The 6 Best Leather Dog Collars Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2023

Leather dog collars are classics. A luxurious product for the special canine in your life to be sure. Beyond the sheer stylishness of them, they are extremely durable. My dogs all have leather dog collars and they have lasted for years and years.

When in search of the best leather dog collar for you, there are a few factors to consider. To get you the most comprehensive information, we teamed up with canine behaviourists, veterinarians, and dog parents alike to form a panel of independent experts. We then decided to research and test the most popular leather dog collars with our own beloved dogs before discussing our findings.

Ahead, we’ll dive deep into what makes a great leather collar, before giving you our top recommendations for leather dog collars in Australia.

Australia's Best Leather Dog Collars Reviewed

A leather collar is a collar for life, so it pays to make the right choice for you and your pup! Do you want a colourful leather collar? A studded one? A simple classic brown leather collar? Well, we have searched for some fantastic leather collars for you to browse through. These are the best leather dog collars Australia offers, according to our team of independent experts. We hope you find the right choice for you and your dog.

For a genuine leather collar with excellent sizing and classic colours, the Dog Nation Sirius model is the clear winner.

Firstly, it is a genuine high-quality leather collar which means it is long-wearing and will age beautifully. Durability is a given with leather to a degree, but with Dog Nation, you can trust you are getting the good stuff!

As for design, there are 3 simple colours to choose from: deep red, mid-tone green and dark brown. These colours would suit any pup, with the deep red being the favourite in my household.

All three colours come in six sizes which is an impressive range. It is difficult to find such a representative range with collars so we’re happy to recommend this product for Aussie doggies of all sizes. The extra-extra small size is suitable for a neck girth of 20 - 28 cm. The largest size, extra-large, is suitable for a neck girth of 51 - 63 cm. Very inclusive indeed.

Finally, you can personalise it! We love a personalised dog collar. A personalised leather dog collar from Australia is even better. To personalise this collar, I simply had to fill in the four lines on the website to add in the text I wanted to be laser engraved on the buckle plate. It is advised to add on your dog’s name, your telephone number and perhaps your address.

To top it off, this collar is sold at a reasonable price point for the quality and custom dog collar. Top marks all around!

For a cute leather dog collar that won’t break the bank, we recommend the BRONZEDOG Rolled Leather Dog Collar.

A rolled collar refers to the rounded edges as opposed to the traditional flat collar. Rolled collars are quite comfortable but not any more so than flat collars.

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. As the economical pick, it is at a great price point for the sizing and quality. This is another genuine leather product, like our number one choice, though this time it is a soft grain leather. This makes it a little more pliable than regular full-grain leather as we discussed.

The D-ring and buckle are made of durable steel. Overall, our panel of independent experts could all conclude that the product should last your dog a few years.

To ensure the best comfort for your dog, you need the perfect fit. This collar is offered in 6 sizes. Because this product is designed for cats and dogs, you’ll need to be careful with the sizing. These generally run quite small as our expert testers have confirmed. If you have a question about the sizing, it is probably best to get in touch with the manufacturer for guidance.

Lastly, the design options are fabulous. A total of 6 colours to choose from here, bright teal, dusty rose, deep red, hot pink, deep brown and royal blue. Super stylish!

For a simple durable leather collar that has all the features you need. You can’t go wrong with this gorgeous choice.

Puppies deserve to be stylish too! The Ozpaw Padded Leather Dog Collar is the perfect leather collar for puppies. Why?

Well, let’s start with sizing. There are 4 sizes from extra-small to large, so not as many options as our first two collar choices. We’ll focus on the smallest sizes here as you have quite the beast on your hands if your puppy already has a neck measurement of 40 cm+. Not sure they are a puppy anymore!

The extra small size is good for a pup or small dog with a neck measurement of 20-26 cm. The size above that will suit pups or dogs with necks measuring 27-33 cm.

Regardless of the size you choose, you will also have 5 bright colours to choose from, jet black, light pink, light blue, tan, brown, and bright red. A decent selection for a customised look.

I think this is a very durable product, made of soft pliable genuine leather and nickel-plated metal finishes. However, the buckle is not as durable as steel, but the nickel plating should protect it from rusting.

