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Golden Retrievers are friendly and highly energetic dogs, which means they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation each day.
Due to their active lifestyle, you need to get your fluffy Golden pal a right-sized collar and a sizable leash for restraining them during outdoor activities.
You can also strap a fancy appearance collar on your Golden Retriever as a ribbon to crown their beauty and clip an ID tag for easy identification.
We know that choosing the best collar for your furry friend can be a pain in the neck since there are so many products on the market today.
That’s why our team has researched and reviewed the 10 best collars for Golden Retrievers in 2023. Read on to find out the products that work for you and discover our buying guide to get you started.
Our Top Picks for the Best Collars for Golden Retrievers
- Strong quality materials with double webbing
- Durable
- It has many colors options
- Two D-ring metals offer convenience
- Long-lasting and strong
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable and safe
- Strong stitching
- Comfortable padding on the interior
- Many sizes to choose from
- Durable and safe for puppies
- Handcrafted with a unique design
- Very easy to clean and maintain.
- Highly adjustable
10 Best Collars for Golden Retrievers Reviews
1. Made to ROAM Premium Dog Collar – Best Overall
Type: Flat Collar
Material: Nylon
Closure: Buckle
This dog collar by ROAM is made with 14 colors to choose from and it comes with 5 size picks to guarantee a proper fitting.
With a price tag of 26$, we were impressed at how this product packs so many features with a durable finish.
It contains multiple-line stitching of double-layered nylon webbings to add to the sturdiness of the collar.
With this ROAM dog collar, you can tag your Golden Retriever to intense outdoor activities without putting them into danger or pain.
The buckle is made with high-quality metal and it has quick-release options with smooth locking mechanisms to keep your pooch safe.
The collar is furnished with a large D-ring for attaching a leash and a smaller D-ring for attaching your dog’s ID tag for outdoor walking.
Pros
- Strong quality materials with double webbing
- Durable
- It has many colors options
- Two D-ring metals offer convenience
Cons
- Can easily collect dirt.
2. Black Rhino Comfort Dog Collar
Type: Weatherproof
Material: Neoprene, Nylon
Closure: Buckle
Black Rhino made this collar in 10 color combinations for your selection and 4 sizes to guarantee a snug fit.
The inner Neoprene padding provides a safe and comfortable wear all-day long for your Golden Retriever.
The padding is waterproof and does not pick up foul odor from moist environments. This makes it a good option to consider if you want to take your Golden Retriever for swimming.
It is crowned with nylon webbing to keep the collar lightweight, yet with a durable and strong finish for intense outdoor activities.
The outer nylon material is stitched with reflective strings to improve the visibility of your lovely pooch in low-light conditions.
Pros
- Weatherproof
- Lightweight and durable
- It has a comfortable padding
- It can be used in low-light conditions
Cons
- It doesn’t feature a quick-release buckle
3. DAIHAQIKO Dog Collar – Best leather Collar
Type: Flat Collar
Material: Leather, Metal
Closure: Buckle
If you’re looking for a dog collar that would last a lifetime, then you need to check this leather unit finished in 6 different colors.
The natural leather used in making this collar is sourced from cowhide hence it’s soft and cannot harm your dog’s skin.
The durability of this unit is reinforced by the high-quality metal buckles which resemble a human’s belt and it’s also long-lasting.
Two D-rings are used in this collar, one for attaching the leash for walking and the other one for clipping your dog’s ID tag.
The outer surface is soft and easy to clean. Just a few wipes with your leather wax polish should get rid of dirt and keep the surface looking sharp.
Pros
- Long-lasting and strong
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable and safe on the dog’s skin
Cons
- The buckles may become undone with ease
4. Lionet Paws Dog Collar with Bowtie
Type: Appearance collar
Material: Cotton
Closure: Buckle
If you’re looking for a fashionable collar for your fluffy Golden friend, then you might want to consider this unit by Lionet Paws.
The collar is made with a cotton fabric material hence offering comfort all day long. It is also furnished with a quick-release button and a D-ring for attaching a leash during walks.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this collar has to be the bowtie which gives the dog that charming look.
