7 best small dog collars of 2023, approved by vets

Why we recommend this small dog collar

“The Joytale dog collar is a pretty color, soft on the inside, and it was easy to adjust on my dogs, Scout and Coker,” said our tester, Allison. “There’s really nothing to complain about. Substances that could make it dirty slipped right off the material. It stays clean easily.”

Why we recommend this small dog collar

When we tried this nylon collar on Zoe, a 4-month-old Havanese, we discovered that it was easy to adjust, fit well, and is great for growing pups that need it to be adjusted larger as they grow.

Why we recommend this dog collar

When we tried this collar out with Zoe, we found that it was a durable collar with a small, removable tag and a metal ring that was big enough to attach a leash easily. We discovered that the snap buckle made putting it on and getting it off very easy as well.

Why we recommend this small dog collar

“For anyone on the fence, I would say it’s worth trying this collar even if you’re not sure about the fit or effectiveness, especially for dogs facing a long recovery”, said our tester, Allison. “It was a LONG two weeks with a plastic cone of shame that was difficult to get on and off, became dirty very quickly, and noisily scraped every piece of furniture my dog passed.”

Even though one of her dogs slipped out of the recovery collar during testing, Allison reported that it was likely due to ordering the wrong size. Measure your dog before surgery so you’ll have the best Elizabethan collar on hand when they come home from the hospital.

* While this collar may look like an inflatable collar, it’s actually a solid piece of foam.

Why we recommend this small dog collar

“I thought it was really easy to adjust,” said our tester. “Once I had the right size, I took it off to adjust the excess so that it fit Scooter properly. Really happy with how this collar fits!”

Why we recommend a cat collar for small dogs

Small dogs and cats need lightweight collars due to their petite size, and many of our small dog owners have stated that they like to use cat collars! So, one of the best and cutest small dog collars we can recommend is actually a cat collar.

Why we recommend this leather dog collar

“I like how this fancy small dog collar fit Scooter and that it was easy to adjust on her,” wrote our tester. “The removable bowtie is super cute as well, although I’m not sure how long it’ll last. I don’t like that it’s not a breakaway collar the way cat collars are, however, I doubt Scout will be active enough to need one.”

When outfitting your pup with the best small dog collar, you’ll have to decide between various types. Here’s a quick overview.

Everyday collars

As the name suggests, everyday collars are the ones your pup wears day in, and day out, and the design possibilities are endless. From cute small dog collars fit for a princess to padded reflective collars that keep dogs safe for evening walks, the right choice is out there for every pup.

Smart dog collars

Along with automatic feeders or smart doggie doors, smart collars typically use some type of tracking technology. They’re ideal for multi-pet households or areas where your dog can go in and out of the backyard, but you don’t necessarily need the neighborhood wildlife to follow them in.

Martingale collars

Similar to some harnesses, these collars are ideal for preventing dogs from slipping out of their collar during walks. When pups pull too hard, this type of small dog collar for training will tighten enough to prevent excited pups from slipping out of their collars but not enough to cause discomfort or be dangerous. For dogs with wider necks and narrower heads, martingale collars are particularly useful.

Head collars

Head collars, also called halters, are used for training and act as a harness for a small dog’s head. This helps with training to discourage unwanted behaviors and help redirect their attention. It’s a popular choice for animal experts because it allows pet parents and trainers to use positive reinforcement.

Show collars for small dogs

Last but not least is show collars. These collars are made of finer materials and are slip collars — they slip over the head without a buckle or clasp — designed to be stylish and functional. They won’t get your pup ready for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, but they’ll look the part!

You’ll need to know your dog’s neck measurements before selecting your next collar. Consider whether you plan to have the collar as the dog grows (if it’s still growing) and, if so, how much that collar will need to be let out over the next few months or even years.

Here are a few ways you can measure your dog’s neck before you ever hit the “shop now” button:

Use a cloth measuring tape — Measure snugly where the collar will sit on your dog’s neck, then loosen it enough for comfort and breathing, but not so much that slippage is likely to occur.

Use the string and ruler method — When a cloth measuring tape isn’t available, use a string in the same way you would a clothing measuring tape, then measure the piece of string against a yardstick.

Measure your current collar — Measure from where the material starts and stops, not the tip of the buckle or clasp.

The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. The products we test are reviewed and approved by our vets. We tested these small dog collars so that when we say a small dog collar is best, it comes from firsthand experience.

The betterpet lab developed a set of criteria and then put them to the test in real-world situations. Those factors included:

• Fit.  We matched manufacturer sizing charts to dogs and then judged whether the sizing ran too small, too large, or fit as advertised.
• Features. We also looked at each dog collar’s particular features. Was it durable? Easy to adjust? Our testers evaluated how well these small dog collars performed with those features in mind.
• Durability. We know pet parents expect gear that lasts. We determine how durable a small dog collar is so that you can make an informed decision.
• Maintenance. Our testers also considered how easy it was to clean the dog collar. A simple matter of throwing it in the wash, or permanently discolored after an outdoor adventure? While our testers may not be able to say if a stain will fade years later, we can let you know if this is a fancy dog collar that your small dog can only wear for show.