If you have a greyhound, a pitbull, a german shepherd, or any other dog from the muscular breed, we know your struggle to find the best dog collar for your beefy canine.
You can’t go with the flat collars since they can easily slip out of them. Nor you can go with other cruel options, like choke collars or prong collars for your usually well-behaved pooch.
But have you ever given thought to martingale collars? Those of you whose answer is no must think that martingale collars are inhumane or unsafe, but that’s not true!
If used properly, a martingale collar works more than fine, not only to stop your dog from backing out of it but also to correct his leash-pulling behavior. And the best part is, the market is full of options, specified for specific dog breeds, like greyhound collars, to meet exactly your dog’s temperament.
For our valuable readers, I trawled through the market and fished out my top eight martingale collars, after doing extensive research. And today, I’m going to pen down my experience so you can figure out which option is best for you. Let’s begin!
Product
Details
Least Expensive
Max and Neo Martingale Collar
- Material: Nylon, Plastic, Metal
- Closure type: Snap Buckle
Most Convenient
PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Slip on
Superior Quality
Country Brook Dog Collar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Pull-on
Best for Powerful dogs
Wolfgang Man and Beast Collar
- Material: Nylon, polyester, alloy steel
- Closure type: Snap buckle
Best Personalized
Blueberry Pet Dog Collar
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Slip on
Most Stylish
Dazzber Martingale Collar
- Material: Polyester industrial filament
- Closure type: Slip on
Best Chain Collar
Max and Neo Martingale Collar
- Material: Nylon, stainless steel
- Closure type: Snap buckle
Best Leather collar
Mighty Paw Training Collar
- Material: Leather
- Closure type: Buckle
Our Top Picks of Best Martingale Dog Collar
Before jumping to the product review, let me tell you about the two major types of martingale collars you will mostly encounter in the market;
Full Fabric Collars
Full fabric or limited slip collars consist of two fabric loops. Both the primary and secondary loop is of fabric, mostly nylon, and they come up with the advantage of getting tightened only to a certain limit.
Half Chain Collars
The second and most common type of martingale collar is the one in which the primary loop is of fabric, whereas the second one is of metal chain. This type of collar is also called a half check collar for being a mixture of choke and flat collars.
They came up with the advantage of inducing correction with the sound of metal clinking, and that’s why considered more efficient and faster training tools.
Now let’s check out our list of best martingale collars.
1. Max and Neo Martingale Collar
With the skyrocketing inflation rate, all of us are looking for ways to save as many bucks as possible. Therefore, we are starting our list with the most affordable martingale collar you could ever get – the Max and Neo martingale collar.
Although this dog collar doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, it’s as effective as other high-end collars on the market.
It doesn’t matter whether you have a petite chihuahua or a giant husky since the collar is available in a wide range of sizes (from 12-25 inches). The collar is made up of 2M thick nylon webbing, which features reflective stitching in the form of two wide bands.
Resultantly, the collar not only feels sturdy and durable but also enhances the visibility of your furry friend.
Some dog owners think that snap buckles are not that reliable – they are right to some extent, though, but Max and Neo nylon dog collars come with a special locking buckle. This lock discards the chances of accidental release.
Specifications
- Size: Six different sizes
- Color: Seven different colors
- Material: Nylon, Plastic, Metal
- Closure type: Snap Buckle
- Loops: D ring and ring for dog tags
Pros
- It’s machine washable.
- With every collar sold, the company donates an identical collar to dog rescue centers.
Cons
- The collar is 1 inch wide, which means it’s not a great choice for Pitbulls.
Max and Neo Martingale Collar
The price of “Max and Neo Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
2. PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar
Here we have another pocket-friendly martingale collar for all the budget-conscious pet parents out there. However, the most highlighted aspect of this nylon collar is not the price – but the variety of sizes and widths it offers.
PetSafe martingale dog collar is available from 8-20 inches, whereas you can also choose the width from 3/8 to 1 inch.
