Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Nia Perkins
Veterinarian, DVM
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Nia Perkins
Veterinarian, DVM
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Leather dog collars are stereotypically very expensive and very high-quality. However, with the market today, this isn’t always the case. They can be found for very low prices and they are not necessarily as durable and high-quality as they used to be.
For this reason, we highly recommend being careful about purchasing leather dog collars. Just because it’s made out of leather does not mean it’s good quality. Therefore, you’ll need to do plenty of research before you decide on what collar you want to purchase.
Our reviews below should provide you with plenty of options to choose from.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Soft Touch Collars Leather Dog Collar
Lined with sheepskin
Made with full-grain leather
Handmade
Check Price
Best Value
Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar
Inexpensive
100% full-grain leather
Water-resistant
Check Price
Premium Choice
CollarDirect Handmade Studded Leather Dog Collar
Double-layered leather
Soft, inner layer
Strong hardware
Check Price
CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar
Many sizes available
Made from soft leather
Durable metal hardware
Check Price
Euro-Dog Quick Release Leather Dog Collar
Made with European steel
Quick-release buckle
Stainless steel
Check Price
The 10 Best Leather Dog Collars
If you’re looking for a basic leather dog collar that works, we recommend the Soft Touch Collars Leather Dog Collar. This collar isn’t fancy or flashy. However, it is handmade and hand stitched with real leather. The edges are sealed to prevent fraying and the inside of the leather is lined with sheepskin, which provides extra comfort.
Check Price on Chewy
We particularly liked the solid brass hardware, which is designed to be tough and prevent rust. A mini-brass ring helps you hang your dog’s ID. The larger ring for leash use is on the opposite side of the collar from the buckle, which makes it sit in easy reach on the back of your dog’s neck.
There are many different colors and sizes available. Though this collar is only designed for medium to large dogs. It may be a bit too big for smaller breeds.
Based on this information, this is easily the best overall leather dog collar you can buy—if it’ll fit your dog.
Pros
Lined with sheepskin
Made with full-grain leather
Handmade
Two D-rings
Many colors available
Cons
Only fits medium to large dogs
If you’re looking for something less expensive that still works perfectly, we highly recommend the Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar as the best leather collar for the money.
Lined with sheepskin
Made with full-grain leather
Handmade
Two D-rings
Many colors available
- Lined with sheepskin
- Made with full-grain leather
- Handmade
- Two D-rings
- Many colors available
Only fits medium to large dogs
- Only fits medium to large dogs
It is made with 100% full-grain leather and is padded with split leather, which is quite soft. The quality of the leather makes it water-resistant and easy to clean. It also won’t fray or collect hair like some of the other collars on the market.
A heavy-duty metal clasp allows the collar to stay firmly on the dog’s neck, and the leash ring is designed for pulling.
There are several colors available, though there aren’t many sizes available. It seems that the collar is mostly designed for larger dogs.
Pros
Inexpensive
100% full-grain leather
Water-resistant
Heavy-duty clasp
Many colors available
Cons
Not available in smaller sizes
The CollarDirect Handmade Studded Leather Dog Collar is a bit more expensive than other options out there. It seems to be a pretty normal dog collar. However, it is studded, which is largely why it’s more expensive. This is one of the few collars that comes in small sizes, which we expect customers to take advantage of.
Inexpensive
100% full-grain leather
Water-resistant
Heavy-duty clasp
Many colors available
- Inexpensive
- 100% full-grain leather
- Water-resistant
- Heavy-duty clasp
- Many colors available
Not available in smaller sizes
- Not available in smaller sizes
With two layers of leather, this collar provides plenty of comfort. It comes with a soft, inner layer to prevent chafing and similar problems. The hardware is heavy-duty and can withstand miles and miles of walking.
If you are set on having a studded collar, this option is the best one. The leather is high-quality and the collar is well built. You can’t ask for much more.
Pros
Double-layered leather
Soft, inner layer
Strong hardware
Studded
Cons
Expensive
Unlike most dog collars we’ve mentioned thus far, the CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Collar is made from rolled leather. This means that it has a bit of a round shape—not the flat one typically seen in dog collars.
