The Best Personalised Dog Collars Australia - An Overview

There is a special something about having your items personalised. It’s more than just a name. It’s an extra level of care and specialness that makes that product unique. I personally have my name printed on everything that will allow it.

When it comes to personalised collars there are some truly gorgeous options out there. There’s embroidery, there are customised colours and even free engraving. Extreme customisation for your special dog.

Today we’ll go through the types of personalisation for collars, the qualities of a top collar, and finally our recommendations for the very best personalised dog collars in Australia. Trust us, they won’t disappoint!

How Are Dog Collars Personalised?

So, personalisation is quite varied. Items can be customised in many different ways; dog collars are no different. Here are the three most popular forms of personalised dog collars you’ll see on the market.

Embroidered dog collars

When you see the term “embroidered”, your mind probably jumps to the sweet little trinkets an old nana would lovingly stitch her grandchildren’s names into. And sure, that’s kind of what’s going on here, but far less dainty.

After all, how well do you think such delicate stitching would hold up in your dog’s rough and tumble life? Through rain, wind, sand and sea? It wouldn’t stand a chance!

No, embroidered dog collars are more like regular nylon or polyester flat collars with your dog’s name and your telephone number stitched into the nylon itself. Often you can customise the colour of the fonts and the base colour of the collar. Complete customisation from top to bottom.

Laser-engraved dog collars

This is a slightly simpler style of custom dog collar. The information you need printed on the collar is engraved on the front buckle or a plate on the collar.

Laser-engraving creates a very crisp and clean look.

It also lasts for a very long time. There is no threading to worry about. It shouldn’t be damaged either if the buckle or engraved plate is made of durable metal.

Printed dog collars

In the human world, we mostly use printing to personalise things. However, this isn’t as effective in the dog world.

Whilst some personalised collars use fabric printing, this is the least durable out of all of the customisation methods, so we don’t recommend them. The printing will surely wear off over time. Your dog typically wears their collar for very long periods of time. Fabric printing just doesn’t hold up to the elements as laser-engraving or embroidering do.

What Information Should Be on Your Dog’s Personalised Collar?

So, what should you be engraving or embroidering on your dog’s collar anyway?

The basics are:

What Qualities Should You Look For?

Durability

Ideally, you want all products you buy to last the test of time. The very best dog collars on the market should be extremely long-wearing and last for years. No matter how many times it gets wet or dirty or sun-exposed, it should maintain its integrity.

Durability mostly comes from the materials used. Leather and high-density nylon are prime candidates for hardy collars. Some polyesters can be strong enough to last for years too.

Sizing

• The collars length: comfort comes from the perfect fit. It is vitally important that your dog’s collar is the right size for your dog’s neck as they will be wearing it every day. Most collars are very adjustable and will cover a wide range of neck measurements in one size category. This is super variable among manufacturers too. It is best to measure your dog’s neck before choosing a collar. Then use sizing chart that the manufacturer provides.
  
  You need to measure the base of your dog’s neck to ensure a comfortable fit. The industry standard is to add around 3cm onto the measurement to get the ideal collar length you need. But as I said, the manufacturer should help you out.
• The collars width: there is another aspect to sizing though. So far, we have spoken about the collar length. What about collar width? Thinner options may be daintier and lightweight, making them great puppy collars. Wide collars will be best for strong and/or large dogs.

Design

Humour me for a second. If you’re going to spend a little extra on customising your dog’s collar, it may as well be the best looking collar you have ever seen right? Cool colours, patterns, and classic finishes are all entirely possible with personalised collars. There is a perfect style for every dog out there.

Best Custom Dog Collars Australia 2021 Reviewed

Finding the ideal collar for your dog may seem daunting now that we have gone through the minutiae of it all.  Not to worry - we have scoured the web for the best personalised dog collars you can buy on the Australian market. We have a range of different price points, styles and materials so you can find the right one for you and your pup.

For an amazing, personalised dog collar, we love the Dog Nation Maya design. It ticks all of the boxes and more.