Since this martingale dog collar doesn’t feature any buckle, there would be no risk of accidental release, keeping your dog safe and secure without being heavy on your pocket.
Another plus point is that since it doesn’t contain any heavy clasp or chain, like choke chain collars, it will feel featherlight around your pup’s neck.
Last but not least, PetSafe martingale dog collar doesn’t cause bald spots or matting like a standard collar and feels extremely comfortable on your dog’s fragile skin.
Specifications
- Size: Seven different sizes
- Color: Four solid colors
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Slip on
- Loops: D ring
Pros
- There’s big room for size adjustment.
- Despite being a heavy-duty martingale collar, it dries out quickly and doesn’t rub against the skin.
Cons
- Dog tag jingles sometimes.
PetSafe Adjustable Collar
The price of “PetSafe Adjustable Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Country Brook Petz Martingale Dog Collar
Not willing to compromise on your furry friend’s security by choosing less than the best? If so, here’s a dog collar with premium quality and state-of-the-art construction which offer the utmost level of sturdiness and prolonged service life.
It doesn’t matter how powerful your canine friend is because he can never break this ultra-durable nylon collar.
Not only does this Country Brook Petz martingale collar offers sturdy nylon material, but it also comes with tear-proof stitching, which can withstand a lot of clawing and chew easily. The box stitching adds further to the durability, preventing the collar from ripping apart.
Besides, Country Brook Petz martingale collar is offered in multiple colorfast dyes, which suit all the boy and girl pups and don’t look faded after several washes.
Although the nylon is sturdy, it gives off a silky feel and ties to no heavy, clanky buckles, there’s no way in which the collar will cause irritation or picking fur.
Specifications
- Size: Seven different sizes
- Color: Multiple color options
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Pull-on
- Loops: D ring
Pros
- It’s perfect for dogs who are allergic to plastic buckles.
- The collar doesn’t lose or stretch over time.
Cons
- It doesn’t feature reflective stitching.
Country Brook Dog Collar
The price of “Country Brook Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Wolfgang Man and Beast Martingale Collar
Looking for a heavy-duty martingale collar to control your giant dog? If so, look no further since this Wolfgang Man and the Beast collar has been tested thoroughly to withstand more than 800 lbs of pull strength.
Hey, don’t worry about how this collar would feel on your sensitive pooch because the manufacturer has already put enough thought into it.
The polyester webbing ensures an abrasion-free experience, whereas to prevent chafing, all the ends and edges are hot-cut, making the whole collar band fray-proof.
The golden part of this best martingale collar is its nature-inspired designs which makes it the most stylish martingale collar out there.
No more crazy eyes from strangers, instead, you’ll definitely raise plenty of eyebrows. Don’t worry about the fading since the collar is thoroughly coated with stain and UV-resistant coating, to make the collar look as fresh as new!
Specifications
- Size: Four different sizes
- Color: Multiple colors available
- Material: Nylon, polyester, alloy steel
- Closure type: Snap buckle
- Loops: D ring
Pros
- The nylon buckle provides a snug fit, preventing the collar from slipping around the neck.
- The powdered coated stainless steel D ring imparts utmost leash reliability.
Cons
- It’s quite expensive and somewhat bulky.
Wolfgang Man and Beast Collar
The price of “Wolfgang Man and Beast Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Blueberry Pet Martingale Dog Collar
Want a more customized martingale collar for your furry friend? This Blueberry Pet martingale collar got you covered as it offers two types of collars; the plain one and the customized one.
In plain series, you’d get four standard sizes; XS, S, M, L. Whereas, with customized collars, you also get the same size range with one exception.
With customized collars, you can choose what kind of information should be embroidered on your collar. You may ask the manufacturer to put your address, phone number, or whatever you want to see on your dog collar.
Not only the information, but you can also choose one out of eleven font sizes and colors to create a very personalized accessory for your dog training.