What’s even more interesting is that you can detach the bowtie from the collar and clip it on a different collar.
The main collar is machine-washable but the bowtie is not. You can use mild soapy water to clean the bowtie.
Pros
- The collar is soft and comfortable.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- The detachable design makes the collar versatile.
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy chewers.
- Might not be very durable.
5. Country Brook Petz Dog Collar
Type: Martingale
Material: Nylon, Plastic, Steel
Closure: Slip On
Country Brook, the makers of this collar, have included 22 vibrant colors and 7 size options for a proper fitting.
But what’s more interesting is that this martingale-style collar is made using strong nylon webbing with double stitching to increase durability.
The metal hardware used to furnish this unit is shiny and durable, giving your dog a lustrous look with enough safety. The mild classic style of this collar looks cute on Golden Retrievers in outdoor settings.
Pros
- It has many color options.
- Highly adjustable for a good fit.
- Made with durable nylon webbing.
Cons
- Might not be suitable for puppies
6. Lucky Love Dog Martingale Collar
Type: Martingale
Material: Nylon
Closure: Slip On
If you are in search of a fashionable martingale collar for your Golden Retriever, you may be impressed by this unit by Lucky Love.
This collar has a slip-on closure type and is made with nylon material to make it durable for everyday usage. It tightens up when your dog begins to pull and loses when they slow down.
This helps when training your dog on proper walking habits and preventing escaping when in busy environments.
Some customers have reported that this collar might run big with a few uses, so be sure to pick the right sizing to ensure a proper fit.
Pros
- Flashy and fashionable design
- It is highly adjustable
- It quickly loosens up when needed.
- An option of 19 color combinations.
Cons
- It might run big when used a few times.
7. Creation Core 3M Reflective Dog Collar – Best Reflective Collar
Type: Flat
Material: Nylon
Closure: Buckle
This is easily one of the best reflective collars for Goldens with value for money. It is furnished with soft mesh padding on the inside to give your dog a relaxing feel while togged up in this collar.
If you’re planning to walk your dog in low-light conditions, then the webbing with reflective material will ensure good visibility and safety for your pup on the road.
The other selling point for this collar has to be the durable nylon material which ensures your Goldie wears this product without worrying about the quality.
We were impressed with the highly customizable feature and the quick-release buckle that makes it easier to use this collar.
The O ring on this collar is made with zinc-alloy material making it strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
Pros
- The reflective stitching can hardly come off
- It has comfortable padding on the interior
- Many size options to choose from.
Cons
- The soft padding might soak up moisture in wet conditions.
- Might not be very reflective in the deep dark.
8. Blueberry Pet 7 Patterns Spring Scent Dog Collar
Type: Flat
Material: Polyester
Closure: Buckle
Newsweek Magazine and Statista have awarded Blueberry as the best Pet care brand for 2021 & 2022, this speaks about the reputation and quality of this brand.
You get up to 12 floral color combinations for this collar to appeal to your dog’s taste and to strap for the occasion.
The collar has been made with high-density polyester webbing to ensure quality for everyday wear. It also has eco-friendly plastic buckles for easier adjustment of the length.
The D rings are made with chromed steel for strength to attach the leash and for visual appeal when worn as a fashion accessory.
Nothing comes easy than caring for this collar. You just need to wipe with a wet cloth to remove all dirt and debris from an outdoor activity.
Pros
- It has a fashionable design for an everyday collar.
- It is made with solid polymer webbings.
- The eco-friendly buckles offer easy adjustment.
Cons
- The fabric might be thin for adult Golden Retrievers.
9. Joytale Reflective Dog Collar
Type: Reflective
Material: Nylon, Neoprene
Closure: Buckle
Available in 12 reflective options, this collar is ideal for strapping on your Golden during those late evening walks.
The highly reflective threads will keep your fluffy Golden visible in low light paths hence increasing their safety.
You can also use this reflective collar during those night runs across your yard to keep the dog visible in every corner.
But the fun doesn’t end there, here we have a nylon-made collar with a padded neoprene rubber material on the interior for added comfort.
