| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar |
| Best for Medium-Sized Dogs | Necoichi Daruma Charm Cotton Breakaway Bow Tie Dog Collar |
| Best for Small Dogs | BoomBone Pack of 3 Breakaway Flower Collars with Bell |
Dogs are our best friends, and we want what’s best for them. We take them on walks, play with them in the yard, and give them the occasional bath. But one thing we may not think about enough is their safety. One thing to consider is how you can make your dog safer when you aren’t able to keep your eyes on them. This is important for when you can’t watch your dog, such as when you go to work or when they play independently in the yard.
Just playing in the yard, a dog can strangle if their collar gets caught in something. The best way to prevent that is a breakaway dog collar. There are some negatives to using a breakaway dog collar, but there are also several reasons pet owners might want to use one.
First of all, breakaway collars can help protect active dogs in rugged terrain from getting trapped in underbrush or fencing. These collars have an auto-release mechanism that is activated if it gets caught, which helps reduce the risk of your dog choking. It can also help deter predators, like another dog, by making it difficult to get a good grip on the dog’s neck.
However, these collars will not give you the control to stop your dog from running away from you and into traffic or into the woods if it’s chasing a squirrel.
It’s important to note that many products listed as breakaway collars aren’t. They’re just collars with plastic, easy release clasps. We searched high and low and found three true breakaway collars and reviewed them below so you can choose the one that’s right for your furry best friend.
Check Chewy- Ideal for large-breed dogs
- Constructed of durable nylon material
- Waterproof design
- Auto-release safety buckle keeps dogs safe
Check Chewy- Stylish bow-tie design is adorable
- Made with durable, high-grade rayon fabricc
- Breakaway buckle keeps your pup safe
- Adjust strap provides the perfect fit
Check Amazon- Set of three
- Breakaway clasp to keep your small dog (or cat) safe
- Feature attractive flowers and bells so you can keep track of your pup
- Made of durable, high-density polyester webbing and fine stitching
- Matching leashes are available from the vendor: sold separately
Top Picks: The Best Breakaway Collars Available Today
#1 Best Overall: PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar
If you’re looking for a durable breakaway collar for your dog, look no further than the PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar. While it’s ideal for large dogs, this durable, waterproof nylon collar comes in six sizes from Petite to X-Large, so your dog can wear one no matter what their size.
It’s available in five colors — red, black, deep purple, royal blue, and blue — though we noticed that not all colors are available in every size.
The patented safety buckle is designed to release due to pressure from various directions so your dog can escape any dangerous situation quickly and easily. We also like that it can be used as a secure walking collar simply by attaching your dog’s leash to the collar’s two D-rings.
A few reviewers reported that this collar’s breakaway feature opened too easily, while others said that it didn’t open easily enough.
Pros and Cons of the PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This breakaway collar is made of durable, waterproof nylon. | Not all colors are available in all sizes. |
| It comes in six sizes from Petite to X-Large. | A few reviewers reported that this collar’s breakaway feature opened too easily. |
| It’s available in five colors: red, black, deep purple, royal blue, and blue | Some reviewers said that it didn’t open easily enough. |
| The patented safety buckle is designed to release due to pressure from various directions. | |
| You can use it as a secure walking collar by attaching your dog’s leash to its two D-rings. |
- Ideal for large-breed dogs
- Constructed of durable nylon material
- Waterproof design
- Auto-release safety buckle keeps dogs safe
2. Best for Medium Dogs: Necoichi Daruma Breakaway Dog Collar
The adorable Necoichi Daruma Breakaway Dog Collar is our choice for the perfect stylish-yet-functional breakaway collar for medium-sized dogs. It’s made with kimono-grade chirimen rayon fabric that’s super soft and durable enough to withstand daily use.
The breakaway clip buckle quickly comes undone if the collar gets caught, to keep your dog safe while exploring. The traditional good-luck charm, which is made of eco-friendly plastic, and smart bow add fashionable touches to your dog’s wardrobe. Best of all, the adjustable design helps ensure a snug fit to suit your dog’s proportions. So make your pup’s life a little bit easier (and luckier!) with this super cute bow tie dog collar.
