The Best Greyhound & Whippet Collars Australia

Greyhounds are unique in many ways. Many consider them to be the second-fastest land animal on earth, with their slim body, long neck and narrow head perfectly built for speed. This unique body design is also the reason they can’t wear the same collars as most other dogs.

Greyhounds need a collar that will prevent them from slipping out whilst also gentle on their necks. Our guide to Greyhound collars will help you find one just like that.

Do Greyhounds Need Special Collars?

For most pet parents, the automatic thing to do is buy a classic dog collar with a buckle on the side. Well, if you’ve tried that with a Greyhound (and don’t worry, many new long dog parents make this mistake), you’ve seen that it simply doesn’t work. Dogs like Greyhounds are called dolichocephalic because their heads are elongated. In fact, their heads are not much wider than their necks which makes the collar slip off quite easily.

Related: Best Dog Collars Australia.

If regular collars are not suitable for Greyhounds, then what is? The more traditional option is a tapered collar that’s extra wide in the front, often made of leather. The shape of this collar makes it more difficult for the dog to slip out, although these collars are not completely escape-proof. This type of collar is best suited for a well-behaved Greyhound. If you decide to go this route, look for collars without any sharp edges and preferably with padding on the inside.

Martingale Collars

Much more popular for Greyhounds nowadays are martingale collars. When designed properly to fit dogs like Greyhounds, these collars can be more secure, more lightweight, and easier to use than classic collars.

Martingale collars are collars that tighten around your dog's neck. However, unlike choke chains, spike collars, and the like, martingale collars are designed to be fairly gentle. The main purpose of this design is to prevent the dog from slipping out of the collar [1]. A martingale collar typically consists of two loops. One goes around the dog’s neck, and the other is attached to it in such a way that it tightens if a dog pulls on the lead.

What to Look for in Collars for Sighthounds

If you are not sure what to get for your Greyhound, a martingale collar is a safe bet. However, it’s still important to pay attention to certain characteristics to find the right collar for your dog:

Size and Adjustability

Getting the size right is crucial with collars for Greyhounds. The best way to find out which size collar you need is to measure the neck circumference of your dog. You’ll get the circumference by wrapping a measuring tape around the widest part of your dog’s neck. Greyhound collars are typically smaller than most dog collars, so be careful when checking out the sizes. Greyhounds, for example, usually have a neck circumference between 35 and 45 cm. Italian Greyhound collars, for example, are even smaller. Some of them have necks measuring only 20 cm!

That being said, trying to get the collar size perfectly right is not necessary. Choosing an adjustable collar is a much easier solution since it will allow you to adapt the collar to your dog.

Another thing to keep in mind is the width of the collar. In general, wider collars tend to work better for Greyhounds (think 4 - 5 cm wide). A wider collar not only makes it less likely for the dog to wiggle out of it, but it’s also safer and more comfortable.

Comfort

Comfort is another key point to think about when buying a martingale collar for a Greyhound. The skin on the neck of these gentle creatures can be quite easily irritated. The key to that is finding a collar that fits right.

However, it’s not just about how tight a collar is. If you want to be on the safe side, it’s best to choose a collar with padding on the inside and without any sharp edges. Some Greyhounds don’t mind wearing collars without padding on outings, but it all depends. Some are more sensitive than others.

Durability

Any good collar is worth nothing if it’s not strong and durable. No one wants a collar that will snap in the most critical moment. When it comes to synthetic materials, nylon holds up well. Leather collars are also incredibly durable, but leather is not a good choice for martingale collars. The key, however, is not the material, but the quality of the stitching and the hardware. If those hold well, the collar probably will too.

Best Greyhound Collar and Whippet Collar: Our Top Picks 2022

Ready to check out some beautiful Greyhound collars? These are the best options we have found:

This collar from CollarDirect is one of the most popular Greyhound collars in Australia. If you are looking for a basic collar that will serve you well during walks with your doggo, this could be the right choice.

The collar is made from nylon webbing. The nylon is a good choice for outdoor activities because it’s fairly strong and durable while also being lightweight. If used in the rain, it also does not soak up water and dries out quickly. This is important because this collar is fairly wide (4cm).

The nylon webbing has a soft feel to it, but it can still be a bit too rough for the gentle skin of some sighthounds. Especially if your canine companion is a Greyhound, a Saluki, or a similar fair-coated breed, you might find that most martingale collars, like this one, can irritate the neck area. In short, it comes down to this: the CollarDIrect Martingale Collar is great for short walks with your pup, but it is not made to be worn all day.

What makes CollarDirect stand out is the number of beautiful colour patterns you can choose for your collar. You might enjoy looking through them all and finding the one that expresses your canine companion’s personality the best.

