At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks for Wide Dog Collars
Looking for a wide dog collar for your large dog? Busy dog owners often select collars in a pretty haphazard fashion. They measure their dog’s neck, find a good color and start clicking “buy now” buttons.
But this often leads to problems, and it is wise to take a few minutes to learn about an under-appreciated aspect of large dog collars, specifically wide dog collars, that can have a strong influence on their comfort and performance.
In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits of wide and thick dog collars compared to standard collars and conclude with 5 of the best wide dog collars for your large breed dog.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick Berry Pet Rhinestone Dog Collar
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | RC Pet Products Wide Dog Clip Collar
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | MEIKAI Adjustable Heavy Duty Tough Nylon Classic Dog Collar
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Bully's Pitbull Collar
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
 | Bestia Maximus Dog Collar
| VIEW ON AMAZON →READ REVIEWS → |
Why Use Wide Dog Collars?
Collars come in a variety of lengths, thickness, and designs, and you obviously have to choose one that fits around your dog’s neck; but collars also come in a variety of widths. And like collar length, collar width deserves careful attention.
Generally speaking, larger dogs require wide and thick dog collars.
This extra width helps ensure the collar can withstand the stresses a large dog can inflict upon it, and it prevents the collar from digging into your dog’s neck too. The wider surface area spreads out the force and helps to prevent injuries.
Most manufacturers consider a 1-inch-wide collar to be “standard” and appropriate for most medium-sized dogs. This includes most retrievers, pointers, boxers, pit bulls and Dalmatians.
Smaller dogs – ranging from Pugs to Bulldogs to Border Collies — can use collars measuring between about 3/8 and 5/8 inches, while the tiniest toy breeds can use collars as narrow as 5/16 inch.
But you should use a large dog collar that is at least 1 ½ inches wide for large breed dogs – those weighing about 70 pounds or more. This includes Rottweilers, German shepherds, Newfoundlands, mastiffs and Saint Bernards, among others.
However, 2-inch wide dog collars are better for larger dogs in the 100-pound range (there are even 3-inch wide dog collars!) and they are imperative for truly gigantic dogs in the 150-pound-and-up category.
How to Choose the Best Dog Collar for Large Dogs
Whether you are interested in wide dog collars, standard collars or fancy, decorative collars, you want to be sure that the one you choose will work properly for your large breed dog – your dog’s safety depends on it.
Most wide and thick large dog collars on the market are well-made and capable of keeping your dog safely tethered to his leash, but you want to make sure that the one you select includes the following features:
- All clasps, clips or buckles should be made from durable materials. Holding on to a leash that is no longer attached to your dog is, in a word, horrifying. Cheap clips, buckles and clasps can break, and they completely compromise the integrity of the leash. Save money by selecting a no-frills collar; not by selecting one with cheap connectors.
- It should have plenty of room for adjustment. It can be tricky to obtain a large collar of the correct length for your dog’s neck, so try to pick a collar that works for dogs bigger and smaller than yours. If your dog has a 19-inch neck, for example, try to find a collar that works for dogs with necks between 17 and 21 inches. This way, you know the collar will fit your dog. This is obviously extremely important for dogs who are still growing.
- It should be made of high-quality fabric or leather. As with the connectors, the fabrics used in the construction of a collar should always be of the highest possible quality. This will not only make the collar safer, but it will also likely provide a more comfortable fit for your dog too.
- The D-ring should be sturdy and firmly attached. The D-ring will experience the greatest forces your dog can dish out, so it must be made well (fortunately, most are). You should also make sure that the D-ring is securely stitched to the dog collar.
- It should be machine washable. Your large dog’s collar will get dirty from time to time, and you’ll need to wash it. You can do this by hand, but it is a pain – it is much easier to just purchase a collar that is machine washable.
5 Best Wide Dog Collars For Large Dogs
There are a number of wide dog collars on the market, but they vary widely in terms of quality.
Start your search by checking out the five below, which are all very high-quality options, which should serve your dog well.
1. Berry Pet Rhinestone Dog Collar
The Berry Pet Rhinestone Collar is a fabulous collar for large dogs (or owners) who are a little fancier than most. Covered in five rows of sparkly rhinestones, this 2-inch-wide collar looks fantastic and is sure to turn heads wherever you go.
But it isn’t all about the bling: The Berry Collar is made from super-comfortable split leather to ensure your dog feels as good as she looks.
Price: $$
Features:
- Available in five sizes and nine colors to please dogs of any size or taste
- Alloy is used to keep the rhinestones securely attached
- Thick and strong while also being soft
- Backed by a 60-day warranty
User Reviews: Most owners were incredibly pleased with the Berry Pet Rhinestone Dog Collar, finding that it looked great and fit their pet well.
However, a few owners complained that the rhinestones do not completely encircle the collar, which means one side of the collar is heavier than the other. This can cause the collar to rotate if it isn’t suitably snug.
Bottom Line: This is a great collar for large dogs who like to wear a little bling. Although the rhinestones may look a little dainty, this is a strong, durable collar, which will work well for very big dogs.
It is also worth mentioning that the rhinestones used on this collar will probably make your dog more visible to motorists, which is a nice ancillary benefit.
2. RC Pet Products Wide Dog Clip Collar
RC Pet Products’ Wide Dog Clip Collar is designed to look, feel and work great for your big dog.