It’s available in two sizes — Small and Medium — and comes in two patterns — blue and red.
No critical reviews were available for this product.
Pros and Cons of the Necoichi Daruma Breakaway Dog Collar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This breakaway dog collar is made from super soft kimono-grade chirimen rayon fabric that’s durable enough to stand up to daily use. | It’s not available in sizes for larger dogs. |
| The breakaway clip buckle will release quickly if the collar gets caught. | |
| It features a traditional good-luck charm made of eco-friendly plastic and a smart bow. | |
| It’s available in Small and Medium. |
- Stylish bow-tie design is adorable
- Made with durable, high-grade rayon fabricc
- Breakaway buckle keeps your pup safe
- Adjust strap provides the perfect fit
3. Best for Small Dogs: BoomBone Pack of 3 Breakaway Flower Collars with Bell
The only thing cuter than a small dog is a small dog wearing a cute collar, and we think the BoomBone Pack of 3 Breakaway Flower Collars with Bell is downright adorable. As the name implies, it comes in a set of three attractive colors, each with a coordinating flower. And a bell will help you keep track of your little dog even when it’s out of sight.
These collars feature a breakaway clasp so your tiny canine can escape if the collar gets caught on something. The neck is adjustable from 8″to 12″, and the width is 3/8″
It’s made of durable, high-density polyester webbing with fine stitching. And you can purchase matching leashes separately from the same listing.
Most reviewers left positive reviews, though one reported that the breakaway clasp didn’t release easily enough. Another said that it broke away too easily.
Pros and Cons of the BoomBone Pack of 3 Breakaway Flower Collars with Bell
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These breakaway collars come in sets of three attractive colors, each with a coordinating flower and a bell. | One reviewer reported that the breakaway clasp didn’t release easily enough. |
| The breakaway clasp will allow your small dog to escape if the collar gets caught on something. | Another said that it broke away too easily. |
| It’s made of durable, high-density polyester webbing and is well-crafted with fine stitching. | |
| You can purchase matching leashes separately from the same listing. |
- Set of three
- Breakaway clasp to keep your small dog (or cat) safe
- Feature attractive flowers and bells so you can keep track of your pup
- Made of durable, high-density polyester webbing and fine stitching
- Matching leashes are available from the vendor: sold separately
Choosing the Best: What to Look for
There are three basic criterion to consider when selecting a breakaway collar: size, material, and ease of use.
Size: Ensure that the collar is appropriate for your dog’s size. If it’s too loose, they may be able to wiggle out of it. If it’s too tight, it could be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Material: Next, consider the material the collar is made from. Nylon is lightweight and strong and the best choice for most dogs, especially for large, powerful ones. If you have a small dog, an alternative fabric, such as the kimono-grade chirimen rayon fabric in our second option, may be strong enough for daily use.
Ease of Use: Finally, ease of use is important since you don’t want to be struggling to put the collar on your dog in an emergency!
Up Next
- Here Are the Best Dog Leashes: Verified — You’ve got the dog, you’ve got the breakaway collar, now you need the perfect leash. We’ll help you choose.
- Our Top Choices for the Best Hands-Free Leash (Running, Hiking) — If you run or hike with your dog, you may want to consider a hands-free leash.
- Check Out the Best Retractable Dog Leash — If you prefer a retractable leash, our review’s got you covered.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | PetSafe Keep Safe Nylon Breakaway Dog Collar |
| Best for Medium-Sized Dogs | Necoichi Daruma Charm Cotton Breakaway Bow Tie Dog Collar |
| Best for Small Dogs | BoomBone Pack of 3 Breakaway Flower Collars with Bell |
The Best Breakaway Dog Collars FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How can I get an accurate measurement of my dogs neck when buying a collar?
Place a string a few inches away from their head, wrap the string around it until it’s snug but not tight, then trim the string and measure it with a ruler.
Are breakaway collars safe?
Yes, they are safe, especially for rowdy dogs who like to play outside around fences.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