The best part of all, some would say, is the guarantee. Ozpaws offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the product to ensure your happiness with it. As a stylish leather dog collar for small dogs, there is very little to like about this product. We highly recommend it.

Did someone ask for a brown leather dog collar for their extra-large dog? This is for you, dear reader!

Extra-large dogs often get left behind, but this collar is huge. It is suitable for a neck width of 55-65 cm so most large and giant breeds will suit this collar.

It is worth mentioning that as this is full grain genuine leather, it is quite a heavy collar. Nothing that your large or giant dog will notice but it is not quite as dainty as the Ozpaw, for example.

The lining is padded for extra comfort too. It’s perfect as a long-lasting item despite its relative heaviness.

The design is simple and classic. The brushed gold metal finishes are timeless for a brown leather collar like this one.

Due to its heavy-duty materials, you can trust this collar will last you for ages. The leather will wear beautifully over time too.

All in all, if you are in pursuit of a leather collar for large dogs, you can’t go wrong with this one!

As we mentioned before, there is an extra specialness to handmade leather products. They don’t always come at a premium and this one is an example. It’s about average for leather dog collars in general in terms of price but my my - what a luxurious product.

The Soft Touch Collar is just to die for. The craftsmanship on the leather to create this statement pattern is what makes this collar truly unique.

Unlike the other collars on this list, it only comes in one colour. The colour palette is simple with a black exterior and a brown interior to the design. This will suit all dogs regardless of colouring, though some brighter options would have been great.

Every member of our team of independent experts appreciated how there is padding in the lining for a bit of extra comfort. We're also certain the high-quality leather and brass metal will last for years to come.

This model only comes in two sizes which is a bit disappointing and the least representative on this list. We much prefer products with as representative sizing as possible. The medium size will fit a dog with neck measurements of 36-45 cm. The large size will fit a dog with a neck measuring 46-53 cm. Small dogs, puppies, and giant breeds are definitely excluded here.

Soft Touch Collars really believes in this product which is why they have a lifetime guarantee. That’s right! If you have any issues during the entire lifetime of the product, the manufacturer is there is support you. That is a big claim and shows confidence in their workmanship.

Of course, it is natural for leather to wear over time so do bear that in mind. With a leather product as beautiful as this one, there is a good chance it will just keep getting better the more your dog wears it.

For a handmade leather collar with a unique design, this is the choice for you.

The studded look is very specific, but if you love the punk rock look for your doggy, this is our top pick.

The Cool Rivets design from Dog Nation has all of the quality you expect from a Dog Nation product. It is solid genuine leather with a soft spike design. That is to say that the spikes are slightly rounded so they can’t hurt anyone.

These fully adjustable collars come in 4 sizes, just like our number three pick above. The smallest size is extra-small, suitable for a neck width of 21 - 28 cm. The small size is suitable for a neck width of 29 - 36 cm. The medium size is suitable for a neck width of 34 - 41 cm.  Finally, the large size is suitable for a neck width of 44 - 55 cm. Giant breeds are excluded here so that is worth noting. Please do measure your dog before purchasing.

This studded leather collar comes in two colours - black and brown. These are classic, simple colours for your pup but a bright colour would have been nice to include.

With a great price point and excellent reviews, this is the best studded leather collar out there.

Why I Chose A Leather Dog Collar

First, why should you choose a leather collar in the first place?

There are so many types of collars on the market. The materials vary as much as human clothes do. Nylon and polyester are the most popular because they are lightweight and cheap to produce. Even more organic materials like bamboo are becoming more popular.

Leather is a top choice for a dog collar because of its longevity.

Sure, we could say the same thing about a very high-quality, tightly woven nylon dog collar, but leather collars have an added benefit.

Leather wears beautifully. The more it is used, the more beautiful it seems to become.

I’m sure you know the owner of a beaten-up leather wallet that somehow retains its shape and charm for years and years. Leather is always a good investment for that reason.

Types Of Leather Dog Collars

Our team of independent experts quickly realised that there are two types of leather you are likely to see on handmade dog collars: full-grain or spilt grain (genuine).

Full-grain is the most durable and premium quality type of leather.

Most leather belts and premium wallets are made of full-grain leather, so it stands to reason that this is a good candidate for dog collars.