When it comes to sizes, CollarDirect offers two: medium for dogs with a neck circumference between 30 and 43 cm and large for the range between 30 and 50 cm. Since the collar is adjustable, one of these sizes should fit most Greyhounds and other Sighthounds. Unfortunately, they do not make a size small, which means that this collar will not work for Italian Greyhounds.

Whippet collars in Australia are quite difficult to find. As they are not the most common dogs, many manufacturers don’t make collars in such small sizes. One of those that do make them is RC Pet Products.

Their martingale collar comes in 3 sizes, including small. The collar in size small is suitable for dogs with a neck circumference between 23 and 36 cm. This size tends to be perfect for Whippets, and will also work for some Italian Greyhounds. Keep in mind that this is just a general guideline, the best way to know if a collar will fit is by measuring your dog’s neck. There can be a wide difference between individual dogs of the same breed.

Enough about the sizes. What about the material? Well, this collar is made from nylon webbing. They made this choice of material to create a remarkably lightweight collar. The webbing is also very smooth to the touch, which prevents it from pulling on the hairs on the dog's neck. The martingale loop functions very well, despite the collar being quite wide (4 cm). The extra width means that in the case your dog pulls, the weight will be distributed over a larger area on the neck which can help prevent injuries. The length of the collar can be adjusted with a separate buckle on the back which does not interfere with the martingale loop.

While nowadays most Greyhounds wear martingale collars on everyday occasions, leather collars are the most traditional choice. Truth be told, if a Whippet or an Italian Greyhound wants to escape this collar, they could still probably do it even with a tapered leather collar like this one. Still, for well-behaved Sighthounds, a leather collar like this one is always a beautiful choice.

This is a classic leather Greyhound collar with the typical tapered shape. The collar is wider at the front and more narrow at the back. This shape helps prevent the dog from pulling out of the collar (and looks beautiful on those elongated necks). The collar buckles at the back with a classic belt buckle. Since the collar is more narrow on this part, the buckle is not too large and not too heavy either.

This Dogs My Love collar is made with genuine leather. There is a tougher external layer and soft padding on the inside. The collar is well made with attention to the finest details: the stitching is well-made, there are no sharp edges etc. Unfortunately, it’s only available in one size (18 - 33 cm).

We can probably all agree that Greyhounds and their cousins from the Sighthound family are some of the most elegant-looking dogs in the world. This beautiful collar is what you need to give them a truly royal look they deserve. This wide martingale collar features intricate embroidery that will truly make your pup stand out - at a show or otherwise.

It’s not only about the looks, though. This collar was made specifically with Greyhounds in mind. It’s 5 cm wide, which allows it to keep your dog secure with minimal irritation. The martingale loop will make sure the collar stays on, but the extra-wide surface makes sure that the collar doesn’t cut into your dog’s neck.

This extra-wide collar from Downtown Pet Supply is another great option. This collar is lightweight, soft, and flexible. It’s exactly the kind of martingale collar that fits a Greyhound. It’s extra-wide (4 cm) and features a simple design. By ‘simple’, we mean there are no unnecessary buckles, this collar has exactly what you need: a martingale loop, a large D-ring to attach your lead, and a length-adjustment mechanism. The collar can slip right over your Greyhound's head - no need to fiddle with buckles.

The collar itself is made of high-density polyester webbing. The material is lightweight but strong. It’s also very easy to clean. The only downside we could find relates to the edges of the polyester fabric which are a bit rough. That could create discomfort for dogs who like to pull. Oh, and we almost forgot, the prints on these Downtown Pet Supply collars are adorable. You get to choose from a bunch of colourful patterns.

Final Verdict

What kind of collar is best for Greyhounds? We’ve found that a nice martingale collar is the best and the safest option. We especially love the extra-wide but lightweight collar from Collar Direct.

A good alternative is the similar collar from RC Pet Products (this one is available in a size small too).

References

1. Miller, P. November 10, 2017. “The Safest Types of Dog Collars (and the Most Dangerous”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved December 14, 2021. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/collars-harnesses-leashes-muzzles/the-safest-types-of-dog-collars-and-the-most-dangerous/
2. Miller, P. March 29, 2011. “Limited Slip Collars: Best for Dog Training and Restraint”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved December 14, 2021. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/collars-harnesses-leashes-muzzles/limited-slip-collars-best-for-dog-training-and-restraint/
3. PetMD Editorial. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved December 14, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog

The Best Dog Training Collars Australia - For Extra Control

Training your dog with positive, effective techniques needs no special tool. However, we can all do with a helping hand every now and again! Dog training collars are incredibly useful for walk training, bark training and even agility training.

