If you're looking for a dog collar that’ll keep your pooch safely on-leash, a martingale collar may just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
For years, martingale collars have been incredibly popular with pet parents of slim, narrow headed breeds (like Greyhounds and Whippets), who can easily slip and slide out of a traditional collar. They’ve been used by pet parents and dog trainers alike for many years, and to help make ‘walkies’ a stress-free, safe experience for all.
So, if a martingale dog collar is what you’re after, let us help! We’ve pulled together some top picks including the best martingale collar with a buckle to stylish and reflective options. We’ve even picked out our favourite budget-friendly choice (because as we know, spenny doesn’t always mean better).
Without any further ado, let’s get into it…
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What is a martingale collar?
You’ve probably heard the name once or twice before - but what is a martingale collar, exactly?
Martingale dog collars are non-slip collars, designed to keep dogs safely on their leash, without harming them. They are particularly useful for narrow headed breeds and pull-happy pooches with a tendency to wiggle and wag from out of their collars.
Martingale collars look like most other dog collars you would’ve seen, with one difference: a trademark small loop of fabric and D-ring attachment. Mostly, this is made from fabric (but a chain martingale collar is just a common - this is where the smaller loop is made from metal).
These work as the smaller part of the collar constricts whenever your pooch attempts to pull on their leash. Rest assured, though, that unlike choke collars, martingale collars are designed with a safety mechanism that prevents them from tightening too much, providing they are properly fitted and adjusted to the right size for your dog.
Now you know what a martingale collar is, let’s help you find the very best one. We’ve pulled together our top picks below, based on pet parent reviews, safety features and your canine’s comfort in mind…
Best martingale dog collars
- Best overall: Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Dog Collar
- Best leather martingale collar: BlazingPaws Vibrania Martingale Distressed Leather Dog Collar
- Best martingale collar with a buckle: Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Dog Collar
- Best budget friendly martingale collar: Blueberry Pet Essentials Martingale Dog Collar
- Best for style: Downtown Pet Supply Martingale Collar for Dogs
- Best reflective martingale collar: Fox Valley Reflective Martingale Dog Collar
Best overall: Country Brook Petz Martingale Heavy Duty Dog Collar
The Country Brook Petz Martingale dog collar is made of a comfy and durable soft nylon webbing for your dog’s comfort. With nickel plated steel hardware to boot, this durable collar is sure to stand the test of time, and shouldn’t break or fray as easily as your standard collar.
The collar comes in a range of colours and sizes, and there’s also a handy sizing assistant guide on how to measure your dog’s neck and get the perfect fit. Better yet, it’s adjustable from 15 - 21 inches to comfortably fit over your dog’s head, meaning it’s super easy to slip on - so your dog sitters should have no trouble fitting this on for their daily walkies.
Thanks to its increased comfort and durability, the Country Brook Petz collar is our top pick for ‘best overall collar’. And, with thousands of 5* reviews from pet parents, this one really speaks for itself.
Best leather martingale collar: BlazingPaws Vibrania Martingale Distressed Leather Collar
Thick, super soft premium leather and heavy duty brass buckles make the BlazingPaws Vibrania Leather Martingale Collar an excellent pick, if a leather collar is what you’re longing for.
The BlazingPaws Vibrania collar is specifically designed to fit larger dog breeds, and range from size L - XXL. The elegant slip-on design is designed to seamlessly fit over your dog’s adorable noggin’ with ease, and the collar comes in 6 trendy shades: Teal Green, Indigo Blue, Hunter Green, Cherry, and Tan.
For the ultra fashion conscious canines, you can also order a matching leather dog leash. Now, if that doesn’t get your pooch noticed down the dog park, nothing will!
Best martingale collar with buckle: Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Dog Collar
The Max and Neo Nylon Martingale Dog Collar is a great pick for extra safety and peace of mind. Made from a quality nylon webbing, it features a nylon snap buckle that has a lockable clasp to protect your dog from breaking free.
The collar also comes with reflective stitching for better visibility during nighttime walkies, and is available in a range of sizes and colours that are sure to compliment your pooch.
An added bonus? For every collar sold, Max and Neo will donate an identical collar to a dog rescue. They also donate to rescue charities every month, depending on the number of leashes and collars sold. So, you can be sure your purchase really is going that extra mile.
Best budget friendly martingale collar: Blueberry Pet Essentials Martingale Dog Collar
While the Blueberry Pet Essentials Martingale Dog Collar takes the spot for our budget friendly pick, it certainly doesn’t skimp on safety, style or substance.
Made from a comfortable nylon fabric with high density webbing, this long-lasting collar is a great pocket-friendly pick.
While this type of collar is specifically designed with sighthounds in mind, it can be adjusted for other breeds, and the tough wearing metal loops means it should stand the test of time - regardless of breed.
Properly fitted, the collar should fit loosely around your pooch’s neck, while preventing them from slipping out while off on your gallivants. Like all martingale collars, it’s designed for use during walkies only, and be sure to never leave your dog unattended with it on.
Best for style: Downtown Pet Supply Martingale Collar for Dogs
Ok, we’ve talked a LOT about logistics. Now let’s talk fashion!
If you’re looking for a collar that has all the safety features of a martingale, but one that’s dripping in style - we’ve got you.
The Downtown Pet Supply collar has a lot going for it: thick, wide strap made from a silky soft, high-density polyester. Double stitching and an easy-to-use design. Plus, it claims to be totally escape proof.
With 9 unique and chic designs to choose from (including Chevron, Floral - they even have Dino and Space themed collars) you’re almost guaranteed to find a style you and your pooch will love.
Best reflective martingale collar: Fox Valley Reflective Martingale Dog Collar
If your pooch is partial to a nighttime stroll, a reflective collar is a must - and this offering from Fox Valley sure is a great contender.
This reflective collar is made from a heavy duty nylon webbing and features a thick, 1/2" reflective strip for added visibility and safety.
It also boasts a lockable buckle, triple reinforced stitching and over 25 colours of webbing to choose from. It is fully adjustable and made to order. It also gets rave reviews from dog owners - and we can see why!
Martingale dog collar FAQs
Martingale collars are used for safely walking dogs, especially narrow headed breeds, who may slip out of a typical dog collar. To use a martingale collar, you will need to firstly size the collar correctly for your dog. You should then use them only during walks and make sure to remove them while at home and whenever your dog is left unattended.
No - martingale collars should not be worn all the time. The loose design and d-ring attachment means the martingale collar can easily get caught on household items. Experts recommend taking it off while your dog is home and left unattended.
- Firstly, measure around the widest part of your dogs head (usually just behind the ears)
- Then, measure around the middle of their neck
- If their head is larger than the middle of their neck, use this measurement
- If their neck is larger than their head, use this measurement
- Then, add an inch for smaller dogs or 2 inches for larger dogs
- This should give you the perfect sizing for your dog
Martingale collars are designed to stop your dog slipping or backing out of their collar. They are most popular with dog breeds with a narrow head, such as Greyhounds, who may otherwise slip out of a traditional flat collar.
A martingale collar should fit snugly, but should not be too tight around your dog’s neck. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar strap.
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