Top 10 Best Collars for German Shepherd Dog Breeds in 2020

All dogs need a proper collar. They serve distinct purposes. Collars serve as a place for your dog’s identification tag, license, and rabies tag. It’s only fair to your dog, specifically your German Shepherd, to give him a properly fitted collar suited to his needs. This article discusses the different types of collars that are best for German Shepherds, what details to look for in a quality collar, and our favorite collars on the market specifically for German Shepherds.

5 Types of Collars to Buy

All the following collars are suitable for a German Shepherd. They vary by different personalities of dogs and activities, such as basic training or tactical training. Read through the various purposes and you should be able to decide which is best for your GSD!

1. Standard Collar

A standard collar has a simple buckle connection with a D-ring for dog tags. They’re adjustable to fit your dog correctly. This type of collar is designed for dog who don’t pull on the leash. If they did pull, the collar might slip off their head. It also works for dogs who wear a training collar, martingale collar, or gentle leader. The standard collar holds the tags while the other collar provides control to the handler.

2. Martingale Collar

A martingale collar is a cinching collar that tightens when the dog or handler pulls on the leash. This type of collar is usually made of nylon and sometimes has a metal chain portion. The tightening of the collar prevents the dog from slipping out of the collar and teaches the dog to relax and not pull on the leash. This type of collar works for dogs who pull on the leash. It also works for handlers who don’t know how or don’t feel comfortable using a training collar.

3. Training Collar

A training collar is a metal chain that cinches tighter as the dog or handler pulls on it. This type of collar is useful in teaching dogs not to pull on the leash (similar to a martingale), but it must be used with caution and education. A handler who doesn’t know how to properly use a training collar could injure the dog’s neck bones or muscles. It must not be used on a dog who is less than 6 months old. Their neck is not yet done developing and is not strong enough to withstand corrections by a training collar.

We highly recommend seeking help from a professional dog trainer to learn how to properly use a training collar.

4. Gentle Leader Collar

A gentle leader is halter-type muzzle that wraps around the dog’s muzzle, under their ears, and behind the head. The leash attaches to the leader under the muzzle. It’s designed for a dog who pulls on the leash by turning the dog’s head backwards towards the handler as he pulls. This turns the dog’s attention toward the handler instead of whatever he’s pulling towards.

5. Vibrating E-Collar

A vibrating e-collar contains a mechanical box that vibrates when triggered by remote control. The vibrating sensation gets the dog’s attention so the handler is then able to correct the dog or give him a command.

Be careful when shopping for a vibrating collar. Some also have electrical shock capabilities. Electrical shock is abusive to dogs. Shock collars should not be purchased.

2 Types of Collars to AVOID

1. Shock Collars

Again, shock collars are inhumane. The idea behind a shock collar is to deliver a small amount of electricity to get the dog’s attention. However, handlers can overuse and abuse the powers of a shock collar.

Dogs will develop fear and aggression towards their handlers due to feelings of physical pain while training. After prolonged use, shock collars can leave welts on a dog’s skin.

2. Prong Choke Collars

Prong collars are made of metal and have sharp prongs facing in towards the dog’s neck. When the collar tightens, the prongs stab into the dog’s neck to get his attention. Again, the pain is intended to teach the dog a lesson.

However, with prolonged use the metal can leave behind injuries. The prongs may pierce the skin and cause major infections.

Top 10 Best Collars for German Shepherd

Let’s go over a few of our favorite collars on the market that are perfect for German Shepherds.

1. Blueberry Pet Dog Collar for Puppies

Blueberry Pet created an adorable line of collars for the sweet little female puppy in your life. The colorful florals will pop against the dark fur of your German Shepherd. The collars are made of high-density polyester, which is both soft against your pup’s skin yet durable against wear and tear. The buckles are made of eco-friendly plastic and the D-ring is nickel-free.

The other cool thing about this line of collars is the other matching equipment. To go with your floral collar, Blueberry Pet has a matching leash, seatbelt buckle, harness, and even a matching lanyard for yourself.

This type of collar is for a young puppy GSD who is working on basic training skills and manners. A puppy isn’t strong enough to pull hard on the leash so he doesn’t need a cinching collar. This standard collar is enough to walk him on a leash and teach him commands. Once the collar is extended to its largest size and it is still too small for your pup, that is when it’s time to graduate to a larger collar.

2. Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion 3M Reflective Dog Collar

Chai’s Choice makes a Comfort Cushion 3M Reflective Collar that features the standard buckle and D-ring. But it also features thick padding which is perfect for a young GSD neck that needs gentle care. The padding is made of mesh, so it’s soft and breathable. And we love the nylon webbing with 3M reflective material as one of the extra safety features. The D-ring is stainless steel and has a large loading capacity and tensile strength, so your pup can wear this collar and move up to a bigger size when he’s older. Lastly, the buckle is made of lightweight Duraflex and is easy to snap on and off.

This is another one of our favorite collars for young pup GSDs. It’s a simple standard collar for everyday training and walking, but it has extra safety features that will keep your pup comfortable.

3. PetSafe Martingale Dog Collar

PetSafe makes a full line of doggy equipment with high-quality materials. The martingale collar is one of my personal favorites. I’ve always used a training collar (which we’ll talk about a little later) but my fiancé isn’t comfortable with the metal chain. So, we compromised with a PetSafe martingale and it’s the perfect collar for our spontaneous Pittie. She likes to dart off in different directions on her walks and the cinching collar prevents her from slipping away.

For an affordable rice, the PetSafe Martingale Dog Collar is made of high-quality durable nylon and features a quick snap buckle. The loop prevents dogs from backing out of the collar and escaping.

As a cinching collar, the PetSafe Martingale is designed for a dog who pulls on the leash or likes to go in his own direction when walking. The cinching prevents him from slipping out and teaches him to relax on the leash.

4. Coastal Pet Chrome-Plated Training Collar

The Coastal Pet Chrome-Plated Training Collar is 24 inches in length with 3mm links. It is argon welded and chrome plated for maximum strength and durability. This means it will not tarnish, rust, or break.

This training collar should be used when the dog is attended on a leash. The handler should not pull or yank on the leash as this could injure the dog’s neck and cause fear or aggression. Dogs should be at least 6 months of age before he wears a training collar.

Sizing for this collar should measure the circumference of your dog’s neck plus 4 inches.

This type of collar is useful for training your German Shepherd basic commands and manners or going for walks. The cinching teaches your dog to relax on the leash and stop pulling. It also prevents him from backing out of a collar.

5. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar

The PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar wraps around the dog’s muzzle, under the chin, and behind the ears. The nylon straps are adjustable and feature a neoprene padded nose loop to give comfort and prevent blistering of the skin. And the collar includes fitting instruction, a training guide, and a comprehensive DVD so you can thoroughly learn how to use the gentle leader.

The head collar stops excessive pulling and prevents unwanted behaviors such as lunging, jumping, and barking. It provides you with gentle control without causing choking or pain.

Like we said earlier, the gentle leader turns the dog’s head back towards the handler which draws his attention to the handler’s instruction instead of the distraction. Therefore, this collar is useful for a German Shepherd who pulls hard on the leash. Or if your dog doesn’t pull on the leash but you want to teach him to heel, this collar will work for that as well.

6. KONG Reflective Neoprene Padded Dog Collar

This KONG Premium Neoprene Reflective Padded Collar offers cooling comfort for the adult dog. Personally, I use this collar on my 11-year-old German Shepherd and she loves it. For years she wore nylon collar and eventually it wore out and became uncomfortable. On her 10^th birthday, I let her choose between the blue, red, and maroon collar. She liked the maroon best. As an older dog, she’s sensitive to rough materials but she seems to love the cooling neoprene padding.

The reflective detailing would be perfect for handlers who like to walk their German Shepherd’s early in the morning or later in the evenings when light is low. The collars are built extra wide so as not to dig into your dog’s neck. And the collars are fully adjustable so that you can fit 2 fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.

This collar would be an ideal option for someone who uses a training collar. The dog can comfortably wear both collars while the standard collar holds the dog tags and the training collar acts as the leash connection.

7. PET ARTIST Genuine Leather Dog Collar with Handle

The PET ARTIST Genuine Leather Dog Collar is made of soft touching genuine leather and zinc alloy buckles that are anti-rust and heavy-duty, suited for daily use. The handle is designed for quick reactions and confident control during walks. Each side has 2 rivets. The D-ring acts as a leash connection point.