Double-layered leather
Soft, inner layer
Strong hardware
Studded
- Double-layered leather
- Soft, inner layer
- Strong hardware
- Studded
Expensive
- Expensive
This collar does come in a variety of different sizes, so they should be able to fit most dogs. However, it also seems that this collar was largely designed for smaller dogs – something you’ll need to keep in mind.
We did like that this dog collar is crafted from soft leather and has durable metal hardware. It is designed to withstand the test of time. The rolled shape is supposed to prevent matting and similar issues, however, this also means that it is slightly less comfortable since it doesn’t lay flat against your dog’s neck.
Pros
Many sizes available
Made from soft leather
Durable metal hardware
Prevents matting
Cons
Less comfortable than other options
- Euro-Dog Quick Release Leather Dog Collar Check Latest Price
Closure Type Quick release
Collar Features None
For the most part, the Euro-Dog Quick Release Leather Dog Collar is a great collar to purchase for your canine. It is made with full-grain, American leather that is both durable and stylish and has a similar quality of leather as other options on this list.
Many sizes available
Made from soft leather
Durable metal hardware
Prevents matting
- Many sizes available
- Made from soft leather
- Durable metal hardware
- Prevents matting
Less comfortable than other options
- Less comfortable than other options
The buckle is particularly helpful, designed with a quick-release buckle and stainless-steel springs. It is designed to be easy to open and easy to take off. There is an extra leather tongue included for protection, and the closure and other accessories are constructed with European steel.
This collar also comes in many different colors and sizes, making it a perfect option for many different canines.
Pros
Made with European steel
Quick-release buckle
Stainless steel
American leather
Cons
Confusing size adjuster
Not as durable as other options
As the name suggests, the Euro-Dog Luxury Leather Dog Collar is designed to be a luxury collar with plenty of features. It is made with 100% full-grain leather, as well as polyester stitching and steel hardware. Overall, it does look a lot like the other options we’ve mentioned on this list. It is designed to impress, as you can easily tell from the design.
Made with European steel
Quick-release buckle
Stainless steel
American leather
- Made with European steel
- Quick-release buckle
- Stainless steel
- American leather
Confusing size adjuster
Not as durable as other options
- Confusing size adjuster
- Not as durable as other options
However, the closure mechanism is a bit weird. This collar is designed to slip on around your dog’s neck. While this isn’t necessarily a huge problem, it does make it a bit more difficult to use. It just isn’t as practical as other options on the market.
Furthermore, while this collar is designed as “luxury” it doesn’t really seem luxurious compared to other collars on the list. You’re paying a bit more, but you aren’t getting much out of it.
Pros
100% full-grain leather
All steel hardware
Polyester stitching
Cons
Expensive
Strange closure mechanism
- Euro-Dog Celtic Style Leather Dog Collar Check Latest Price
Closure Type Buckle
Collar Features Celtic styling
The main feature that sets the Euro-Dog Celtic Style Leather Dog Collar apart from others is that it features a Celtic endless knot around the outside for styling. If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish than other options, then this collar may be exactly what you are looking for. However, you are going to pay a bit more for it.
100% full-grain leather
All steel hardware
Polyester stitching
- 100% full-grain leather
- All steel hardware
- Polyester stitching
Expensive
Strange closure mechanism
- Expensive
- Strange closure mechanism
Besides this pattern, this dog collar is quite similar to other collars on the market. For one, it is made with full-grain, American leather. This quality material is durable and affordable. It also features steel hardware from Europe, which is strong and prevents the leash from breaking, even with larger dogs.
You can get this collar in many different colors, though it seems mostly designed for large and giant breeds.
Pros
Durable
Affordable
Aesthetic design
Cons
Only for larger breeds
A bit thin
The OmniPet Signature Leather Crystal Dog Collar is specifically designed to fill a very specific need on the market. This collar is extremely cute, with bright, feminine colors and jewels around the outside of the collar. It is eye-catching and very different from the other options we’ve reviewed thus far.
