[griffinflames]

I've been thinking about getting my dog a new custom martingale collar off of Etsy and apparently I have options when it comes to collar widths! I've never given it much thought until now as my dog has always had the standard 1" wide collars from pet supply stores. Are there any functional differences between the different widths that would make one better than the other? Or is it just pure aesthetics? Thanks!

 

[busannie]

Wider collars distribute force (dog pulling on leash, human pulling on leash) over a greater surface area, so are a better choice for tie out, or if you regularly let your dog pull on the leash (though if you do the latter, a harness would probably be better). Lots of sighthound owners use wide martingales so the dogs can't slip out, but have a broader surface area to diffuse force if they lunge or pull at the leash after prey. They (at least the 2+ ply, which most are) are also harder to twist, which can be both a benefit and curse- better if you have dogs that may roughhouse and inadvertently grab each others collars, or if you leave your dog alone and are concerned they could get caught on something (though a breakaway collar would be a better choice), worse if you have dogs that get into a serious brawl and are trying to separate them by lifting up by or twisting collars.

They also provide a larger surface area to decorate if you're into fancy collars

 

[agility collie mom]

I bought a two inch one from this company and was very pleased. I am trying to decide which one to buy for my other dog.
https://www.etsy.com/people/TheHoundHaberdashery

 

[griffinflames]

Thanks for the explanation--it makes a lot of sense! And thanks for the Etsy rec, agility collie mom!

 

[Kyllobernese]

Our Pet Store had a 75% off sale so I bought Kris a very wide martingale collar for Agility. It does not have the chain on it which I like and is easy to slide on and off her while still being tight enough. She is a Doberman so her regular leather collar has to be quite tight or she can back out of it if she wanted to.

 

[annageckos]

I've always used the normal one inch wide collars, but after getting two costume made collars that are two inches I think I'll stick with those. I like that they distribute pressure, though it's not a big problem with my guys. A draw for me is safety. After Shorty got attacked I needed to get him a new collar, his old one inch leather collar took a lot of the damage from the other dog. A wider leather collar will help to protect the neck. It's not something I'd ever have thought of, and I know the chances of it happening again is slim, but it makes me feel better.

 

[griffinflames]

Good info! Thanks guys!

A wider leather collar will help to protect the neck. It's not something I'd ever have thought of, and I know the chances of it happening again is slim, but it makes me feel better.

Yikes. I hope I won't have to depend on that for protection either! I'd rather not bring back the spiked dog collar look for functional reasons--at least not for pet dogs.