Firstly, this is made of a premium quality polyester for the ultimate durability. Yes - fully aware that the words “premium quality” and “polyester” rarely fit together but let me blow your mind.

Polyester gets a bad rep, but high-quality polyester is an extremely tensile material. It is high-tenacity with minimal stretch so you can trust this collar to last your dog through the ages.

Beyond that, just look at the striking colours. How many black and brown collars do we see? The geometric pattern and fun colour scheme of this collar will surely make your dog the talk of the dog park. The front bow-tie is also a dapper addition. Sometimes a quirky design adds an extra layer of personality to an already personalised item. We love!

Speaking of personalisation, let’s talk about how DogNation chooses to personalise its collars sets. In this case, they use laser engraving to imprint your dog’s name and your telephone number boldly onto the front plate of the collar. This is clear to see and easy to request when you buy the item.

In terms of the size range, DogNation offers this personalised collar in a range of excellent sizes. It ranges from extra-small to extra-large. The smallest size is suitable for a neck length of 23-30cm. The largest size is suitable for a neck length of 56-62cm. Therefore, this collar should fit the majority of dog breeds, but do measure your dog first.

To top it all off, this collar comes with a matching leash made of the same tough material. Well-reviewed, well-priced and well sought after - this is our very top choice for your dog.

A great collar needn’t break the bank so for our budget pick, PAWID offers an interesting, versatile, personalised collar option.

This collar is made of bamboo fibre for an extra boost in durability. It is worth noting, however, that this collar is not as tensile as the Dog Nation option. It’s not a case of “you get what you pay for” here, but rather organic vs man-made. Polyester is man-made to be as durable as possible, especially when tightly woven as with the Dog Nation collars.

The PAWID collar uses the organic, eco-friendly bamboo fibres for a unique collar with ultimately a shorter lifespan. That’s not to say that the collar will melt with one use. It is durable still but may not last as long as the others on this list.

This model comes in three colours: pink, blue, and green. These three designs come in three sizes from small to large. This is therefore one of the more limited options in terms of sizing. The small is adjustable from 25-40cm. The medium size is adjustable from 31-48cm. The largest size is adjustable from 40-63cm. That is still a wide range but excludes the very smallest dogs, so do bear that in mind.

So how do you personalise this collar? PAWID use a laser engraved technique to personalise dog collars with name and phone number. This is printed on the front buckle. The buckle isn’t very large so do keep the printing you request quite short.

Overall, for the price, this is a cute little collar. Soft colours, simple personalisation and an eco-friendly twist with the bamboo material. A unique economical choice for sure!

We can agree that the leather look is definitely a classic, universal style that we love to see in dog collars. This genuine leather personalised dog collar takes things a step further in style, sizing and personalisation.

Let’s start with the design. The Sirius model is sleek and simple. It comes in three flattering colours: deep red, dark brown and bright green.

People often worry about how comfortable leather is for your dog. Sure, leather can be a bit inflexible, but the inner lining of this collar has been softened slightly for supreme comfort. You don’t have to worry that the cold, unforgiving stiffness of leather will cause your dog discomfort. You can relax in knowing this durable collar is also comfy.

To ensure that the Sirius collar truly is comfortable, you need the perfect fit. Luckily, the manufacturer provides a clear sizing chart that is pretty reliable. There are six different sizes from extra-extra-small to extra-large. You are highly likely to find a decent fit for your pup, regardless of breed, size, age, or hair type.

Finally, the personalisation is a step beyond the rest on this list. When you order this dog collar, you have four lines of text you can customise. For example, you can input your dog’s name, your address and your phone number for the ultimate full identity card. Very useful.

For a genuine leather collar, this product is surprisingly economical. So, for a top-reviewed, stylish leather dog collar with phone number and name printed on it, this is the choice for you.

We have discussed many laser engraved options so far. Now let’s move onto the embroidered dog collars. Australia, honestly, this is the ideal option for you!

