Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus, Ben Affleck, Nick Jonas, Rachel Hunter, Reese Witherspoon, Jake Gyllenhaal, and many other celebrities own this second most popular dog breed; the German Shepherd. The main reason they are loved by so many famous and not-so-famous people is their unique traits.
For example, when it comes to courage, intelligence, confidence, and willingness to complete a task, no other breed can outperform German shepherds. However, if you are also a GSD parent, you must be aware of their crazy needs for activities.
Since German shepherds are literally an energetic fury ball, they won’t compromise when it comes to playtime and due to this reason, they sometimes make you land in trouble – especially during outdoor activities. Therefore, to be safe and ensure your dog’s safety, it’s essential to get the best dog collar for your german shepherd.
And what does the best german shepherd dog collar look like? We are going to break this out with our best dog collars list and buying guide! Ready to dive in?
Product
Details
Best Tactical Collar
OneTigris Military Adjustable Dog Collar
- Material:Nylon, Metal
- Closure Type:Buckle
Most Comfortable
Black Rhino The Comfort Collar
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure Type: Buckle
Best Everyday Collar
Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
- Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Buckle
Best Personalized Collars
GoTags Personalized Dog Collar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure Type:Snap
Best Headcollar
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure Type: Snap
Best Training Collar
Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure Type: Snap
Most Affordable
EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Dog Collar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure Type: Buckle
Best Dog Collar for Summers
Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Collection
- Material: Nylon
- Closure Type: Buckle
Best Dog Collars For German Shepherd – Top 8 Picks
Here is our list of german shepherd dog collars handpicked by long-time pet parents like me:
1. OneTigris Military Adjustable Dog Collar
OneTigris brand possesses a remarkable reputation for producing the best tactical dog gear but it’s not the brand’s reputation for which this product is topping our list but its all-in-one build. Starting with the material, it’s made up of heavy-duty nylon webbing so your over-energetic GSD can’t rip it apart.
However, the interesting thing here is that despite being super strong and heavy-duty, it’s nearly featherlight. Since the collar is designed for medium and large breeds, it features a metal buckle with two metal tongues and five adjustment points.
You just need to pass the metal tongue through one of these five holes and tuck the excessive belt inside the loops to prevent it from flapping. A metal D ring and a velcro strap are also there to attach leash and ID tags, making this collar perfect in all aspects.
Specifications
- Size: Medium & Large
- Material: Nylon & Metal
- Collar type: Tactical collar
- Color: Five natural colors
- Closure Type: dual buckle strap
- Rings/loops: D-ring and belt retainer
Pros
- Since the buckle is locked twice, there’s no chance that this collar will come loose.
- It’s washable and after every wash, you’d get as fresh as a new collar.
Cons
- If not cleaned properly, it might begin to stink.
OneTigris Military Adjustable Dog Collar
The price of “OneTigris Military Adjustable Dog Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Black Rhino The Comfort Collar
Looking for a perfect collar to train your working dogs? If so, you need to get a collar that is not only durable but also comfortable enough to let your dog move freely in it. Many dog owners think that harnesses are suitable for such activities but that’s not true since harnesses may chafe beneath your dog’s armpit.
In this case, you should give this Black Rhino collar a try. Like the previous product, it’s also a nylon collar but with an exception; it encloses a thick neoprene padding that not only ensures utmost comfort but also provides cushions against shocks.
In this way, you get to enjoy the quality of both materials; the strength ad durability of nylon whereas the resistance to water damage and quick-to-dry nature of neoprene. Besides, the manufacturer has incorporated reflective stitching which makes your hard-to-spot dog visible even during the night.
Specifications
- Size: Four sizes available
- Material: Neoprene & nylon
- Collar type: Regular/reflective collar
- Color: Multiple options
- Closure Type: Belt Buckle
- Rings/loops: Leash ring and a small ring for ID tags
Pros
- Since this nylon collar is not stiff, it doesn’t rub against the skin.
- Neoprene padding doesn’t stink and dries super quickly.
Cons
- Due to thick padding, it’s not the airiest collar out there.