Speaking of collars built then it feels satisfying, with weatherproof nylon and three metallic D-rings. Although the tri-glide is of plastic, it still doesn’t feel flimsy and moves smoothly while making adjustments.
Specifications
- Size: Four custom design
- Color: Multiple colors
- Material: Nylon
- Closure type: Slip on
- Loops: D rings
Pros
- In plain collars, the company’s logo is sewn on the inside of the collar, making it more presentable.
- All the stitches are well covered to prevent fraying.
Cons
- You might have to struggle to get it off and on your canine.
Blueberry Pet Martingale Collar
The price of “Blueberry Pet Martingale Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
6. Dazzber Martingale Collar
Dogs are super active by nature and they aren’t afraid to roll down in a muddy puddle, run through the wet grass, and tickle their favorite human just to win some love and kisses.
Considering this aspect of their temperament, it’s important to get a martingale collar that is not only durable but also comfortable enough to suit their playful nature.
And in this regard, polyester collars are the best since they are quite easy to replace due to being affordable. This Dazzber martingale collar is also one of those exceptional polyester collars that can serve longer, for all breeds and sizes.
Besides, this collar is flexible and unobtrusive so your dog can move freely, without getting a correction for no real reason.
Even the strongest chewer will need more than a year to shred this collar and with its aluminum and stainless steel hardware, it makes a perfect and safest choice for even small pups.
Specifications
- Size: Four different sizes
- Color: Multiple colors and patterns
- Material: Polyester industrial filament
- Closure type: Slip on
- Loops: D ring
Pros
- Its geometric pattern doesn’t fade even after being washed in cold water.
- The edges are trimmed using the square knotted technique, making them smooth yet fray proof.
Cons
- The plastic tri-glide feels a little hard to adjust.
Dazzber Martingale Collar
The price of “Dazzber Martingale Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Max and Neo Stainless Steel Collar
Max and Neo martingale collar is most probably the only chain collar on our list. If you are wondering why we didn’t add more, then the answer is we didn’t find any safer collar besides this one!
It features a stainless steel chain and 2M nylon with reflective stitching. Like other martingale dog collars, this one doesn’t come with even the slightest chance of catching rust.
For the dogs who find it difficult to work with bulky buckles, a nylon buckle is added to the design. However, the O ring and tri-glide hoops are of the sturdiest metal.
Doubting the buckle’s reliability, well don’t, since, like the previous Max and Neo nylon martingale collar, this one also features a lockable buckle.
However, on the flip side, this martingale collar comes with a downside; its weight. Several consumers have confirmed it is too heavy for their small pups, so get this collar only if you own a medium or large dog.
Specifications
- Size: Five different sizes
- Color: Seven solid colors
- Material: Nylon, stainless steel
- Closure type: Snap buckle
- Loops: O ring and small ring
Pros
- The collar is made to last decades.
- ID loop doesn’t wiggle or intervene with the leash.
Cons
- Some customer reports that the collar stains the white fur.
Max and Neo Martingale Collar
The price of “Max and Neo Martingale Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Mighty Paw Leather Training Collar
No doubt that nylon is the most affordable and comfortable material but when it comes to style and looks, none of the materials can outperform leather.
Thus, if you want to add a slight touch of class to your dog’s training regime, you should get this leather martingale dog collar.
Since the collar is made up of 100% genuine leather, it doesn’t feel stiff around your dog’s neck. The best part is, due to being hypoallergenic, it’s the best dog collar for sensitive skin as it doesn’t cause a rash or any allergic reaction.
In addition to this, the collar features a 100% rust-proof stainless steel chain that neither stains the dog’s fur nor deteriorates during unfavorable weather conditions.
Another thing that makes me a strong fan of this leather collar is its easy buckle which makes it easier to pull the collar on and off of a wiggly pup, in unexpected situations.
Specifications
- Size: Three different sizes
- Color: Brown
- Material: Leather
- Closure type: Buckle
- Loops: O ring
Pros
- Unlike other leather collars, this one doesn’t smell foul.
- The collar offers the best value for the money.