This speaks of the durability of this product and the comfort it provides for everyday wear. For your convenience, the collar is furnished with a quick-release buckle which is also easy to adjust.
The buckle is also slightly curved for your dog’s comfort when wearing this collar. The downside is that this collar has only one D-ring for attaching the leash or an ID tag.
Pros
- Highly reflective at night.
- Comes with many color options.
- The nylon webbing is highly durable.
Cons
- The reflective stitching might wear off with time.
10. Woballe Classic Dog Collar – Best for puppies
Type: Flat
Material: Polyester
Closure: Buckle
If you have a Golden Retriever puppy, then this particular collar might be what you need to get them started.
It is designed with 6 color combinations but we fell in love with this Navy-blue unit with several Golden Retriever prints on the surface.
In terms of material, we are looking at a super strong nylon webbing core that increases the durability and strength of this collar.
The fabric is hand-crafted with strong stitching that makes the collar unique and stylish for a young Golden pup.
You’ll also get easy size adjustments with this collar via the side straps and buckles, but be sure to pick the right size for your puppy.
Goldie puppies can be mischievous and easily run into muddy places and the manufacturer had this in mind.
You can simply toss the dirty collar in a machine washer to remove dirt and other debris for care and maintain this product.
Pros
- Durable and safe for puppies.
- Handcrafted with a unique design.
- Very easy to clean and maintain.
- It is highly adjustable.
Cons
- Some users had issues with releasing the buckle.
Types of Dog Collars for Golden Retrievers
There are several types of dog collars that you can choose from. They include:
1. Flat Collars
These collars are typically made with lightweight materials such as nylon or rubber. They are the most common type of collar used by pet parents during leash-walking and for dog tagging.
Flat collars gained their name because they ‘lay flat’ against the dog’s neck. They are usually furnished with a D-ring point for attaching a leash or ID tag.
These standard collars are ideal for well-trained Golden Retrievers who can walk without pulling on the leash. A heavy puller will strain their neck when they pull with a flat collar.
2. Martingale collars
Martingale dog collars, also called limited-slip, or no-slip collars, are designed to give you more control over the dog than other types of collars.
They are best used on dogs with narrow heads such as Greyhounds or Whippets since these breeds can easily slip from a regular flat collar.
They are expertly designed to sit snuggly against the dog’s neck but with an additional loop that tightens when the dog pulls away from you. When the dog stops pulling, the collar loosens once again.
Martingale collars can work excellently for adult Goldies, but we don’t recommend using them to restrain Golden puppies since they tend to pull.
3. Head Collars
Head collars, also known as halter collars, or head halters, are designed to work as collars for the dog’s head.
They offer more control to the handler and can be especially helpful when training the dog to walk on a leash without pulling, and to heel.
Head collars will give you superior control to stop your dog from engaging in unwanted behaviors during runs and redirect them to positive behavior.
These training aids are not intended to be left on the dog unattended since they can cause discomfort and prevent barking.
Head halters are also not suitable for dogs with long heads but they can be an excellent choice for training your Golden Retriever.
4. Harnesses
Dog harnesses are alternatives for collars and they are designed to be placed around the dog’s neck, chest, and back.
Harnesses have D-rings at the front or the back which you can attach a leash when walking your dog.
Dog harnesses are ideal for walking a dog that pulls because they distribute pressure evenly across the back and not the neck.
These training aids are also good for Golden Retrievers with respiratory conditions since they are comfortable on the chest and put no pressure on the neck.
Dog harnesses come in various types including front clipping, back flipping, dual-clip harness, step-in harness, and no-pull harness.
Materials Used in Dog Collars
1. Leather Collars
Genuine leather, sourced from natural sources, is one of the most prevalent materials used in making dog collars.
Leather is known to be versatile, stylish, and durable hence making it a good choice for people looking for a long-term investment.
Most people believe that leather cannot soak up moisture, which is not true. This material can indeed get wet and you should always remove it from your dog’s neck when bathing them.
Dog collars made with leather materials always tend to be more expensive than the others but they are good for everyday use, and will surely serve your dog for a long time.