Black Rhino The Comfort Collar
The price of “Black Rhino The Comfort Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
Not any other collar material can outperform the classic appeal and natural warmth of leather collars and that’s why our third pick on the list is this soft-touch collar. It’s both stylish and comfortable which makes it perfect for everyday use.
Since it’s a luxury item, we can’t expect it to be affordable but believe it or not, it’s worth your precious bucks. How? Let us explain! First of all, every item of this collection is hand stitched which discards the chances of faulty stitching. The inner side contains the softest lining to prevent abrasion and friction burns.
Secondly, the collar comprises real leather and only natural dyes which makes it ideal for a sensitive furry friend. And unlike neoprene and nylon collars, it doesn’t need to wash and dry to look new. Just get a wet rag and wipe across the band length to wipe off all the debris.
Specifications
- Size: Four different sizes
- Material: Leather
- Collar type: Leather collar
- Color: Multiple color options
- Closure Type: Belt buckle
- Rings/loops: D-ring, belt retainer
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime guarantee.
- Leather doesn’t crack or decay under constant water exposure and blazing rays.
Cons
- It’s not a budget-friendly option.
Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
The price of “Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar ” varies, so check the latest price at
4. GoTags Personalized Dog Collar
Undoubtedly, the german shepherds are the most loyal dogs, but the german shepherd puppies also possess a huge urge to escape. The cherry on top is that once out of your territory, they won’t let any stranger approach them. In such situations, the collars like these GoTags collars act as the life savior.
While placing the order, you can give your detail like phone number, address, name, etc. to the manufacturer and he will embroider these details in vibrant colors, on the collar. Due to these vibrant embroidered threads, the details will be visible from a far distance.
Resultantly, the person who’d find your lost dog will be able to contact you, without approaching your insecure, hospital dog. Besides safety features, this nylon collar is also a winner when it comes to visuals.
You are offered to choose one of five different collar colors and fifteen different thread colors to come up with your unique combination.
Specifications
- Size: Four different sizes
- Material: Nylon
- Collar type: Regular collar
- Color: Multiple color options
- Closure Type: Snap
- Rings/loops:
Pros
- It’s machine washable which saves you from the hassle of complicated cleaning.
- Side release buckles make it easy to put the collar on and off.
Cons
- Since it’s not a reflective collar, sporting detail during the night will be difficult.
GoTags Personalized Dog Collar
The price of “GoTags Personalized Dog Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
5. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
Gentle leader german shepherd harness are perfect for training your dog against pulling, jumping, and lunging – especially for those german shepherd dogs that are super hard to walk calmly on a leash.
Unlike a dog collar, this head harness put pressure behind your dog’s neck which in turn prevents choking. To prevent chafing, the inner lining of the nose loop is neoprene padded. You might confuse this collar with the muzzle at first glance but it’s not. Instead, it enables the complete range of motion.
You might be surprised to know that these headcollars were originally designed by animal behaviorists when they noticed the limitations of using an ordinary german shepherd collar on strong dogs.
However, sill this head collar can’t be considered a substitute for obedience collars. So if your dog is showing way too bad behavior, and it’s not only leash pulling, you should get in touch with dog trainers for his aggression control.
Specifications
- Size: Five different sizes
- Material: Nylon
- Collar type: Head harness/ no pull collar
- Color: Multiple colors
- Closure Type: Snap
- Rings/loops: O ring for leash attachment
Pros
- This head collar comes even in a petite size so you can start your pup training from a very early age.
- The whole strap is unchewable.
Cons
- The Snap buckle on the neck gets jammed sometimes.
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
The price of “PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar
We, as animal lovers, won’t recommend you to go for the negative reinforcement training methods to train such an intelligent creature. However, sometimes, choosing a bit harder pathway becomes inevitable.
For instance, if your GSD’s naughty nature is dominating over his intelligence, you may consider using this Max and Neo martingale collar.
Unlike choke collars, this martingale collar won’t strangle your furry friend. Instead, whenever your dog pulls the leash, the fabric part of the collar will get slightly tighter around his neck.
This constricting pressure will be applied within a safe distance so your dog remains safe and understand the lesson, too. Due to this, we consider it most probably the ideal collar for leash training.