Durable
Affordable
Aesthetic design
- Durable
- Affordable
- Aesthetic design
Only for larger breeds
A bit thin
- Only for larger breeds
- A bit thin
It comes with a polished buckle that is made from chrome (a lower-quality material), as well as a D-ring specifically designed for smaller breeds. The 2-ply, leather design features some color-matched thread for extra style and durability.
Plus, we also liked that this collar was made in the USA by skilled craftsmen.
However, this collar is only for smaller breeds, and it is a bit expensive for what you get.
Pros
Made in the USA
2 layers of leather
Cute design
Cons
Expensive
Only for smaller breeds
- OmniPet Spiked & Studded Latigo Leather Dog Collar Check Latest Price
Closure Type Buckle
Collar Features Studded
For tough pets, you may want to consider the OmniPet Spiked & Studded Latigo Leather Dog Collar. Compared to other collars on the market, this one is quite inexpensive. On the one hand, this feature makes this collar a great option for those on a budget. It is simply one of the cheaper options you can buy.
Made in the USA
2 layers of leather
Cute design
- Made in the USA
- 2 layers of leather
- Cute design
Expensive
Only for smaller breeds
- Expensive
- Only for smaller breeds
At the same time, you’ll need to consider that this collar is made with some lower-quality materials. For instance, the hardware is nickel-plated—not steel like many of the other options on this list. With that said, the leather is real leather, so there is always that.
This collar features studs, so it is only going to be suitable for some dogs. Sizes are available from toy to large, though giant breeds are not included. It is recommended that you measure your pet before you make any purchases, ensuring that you get the right size.
Pros
Inexpensive
Studded design
Most sizes available
Cons
Lower-quality materials
No spikes in the front
Some sizing difficulties
With an attractive pattern, the OmniPet Paisley Leather Dog Collar is a beautiful option for practically any canine. Based on what we have on our list thus far, this collar is pretty similar to most others on the market. It is made with real leather and handcrafted to be strong and durable.
Inexpensive
Studded design
Most sizes available
- Inexpensive
- Studded design
- Most sizes available
Lower-quality materials
No spikes in the front
Some sizing difficulties
- Lower-quality materials
- No spikes in the front
- Some sizing difficulties
However, this collar does feature some lower-quality materials. For instance, it is crafted out of nickel-plated hardware, which is much lower quality than the other options on this list. Therefore, you can expect this collar to fail sooner than most.
There is no D-ring on this collar. Therefore, you can’t use it to hook up a leash or hold your pet’s identification. Instead, you may need to have a separate collar for use in public.
Pros
Pretty design
Inexpensive
Cons
Low-quality materials
No D-ring
Bleeds when wet
- See Also: 10 Best Fi Dog Collar Alternatives: Reviews & Top Picks
Pretty design
Inexpensive
- Pretty design
- Inexpensive
Low-quality materials
No D-ring
Bleeds when wet
- Low-quality materials
- No D-ring
- Bleeds when wet
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Right Leather Dog Collar
While choosing a collar may seem like an easy choice, there are a lot of decisions that you have to make. You shouldn’t just choose a collar that looks nice. Instead, aim for one that is durable, functional, and comfortable.
We’ll take a look at everything you need to keep in mind below.
- See Also: 10 Best No-Shock Training Collars: Reviews & Top Picks
Durability
It is true that leather is much more durable than other options out there. However, that doesn’t mean that every leather collar is durable. It depends on the type of leather it is made with, as well as how it is constructed. Quality leather can easily be made poorly if it isn’t sewn correctly, for instance. Therefore, it is vital that you carefully consider how and what the collar is made out of.
Of course, you can only do so much guessing by reading product descriptions. A company might advertise that its collar is handcrafted, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s high-quality.
Therefore, one of the few places that you can catch a glimpse of a product’s durability is to read reviews like ours. The company likely won’t give you a clear view of the product’s quality, so you’ll have to go elsewhere to find accurate information.
D-Rings
A collar’s main purpose is to carry around your dog’s identification. However, you will also need to attach a leash to your dog’s collar. Both of these uses require D-rings. While you can use one D-ring for both, most quality collars have two.
Therefore, you should take a look at the D-rings on the collar you wish to purchase. The body of the collar might be durable. But, if the D-rings aren’t, then you’re probably out of luck. Your canine might break the D-ring while on a leash or get lost only to have their identification fall off.
The best hardware is crafted with steel. However, many customers may choose other options to save money. For this reason, you should always check that the D-ring is designed out of a quality material. Otherwise, your dog could find themselves in a dangerous situation.
Aesthetics
Many people choose a dog collar off of aesthetics alone. While you should also consider other variables (like those we suggest in this section), that doesn’t mean you should throw out aesthetics completely. You should be fairly careful to choose a collar you like that also fits your dog.
There are tons of different collars out there. You have black, studded collars and pink, sparkly ones. The collar you decide to purchase for your dog is largely up to you as they likely don’t have a preference.
With that said, we do not recommend purchasing a low-quality collar just because it looks nice. Put aesthetics second to other concerns. After all, it doesn’t matter how pretty your dog’s collar is if it breaks easily.
Buckle
The buckle of the collar is easy to overlook. However, there are several factors you should consider when looking at the buckle. For one, it should be pretty easy to use and functional. Most dogs struggle at least a little bit when it comes to putting their collar on. Therefore, you’re already going to be struggling enough—you don’t need to struggle with the buckle too.
The easiest buckles to choose are quick-release buckles. However, while these allow you to take the collar on and off quickly, they can also be torn open fairly easily. Because they include more parts than other collars, they can also break easier.
Simple buckles are the most common type of closure system, and they tend to work the best. For this reason, we highly recommend that you choose a collar with this sort of closure system. It may be harder to put on your dog, but it stays on the best and doesn’t break.
There are other types of closure systems as well. However, they may not be of high-quality and are often not recommended.
Comfort
Since your pup may wear a collar for much of the time. So, it’s important that you choose one that’s comfortable.
A strip of tough leather directly against your dog’s neck isn’t terribly comfortable, especially if it is thicker. It can rub into your dog’s neck and cause sores. So this may not be the best option.
Instead, you want the leather to be backed with something. Sheepskin is a common option, as is another layer of softer leather. The main point is that you want to choose something comfortable. Otherwise, you may end up with a collar that your dog can’t wear.
If you notice problems with your dog’s neck, such as fur loss or sores, you should remove the collar right away. In these situations, you usually have to leave the collar off of your dog while they heal, and then put on a replacement collar that is a bit more comfortable.
If the collar is not removed, the injury will not heal. Eventually, it will likely get infected, which is another problem entirely that may require medical attention.
Cost
We would all like for cost to not be an important part of our decision-making process. However, it absolutely is. For this reason, we highly recommend figuring out what you can reasonably spend on a collar. Luckily, they are all pretty affordable, with most being under $20. However, there are even some as low as $5.
Not all cheap collars are low-quality. However, most are not terribly high-quality. If you aren’t looking for any fancy features, then you can probably get away with a cheaper collar.
Remember that spending more upfront for a decent collar often translates to spending less later on. We recommend purchasing the highest quality collar that you can afford. Don’t go for the cheapest option unless you absolutely need to.
Conclusion
Leather collars are often cheaper than most people imagine. While leather is stereotypically a high-quality material, it is pretty cheap in today’s market. Therefore, most people can afford a leather collar; it is more a matter of which leather collar.
For most people, we recommend the Soft Touch Collars Leather Dog Collar. This collar is comfortable, soft, and durable. It features a layer of leather with sheepskin underneath, making it probably one of the most comfortable collars around.
If you need to watch your budget, you may want to look into the Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar. This collar is less expensive than most, but it is crafted with real leather and is still well made.
We highly recommend that you choose a quality, leather collar for your canine—and not just any leather collar. Hopefully, our reviews help you make the right choice.
Featured Image Credit: Euro-Dog, Chewy