Natural leather also requires much more maintenance than other materials. We recommend using leather wax to treat these collars to keep them in shape and prevent them from stiffening.
The other downside of some leather materials is that they can have a particular odor based on their source materials.
2. Nylon collars
Nylon webbing collars are the most common types that you can find in the market today. They are lightweight and come in a variety of colors and buckle designs.
While nylon collars might be strong and durable, make sure to check the buckle and ascertain if they can hold up with time.
Nylon collars are excellent for Golden Retrievers and they can be used in outdoor adventures by attaching a leash and ID tag.
They are also good for hiking and swimming since they can hold up against moisture. A heavy chewer can easily tear down a nylon-made collar, so make sure to keep them away from your dog’s mouth.
3. Chain Collars
Also known as choke chains, these dog collars are made with oval metal rings and are intended for dog training.
Most canine behaviorists in the past used dog collars made with chains for training and controlling canines during tough situations.
These collars are strong and can put a lot of pressure on your Golden Retriever’s neck if used inappropriately. They could choke your dog when pulling or even put them at risk of strangulation.
Most veterinarians would nowadays recommend against using chain collars on your dog because of the health risks associated with them.
Collar Features
1. Reflective collars
These are collars that are made with reflective materials/tapes/stitching that can reflect light hence increasing the visibility of your dog in low-light conditions.
Reflective collars are ideal if you’re walking your Golden Retriever early in the morning or during the late evening rush.
Reflective collars can prevent accidents by making your dog visible to drivers, passengers, and other road users.
When choosing a reflective collar, you should pay close attention to the fabric reflective tape to make sure it’s well stitched.
Low-quality reflective strips can come off from the collar after a few uses hence making the collar unusable at night.
2. Waterproof collars
These are dog collars that are made using waterproof materials such as acrylic canvas, polychloroprene, and coated nylon.
Waterproof collars are an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers since they love swimming and general outdoor adventures.
Good quality water-resistant collars are also durable and easy to clean, making them a good choice for everyday use. But some of them are not so durable hence they might be prone to constant wear and tear.
3. Personalized collars
Personalized collars are those that are furnished with your dog’s information such as name, breed, address, or other relevant information.
These fancy collars can be made with a variety of materials but most manufacturers would commonly use a strap work of nylon and stitching to embed the information.
Personalized collars are more of fashion accessories for your dog and they are commonly used for identification purposes and rarely for attaching a leash.
These collars may however be more expensive than the regular ones since they come with the extra cost of stitching your dog’s info.
4. Smart collars
Smart collars are more progressive than the traditional buckle collars for dogs. They are equipped with technological advances such as GPS tracking abilities which provide the real-time location of your furry friend.
Some smart collars are also equipped with the ability to track your dog’s activity levels and fitness status to provide valuable information during an outdoor adventure.
You can also get smart collars with temperature sensors to monitor your pup’s body heat during training.
This information can also be valuable when training your dog to track their progress and know when to stop.
Most of these high-tech collars have proprietary smartphone Apps that provide real-time data straight to your phone.
The disadvantage of smart collars is the limitation of the technology. Some of them can easily get damaged by water and they are also not long-lasting.
Smart collars are also more expensive than traditional collars and some companies would also require you to pay for quarterly subscriptions to enjoy all the features.
Choosing The Right-Sized Collar for Your Golden Retriever
When deciding the best collar for your Golden Retriever, you need to ensure that you get the perfect fit for them.
A right-sized collar will guarantee your dog’s safety and comfort which is crucial in outdoor adventures.
A loose collar can easily come off your dog’s neck while a tight one can choke them leading to pain or even strangulation.
Measuring your dog’s neck
You will need a measuring tape to take your dog’s neck measurements. You can also use a string to get the appropriate size and measure it against a meter ruler.
Step 1: Measure the base of your dog’s neck at the exact point where the collar will sit. You can insert two fingers between the tape and the dog’s neck to give you a snug fit.
Or
If you’re using a string, you can wrap it around the base of your dog’s neck and mark it. Measure the length of the marked portion using a ruler.
Step 2: Choose your preferred collar based on the measurements obtained while adding two extra inches to give room for adjustments.