Looking for the best reason to purchase this collar other than safety, then here we have one for you; with every collar you purchase, the company will donate an identical collar to the foster dog which in turn corrects their behaviors and make them a good part of the dog community.
Specifications
- Size: Five different sizes
- Material: Nylon and metal
- Collar type: Martingale collar
- Color: Multiple color options
- Closure Type: Snap
- Rings/loops: O-ring for leashes and small ring for ID tags
Pros
- The snap buckle is lockable which ensures easy wearing on without accidental release.
- It’s priced quite reasonably.
Cons
- Color may fade after some time.
Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar
The price of “Max and Neo Stainless Steel Chain Martingale Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
7. EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Dog Collar
It’s probably the only collar on our list which comes with a hand collar. This hand collar is seriously a life savior in situations when your pooch gets out of control. You just carry him through the handle and take him somewhere calm.
Besides, this collar features a lockable snap buckle. When locked, the collar is not possible to open or fall off accidentally. Whereas, you can also close the snap buckle without locking it for releasing quickly when your dog starts getting anxious.
To hold the handle in its place, when not in use, a magic sticker is there. It prevents the collar from getting caught in bushes. And since it’s a tactical collar, there’s nothing to worry about its durability as it constitutes of 1000D nylon material.
Specifications
- Size: Three different sizes
- Material: nylon
- Collar type: Tactical collar
- Color: Four natural colors
- Closure Type: Snap buckle
- Rings/loops: D ring
Pros
- The collar can sustain a pull force even by 70-80 lbs german shepherd dogs.
- Given the quality and features, it’s most probably the cheapest tactical collar.
Cons
- The buckle is not so sturdy.
EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Dog Collar
The price of “EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Dog Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Collection
The last collar on our list is this Blueberry Classic collar which is ideal for the warm weather. Not only german shepherd dogs but all other dog breeds can wear this collar (the manufacturer claims that the collar can be used on other animals too, including cats and goats).
Speaking of its performance as a german shepherd training collar then it can sustain endless chewing without showing any chewed-out or frayed edge. To make it perfect for summer, no excessive padding is added but the good thing is that there’s no need to worry about chafing or abrasion.
Just adjust the collar correctly, by leaving a space of two fingers between the neck and collar and it will sit comfortably on your dog’s neck. Although the buckle is made of plastic, the collar features a chrome-coated d ring that prolongs the collar life by making it rust and tarnish-proof.
Specifications
- Size: Four different sizes
- Material: Nylon
- Collar type: Regular collar
- Color: Multiple colors
- Closure Type: Snap buckle
- Rings/loops:
Pros
- The color doesn’t leach out even on machine wash.
- An adjustable noose is present which makes it possible to wear the same collar for a long period.
Cons
- If too tight, the collar may cause abrasion.
Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Collection
The price of “Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Collection” varies, so check the latest price at
Buyer’s Guide: Things to Look for in German Shepherd Collars
Since German shepherds have unique traits, they also have some unique needs when it comes to choosing dog collars. These needs vary from dog to dog, so consider the following things while shopping around to make sure you are getting nothing but the best collar for your pooch.
Material
Nylon, polyester, neoprene, leather, and many other materials are used to make dog collars. All these materials have their own sets of pros and cons. For example, nylon is chew-proof, durable, non-stretchable, and affordable but it may begin to smell foul after some time.
On the other hand, neoprene is a waterproof material that doesn’t ruin after constant water exposure and dries quickly. It’s the same material with which the swimsuits are made so if your german shepherd is a swimming enthusiast, you can go with this option.
However, it doesn’t make a very great option as regular collars for german shepherds since it can cause abrasion and allergies. Although the collars with a mix of nylon and neoprene padding are good as everyday collars due to being sensitive and durable.
The last and most popular material used to make dog collars is leather. It’s not only ultra-durable but also breathable and hypoallergenic, making it the safest and most comfortable option for your pooch. The only problem is that the leather dog collars usually come with super-hefty price tags.
