The Best Collars for Long-Haired Dogs: A Complete Guide
- dogpediaitaly
- Sep 15
- 7 min read
If your dog has a long, silky coat, whether it's a Poodle, Maltese, Setter, Hovawart, or Bergamasco Shepherd, choosing the right collar is more important than it seems. The collar affects the comfort, health, and safety of the coat: the wrong style can cause matting, irritation, hair loss, and even skin irritation. In this comprehensive and detailed article, I explain which collars are best for long-haired dogs , why, how to choose them, how to care for them, and which products/styles are best.
Why does the necklace affect long hair?
Long hair is prone to:
Dull and matte complexion in the area around the neck;
slip under buckles or seams , especially if the collar is flat and stiff;
Friction that causes hair breakage at the root and skin irritation.
Therefore, the ideal collar for a long-haired dog must, in addition to allowing identification and holding the leash, minimize pressure points , avoid sharp edges and reduce the funnel effect responsible for knots. A poor choice also complicates grooming and visits to the groomer. (Sources: veterinary guides and professional articles)
Types of collars to consider (and their effect on the coat)
1. Rolled leather collar
A classic, recommended for many long-haired breeds. It consists of a rolled and sewn strip of leather. Its rounded shape reduces contact with the coat , slides more easily, and prevents long hair from tangling. It is elegant, often durable, and, if high-quality, soft to the touch. Many groomers and show breed owners recommend it to minimize neck knots.
2. Wide, padded collar
A wider collar distributes pressure better and, if padded inside, avoids sharp edges that can snag fur. It is suitable for dogs that don't pull hard but still need to wear a collar tag. Choose a collar with abrasion-resistant padding and rounded edges.
3. Martingale (controlled choke)
The martingale is designed to prevent narrow-headed dogs from escaping from their collars. When properly adjusted , it is tight enough to prevent escape and choking. It is a good choice for long-haired dogs, provided the adjustment part is smooth and wide to prevent the hair from flattening and tangling. Avoid martingales that are too thin for very long hair.
4. Nylon/fabric flat collar (flat collar)
They are practical and versatile, but they can attract dirt and stick to the coat, especially if it has raised seams or sharp edges. If you opt for a flat collar for a long coat, choose wide models with rounded edges and smooth materials .
5. Dishes: a wise alternative
For dogs that pull a lot or suffer from tracheal problems, a harness is often the safest option: it distributes the force between the chest and shoulders , thus avoiding constant rubbing on the neck and coat. Be careful: harnesses can also slip and cause irritation between the shoulder blades or behind the armpits, so choose a well-padded and well-fitting model.
What materials are best for long hair?
High-quality soft leather (rolled or quilted) : Slides easily through hair and snags less; becomes more comfortable over time. Avoid stiff or sharp-edged leather.
Very soft, wide nylon with no protruding seams - better than cheap, thick nylon.
Soft fabrics without metal edges : allow hair to glide better than stiff fabrics.
Polished stainless steel or brass accessories : Avoid accessories that rust or have sharp edges that can break hair.
How to Choose: The Ultimate Checklist (Before You Buy)
Width : For dogs with thick fur, choose a width of at least 2 to 3 cm (depending on size). A collar that is too thin risks tangling the fur and causing knots.
Shape : Choose rounded or padded collars rather than flat collars with hard edges.
Material : Soft leather or smooth nylon; avoid rough materials or open seams.
Hardware : Smooth, rounded D-ring and buckle, preferably stainless steel.
Adjustability : Numerous holes allow the collar to be adjusted to the coat when putting on and taking off.
Use : If your dog pulls, consider using a harness. If you're using the collar only for identification, you can remove it most of the time at home to avoid tangles (this is what many owners do).
Maintenance : Easy to clean and, for leather, with care instructions (oils, special creams).
Physical test : If possible, test it on your dog. Make sure he doesn't feel any itching or irritation. (Sources: groomer experiences and product tests)
The 6 Most Recommended Collars for Long-Haired Dogs (With Pros and Cons and When to Choose Them)
1) Rolled leather collar (e.g. CollarDirect / Auburn Leathercrafters)
Benefits : Rounded shape reduces tangles; aesthetic; durable; easy to style.
Cons : Moderately expensive; requires skin care; not ideal if your dog likes to swim often (unless the skin is treated).
Ideal for : Show breeds and long-haired dogs that don't pull much.
2) Wide padded collar (padded leather/padded nylon)
Benefits : Distributes pressure; soft edges that won't rub fur; ideal for everyday use.
Cons : May accumulate more dirt; be careful of upholstery deterioration.
Ideal for : Medium-sized dogs that walk a lot and need comfort.
3) Wide section martingale (with tubular or flexible fabric)
Advantages : Non-choke control, useful for dogs with thin necks or those that have escaped.
Cons : The thin material can cause hair to get tangled; opt for versions with a soft lining.
