We Rounded Up the Best Leather Dog Collars

Written by Judie Sigdel
Updated: November 11, 2022
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While a dog collar is a necessary accessory, there’s no reason why you can’t choose form as well as function. Obviously, you’ll want one that’s both comfortable and stylish. It should be able to properly hold your pup’s ID tags and it should work well with your doggo’s leash. With all of those requirements, one thing leaps to mind — a leather dog collar.

Leather dog collars are durable and lightweight. They’re pliable and comfortable as well as easy to use. Plus, they’re eco-friendly, safe, and make your pup look good. Of course, like all other types of dog collars, there are different leather ones available on the market. There are handmade collars, rolled leather collars, padded leather dog collars, and even those that are customizable with a nameplate to boot.

Finding the right leather collar for your dog is going to take a bit of work. That’s why we’ve put together a manageable list of the best leather dog collars. Plus our updated list for 2022 includes an extra, new leather dog collar.

  1. Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar
    • Customizable leather collar with engraved name, phone, or desired text
    • Available in colors pink, red, blue, green, yellow
    • Sizes XS to XL for dogs with necks 8/5"-22"
    • Choice of paw, heart, or bone decorations
    Check Amazon
  2. Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
    • Two-toned leather with sheepskin inner lining
    • Available in colors brown/cream, black/camel, brown/pink, light brown/coral, rust/turquoise, turquoise/beige.
    • Solid brass buckle and d-ring
    • Sizes Small - XLarge
    Check Amazon
  3. CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar
    • Sizes range on neck measurement from 6"-21"
    • Comfortable rolled leather
    • Heavy-duty buckle and D-ring 
    • Available in multiple colors
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Aolove Leather Pet Collar
    • Sizes XSmall - Large
    • Leather & Alloy collar with nickel-plated hardware and D-ring
    • 5 holes for adjustment
    • Available in 10 colors


    Check Amazon
  5. Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar
    • 100% waterproof and odor proof
    • Stylish leather show collar
    • Made of fray-proof ballistic polymer weave
    • Comes in multiple colors and sizes
    Check Amazon

The Top Picks for Best Leather Dog Collars: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar

Our first choice as the best leather dog collar is the Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar as quality collars can be both stylish and budget-friendly.

This dog collar is made from real leather and it is strong and durable. This means you don’t need to worry about it snapping, even if your dog is a puller. Another great feature of these collars is that they are available in a range of sizes — from XS to XL — to fit neck sizes up to 22 inches.

Aside from being tough and affordable, these collars are completely customizable. There are several cute collars to choose from (six to be exact), and you don’t need an ID tag anymore because you can have your pet’s name engraved on the strap itself. You can even choose the style of the text, what information to include (i.e. phone number, medical information) and even add some designs (i.e.  hearts, bones).

Pros and Cons of Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar

ProsCons
These stylish collars are available in six different colors and can be personalized with your phone number and pet’s name.None
With a range of sizes from XS to XL, these collars fit most dogs.
The collars are made from real leather, meaning they are tough and durable.
Best Overall
Custom Catch Personalized Dog Collar
  • Customizable leather collar with engraved name, phone, or desired text
  • Available in colors pink, red, blue, green, yellow
  • Sizes XS to XL for dogs with necks 8/5"-22"
  • Choice of paw, heart, or bone decorations
Check Amazon

2. Best Luxury Collar: Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar

For pet parents who want their pup to have the utmost luxury and comfort we have chosen Soft Touch Collars’ Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar as the best luxury collar.

If you don’t mind shelling out a bit more for your dog’s collar then the one offered by Soft Touch is definitely the one for you. This dog collar is made from real, high-end, full-grain leather which makes it one of the most durable ones on our list. The buckle and D-ring are made from solid, lacquered brass to ensure that they won’t be vulnerable to rust. Another great addition is the lifetime warranty that this collar comes with.