This type of collar is engineered for the larger German Shepherd with extra muscle strength. The 1.1” or 1.5” width (depending on which size you need) is thick enough to prevent your dog from breaking free of the collar. The handle lets you obtain control of your GSD if he were to chase a squirrel, bird, or other dogs.

So, if your GSD is close to 100 pounds or more, this might be the best collar for you. It won’t dig into his neck like a narrow collar would do.

8. Yunlep Military Nylon Tactical Dog Collar

The Yunlep Tactical Dog Collar is adjustable and made of lightweight military nylon with a heavy-duty metal buckle and control handle. The 1.5” width will not dig into your dog’s neck like a narrow collar would do.

On the back of the collar is a “magic sticker” where you can place a tag with your dog’s name, a badge, or other Velcro accessories. A small pouch, perhaps.

This collar would be useful for an adult German Shepherd who has already learned his basic commands and manners. The handler may want to expand his knowledge and teach him tactical skills in searching, rescue, patrolling, hiking, working, or hunting.

9. Soft Touch Collars Luxury Padded Dog Collar 

The Soft Touch Luxury Padded Dog Collar would give your already gorgeous creature a touch of classic elegance. The collar is 1.5” in width, so as not to dig into your dog’s neck but also to predominantly show its craftsmanship. The brass buckle and D-ring are lacquered to prevent rust or corrosion but to stay brilliant for years of wear.

Soft Touch didn’t forget about dog tags, either. They place a small D-ring near the buckle just for tags.

The edges of the collar are sealed to prevent excessive wear and tear. The leather itself is full-grain, naturally tanned genuine leather. The company does not use chemicals or dyes on their products.

This collar would be great for a beautiful German Shepherd who deserves a touch of classic elegance. Is your pup a proper gentleman? Of course! But he’ll look even more gentlemanly in quality leather!

10. Angel Pet Supplies Genuine Leather Tooled Dog Collar

Angel Pet Supplies creates these incredible hand-made genuine leather tooled dog collars with intricate designs. Aren’t they beautiful? The available designs are called Tucson, Iaredo, San Antonio, Mesa, Sierra, Dallas, and Santa Fe. While they may cost more than a traditional nylon dog collar, I would say they are worth it.

The collars are padded for your dog’s comfort and for extra strength. The leather is top-grain Argentinian cowhide. They’re hand carved and tooled and then buck stitched. The rivets, buckles, and D-rings are either stainless steel or brass.

This type of collar would be another beautiful option for a stunning German Shepherd who deserves an equally stunning collar. Your dog could wear this collar alone or with a training collar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should a dog wear a collar?

First of all, it’s a place to hand his identification tag, license, and rabies tag. Secondly, it’s a place to connect his leash. A leash is a pertinent piece of equipment to own with a dog, and so is a collar.

2. What type of collar should I use for a German Shepherd who pulls on the leash?

A martingale collar, training collar, or gentle leader will do a good job of teaching your dog to relax on the leash.

3. Can I use more than 1 collar?

Yes! Personally, I love using a standard collar for the dog tags and a training collar for control of pulling.

4. Should I keep a collar on my dog at all times?

You may want to take his collar off at night, but otherwise he should wear one at all times. Taking his collar of at night is okay as long as he’s not at risk of escaping the house. Dogs may attempt to take their collars off when unsupervised or may get their collar caught on something. So night time is perfect to take his collar off because everyone will be asleep. They could hurt themselves if they attempted this so taking the collar off at night might be necessary. Just be sure to put it back on first thing in the morning.

5. I have a doggy seat belt in my car. Can I connect the seat belt to my dog’s collar?

We don’t recommend that. In the case of an accident, the dog could choke or break his neck if he were to be ejected from the vehicle. We recommend using a harness with a doggy seat belt.

6. How tight should a dog’s collar be?

You should be able to fit 2 fingers under the collar when it’s on your dog. Any tighter and your dog could be uncomfortable, feel restricted, or have trouble breathing. Too loose and the collar could slip off the dog’s head.

Conclusion

A high-quality collar and leash combination can make or break your experiences with your German Shepherd. Walking or training with a proper collar can make your time more enjoyable and easier.

We hope you found the information you were looking for. Feel free to share this article with your dog-loving friends. Leave us a comment or a question and we’d be happy to help you!