Ideal for : Greyhounds, whippets and dogs that tend to slip out of their collars. DogIDs
4) Knitted collars made from plain recycled material (eco-friendly option)
Pros : They glide well on the coat, are generally lightweight and easy to wash, and are environmentally friendly.
Cons : Quality varies considerably between brands. Look for brands with smooth surfaces and rounded joints.
Perfect for : Anyone looking for durability and lightweight.
5) Wide, flat collar with anti-chafing design.
Advantages : simple, economical and practical for installing dog identification tags.
Disadvantages : Does not always prevent knots; versions with sewn band edges and without raised seams are preferred.
Ideal for : city use and dogs that don't pull.
6) Ergonomic padded strap (if you want to relieve your neck)
Benefits : Eliminates pressure on the neck, protects neck hair.
Cons : Can cause shoulder irritation if fitted incorrectly; less "stylish" for those who simply want an ID collar.
Ideal for : dogs that pull, puppies in training and dogs prone to tracheal problems.
Caution: How to avoid matting and coat damage.
Remove your dog's collar indoors (unless necessary for identification): this allows the coat to breathe and prevents matting. Many owners of long-haired dogs do this regularly.
Daily brushing : 5 to 10 minutes a day is enough to prevent knots in the area of the neck where the collar rests.
Combing around the neck : Use a wide-toothed comb to separate the fur from the layer closest to the skin.
Choose smooth collars and clean them regularly : dust and salt (after winter walks) can loosen them.
Examine the skin and coat : If you see redness under the collar, stop using it and contact your groomer/veterinarian.
If using leather, treat it with special products to keep it supple (follow the manufacturer's instructions).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Use thin necklaces with protruding metal clasps (they promote hair breakage).
Always leave it in place if your dog is not used to it. Remove it when he no longer needs it.
Confusing statement “tighter = more control”: A collar that is too tight will pinch fur and can irritate skin.
Buy based solely on appearance: Sometimes a "nice" collar is made of materials that snag fur. (Source: Dog Product Reviews and Care Tips.)
Quick FAQ
Q: Does a martingale damage the coat? No, if it is wide, padded, or made of soft material. However, thin martingales can cause pressure sores.
Q: Is a collar or harness better for a long-haired dog? If the dog pulls a lot or has difficulty breathing, a harness is better. For identification and light outings, a good collar is sufficient.
Q: Are leather collars more effective at preventing tangles? Generally, yes: soft, coiled leather glides better over the coat and snags less than rough fabrics.
Conclusion: Is there a perfect choice?
There's no one-size-fits-all collar for long-haired dogs, but there are some clear guidelines : choose rounded or padded collars, soft materials, sufficient width, and regular grooming. For dogs that pull or have breathing difficulties, consider a quality harness.
Main sources and recommended reading
VCA Hospitals – Collar and Harness Guide.
American Kennel Club (AKC): Harness or collar.
Articles on coil and flat collars (instructions and forums for dog owners and groomers). Dog Friendly Co. +1
Best Collars for Long Haired Dogs: Complete Guide 2025
Why do you need a special collar for long-haired dogs?
Long-haired dogs have specific needs: conventional collars can cause tangles, breakage, redness, and skin irritation . A well-fitting collar, on the other hand, reduces friction, maintains coat health, and provides comfort and security.
The Best Types of Necklaces for Long Hair
Rolled leather collar
Rounded shape → less knots and friction.
Aesthetic and elegant.
Requires leather care.
Wide, padded collar
Distributes pressure well.
Smooth edges, no sharp corners.
Beware of cheap upholstery fabrics that will be ruined.
Padded Martingale
Control without stifling.
Perfect for dogs who tend to slip out of their collar.
Choose a large, soft version to protect your coat.
Smooth, flat nylon collar
Economical, lightweight and practical.
Only with rounded edges and smooth seams.
Ergonomic carrying strap
Alternative collar for dogs that pull or have breathing problems.
Better padding and molding.
Preferred materials
Soft skin (rolled) → glides better on fur.
Soft nylon → practical and washable.
Soft fabrics → environmentally friendly, but be careful with the seams.
Polished stainless steel/brass fittings → prevent fine cracks and rust.
Quick Checklist for Choosing the Right Collar
✅ Sufficient width (2-3 cm for medium/large dogs).
✅ Rounded or padded shape.
✅ Soft and high quality materials.
✅ Seamless protruding edges.
✅ Rounded stainless steel D-ring/buckle.
✅The collar is removed at home to avoid knots.
Daily maintenance
Remove the collar when not needed.
Brush the fur around the neck daily.
Clean the collar periodically.
Treat your skin with special products.
Here are our suggestions, made from genuine handcrafted leather with a soft leather interior and a patented foam cushion:
The 2-piece set, collar and leash, can also be purchased separately.
2-piece harness and leash set:
3-piece collar, leash and harness set:
Harness only:
Diploma
For long-haired dogs, a leather wrap-around collar is often the best option, as are a padded martingale or a wide padded collar . If your dog pulls a lot, an ergonomic harness is the safest option.
Comments