Not only is this collar tough, but it also has a padded interior made of sheepskin which prevents chafing and ensures your beloved pet is always comfortable. It also comes in six different two-toned colors which give it a really stylish look.

The only reasons we were hesitant to pick this luxury collar as the best overall was because it was not budget-friendly. It’ll cost you quite a bit, especially if you have more than one pup in your household. In addition, it doesn’t come with a customizable nameplate.

On a side note, the collars do come in four sizes, ranging from small to extra large. However, the smallest neck size it can accommodate is 11 inches, so this is not a collar for toy dogs. 

Pros and Cons of Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar

ProsCons
Made from full-grain leather, this collar is tough and durable and comes with a lifetime warranty.The smallest neck size is 11 inches which means it is unsuitable for smaller dogs.
The buckle and D-ring are made from lacquered brass which are resistant to rust.At $25.95, this collar is not a cheap option.
This luxury collar has a padded sheepskin inner to provide the utmost comfort to your pet.
Best Luxury Collar
Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar
  • Two-toned leather with sheepskin inner lining
  • Available in colors brown/cream, black/camel, brown/pink, light brown/coral, rust/turquoise, turquoise/beige.
  • Solid brass buckle and d-ring
  • Sizes Small - XLarge
Check Amazon

3. Best Rolled Leather Collar: CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar

Our selection as the best rolled leather collar is the CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar.

Now, the rolled design makes this the ideal choice if your doggo has long-ish hair. Flat collars, even the most comfortable ones, can cause matting. They can get snagged on the fur which can be painful and can also irritate sensitive skin. However, that’s not going to be a problem with this design.

This rolled leather dog collar really does have a lot going for it. It is is handmade from real, genuine leather which is super-soft. It is also strong and durable, which is suitable for even the strongest of dogs.

In case you’re wondering, this collar comes in a variety of colors. It can be used on neck sizes ranging from six inches all the way to 21 inches. Also, the company offers collar-leash combos, allowing you to buy both for the price of one which is a steal.

However, there is a small drawback to this collar. The belt loop isn’t stitched or glued in place and some users have reported that it freely slides along the strap, defeating the purpose for which it is intended.

Pros and Cons of CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar

ProsCons
The rolled design of this collar prevents long fur from snagging or becoming matted.The belt loop isn’t stitched into place which allows it to slide freely along the strap.
Handmade from real leather, this collar is strong and durable.
Available in a variety of sizes, this collar fits dogs with a neck size of six inches up to 21 inches.
Best Rolled Leather
CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar
  • Sizes range on neck measurement from 6"-21"
  • Comfortable rolled leather
  • Heavy-duty buckle and D-ring 
  • Available in multiple colors
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best for Puppies and Toy Dogs: Aolove Leather Pet Collar

You don’t have to have a high-end leather collar for your dog to get the very best, and that’s why we’ve chosen the Aolove Leather Pet Collar as the best for puppies and toy dogs.

Now, this is a very basic leather collar. It doesn’t come with a nameplate or any fancy design. However, it does come in ten different colors. It is made from real leather while the metal parts are nickel-plated alloy. Both are durable enough that it will last you a good long while. However, it’s lightweight enough that it won’t burden your Chihuahua or miniature poodle.

The only thing downside of this collar is that is isn’t an ideal option for big pups. Rambunctious dogs can easily chew through it if left unattended. Also, some users have reported that it can snap in half if you have a big dog that likes to pull.

Pros and Cons of Aolove Leather Pet Collar

ProsCons
This small and lightweight collar is suitable for small dogs and puppies.The lightweight design isn’t suitable for bigger pups and can snap if they pull too hard.
The nickel-plated buckle and D-ring are strong and durable.This collar can be chewed through by enthusiastic dogs.
Best for Puppies
Aolove Leather Pet Collar
  • Sizes XSmall - Large
  • Leather & Alloy collar with nickel-plated hardware and D-ring
  • 5 holes for adjustment
  • Available in 10 colors


Check Amazon

5. Best Durable Collar: Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar

It’s time for our additional fifth leather dog collar to update our list for 2022, and we’ve selected the Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Leather Dog Collar as the most durable collar.