Personalisation goes beyond just a dog collar with name & phone number. You are limited to 25 characters maximum, including spaces but you can put anything you want without symbols.

The colours are completely customisable too. There are 6 base colours: black, blue, green, light blue, pink, purple. You can then choose the colour of the text they use to create a unique combination. There are 9 font colours in total: black, white, green, blue, red, gold, pink, orange, dark blue. Our recommendation is to use as contrasting colours as possible so that the text can be seen clearly.

As for sizing, there are 4 adjustable lengths to choose from. The small size is 35-40cm. The medium size is 45-50cm. The large is 55-60cm. The extra-large is 65-70cm. For the giant breeds, this is fantastic. The Danes, Newfoundlands and St Bernards of the world are well catered for. But the toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds are left out here. 35cm is way too large for them so please bear that in mind before you buy.

It’s a very economical option for the levels of customisation that is offered. If the size is right, we highly recommend these embroidered dog collars.

It’s fair to say that many personalised collars on this list have had some amazing design features. Bowties are common. Printed patterns too. Even customisable font colours. All great things. But this one is the most unique we could find. The removable Velcro flower is just adorable.

Beyond the flower itself, which clearly takes centre stage, the floral prints that this model comes in are also luxurious and classy. There are 4 patterns in total. The black and green design is our favourite, but you also have beige and peach, cream and dusty blue, and a bright baby pink design. Quite feminine you could say, but ultimately a stylish look for any and every dog.

But will it fit every dog? There are only three sizes to choose from with the PAWID Custom Dog Collar. The smallest size is suitable for a neck width of 25 - 40cm. The medium size is best for a neck width of 30-55cm. Finally, the largest size can fit a neck width of 40-65cm. Again, this is amazing for large dogs. It’s not terribly for small dogs but an extra-extra small option wouldn’t go amiss.

As for the durability, this collar is made of nylon. Nylon is very strong and should last your dog for a long time.

The personalisation is simple with a name and number printed on the collar clearly in Century Gothic font.

Overall, for a step beyond in the style department, PAWID offers a beautiful option.

The studded leather dog collar has been quite the staple of doggy fashion since doggy fashion came into being. It is possibly one of the original unique flairs of dog collar design. And though this is not for everyone, if you seek a studded dog collar, we have you covered.

The Cool Rivets model is a soft spiked design. This means that the spikes are not pointy or harsh. There are three rows of spikes, but these are harmless to your dog and anyone else. It’s purely for the punk rock look - not to actually hurt anyone!

It comes in two colours - black and brown. It also comes in four sizes ranging from extra-small to large. The smallest size is suitable for a neck length of 21-28cm. However, the largest size is suitable for a neck length of 44-55cm. This means that extra-large dogs may struggle to find the perfect fit here.

As for durability, this is genuine leather. Famously hardy material, this collar should last your dog for years and look better and better the more worn it gets.

If the sizing is right, this is a great product! Imperishable, top reviews and a good price point are all extra reasons this could be the studded collar for your tough dog.

The Final Verdict

Quite the range of choices here so it’s difficult to say just one! For an overall durable, fashionable, and top-rated option, you can’t go wrong with the Dog Nation Maya Personalised Dog Collar. It ticks all of the boxes of what you truly want. It is also the only one on the list that comes with a matching leash. We love a bit of coordination.

If you are on a budget or are eco-conscious, the PAWID Bamboo Fibre Collar is a special product. The material is unorthodox but extremely cool. It has a simplistic design. Though it falters on the sizing front, it’s a good option for most dogs.