Cons
- It’s too bulky to use as a regular collar.
Mighty Paw Leather Training Collar
The price of “Mighty Paw Leather Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Martingale Dog Collar
Although martingale collars are safe to use, you should still check for some factors to get confident about your decision of purchasing a collar. Some of these factors are as follows:
Size
Size matters the most when it comes to the martingale collar since both your dog’s comfort and his response to the training depend on it. Therefore, it’s important to measure for the collar accurately using the two fingers formula.
Start with measuring the thickest part of your dog’s neck; usually the area behind his ears and right under the snout. If your dog’s head is larger than his neck, then you better measure the head size and buy a collar accordingly. Whereas, if his neck is wider, measure the diameter of his neck.
Closure Type
Two major types of closure systems are offered in martingale collars; the slip-on martingale collar and buckle collar. Slip-on collars are more reliable, but the quick-release buckle collars are easy to put on and off.
If you are planning to choose a slip-on collar, you need to measure both head and neck size, as stated before. Whereas for the buckle collars, taking only the neck measurements will be sufficient.
Material & Durability
Martingale collars are available in a variety of materials, from nylon to polyester to leather. If your dog has sensitive skin that is prone to catch allergies, you should opt for a leather martingale collar.
Leather collars are not only hypoallergenic and durable but look lavish. Although they cost a bit higher, still it’s not even close to paying back the unconditional love your pooch gives you.
On the other hand, if you are more into wide color & pattern range, comfort, high breathability, and budget, you should go with nylon collars. Don’t worry about the durability factor since sturdy nylon collars may last several years if taken care of properly.
Width and Weight
The wider the collar is, the heavier it would feel around your dog’s neck. So, get the wider collars for large dogs (1-1.5 inches wide) and choose narrower collars for small dogs like chihuahuas (3/4 to 3/8 inches).
Remember that if you get a too wide collar for your dog with a small neck, it might end up choking him. On the other hand, if you choose a way too narrow collar for a big-necked dog, it might irritate him badly and snap apart in less than a week.
FAQs
What Is a Martingale Collar?
Martingale collar, often called a limited or no-slip collar, was developed originally to train a certain class of dogs – the one with narrow heads and wide necks. Besides, these collars are also perfect for dogs with super silky fur.
A martingale collar consists of two loops; a larger/primary one and a shorter/secondary one. Whenever a dog pulls the leash or tries to slip out of it, the secondary loop constricts, constricting the primary one which, in turn, applies a limited amount of pressure on your dog’s neck.
As soon as your dog stops pulling, the pressure dissipates immediately, which in turn makes your dog understand the lesson. In this way, these martingale collars work without causing any major harm to your fragile fur ball.
How Do You Use a Martingale Collar?
First of all, you need to check whether the collar fits perfectly to your puppy or not. Remember that the dog’s collar should fit snugly to keep him from backing out but not too tight to choke him – just as a typical flat collar.
Once adjusted the collar to the right fitting and position, attach the leash and start strolling. Try as much as possible to use the collar as traditional collars and your main concern will be to discourage the break-out habit of your animal escape artist.
If you’d be too harsh with leash correction, it might hurt your dog, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Conclusion
Martingale collars undoubtedly work fabulously to make your morning strolls enjoyable but to make these strolls equally enjoyable for your dog, here are some safety tips you should keep in mind:
- Check for chaffing or any other sign of abrasion on your dog’s neck to see whether your dog is comfortable with his collar or not!
- Never use the collar for off-leash walks otherwise if it gets stuck into bushes or something else, the collar tightens and keeps tightening until your dog dies off strangulation.
- Unless you are using a reflective collar or led collar, never put a martingale collar on your dog, during dark hours.
- Never leave the collar on your dog unsupervised or when he is in a kennel.
In case your dog is not responding to the martingale collar and is still as stubborn as before, stop using the collar immediately. Visit dog trainers and switch to other training collars, like citronella collars or no pull collars, after their consultation.
