same collar for a while, but a puppy collar will need upgraded often as they grow.
- Material: Collars made with durable and strong materials, like leather or nylon, will withstand the strength and energy of your Golden. Try and avoid collars made with weaker materials that could break easily.
- Reflectivity: If you plan on walking your Retriever at night or in low light conditions, a reflective collar helps to increase visibility and ensure your dog’s safety.
- Quick Release: A collar with a quick-release mechanism allows it to open if the pooch gets caught on something.
- Personalization: Fitting a personalized ID tag with your dog’s name, phone number, and address on the collar can assist with your Golden Retriever’s safe return if it gets lost.
- Comfort: Comfortable padding prevents possible chafing, helping to maintain your Golden Retriever’s coat and skin.
- Style: Doggie personality can be enhanced through the range of available different styles and colors of collars. It’s up to you to choose which you like the most (and maybe ask your Goldie for their input too!).
How To Measure Your Golden Retriever For A Collar
Now that we’ve provided an extensive overview of collars for Goldies, you may wonder how you’ll find the right size. Here’s how to measure your doggo for a collar:
- Find a flexible measuring tape or a piece of string and a ruler.
- Position the measuring tape or string around the base of your Golden Retriever’s neck, where the collar will sit. Make sure it’s neither too loose nor tight.
- Place two fingers between the measuring tape or string and your dog’s neck. Adding these to the measurement allows room for your dog to breathe and make sure the collar won’t be too tight.
- If you’ve used a piece of string, measure its length with your ruler.
- Compare the measurement to a collar manufacturer’s size chart. You can then choose the collar that corresponds with your measurement for your Golden Retriever. Keep in mind that some collars do have adjustable options. It’s important to check the actual measurements and options on the size chart before you settle on a collar.
Do I Need To Buy A Collar For My Golden Retriever?
Buying a Golden Retriever collar is highly recommended; they’re an essential tool for identification, control, and safety.
As we’ve mentioned above, in the event of your precious pooch being lost, a collar with an ID tag is often your best way being reunited. Collars are also used as a means of controlling your dog when training it or keeping it on a leash. You can also pair your collar with a harness for extra control and support.
Collars usually come with numerous safety features. For example, reflective stitching helps your dog’s visibility, while quick-release mechanisms allow its collar to open if your dog gets snagged somewhere.
What Are Dog Collars Used For?
One of the best things about collars is that they have so many uses. Here are a few reasons why people get collars for their canine companions:
- Identification: A good dog collar with identification tags can help ensure that your pet can be returned to you if it gets lost. In many places, it’s also a legal requirement to have a collar with ID tags on your dog.
- Training: You can use some collars, such as choke or prong collars, to train dogs to behave in certain ways.
- Leash attachment: A collar is a convenient place to attach a leash, allowing you to walk your dog and keep it under control.
- Decoration: Some people choose collars for their pets as a way of expressing their own (and their dog’s) personality or style.
- Safety: Some collars are designed with safety features, such as reflective materials. These make them more visible at night or in low-light conditions.
Different Types Of Dog Collars For Golden Retrievers
If you’re in the market for a new collar for your Golden Retriever, you may be overwhelmed by the different types available. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of dog collars for Golden Retrievers. Understanding these different styles and their features will help you choose the best one for your furry friend.
Rolled collars
Rolled collars are designed to prevent the dog’s hair from matting and tangling. They can do this as they’re made from rolled leather in a rounded shape.
They’re often used for dogs with long coats (like your beloved Goldie) or for breeds that are prone to developing matting. Owners often pair rolled collars with flat collars (more on those later) to keep their dog’s hair in tip-top shape.
Buckle fasteners
Buckle fasteners are exactly what they sound like – collars fastened with buckle closures. They’re usually made of durable materials like nylon, cotton, or leather and can be flat or rolled in design. They are adjustable to fit a dog’s neck size, but they don’t tighten on the neck once fastened.
Snap fasteners
Snap fasteners are very similar to buckle fasteners and are often used for everyday wear. The primary difference is that (as you’ve probably guessed) they use a snap closure instead of a buckle closure.
Flat collars
Often referred to as the “everyday collar,” the flat collar is the most common type. As the name suggests, a flat collar is made of flat material, such as nylon or leather, and has a buckle or snap closure.
Martingale collars
Martingale collars are designed to prevent dogs from slipping out of them. They have a loop that tightens when the dog pulls, but not enough to choke it. These collars are often used for dogs that tend to escape their collars, perfect for that mischievous Goldie!
