FAQ - What collar style should I choose?

We offer many different styles, so if you're feeling overwhelmed, feel free to send an email and we'd be happy to help you decide.

Buckle Collars

Flat Buckle / Adjustable Side Release Collar | Solid or Reflective | 4 widths! - Fox Valley Pet Wear

Side Release collars, Buckle collars, or Flat Buckle collars are different names for the same collar style. They are typical quick-clip flat collars that are common in almost any commercial pet supply department. They are very adjustable and are ideal for identification and tie-out purposes. They have the most room for adjustment of all the styles we sell. Available with black plastic or all-metal buckles. Plastic buckles are not recommended for tie-out use. Tie-outs are the number one cause of collar failure - use at your own risk.

Martingale Collars

Martingale Dog Collar | Solid or Reflective | 4 widths! - Fox Valley Pet Wear

Martingale collars are great for dogs who "back out" of their collars, or dogs who have large necks compared to their heads. They are safe for use on walks and around the house, but are not recommended for tie-outs. A standard martingale has no buckle, and so must be adjusted large enough to fit over the dog's head, and then usually readjusted once it is on the dog.

A quick release martingale includes a buckle to make on/off easier without readjustment.

Quick Release Martingale Dog Collar | Solid or Reflective | 4 widths! - Fox Valley Pet Wear

Another variation of a martingale is a half-check or chain martingale, in which the martingale loop (the part that tightens) is replaced with a length of chain. We recommend this style only for handlers who are experienced with them. There is some risk of failure of the chain because, as they say, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. All-webbing martingales typically are stronger and outlast chain martingales.

Chain (Half-Check) Martingale Dog Collar | Solid or Reflective | 4 widths! - Fox Valley Pet Wear

Breakaway Collars

BREAKAWAY Dog Collar | Solid or Reflective | 20 colors | 4 widths - Fox Valley Pet Wear

Breakaway collars are our most popular style.

There are an estimated 26,000 collar-strangulation accidents per year.

Fences, crates, deck boards, air vents, and playmates all pose a hazard to catch collars and potentially cause a strangulation. Our leash-safe breakaway collars are designed to greatly reduce the risk of your dog becoming fatally tangled or caught by his/her collar.

Double D rings allow you to safely use this collar with a leash without worry of the collar coming apart. A regular 'quick-clip' buckle in plastic or metal allows for quick on and off for normal use without causing wear on the breakaway mechanism. Collars are adjustable for fine-tuning the fit.

Most breakaway collars are not appropriate for hand-restraint, however, so if you frequently need to lead or hold back your dog by his/her collar, you may want to keep a non-breakaway collar on during those times.

Similarly, consider who may be interacting with your dog - anyone who may not understand how to attach a leash (kids, dog-walkers, etc) could potentially make the mistake of only clipping one D-ring, which could put your dog at risk of running away. We've had customers request a collar without D-rings to avoid any risk of this scenario.