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

• Best GPS Dog Collar
• Best Martingale Dog Collar
• Best Flea Dog Collar
• Best LED Dog Collar

References

1. “What to do if you lose your pet”. Humane Society. Retrieved December 27, 2020. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-lose-your-pet
2. “Microchipping”. RSCPA Australia. Retrieved December 27, 2020. https://www.rspca.org.au/campaigns/responsible-pet-ownership/microchipping
3. Perreault, J. September 26, 2013. “How to Choose the Correct Collar Size for Your Dog”. Petful. Retrieved December 27, 2020. https://www.petful.com/pet-products/choose-right-size-dog-collar/
4. Remitz, J. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved December 27, 2020.  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 December 27, 2020. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs

The Best Martingale Dog Collar Australia

Stop me if this sounds familiar. You are training your adopted dog or puppy to walk with you. Things seem to be going well at first. They are obediently stuck to your heels, looking to you for guidance.

What a breakthrough. And then, they catch a whiff of a compelling wee-mail across the road. All of a sudden, your dog develops super canine strength to heave your weight to where the sniff site can be found. Perhaps not quite the win for walk training you were hoping for after all.

If your dog is a puller or a supreme escape artist, a martingale collar is for you! This isn’t the same as normal flat collars or as inhumane as choke collars. In this review, we’ll define what a martingale collar is, who they are for, what makes a good martingale collar, and then our top recommendations for martingale collars in Australia.

Hopefully, in the end, you’ll find the best dog collar for your pup!

What Is A Martingale Collar?

A martingale collar is a flat collar with one key difference - the final third of the fabric making up the length of the collar is placed into a D-ring loop. This means there are two loops that make up a martingale collar. One goes around your dog’s neck.

The other is integrated into the collar and attaches to the lead at the back of the neck. The D-ring loop is either made of the same fabric as the main part of the collar, or a stainless-steel chain. Rest assured that the chain does not rub against your dog’s skin if the collar has been fitted correctly.

When pulled, the collar tightens around your dog’s neck but not in a restrictive way. It just fits more snugly than it did before.

What this does is avoids any dog who enjoys backing out of their collars to get loose. It is also sometimes used as a corrective tool when training your dog to walk nicely. Think of it as an added failsafe that gives you more control as you explore the world together.

Because the D-ring loop is often a stainless-steel chain. martingale collars often get mixed up with choke chains. Choke chains are made entirely of metal, with a slipping mechanism that tightens the chain around your dog’s neck like a hangman in his noose.

This is a very outdated, cruel, and ineffective way of walking training your dog. The answer to a pulling dog is not to strangle them. A martingale collar is a gentler, kinder alternative that still gives you the control you are looking for.

When Is A Martingale Dog Collar Used?

Martingales are often advertised to be made for sighthounds. We’re talking the slinky headed breeds out there. Greyhounds, whippets, salukis, afghans all fit this description. The reason martingales are used so often with these breeds is because these cheeky devils are big fans or the great escape.

They use their thin heads to slip out of collars easily, simply by backing out of them. If you own a greyhound, you know how dangerous it can be for them to be let loose during a walk. If they catch their eye on something appealing in the distance, they can take off quickly, crossing roads and fading out of sight in an instant. It’s a greyhound owner’s worst nightmare to have them chasing some unknown entity that you can’t see! A martingale collar gives you slightly more control. It is a backup so that your dog cannot escape you so easily.

That said, any breed can use a martingale collar. If they are strong pullers or like to escape, this style of collar will work for them. In fact, martingale collars are often used for training show dogs.

What to Look for In A Martingale Collar?

To find the best martingale collar, review the following factors with great detail and care.

Size

Sizing is possibly the most important when it comes to martingale collars. If the collar doesn’t fit, it won’t function properly. The range of sizes offered by a manufacturer can be an issue sometimes. Companies often don’t account for the tiniest of breeds or the grandest. Make sure that the collar you choose will fit your collar snugly.

Comfort

Speaking of snug, collars are long-wear items so they need to be comfortable. There are a few aspects to this. The material is best if it is soft and strong. Anything scratchy will irritate your dog.

If your dog has long hair, the chain D-loop is not for them. Their hair could get stuck in the metal and cause discomfort. Fabric loops are much better for long-haired breeds for that reason.