Tuff Pupper backs this collar with a 100% lifetime guarantee which means you can have complete confidence in the quality of this collar. It is completely waterproof and withstands substantial exposure to rain, snow, dirt, mud, and even saltwater. So, if you and your pup lead an active lifestyle and spend a lot of time outdoors, then this heavy-duty leather dog collar is worth considering.

This stylish leather collar wouldn’t look out of place in the show ring either, and with a range of sizes and colors available there is sure to be something to suit you and your pet.

Pros and Cons of Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar

ProsCons
This collar is completely waterproof and can withstand rain, mud, and even saltwater.None
This heavy-duty collar is strong and suitable for dogs that pull.
It is backed with a lifetime guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Best Durable Collar
Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar
  • 100% waterproof and odor proof
  • Stylish leather show collar
  • Made of fray-proof ballistic polymer weave
  • Comes in multiple colors and sizes
Check Amazon

Our Criteria: What to Look For in Leather Dog Collars

Although many people choose to use breathable, nylon dog collars in bright colors, a leather collar can be sleek and classy and blends into your dogs fur. Many leather dog collars now also have luxury padding to provide the utmost comfort to your pet. However, choosing the perfect collar for your beloved pet can be a minefield. One of the age old debates is buckle vs. quick release fastening, so we’ll take a closer look at them below as each has their own advantages and disadvantages. We’ll also explain how to choose the right collar size for your dog.

Buckle vs. Quick Release

Leather dog collars typically feature either a buckle or a quick-release mechanism. The traditional buckle is one we’re all familiar with. It works much like how we fasten our belts. The main benefit to getting a collar with a traditional buckle is that they’re very secure. You don’t have to worry about the collar accidentally opening or breaking over time. They’re also adjustable and won’t tighten on your dog’s neck when pulled. It’s the safer, more secure choice if you plan on walking your dog on a leash or leaving him tied out. However, because of how secure it can be, it’s not ideal for an emergency. If it gets caught on something, removing it might take some time which your dog might not have. 

Quick-release collars, on the other hand, are incredibly convenient. The easy release also allows you to quickly remove the collar in case of an emergency — such as when your dog’s collar gets caught on something. However, it isn’t as durable as a buckle. The chances of the clip opening at a less opportune time are higher. 

Take note that both types have their benefits and drawbacks. It’s important that you think of which style will work best for your situation and your dog’s personality before choosing one over the other. 

How to Measure for a Leather Dog Collar

The best dog collar you’ll ever get for your pup is one that fits right. To make sure you get the size they need, you need to measure your dog’s neck properly. Get a tape measure and place it around the base of their neck — from the ridge of their shoulders all the way around to the top of their chest. Make sure that the fit is snug and then add two fingers between the tape and their neck. The measurement you get is your dog’s size. Check the manufacturer’s size chart to find what collar length fits your dog best. If their measurement falls between two sizes, go for the larger one.

Best Leather Dog Collars: Summary

Ultimately, choosing the right dog collar for your pet depends on the dog itself — the size, breed, temperament etc. However, it also depends on your lifestyle and the activities that you do with your dog. Some owners have excitable, active dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors so need a strong and durable collar, while others need something smaller and softer for a puppy or a small dog. Although selecting a collar can be daunting, we hope that this product review will help you make the perfect choice for you and your pet.

Up Next…

  • Best Leather Dog Harness — Some dogs and some occasions require a safe and durable leather harness.
  • Best Martingale Dog Collars — Look into a trusted and stylish collar that helps train a tenacious dog to quit pulling.
  • Best Dog Leash Holders — Your doggo can’t wait to go outside with you. A convenient spot to keep the leash and other outside time accessories helps you get out for walkies faster.