Helpful tips for accurate measurements
- Always take the measurements when your dog is standing on a flat surface and relaxed.
- Do not take the measurements when they are eating since the actions of the mouth could influence the size of the neck.
- If you are using a string to measure the dog’s neck, make sure that it is straight and not twisted or bent.
Adjusting the collar
Once you have found the perfect fit for your Golden Retriever, you will need to adjust the collar appropriately for safety and comfort.
Start by placing the collar against the base of your dog’s neck and adjusting the straps so that it’s not too loose or too tight.
A good fit should be able to accommodate your two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck.
The collar should also provide no room for your dog to escape and it should not be too tight to cause discomfort.
Common mistakes to avoid
- The first common mistake that most pet parents make is to purchase the wrong size collar for their dogs. Make sure you know your dog’s neck measurements before making a purchase decision.
- You should also check the fit regularly, especially if you have a Golden puppy, to ensure that you adjust the collar appropriately to match the current neck size.
- You should also avoid the mistake of using chain collars for training your Golden Retriever. Such collars are too heavy for the dog and they might predispose them to pain, choking, or injuries on the neck.
Tips for Using Collars
Using collars as training aids for your Golden Retriever is definitely a noble thing to do, but it should come with responsibilities and caution.
These are some of the helpful tips you should consider:
1. Safety Precaution
One of the first things you need to have in mind before strapping a collar on your Golden’s neck is the safety precautions.
Make sure the collar is of the right size and use the best fitting that is not too loose or too tight for the dog. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck to ensure a perfect fit.
If you’re planning to walk your dog in low-light conditions, we recommend that you go for a collar with reflective tape to keep your pooch visible.
The buckles on the collar should also be strong and with quick release capabilities to enable you to ease up your dog when needed.
If you have a heavy chewer, you should always choose collars that are made with durable materials to guarantee long service and to keep the dog safe.
Stay away from prong collars since they inflict pain on your dog when they pull. Such collars will only make your dog create a negative association with leashed walking.
2. Cleaning and maintenance
Don’t forget to clean your dog’s collar regularly to remove dirt and fleas from the material. Use warm soapy water to clean nylon collars and leather wax for leather collars.
Smart collars may require different methods of cleaning as recommended by the manufacturer. You should always keep smart collars away from water to prevent moisture damage.
You should also remove the collar from your dog’s neck whenever you’re not using them. Collars might be uncomfortable for your dog when they are stacked on the neck for far too long.
3. When to replace a collar
Make sure to regularly check your dog’s collar for signs of wear and tear or fitting limitations. A wrong collar can be a source of danger to your dog.
Frayed and worn-out collars should be replaced because they have certainly lost their strength and comfort.
Collars with broken buckles or clasps, or those that no longer fit your Golden Retriever will also need to be replaced.
Conclusion
From our research and review, we are convinced that the Made to ROAM Premium Dog Collar is the best overall option for Golden Retrievers in terms of features and value for money.
This collar is good for everyday use and provides both safety and comfort for your fluffy Golden pal.
The two D-rings can be used for leash attachment and attaching your dog’s ID for easy identification.
Our list of the 10 best collars for Golden Retrievers is made up of products that have passed the test for safety considerations and durability.
It’s okay for you to own more than one collar. In fact, it’s ideal to have one for walking your pup during the day, another one for the night, and a waterproof product for intense outdoor adventures.
If your Golden Retriever is a heavy puller, you may prefer using a harness for guiding them through walks and an additional collar for attaching their ID tag.
Your main target should be to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and secure during outdoor adventures and we hope that this review guided you accordingly.
Justus is the lead author at Furs'n'Paws. He is not only a passionate animal lover but also an experienced pet writer and editor with several years of expertise in the field. With a keen understanding of animal behavior and a talent for interpreting the puzzling body movements of pets, he has developed a deep passion for sharing his insights and experience with his readers. Justus is experienced in researching and reviewing pet products, and putting together product reviews and buying guides. He is dedicated to helping pet owners provide the best for their furry companions. His wealth of knowledge and love for animals make him a trusted resource in the pet community.
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