Best Dog Collars In 2023: Top 5 Products Most Recommended By Experts

From puppy eyes to a heart of gold, there’s so much to love about dogs. And since we love them, we want to keep them safe and close. A good collar keeps your dog securely attached to the leash while on walks and helps quickly identify them if they ever get lost (without a vet having to scan them for a microchip first). Naturally, as a pet parent, you want the very best for your dog, and that also goes for his or her accessories. But when going to the pet store for your pup’s first collar – or maybe a replacement for a worn-out model – you find yourself confronted with all kinds of colors, features, and price tags. Making the right choice is hard! That’s why StudyFinds checked in with the experts and hounded down the top five of the best dog collars for 2023.

There’s nothing better for the soul than spending time with your beloved companion. According to a Canadian study, cuddling a canine reduces anxiety and boosts our well-being. Because of their loyalty and love, many owners are devoted to their dogs in return. But while the bond between an owner and their dog may be priceless, pet ownership comes at a cost!

Having a pet can be expensive. In a recent U.S. study, pet owners spent an average of $276.40 each month on their cat or dog. “There’s no doubt that bringing a pet into your home can add immense unconditional love, but it’s important to understand they do come with a cost,” says vet health expert Dr. Stephanie Liff. “Whether it’s a routine vet visit, food, toys, or an emergency surgery, pets have financial needs that can add up. Being prepared and knowing your options, whatever that looks like for an individual owner, is crucial to have in place before there is an issue that becomes a heavy financial burden.”

Finding the right accessories that last can help keep the costs of pet ownership down. StudyFinds created a list of the top five best dog collars according to reviews on 10 expert websites to help you find the right option for your pup and stay within your budget.

The List: Best Dog Collars, According To Experts

1. Black Rhino’s Comfort Collar

The most frequently recommended dog collar for 2023 is Black Rhino’s Comfort Collar. Daily Paws lists it as its most durable: “If your dog tends to chew on their collars or frequently plays rough, you need an ultra-durable collar, such as this popular option from Black Rhino. It’s made with heavy-duty hardware that can handle big energy and movement, yet is still comfortable thanks to the soft neoprene padding that prevents irritation.”

Since it prevents irritation, Forbes recommends the collar for dogs with sensitive skin: “This collar is lined with cushy neoprene padding to help protect your pup from scrapes and abrasions as they’re being active. […] Reflective stitching helps your pup be seen in headlights during early morning and night walks.”

The Spruce likes the Comfort Collar for large dogs: “The extra-large version of Black Rhino Comfort Collar fits big dogs with 23- to 27-inch necks, with three other sizes also available. Although the collar is lightweight, it has heavy-duty hardware to keep up with strong, rowdy pets.”

2. Joytale Reflective Dog Collar

The benefits of a reflective collar are obvious. This one also comes at an affordable price. For Daily Paws, Joytale’s Reflective Dog Collar wins as their pick for best overall. It is a “durable, sturdy collar that won’t irritate your dog’s neck,” as well as “easily adjustable. Buy it in one of five sizes to ensure a perfect fit.”

“Big on after-hours walks with your pup? Joytale’s collar is crafted from reflective nylon to help them be seen by passing cars. The collar also features a padded neoprene rubber in the interior for maximum comfort. […] A quick-release buckle allows you to get the collar on and off as needed,” writes Forbes in their review.

“We had a sneaking suspicion that the Joytale Reflective Dog Collar was the total package — and now, we can confirm it,” writes HGTV. “It’s available in 12 colors and costs less than $10. Needless to say, this is a purchase you can feel really good about.”

3. Blueberry Pet Classic Nylon Dog Collar

While the Black Rhino Comfort Collar is great for big dogs, the Blueberry Pet Classic is perfect for small dogs, as well as for small budgets. According to Insider, it “is an attractive, well-designed collar available in a range of colors and sizes” that’s “made from nylon with high-density webbing.” However, it likely won’t “withstand heavy chewing.”

“Look no further than the Blueberry Classic Adjustable for a simple webbing collar that won’t empty your wallet,” advises GearLab. “It’s flexible, easily adjustable, and quick to put on and take off. […] This collar also performed well in our odor absorption test and didn’t retain any odors after a wash.”

Daily Paws loves the selection of six bright neon color choices and recommends it for smaller pooches. “It’s geared for tinier pups, as it comes in an extra-small size that fits dogs with necks between 8–11 inches, but you can always upgrade to a bigger size later if you use it on a puppy who has room to grow.”

4. PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar

A breakaway feature is a great safety option in a collar. PetSafe’s model is the best breakaway collar for HGTV, Men’s Health, and Forbes. “It’s backed by rave reviews, including plenty from customers who swear it saved their dog’s life,” Forbes points out. “The breakaway buckle design separates when pressure is applied if the collar gets caught. It also easily snaps back together, so you can use it again.”

“Accidents happen all the time, and one way to prevent strangulation is by opting for a breakaway collar. The PetSafe Keep Safe Breakaway Collar is the best around because the patented buckle auto-releases if something catches on the collar. But the buckle won’t break when it’s attached to a leash, so you can walk your dog worry-free (HGTV).”

Men’s Health further likes the collar’s “durable inch-wide nylon strap” and “strong metal hardware.” The collar’s “four available sizes fit necks between 10-28 inches. Our only minor quibble is that it’s available in just four color options.”

5. Max and Neo’s The NEO Dog Collar

The NEO is a good option for puppies due to its many available sizes, including extra-small. According to The Spruce, “these bright and durable collars are very sturdy, but the nylon webbing is also flexible and soft enough for puppies. Available in four sizes — fitting necks from 8.5 to 25 inches around — the NEO Dog Collar’s extra small size is perfect for pups, with a smaller, half-inch width and thinner nylon thickness for plenty of flexibility.”

But that’s not all! The Spruce mentions, “there’s also a separate ‘easy loop’ specifically for ID tags. The clasp also has a sliding tab ‘lock’ so that you don’t accidentally unbuckle it when holding your dog by the collar (this extra lock claps is not included on the extra small size collar).”

“Max and Neo’s NEO is another great dog collar that ticks all the essential boxes,” writes Men’s Health. “The two-millimeter-thick nylon strap is a full inch wide, ensuring it’s durable and plenty comfortable for all-day wear. […] It’s available in a handful of colors and neck sizes up to 25 inches, so it’ll fit all but the largest dog breeds. Bonus: for every collar sold, the brand donates an identical collar to a dog rescue. So, it’s a win-win for your dog and another you’ll never meet.”

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.