Another factor is the weight. You want your dog’s collar to be lightweight so that your dog acclimatises easily to wearing it. If you intend for this collar to be their daily use collar, the ease of wear is even more important.

Durability

So, you are likely in the market for a martingale collar because your pooch is a puller. It stands to reason, then, that the collar you choose will likely be put through the wringer over its lifetime. Collars are put through the wringer in the best of times, let alone with an exceptionally strong dog or keen escapee.

Look for strong fabrics like woven nylon to ensure the integrity of the collar over time. If there are any metal elements, stainless steel is much hardier than softer metals that may rust or bend with extended use.

Style

Yes, you can call me shallow but bear with me here. The look of a collar adds to the fun and enjoyment of it.

Through a brightly coloured pattern or sleek, classic design, you can show the personality of you and your pup. Manufacturers make collars in a gorgeous array of colours and patterns to enable dog owners to express their dog’s character to the world in a unique way. If you are going to invest in a long-term item like a dog collar, it might as well be cool to look at.

How To Fit A Martingale Dog Collar

To start, if the manufacturer has a guide to sizing always use that first. You know how you may be a size small at one clothing brand and a size medium at another? Well collars are similar in that sizing amongst brands varies. Follow their guidelines first if they provide them. If not, this is a general guide to fitting a martingale collar.

If they don’t have a buckle, you need to measure the largest part of your dog’s head and the largest part of your dog’s neck. Whichever is the widest measurement is the one you will use for the collar fitting. From that measurement, you will add roughly 2.5cm for small dogs, or 5cm for large dogs. That final figure is the one you need for an effective martingale.

If the collar does have a buckle, you only need to measure the part of the neck where the collar will sit. (3) From that measurement, you add a further 2.5cm or 5cm depending on your dog’s size.

Once you receive the collar, you want the band to sit comfortably around the neck. You should be able to fit your index and middle finger between the collar and your dog’s neck comfortably.

 It should be a snug fit, not tight.

Best Martingale Collars 2021 Australia

Woof that was a long buying guide right? Well, I wanted to be as thorough as possible when it comes to martingale collars as they aren’t very common. In fact, it’s likely your veterinarian recommended it and that’s what brought you here.

Now that we have established the form and function of a martingale collar and the qualities of a good product, let us dive into the best martingale collars for dogs Australia has to offer. I tried to cover a range of sizes and designs so that there is something for everyone!

Collar Direct are wonderful manufacturers of martingale collars. This range is our absolute favourite.

They are constructed with strong woven nylon that is extremely durable. Though the material is tough as old boots, it is very soft and caring on your dog’s skin. The D-ring loop is made of the same patterned fabric as the rest of the collar. If you think a chain looks too harsh, you might prefer this style.

These collars are lightweight and easy to wear. The sizing is pretty decent too, though not entirely inclusive. There are 3 sizes. The smallest size is 30cm in length which is perfectly fine for medium and some larger small dogs, but not puppies and tiny dogs. The largest size goes up to 60cm in length. That is quite large but some extra-large dogs could still be excluded.

What we love most about this set is the unique design. The bright final patterns suit every dog with a mix of eye-catching colours.

The runner up in this category is another CollarDirect martingale as we do believe they make really top-quality collars.

This model has a stainless-steel chain D-ring loop rather than a fabric one. If you prefer the chain look, then you may prefer this one.

The designs are much plainer but therefore more universal. You can get this collar in purple, black, blue, orange, pink, red, lime green, and mint green. Amazing range of options!

As for sizing, there are three sizes again. The smallest is 30cm in length and the largest is 55cm in length. Extra-large dogs are not catered for here again. Neither are toy dogs. We wish they would expand their sizing to be more inclusive of all breeds.

These collars are made of the same woven nylon but this time they have reflective strips interlocking the block colour. Therefore, they shine brightly in low light conditions for nightwalkers and dawn walkers.

With CollarDirect’s typical high-quality finesse, we are happy to recommend them for this slightly plainer style.