Made from soft webbing material, a rugged connecting clip and a super-strong nickel-plated D-ring, these collars are made from some of the highest-quality components of any model on the market, making them a great choice for most dogs – especially large ones.
Price: $$
Features:
- The reflective label helps to keep your pets visible during low-light walks
- Extra wide and soft webbing
- Made in Canada and backed by RC Pet Product’s lifetime warranty
- Available in 23 color patterns and two sizes
User Reviews: RC Pet Products Wide Dog Collars received incredibly positive reviews. Most customers found it well made, easy to use and remarkably durable, and dogs seemed to find it comfortable. Several owners praised the color patterns and reported that the collars looked very stylish in person.
Complaints and negative experiences were exceedingly rare, but a few customers reported broken clips.
Bottom Line: The RC Pet Products Wide Collar is a great choice for owners who want a sturdy collar with an attractive, but subtle aesthetic. They are very easy to adjust, and the reflective label provides a bit of additional safety for your dog.
The biggest problem with these collars is their width, which is only 1 ½ inches, so they are not ideal for very large dogs.
3. MEIKAI Adjustable Heavy Duty Tough Nylon Classic Dog Collar
If you prefer no-frills, functional products, rather than those that emphasize style and aesthetics, the MEIKAI Heavy-Duty Dog Collar is the product for you.
Made with high-quality nylon and a stainless-steel buckle, this 2-inch-wide collar is designed to work dependably for years to come. It is an excellent thick collar for big dogs.
Price: $$
Features:
- Available in one size (16 ½ to 21 ½ inches) and two colors (red and black)
- The adjustable, six-hole design provides plenty of flexibility to achieve a proper fit
- Collar remains silent (no jingling rings) while your dog runs
User Reviews: Most owners loved the MEIKAI Heavy-Duty Collar and raved about its durability. Several owners of very large dogs reported that it worked much better than other models they had tried, and most dogs seemed to find the 2-inch-wide collar very comfortable to wear.
It was especially appreciated by owners of very big dog breeds, such as Great Danes and mastiffs.
Bottom Line: If you want a wide, strong and sturdy collar, and you don’t mind a relatively bland aesthetic, you’ll love the MEIKAI Heavy-Duty Dog Collar.
Most owners were very pleased with the collar’s durability, and the low price point (it is a few dollars cheaper than either of the other models reviewed above) makes it an incredible value.
4. Bully’s Pitbull Collar
The Bully’s Pitbull Collar is a heavy-duty nylon dog collar made entirely with stainless-steel hardware. The collar is 2 inches wide and fits dogs with necks measuring between 21 and 25 inches.
All of the materials used to construct the Pitbull Collar are tactical-grade, so they’ll hold up to everything your big dog can throw at it.
Price: $$$$
Features:
- Available in 7 different colors
- Hardware with not rust or tarnish – even if it gets wet
- Handmade and washable, so it not only looks great when new, it’ll continue to look great for years
User Reviews: Bully’s Pitbull Collar received glowing reviews from most owners who tried it. Most complimented the quality of the materials and craftsmanship used to make the collar, and several mentioned that it seemed utterly indestructible. Many owners were able to walk their dog with complete confidence after buying the Pitbull Collar.
Bottom Line: The Bully’s Pitbull Dog Collar is a bit more expensive than some of the other collars we recommend, but if you have a big, strong dog, you simply have to select a high-quality collar that is built with some of the strongest materials around.
Additionally, because the Pitbull Collar features all stainless-steel hardware, it’ll last for years without corroding or rusting.
5. Bestia Maximus Dog Collar
The Bestia Maximus Dog Collar is a 100% leather dog collar that is handmade in Bulgaria by the artisans at Bestia Custom Gear. Its all-leather construction not only means that it looks fantastic and will fit your dog’s neck comfortably, but also that it’ll stand up to years of use.
And just to make sure your dog will look great while wearing it, the Bestia Maximus Dog Collar features metal rivets and medallions spaced out along its length.
Price: $$$$$
Features:
- Available in several sizes to accommodate dogs with necks up to 29.6 inches in circumference
- 2.5-inch width makes it one of the widest collars on the market
- Two-layer design features a buffalo leather base and a lamb leather lining
User Reviews: Most owners loved the Bestia Maximus Dog Collar. While plenty of owners praised the collars, fit, form and function, others were primarily happy with the way the collar looks. Phrases like “fit for a gladiator” and “we receive so many compliments” appear throughout the user reviews, and complaints about the collar were exceedingly rare.
Bottom Line: This is an ideal collar for extra-large breeds, including Cane Corsos, Great Danes and Mastiffs, and it’ll also make a good choice for owners of slightly smaller breeds, such as Rottweilers and Dobermans.
You will pay about four times the cost of a budget collar to get your hands on your own Bestia Maximus, but you’ll certainly be glad you did, as they look fantastic and are built strong enough for any dog.
Have you ever used wide dog collars for your large breed? Was there a specific reason you did so? How did it work out for you and your pup? We’d love to hear all about your experiences with large dog collars in the comments below.
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A big-dog lover, successful marketing executive, and website developer, Brian founded Canine Weekly in 2016. Brian lives just outside of Seattle with his wife and child. Brian grew up with labs and the family is eager to get another Labrador once their newborn is a little older. Brian is the former owner of Canine Weekly.