There are many different types of training collars and they come in all sizes and styles. In this article, we’ll talk about how to find the best training collar for your dog. We’ll also give the best recommendations for dog training collars Australia has to offer.

Let’s dig in!

Types of Training Collars Dogs May Need

There are several different dog training collars on the market, and they all have their varying strengths. The right one for your pup depends on the type of training you’re doing. Here is a quick summary of the main types you’ll encounter.

Martingale Collars - for walk training

A martingale collar is a flat collar with a small difference - a third of the collar is in a D-ring loop. The result is a collar that can slightly tighten and loosen when a dog pulls forward. (1)

Does this sound like a choke collar? I promise you it’s not. This is a human alternative that remains effective as a training tool.

The martingale collar tightens but is not restrictive or asphyxiating in any way like a choke collar would be.

Martingales are effective walk training tools for any dog. However, they are specially marketed towards sighthounds with small heads. Think greyhounds, whippets, salukis and afghans. Because of their slinky heads, they can escape quite easily when walking. They’re also notorious chasers. They will chase small rodents, birds and even smaller dogs. So a martingale is not only a training tool - it’s added safety while walking your dog too. 

Show trainers and agility dog trainers love martingale collars too.

Citronella Collars - for barking

Citronella collars are most often used for barking training.

They work by having a small cartridge filled with citronella on the front of the collar. Most are automatic but some are remote controlled. When your dog barks, the cartridge emits a small spray of citronella to distract and deter your dog from raising hell in your backyard.

The cartridge is refillable, and the collar is generally easy to use. These collars are designed to be worn for long periods but ensure that your dog doesn’t sleep in a citronella collar. If your dog snores at all or barks in their sleep, the citronella spray could wake them up and disturb them. An unrested dog will probably result in more barking and agitation during the day.

Vibrating Collars - for barking and other signals

Vibrating collars are also primarily used for bark training. They work but have a small vibrating box at the front of the collar and vibrating when your dog barks or does some other undesired behaviour.

These tend to be remote controlled but there are some automatic options. You’ll see vibrating and sound collars integrated into one as well.

Vibrating collars are also incredibly useful for deaf dogs. You can train your dog to respond to certain pulses and signals. This is vital for communicating with your dog while walking as a dog’s eyes are almost always ahead of them as they walk. They can’t look at you at all times to receive signals.

Beep Collars - for barking and agility training

Beep collars or sound collars work similarly to vibrating collars and are most often employed to stop your dog from barking too much. Many collars combine vibration and sound to create a more integrative training approach.

The sound used is too high a frequency for human ears to pick up.

Head Collars - for walk training

Head collars are likely the simplest on the list. No automatic censors or moving parts. A head collar is very similar to a flat collar with an extra strap that rests over your dog’s snout.

The design of a head collar allows your dog’s head to turn when they pull forward. This is how head collars work as a corrective tool when walking.

About Aversive Collars: Never Use Them

The collar types I mentioned above are very widely used in the dog community. Though each veterinarian and trainer have their own methods, the collars in the previous section are widely seen as humane ways to train your dog.

So you’ll notice some notable absences from the list. Shock collars and choke collars are nowhere to be seen.

These two forms of “corrective” dog training are old fashioned and broadly considered inhumane by today’s standards. Let’s explore both of them and you’ll see why.

Shock collars

Shock collars are also known as “e-collars”. They are electric collars that carry a live current. When a dog misbehaves, however that is defined by the owner, the collar can zap the dog with a small pulse or shock.

This was a very common dog training technique in the 1960s (in other words, when we didn’t know any better). (3) Vets used to purport that dogs would barely feel the electric shock and it was perfectly safe. But dogs often suffered electric burns and heightened anxiety over prolonged usage of shock collars.

Luckily, we humans have come to our senses and realise that shock collars are not appropriate as a teaching tool for any animal.

Choke collars

Choke collars are even worse somehow. It’s very frightening to think that choke collars were part of popular culture not too long ago.

Choke collars used chains to enforce strangulation on the dog whenever the dog “misbehaved.” It led to many dogs getting severely injured with skin damage and asphyxiation. Beyond the physical harm, the psychological harm was irreparable. Dogs who were choke trained would have high anxiety, depression and sometimes even more aggressive tendencies.

Choke collars are very different to martingale collars as martingale collars do not disrupt the blood flow or asphyxiate the neck. They apply gentle pressure without strangling your dog.

What To Look For in A Dog Trainer Collar

Finding the right training collar for your dog is very similar to finding any collar for your dog. The four main tenets are the same:

Size

For a dog training collar to be effective, it needs to be the right size for your dog. Generally, we go off of the rule of two. You should be able to slip your two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck snuggly. If there’s a huge gap between the collar and your fingers when you do this, it’s way too loose and needs adjusting. On the other hand, if you can’t get your two fingers around the sides of the collar to your dog’s neck, it’s far too tight.

