It is the question we hear more than any other: should my dog wear a collar or a harness? The honest answer is that it depends on your dog. Not on fashion, not on what the neighbours use, but on how your dog is built and how your dog walks.
The short answer
- A collar is the natural choice for dogs that walk nicely on the lead. It is light, elegant and easy to put on.
- A harness is the better choice for dogs that pull, or for dogs who should not have any pressure on the neck. It spreads the force across the chest and shoulders.
Many owners use both: a collar for everyday walks and the dog tag, and a harness for long hikes or busy city streets.
By walking style
|
How your dog walks |
Our advice |
Why |
|---|---|---|
|
Calm, loose lead |
Collar |
Comfortable, light and stylish |
|
Pulls or lunges |
Harness |
No pressure on the throat |
|
Still learning, young puppy |
Harness |
Gentle while they find their rhythm |
|
Long hikes or running |
Harness |
Spreads the load over a longer walk |
|
Short city walks, café terraces |
Collar |
Easy on and off, always neat |
By breed and build
- Doodles and poodles: a collar. Curly coats tangle easily, and a collar touches the coat in fewer places, so there is less friction and fewer knots.
- French bulldogs, pugs and other flat-faced breeds: usually a harness. Their airways are sensitive, so many vets prefer to keep pressure off the neck.
- Toy breeds such as Chihuahuas and Yorkies: often a harness. Their delicate necks are better protected when the force goes to the chest.
- Greyhounds and whippets: their heads are narrower than their necks, so a standard collar can slip off. A well-fitted harness gives more security.
- Labradors, retrievers and spaniels: both work well. If they walk calmly, a collar is perfect. If they get excited around ducks, a harness helps.
Every dog is unique, so treat this as a starting point. When in doubt, ask your vet or trainer.
Whatever you choose, fit is everything
A beautiful collar or harness only does its job when it fits well. Use the size calculator on every collar, or follow our size guide.
Discover our leather collars and leather harnesses, both made by hand in Portugal and available in matching colours.
