Collars come in a variety of shapes, materials and widths – some are better for certain types of fur, others are extra durable and water-resistant. But what are the real advantages of wide collars compared to regular narrow collars?
Collar or harness? How to protect your dog's neck and back
The choice between a collar and a harness depends on your dog's needs, walking style and training.
Do you have a dog that pulls a lot?
A harness can be the best choice to avoid strain on the neck and spine. A well-fitted harness distributes pressure across the body and reduces the risk of injury – especially in breeds with long backs like dachshunds.
Do you need to train your dog to walk nicely on a leash?
A collar provides more precise contact and can make leash training easier. Many dogs “get into the harness” and pull more, making training more difficult.
Choose a wide collar for extra support
A wider collar distributes pressure across more cervical vertebrae, reducing strain on the neck and back. It is therefore a good choice if you want to use a collar while also being gentle on your dog's body.
Whether you choose a collar or harness, the most important thing is that the equipment fits your dog's size and behavior - this will ensure the best comfort and support on the walk.
How thick is a wide collar?
To distribute pressure effectively, a collar should be at least 2 cm wide. For larger dogs, even more width may be necessary.
At Hunni, we have collars from Buddy's Dogwear that are around 4 cm wide. This makes them popular among dachshunds and greyhounds, which have thin necks and – in the case of dachshunds – a delicate back and neck.
Several of us at Hunni use Buddy's Dogwear ourselves – not only because they are stylish, but because we feel safe knowing that the dog's neck is not unnecessarily strained if it suddenly pulls.
Are there any dog breeds for which wide collars are not suitable?
Short answer: No.
Wide collars can be used for all dog breeds – but there are situations where they may not be the most practical:
Do you always wear a harness?
A narrow and light collar is great for dog tags. However, there are also light, wide collars – so you can get both benefits.
Does your dog have easily tangled curls?
The larger surface area of wide collars can cause knots in fine fur, especially in poodles and cotton-bred dogs.
Does your dog have a short, wide neck?
For example, for pugs and French bulldogs, a 4 cm+ wide collar can be too much. Instead, choose 2–3 cm, which still provides good support.
Below you will find a selection of wide collars (2 cm or more) that ensure good pressure distribution without being too heavy:
