If you’re a German shepherd owner, you know that finding the right dog collar can be a challenge. German shepherds are big dogs with thick necks, and many standard collars simply don’t fit well.
Even if you do find a collar that fits, it’s likely to be too loose or too tight, making it uncomfortable for your dog to wear. And of course, there’s always the risk that your dog will chew through the collar, no matter how well it fits.
Our buyer’s guide of the best dog collars for German shepherds can help you find the perfect collar for your furry friend.
We’ve researched dozens of collars and narrowed down the field to the best of the best, so you can be sure you’re getting a collar that will fit well, feel comfortable, and stand up to even the most determined chewers.
Our Top Picks for The Best Collars for German Shepherds
- EzyDog Neo Collar – Best German Shepherd Collar Overall
- PetSafe Martingale Dog Collar – Best Martingale Collar for German Shepherd
- Educator E-Collar – Best for Dog Training
- Blueberry Pet Dog Collar – Best for German Shepherd Puppies
- Soft Touch Dog Collar – Best Leather Collar for German Shepherd
7 Best Collars for German Shepherds Reviewed
1. EzyDog Neo Collar
If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, and stylish collar for your German Shepherds, check out the EzyDog Neo Collar!
This collar comes in 10 different colors, so you’re sure to find one that your pup will love. It also comes in 5 different sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your dog.
The best part about this collar is that it’s made from durable waterproof neoprene rubber, which means it won’t get stinky like traditional collars. It’s also fast-drying and easy to clean, so you won’t have to worry about it getting ruined if your dog gets wet.
Plus, it has a built-in ID clip and stainless steel D-ring, so you can keep your pup safe and secure. And if you’re worried about night safety, don’t be – the neo collar has reflective piping that will help keep your dog visible in lowlight conditions.
However, some customers had found that the sizing was inaccurate and recommended ordering a size up from what you thought you need. Overall, the EzyDog Neo Collar is a great choice for German Shepherds.
Pros:
- A wide range of colors and sizes to choose from.
- Made from durable waterproof neoprene rubber.
- Fast-drying and easy to clean.
- Has a built-in ID clip and stainless steel D-ring.
- Reflective piping for night safety.
Cons:
- The sizing was inaccurate.
2. PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar
The PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar is a great choice for German Shepherds, especially if you’re worried about your dog slipping out of his collar.
This collar tightens when your dog pulls and loosens when he stops, making it the perfect choice for dogs who like to pull on their leash.
The nylon material is durable and comfortable, and the Quick-Snap buckle makes it easy to take on and off. Plus, it comes in a variety of sizes and colors to suit any pup’s personality.
However, some dog parents found that the collar didn’t always stay tight when put on as instructed. Even when the dogs pulled, the collar stayed loose.
This can be a problem if you’re trying to train your dog not to pull on the leash, as he may think he can get away with it if his collar isn’t tight.
Pros:
- Prevents dogs from slipping out of their collars.
- Durable and comfortable material.
- The quick-Snap buckle makes it easy to take on and off.
- Comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
Cons:
- Some customers found that the collar did not always stay tight.
3. Educator E-Collar
The Educator E-collar is a great training tool that offers a variety of features to help you get the most out of your dog. The ergonomic design is comfortable for both you and your dog, and the tapping sensation is similar to vibration but more intense, making it an effective addition to the stimulation.
The user-selectable levels from 1 to 100, with an additional boost stimulus selectable from 1 to 60, make it easy to find the right level for your dog. The pavlovian tone on all models is a great way to help your dog learn.
The waterproof transmitter and receiver are shock resistant and have lithium-polymer batteries that are rechargeable with a dual charger. The tracking light is a great feature that allows you to see your dog in low light conditions.
While the Educator E-collar has many great features, one downside is the battery life. The transmitter and receiver both have lithium-polymer batteries that are rechargeable, but they only last for about 2 hours on a full charge.
This can be a problem if you are using the collar for long training sessions or if you are in an area with limited access to outlets.
Pros:
- Easily adjustable to find the right level of stimulation.
- Rechargeable batteries.
- Waterproof.
- Shock resistant.
- A night light.
Cons:
- The battery only lasts for about 2 hours on a full charge.
4. Blueberry Pet Dog Collar
The third best collar for German Shepherds on our list is the Blueberry Pet Dog Collar. They offer over 20 different colors to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that your pup will love.
The collar is made from durable nylon fabric and high-density webbing, with eco-friendly plastic buckles and the metal D ring is chrome coated for durability.
One downside, however, is that there is no quick-release feature. Additionally, the material is quite slippery and has a tendency to loosen over time. All in all, this is a nice collar but it does have a few drawbacks.
Pros:
- Choose from a variety of colors to express your unique style.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- The buckles are made from eco-friendly plastic and will not damage the environment.
Cons:
- The lack of a quick-release feature could be problematic in an emergency situation.
- The material is slippery and has a tendency to loosen over time.
5. Soft Touch Dog Collar
For those looking for a more luxurious option, the Soft Touch Collars Luxury Genuine Leather Padded Dog Collar is a great choice.
This collar is the perfect mix of luxury and practicality. The leather is soft and padded, making it comfortable for your dog to wear, but the solid brass hardware ensures that it is also durable.
The natural tanning process gives the collar a rich brown color that will look great on any dog, and the lack of harsh chemicals or dyes makes it safe for even the most sensitive skin.
Best of all, the Lifetime Guarantee means that you can rest assured that this collar will stand up to years of use.
One of the drawbacks of Soft Touch Collars is that there are not enough adjustment holes. This can make it difficult to get a good fit, and the collar may be too loose or too tight. In addition, some customers found the sizing to be off.
Pros:
- Luxurious feel with full-grain naturally tanned genuine leather.
- No harsh chemicals or dyes are used.
- Lifetime Guarantee.
Cons:
- The lack of adjustment holes can make it difficult to get a good fit.
- The sizing may be off.
6. ADITYNA Premium Dog Collar
If you’re looking for a tactical dog collar that is also stylish, the ADITYA Premium Dog Collar is a great option. Made of military-grade nylon webbing, it’s built to withstand whatever your dog throws at it.
The cobra-style buckle is also incredibly strong, making it nearly impossible for your dog to slip out. And for added comfort, the interior is padded with soft fabric.
The ADITYNA Premium Dog Collar is also very easy to put on and take off, thanks to the quick-release buckle.
The downside to the ADITYNA Premium Dog Collar is that it is not very sand or water-friendly.
The nylon webbing can get easily clogged with sand, which makes it difficult to clean, and the fabric padding can soak up water, making the collar heavy and cumbersome.
Still compared to other tactical dog collars on the market, the ADITYNA is a good choice.
Pros:
- Made of military-grade nylon webbing for durability.
- Cobra-style buckle is strong and difficult for dogs to escape from.
- Padded with soft fabric for comfort.
- Quick-release buckle is easy to use.
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem to stand up well to sand or water.
7. Mbrain Tactical Dog Collar
The Mbrain Tactical Dog Collar is another good option for a tactical dog collar. This collar is a high-quality collar made from premium nylon with a soft padded lining.
It features two means of security via the metal buckle and the velcro, and also has a reflective patch for safety at night or in low light.
The collar is available in three different sizes, each of which can be adjusted by a metal clasp and velcro with 3-4 inches of retractable space.
This collar is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a durable and tough option that will keep their dog safe and visible.
One downside to the Mbrain Tactical Dog Collar was that the velcro and padding collected tons of dog hair. This can make the collar difficult to keep clean, and can also be uncomfortable for your dog if the hair starts to rub against their skin.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality nylon with a soft padded lining.
- Features two means of security: metal buckle and velcro.
- Reflective patch for safety.
- Available in three different sizes.
Cons:
- The velcro and padding collected dog hair.
Should My German Shepherd Wear a Collar?
Dog collar will help keep your German shepherd in check when you’re going outside with them. It serves as a place to attach their leash and as a holder for your dog’s identification tag, license, and rabies tag. Though each state has its own law, these three things are required in most states.
Should German Shepherd Puppies Wear a Collar?
Since a collar is an essential tool that your GSD will wear for the rest of his life, getting him used to a collar as soon as possible is recommended. Often, reputable breeders will make your job a lot easier by acclimating puppies to lightweight ribbon collars from birth.
Is a Harness or Collar Better for German Shepherd?
Some folks prefer a harness to a collar. In my opinion, the decision of whether to walk your German shepherd with a harness or collar depends on your GSD’s condition. If your German shepherd knows how to walk well on a leash and does not suffer from breathing problems, then a collar is a better choice. But if he pulls a lot and suffers from respiratory or throat issues, it is better to use a harness.
What To Look For When Buying a Collar for German Shepherd?
Here’s what to consider when buying a collar for your GSD.
Size
First of all, you need to make sure that you get the correct collar size for your furry friend as you don’t want the collar to slip off or choke them. Begin by measuring around your dog’s neck. The fastest way to do this is to use either a cloth measuring tape or your old dog collar. Generally, German shepherd’s neck size is between 18” to 24”.
Once you get the result, the next step is to consult the manufacturer’s sizing chart to choose the one that fits your dog. The collar should be snug enough to fit two fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar.
If you have a growing puppy, you may want to consider getting an adjustable collar so that your puppy has plenty of room to grow into it.
Types
There are many different types of collars, each has its own purpose and function. So it’s essential to choose the one that matches your GSD’s needs. Here are some of the most common options available on the market:
1. Standard Collar
A standard collar is the most commonly used collar. It has a simple buckle connection/lock with a D-ring for attaching the leash, and it can be made by nylon, leather, or any other materials.
This collar can have two types of buckle: one with a steel buckle that closes like a human belt, and the other with a snap buckle that allows for easy on and off.
It’s common to see dog owners embroider their dogs’ ID and tags, and phone numbers on this type of collar.
2. Martingale Collar
For German shepherds adept at slipping out of their collar, the martingale collar is recommended as it provides more control and more support than the standard one. The main difference between the two is that a martingale collar uses two loops. One loop is for adjusting size around your dog’s neck while the other is for control when the leash is attached.
If your German shepherd starts to pull or the handler pulls on the leash, the collar will tighten around his neck, and unlike a prong or choke collar, a martingale collar does not actually choke them. Once he stops pulling, the tension is released, and the collar will slacken again.
3. Prong or Pinch Collar
A prong collar is a metal collar that consists of a series of chain links connected to each other. Each of the links in the collar has prongs with the sharp ends facing the dog’s neck. When the handler pulls the leash, the collar will tighten around a dog’s neck, and the prongs will pinch the dog’s skin, which causes the dog pain.
Many trainers use this collar for training and behavior correction. While some trainers say they have found success with a prong collar, but for the most part, the use of a prong collar is discouraged as it causes pain, discomfort, and injury to a dog’s neck and head. The prolonged use of a prong collar can create fear, anxiety, and aggression in dogs, all the while, the collar does nothing to address the root of the dogs’ issue.
4. Choke Collar
Choke collar is pretty much the same as a prong collar, but without the prongs part and just like a prong collar, I don’t recommend this collar for your German shepherd. This collar should only be used by professional trainers who know what they are doing; otherwise, it could damage your dog’s throat, neck, and spinal cord.
5. E-Collar
An E-collar has a device attached to the collar that delivers stimulation to correct the dog or deter unpleasant behaviors such as excessive barking. Modern E-collars are equipped with different types of stimuli—electric, sound, and vibration—and varying levels of stimulation.
E-collar can be the best training tool if you’re dealing with a stubborn dog who can be challenging to train.
Material
There are three types of materials used to make a canine collar: nylon, leather, and metal. As a general rule, you’ll want to choose a collar that is made of sturdy and durable material and yet soft the dog’s skin. The material should also be easy to wash and clean.
1. Nylon
Out of the three, nylon is the most commonly used material to make a dog collar due to the many benefits it has. It is affordable, durable, and water-resistant. Moreover, nylon has different patterns and colors that can meet your tastes and styles.
2. Leather
Leather is quite popular among German shepherds owners as it is very durable and lasts longer than nylon or polyester, plus it looks gorgeous on your GSD. However, real leather is expensive. Some people might opt for a fake collar, but it’s not a good idea. To make a phony collar look like the real one, manufacturers treat it with chemicals that can be harmful to your German shepherds.
3. Metal or Chain
Metal is often used to make a training collar. Even though this training collar is useful for training dogs, it’s best to leave it in the hand of professional trainers as you run the risk of getting your canine injured if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Conclusion
After careful consideration, we have chosen the EzyDog Neo Collar as our top pick and the PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar as our runner-up.
The EzyDog Neo Collar is made from durable nylon fabric and high-density webbing, with eco-friendly plastic buckles and the metal D ring is chrome coated for extra durability. It is also adjustable to ensure a comfortable, secure fit for your dog.
The PetSafe Adjustable Martingale Collar is also made from durable nylon fabric and has an adjustable slide to ensure a comfortable, secure fit. The metal D ring is also chrome coated for extra durability. It is available in a variety of colors and sizes to suit your dog.
However, the EzyDog Neo Collar is more durable overall, making it the better choice.
If you are looking for a training collar that offers a variety of features, the Educator E-collar is a great choice (see our full review here: the best shock collar for German shepherds).
Regardless of which collar you choose, always take the time to measure your dog carefully to ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
FAQ
1. What Type of Collar is Best for German Shepherds that Pull?
Martingale collar is the best choice for German shepherds that pull. This collar will prevent your dog from slipping out and apply gentle pressure whenever your dog pulls to teach him that pulling is not okay.
Even so, a martingale collar is not meant to be a solution for dogs who pull nonstop. If your dog pulls nonstop, it is more useful to work on loose-leash walking training.
2. Is it a legal requirement for a dog to wear a collar?
The law varies state to state, but today, almost all areas require dogs to wear a collar in public. Remember that some states can fine you up to $300 if your dog isn’t wearing a collar in public. So make sure to check your local rules and regulations to ensure you’re staying compliant.
3. Should I take my German shepherd’s collar off at night?
If your German shepherd lives inside your house or sleeps with you or is right next to you, there is no reason for him to keep wearing a collar at night. It’s better to take his collar off at night to let him sleep comfortably.
4. When can puppies start wearing a collar?
Technically, you could begin training your puppy to get used to a collar as soon as he arrives at your home. However, I would recommend waiting until your pup is 10 weeks old. The reason is that until 12 weeks old, your pup is too young to go outside and during house training, you don’t need a collar, you can simply carry him outside.
5. What kind of collar is best for a puppy?
A flat or breakaway collar is the most appropriate choice for a puppy less than six months of age. One thing that I like about flat collar is that it comes with an adjustable length and snap buckle so that you can adjust the collar as he grows.
Why Trust Us?
We’ve been reviewing pet products since 2016.
Our team of researchers and writers spend countless hours testing products to find the best on the market. We then consult with experts in pet care to get their insights on each product we review.
We also take the time to read customer reviews and compare pricing across a variety of retailers to make sure we’re getting you the best deal possible.
In short, we do all the research so you don’t have to.
You can trust that our reviews are unbiased and honest, and we never accept free products in exchange for a positive review.