FAQ - Are "Quick Release" buckles the same as "Breakaway" buckles?

This one is so common and so many pet-parents are horrified to learn that "quick release" is NOT the same as "breakaway." Quick release buckles, also called side-release buckles, have two 'buttons' on their sides that a person must squeeze or pinch to open. They are 'quick' compared to the older style belt-type closure that has a tongue-buckle and holes punched in the other end. Quick release buckles can be opened under pressure - tongue-buckles must be tightened slightly to open them fully - this is problematic if the collar is already pulled too tightly.

Breakaway buckles or breakaway clasps will pop open with a certain amount of force and do not require a human to do so. Breakaway clasps are ideal for unsupervised activities. Use with a leash requires the leash clip to be clipped to both D-rings to bypass the breakaway feature. Failure to secure both D-rings on a leash or tie out will result in the collar falling off and the dog getting loose.