Size
To choose the best size, you need to consider your dog’s neck size and his age. Mostly, the german shepherds have thick necks and narrow heads so you better measure both the neck and head size to find the perfect fit. For a growing pup, you can also opt for the adjustable collar so you won’t have to buy a new collar after every two weeks.
Also, you should know how tight should a dog collar be because if the collar is too tight, it will choke your pet whereas if the collar is too loose, your dog might pick it up and rip it apart or slip out of it.
Style
Factors like style and design need to consider and prefer only when your dog is fully trained. Otherwise, getting a super stylish but fragile collar for your pooch won’t be a wise thing to do.
Since german shepherds have a pleasant mix of golden, grey, and black strands, spotting them in woods might get difficult – both day and night. Therefore, it would be great if you get a collar in vibrant collars for daytime use and a reflective collar for the night.
Due to their aggressive and over-protective nature, some people possess a negative image of german shepherds in their minds. However, you can suppress this negativity by getting an eye-pleasing collar that matches well with your dog’s adorable & goofy personality.
Comfortable
During the early days of leash training, your german shepherd may put an enormous amount of strain on the leash which in turn may hurt him – especially if he’s wearing a choke or prong collar.
Therefore, it’s wise to start with comfortable collars like martingale collars or no pull dog collars. Remember that german shepherds are super intelligent when it comes to understanding and learning the commands so you should never be too harsh on them during training.
Instead, just give them some time and a comfortable collar so they can focus fully on the training rather than discomfort. Speaking of a comfortable collar then it’s the one that doesn’t chafe, bite or rub against the fur & skin, or pull the hair out – probably a collar with rounded edges, thick padding, and silky inner lining.
Durability
As mentioned before, the factors like style and design should only be preferred if your dog is fully trained. Otherwise, you should prefer durability so your super-energetic dog won’t break the collar apart.
To confirm about a collar’s durability, you should check for the material quality, reliability of the closure system, and stitch quality. Generally, the collars with double stitching and high-density webbing are considered lasting. Whereas, dual buckle strap closures are considered more secure than quick-release, single buckles.
The good thing is that you don’t have to compromise on visuals for the sake of long service life because even the most durable training collars feature eye-catching designs. All you need to do is to look around for such a sturdy yet stylish collar.
FAQs
What Size Collar Should I Get for a German Shepherd?
Generally, the neck size of an adult german shepherd is around 46-60cm (18-24 inches). However, based on your dog’s health and a certain age, the neck size may vary so it’s better to measure for a dog collar before placing an order.
Take the measurements of your dog’s neck, with a measuring tape, and then buy a collar that is at least two inches larger. This will keep your dog comfortable, away from potential choking hazards.
Do German Shepherds Need Choke or Prong Collars?
Most of the time, NO! A german shepherd is a dog known for his intelligence so training him for desirable behavior and calm leash walk won’t be as difficult as training Basset hounds, Afghan Hounds, or Siberian husky.
However, if you still think your dog has grown up into a stubborn, bad boy, you can go with the harder options of choke and prong collars but only after the consultation of a professional dog trainer.
Should a German Shepherd Keep on Wearing a Collar Throughout the Day?
It depends upon whether your dog is trained or not. For example, if your german shepherd is prone to pull the leash or bark excessively, or escape, you should keep the collar on all the time. The collar will not only help you attain better control over your pooch but the engraved buckle will make it easier for others to find your lost dog.
Conclusion
By now, you’ve read about the right collar for your german shepherds. So, before ending the article, let’s have a look at some collars that you should NEVER use for your GSD.
- Shock collars or e collars because they induce pain which might frighten your dog, making him more aggressive and anxious.
- Prong collars because if they are not used cautiously, they can cause severe neck injuries and dig into your dog’s skin. Even though you know the correct way of placing a prong collar, make your dog wear it only for a few minutes a day.
- Choke chain collars can do more harm than good by constricting your dog’s windpipe. Since german shepherds are powerful dogs who hate losing a fight, they won’t stop pulling on the leash after feeling choked – instead keep on doing the opposite until either the collar or neck breaks.
We hope that this article has made it easier to find the best collar for a german shepherd. If you find somewhere stuck or confused, feel free to contact us, with your query, in the comment section!