About the Author

My passion is writing about animals. I’ve published articles on pet parrots, birds, and small animal care and reviews about pet food and products. I have an ever-evolving aviary and menagerie that has included cockatiels, parakeets, conures, European starlings, a chukar partridge, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. I’m also the author of Faith without Labels: a Guide to Eclectic Spirituality.

We Rounded Up the Best Leather Dog Collars FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the best leather for dog collars?

If you want the best type of leather for your dog’s collar, you need to choose high-end, top quality leather which is full-grain. Dog collars can be made of different types of leather. They might all be considered genuine leather. But all that signifies is that the material is “technically” considered real leather. It could be goat leather or pig leather.

Top grain leather is leather that has been altered a little in some way. For example, it might have been sanded down to remove any imperfections on the hide. Corrected grain leather undergoes even more alteration. Aside from sanding, the leather may also be buffed or resurfaced to make it look uniform. However, any alteration (even just a little bit) can affect the durability of the material.

So, if you want the best kind of leather, you need to choose full-grain leather. There is no sanding or any kind of alteration done to the hide. For this reason, the selection of the hide is crucial and so is the tanning process. Only the very best quality will do.

Are leather collars better for dogs?

As we’ve already mentioned, leather has a lot going for it. Genuine leather is all-natural. It’s the better, more environmentally-friendly choice compared to nylon. In addition, it’s a better choice for dogs with sensitive skin. In fact, it won’t rub your dog’s skin too much when wet. 

Real leather is also stronger compared to other materials which makes it more durable. While it is more expensive, it will last longer. More importantly, leather is very comfortable. It won’t chafe your dog’s neck, even if he’s a puller. Plus, the oil from your dog’s skin will just make the material even more pliable over time. And it definitely doesn’t hurt that leather looks more stylish than nylon.

Keep in mind that there are drawbacks to using a leather collar. High quality leather requires proper care to remain as good as new. Whether it’s padded, rolled, or braided, you’ll need to spend time cleaning it. Otherwise, it’ll crack over time, especially when exposed to water. And once it becomes dry, it can chafe your dog’s neck. Worse, it can become brittle and break. Leaving you with an unleashed dog who can end up getting hurt or hurting someone.

What is the best material for dog collars?

When it comes to the nylon vs. leather collar debate, it’s hard to pick a clear winner. Both of these materials offer advantages and disadvantages. Luxury, high-end full-grain leather is not only an attractive material, it’s also very durable and can easily outlast any nylon dog collar. However, it does require maintenance to stay durable. You’ll need to clean it with soap and water before applying leather conditioner. Plus, you need to make sure that you keep it dry. You also need to keep in mind that leather is an attractive chew toy for dogs. Nylon, on the other hand, is more durable when wet and is a better choice if you live in an area with a humid climate. Nylon is also much lighter which is something you need to consider when you’re looking for a collar for a small dog such as a toy breed.

Both materials can be comfortable, though leather can be “broken in” over time, making it even softer. And for some dogs, it’s less likely to cause skin irritations. As for safety, leather is less likely to become entangled when dogs are rough-housing. The same thing cannot be said for nylon which, when caught in another dog’s teeth, can cause strangulation. 

Of course, we know that leather is more expensive, but many believe that its longevity more than makes up for its price. However, it all just comes down to personal preference — yours and your dog’s.

Do leather dog collars smell?

Yes, they do. But so does a nylon one. There’s no dog collar that won’t get stinky when you don’t clean it properly. If you want to make sure that your pet’s leather collar stays clean and hygienic then you need to make sure that you follow the steps below:

Step 1: Wash the collar with warm water and mild soap. Make sure to just dip it in the water and remove any excess water before cleaning the surface using a circular motion.

Step 2: Dry the collar using a cloth to remove any moisture.

Step 3: Apply leather conditioner to prolong the life of your dog’s collar.

Make sure to keep the leather out of direct sunlight when drying it to prevent the material from cracking. In addition, avoid using bleach as it will damage the leather.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.