Shock collars
These collars are devices that deliver a mild electric shock to dogs as a corrective reinforcement measure. They’re used for obedience training, behavior modification, and to control barking.
Their use is controversial and has been criticized by many experts and animal welfare organizations. We don’t recommend them for most Goldies – positive reinforcement training is likely to work much better with this breed (and many others).
GPS/smart collars
These are collars equipped with GPS technology and used to track your dog’s location. They provide various features like activity tracking, boundary alerts, and remote training tools. They’re used to monitor dogs prone to running away or wandering, and can provide peace of mind to pet owners.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to using GPS collars. First, they need battery power to work properly, and the battery life can vary depending on the model and usage. Unfortunately, this means you may need to charge or replace the collar’s battery frequently, which could be inconvenient or costly.
Another potential issue with GPS collars is that they rely on cellular or satellite networks to transmit location data, which can be unreliable in areas with poor signal strength or network coverage. This can result in inaccurate or delayed location information, which could make it difficult to locate your dog in real-time if they’ve gone out of sight during a hike in the wilderness.
FAQs
Which type of dog collar is the best?
There are many different types of collars available on the market, and each style and brand has its own unique features and benefits. The best type of collar for your dog depends on its individual needs and your personal preferences. Some dogs are better suited to a flat collar, while others will prefer a rolled collar.
As an example, flat collars are designed for everyday use, while martingale collars stop dogs from slipping out of their collars as easily.
What size collar is best for a Golden Retriever puppy?
The best collar size for a Golden Retriever puppy depends on the puppy’s age and size. As Golden Retrievers are large breeds, they grow quickly, so measure your pup’s neck regularly and adjust the collar size when you need to.
For a Golden Retriever puppy, consider buying an adjustable collar, as you’ll be able to adjust its size as they grow. An adult dog’s collar should continue to fit for many years, but check they haven’t outgrown it (or that it doesn’t need tightening) every now and then.
Is a collar better than a dog harness?
Naturally, this answer depends on your dog’s behavior. Collars have their benefits, but some owners opt for harnesses to evenly distribute the pulling pressure around their dogs’ chests. This makes it far more comfortable for these dogs to walk. Harnesses are often used for dogs with breathing problems or prone to neck injuries. They’re also perfect for escape artists!
Are shock collars a good idea for Golden Retrievers?
Shock collars have been criticized by many experts and animal welfare organizations, as they can cause physical and psychological harm to dogs. Studies show that a shock collar on a dog can cause aggression, stress, and fear in the pet. Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs that are always eager to please. As such, positive reinforcement will always trump a shock collar.
How wide should a Golden Retriever’s collar be?
The width of a Golden Retriever’s collar should be proportionate to the size of the dog’s neck. It shouldn’t be too wide or too narrow, so choose a collar that is at most 0.1 inches wide for every inch of your dog’s neck. So, for a Golden Retriever with a neck size of 20 inches, a collar that is 2 inches wide should suffice.
Choose the right collar to fit your Golden Retriever’s size and behavior, and check the collar regularly for wear and tear. Collars should be comfortable for your dog; neither too tight nor too loose.
What are the safety features I should look for in a collar for my Golden Retriever?
When looking for a collar for your Golden Retriever, there are several safety features that you should consider to ensure that your pet stays safe and secure:
- Breakaway or quick-release buckle
- Reflective materials
- Personalized ID tag
- Comfortable padding
What is the average price range for a good-quality collar for a Golden Retriever?
You’ll always pay a little more for a high-quality collar, even more so if you want to customize the design. The price you’ll pay will vary widely depending on the material, features, and brand of the collar.
Generally, a high-quality collar for a Golden Retriever made of durable materials such as leather or nylon, with additional features such as reflective strips or personalized ID tags, can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 or more.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best dog collar for your Golden Retriever is important for their safety, comfort, and overall well-being. We hope that our rundown of the best dog collars helps you decide which one is best for your furry friend. When you’ve settled on a style, don’t forget to accurately measure your dog’s neck for the right size.
Also, choose a durable dog collar made of hardy material that’ll withstand the strength and energy of a Goldie – remember, these are active dogs. The right collar will help to keep your Golden Retriever safe, comfortable, and stylish for years ahead. When your pooch is looking spiffy in its brand-new collar, make sure you check out our guide on the best nylabone for Golden Retrievers.