That being said, you’ll probably see “genuine” leather used more often which is split-grain leather. This is poorer quality leather, but it does have its benefits for collar making.

For one, it is softer than full-grain. A more pliable collar makes for a lighter-weight, softer collar overall. Genuine leather is also slightly cheaper than the full-grain stuff.

What To Consider When Buying Leather Dog Collars

There is a myriad of factors to consider when searching for the best dog collar for your fancy Fido. Here are just a few we suggest you consider.

Size

Sizing can be tricky when it comes to collars since manufacturers do things so differently. Most collars can fit a wide range of neck sizes. You use the buckles to lengthen or shorten the collar to perfectly fit your dog.

The manufacturer will normally provide quite a handy guide to get the length right.

Beyond the length of the collar, you may want to consider the weight and the width.

Weight is definitely a factor for small dogs or puppies. Though a heavy collar won’t stunt your dog’s growth, it can cause neck strain and other issues. (3)

Leather is naturally a little heavier than man-made materials like nylon and polyester. Choosing a lightweight style, like a rolled collar or a soft grain leather will be better for small dogs.

Personalisation

Personalisation is a nice touch to any item for your pup. The best gifts are the ones with your name on it!

Some companies offer the option for free laser-engraved personalisation on the front buckle or metal plate. You can have them print your dog’s name and your number on the collar easily.

Durability

It goes without saying that leather collars are some of the most durable collars on the market. Leather in all its forms is very tensile and long-wearing.

Leather is organic. It stands up to all weather conditions but there are some things to you can do to ensure its longevity.

For one, if your dog has taken a dive into a lake with their collar on and thoroughly soaked it, you’ll need to blot away excess water immediately. Leather is organic so it can degrade and/or get mouldy if not cared for properly. Then just allow the collar to air dry. It will be completely fine when dry.

If you want to take it a step further, of course, there are special cleaning brushes. It’s best to steer clear of polish as this can be toxic to your dog.

Style

Leather certainly has its limitations. It doesn’t have the same colouring potential that nylon has. It’s also tricky to find cool add-on shapes that won’t weigh the collar down. For example, there are certain polyester collar designs with bowties and flowers that are just adorable. You are unlikely to get that with leather.

But you do have a good array of colours to choose from. Some handmade models have intricate engraving and patterns which are truly special.

Beyond the look itself, you also have the general shape of the collar. There are flat collars and rolled collars.

Dogs with long hair may prefer rolled collars because it doesn’t get stuck in their fur and get tangled. As a long-haired being myself, I can completely relate to how painful that is to have your hair wrapped up in something around your neck!

You may also prefer the aesthetic of a rolled collar as they do look quite neat and modern. Flat collars are very timeless though. It’s a matter of preference.

My Final Say

As with all things we talk about at Gentle Dog Trainers, a dog collar is a personal purchase. It just depends on your dog’s unique needs and also what catches your eye as an owner of course!

The best overall pick for our panel of independent experts is definitely the Dog Nation Sirius leather collar. The colours are universally beautiful. The sizing is hugely representative of dogs of all sizes and breeds. The quality is top-notch, and the price point is pretty average for this category of dog collar. A great choice for almost any dog.

However, if you are on a budget and/or have a long-haired dog, you may prefer the rolled leather collar from BRONZEDOG. It comes in a cool range of bright colours, is made of soft genuine leather, and is truly economical for its quality.

Want to learn more about dog collars? Check out our below guides:

References:

1. Popoff, R. October 7, 2019. “The Ultimate Guide to Leather Grades”. Popov Leather. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://www.popovleather.com/blogs/from-the-workshop/the-ultimate-guide-to-leather-grades#pyramid
2. Perreault, J. September 26, 2013. “How to Choose the Correct Collar Size for Your Dog”. Petful. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://www.petful.com/pet-products/choose-right-size-dog-collar/
   
3. Wooten, S. January 30, 2018. “What Causes a Puppy to Stop Growing?”. PetMD. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/what-causes-puppy-stop-growing
4. Remitz, J. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved February 21, 2023.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog
   
5. Williams, K. “Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs”. VCA Animal Hospital. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs
6. McCarthy, C. “Surprising Dog Harness Dangers to Avoid”. PetMD. Retrieved February 21, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/surprising-dog-harness-dangers-avoid