Sometimes some adjusting of the collar itself will do. Other times you need a completely different collar entirely.

So how do you preempt this to ensure you make the right purchase from the beginning?

You need to measure your dog’s neck at two points.

1. Around the midpoint of their neck
2. Around the base of their neck (where it meets the shoulders)

This is to ensure that it’s not too tight if your dog is pulling and the collar slides further up the neck. But the ordinary resting position for a collar would be towards the base of your dog’s neck.

The manufacturer of any collar should give adequate measurement guidelines for the sizes they provide. Have a quick look at the reviews too to see if anyone mentions the collars coming up small or large.

Durability

Dog training collars are used in acute situations generally. You don’t keep them on all of the time. Hopefully, you can phase them out entirely once your dog has learned the desired behaviours and you can use voice commands to keep them on track.

That said, it’s no use investing in a dog training collar that won’t even last you the duration of your training regime. I use the word “investment” very purposefully here. These extra special collars are not cheap. Particularly the remote-controlled ones or collars with automatic sensors.

The only way to tell if a collar is durable or not is to see the materials and read reviews. Generally, steel and nylon are hardy, but they’re not foolproof. If a consumer is unhappy with the build quality of a collar, they’ll be sure to write about it in their reviews! Don’t ignore them.

Comfort

Your dog can only rain effectively if they are comfortable with the tools you’re using. A huge part of the comfort level of a collar is the fit. We’ve spoken about sizing before, but just to reiterate - a well-fitted dog training collar is an effective dog training collar.

Other metrics of comfort would be the materials that the collar is made of and the weight.

The weight is of particular importance to any sound, beep or spray collars you look into. These collars have a small cartridge at the front of the collar, under your dog’s nose.

If it’s too bulky or heavy, your dog will do everything in their power to get the collar off. That’s not an effective training tool. So, ensure that the collar is suitable for your dog’s weight. Ideally, you barely want them to notice the collar as they wear it. You want it to be just as comfortable as a regular collar.

Style

Finally, style is no small thing! It means absolutely nothing to your dog, but it may bring you some small pleasure to purchase a fashionable collar for your pooch. Not only that, but the more styling looking collars are also less conspicuous when it comes to training your dog.

In some cases, if a person sees a dog with a training tool on them, they’ll automatically fear the dog. It often happens with head collars and muzzles. Because of the associations with muzzles and dangerous dogs, people and other dogs are less interactive and open with dogs who wear them.

Buying a collar that isn’t so easily spotted as a training collar may help your dog blend in.

8 Best Dog Training Collars Australia: 2022 Edition

Now that you know all there is to know about the many types of dog training collars and how to find the best one for your pup, here is a list of the best choices on the Australian market. There’s something for every dog and every training style. However, we will not be recommending shock collars or choke collars in any way. We take our name as Gentle Dog Trainers very seriously and therefore will not be promoting those forms of dog training in any way.

Our first recommendation for training collars is the ET-300TS Mini Educator Remote Dog Trainer from Dog Line. This is primarily a vibration and sound collar that can be used in a myriad of ways.

During training, some dogs become desensitised to the buzz of a training collar or outright ignore it. This collar removes that possibility by having 100 Control of Stimulation (COS) levels. That means there are 100 different minute settings to increase or decrease the sensation of the vibration.

At the highest level, it is still within safe and humane parameters. However, if you have a very strong-willed dog, it’s helpful to have the option to crank the stimulation all the way up or not.

Most dogs won’t need to have the highest setting on, but you can personalise it to your dog’s personality and sensitivity. There is a lock feature too that allows you to lock in the stimulation level that is working the best for your training or communication purposes.

This is a remote controlled dog training collar giving you extra precision in how it’s used. The range is impressive at 800m. The remote control has a night light tracker and lost transmitting beeper too in case your dog goes missing or out of sight at any time while wearing it.

The collar is fully waterproof which is great for camping trips and active environments.
The battery charges within 2 hours and the collar supports both tone only and vibration only modes.

This collar basically has everything you could need from a training collar and more. The only con is that it’s not suitable for dogs of all sizes. The manufacturer recommends that only dogs over 2.2kg use this collar. 

The Canny Collar is a great option as a simple head collar for walk training.

The noseband on this collar is purposefully designed to be loosely fit, allowing a full range of movement for your dog’s mouth. Some head collars can be restrictive but the Canny Collar avoids that problem. It’s both easy to fit and comfortable to wear.

Made of cotton webbing, the collar is quite durable. It’s not as hardy as some of the other options on this list with nylon webbing, however, it will last you for walk training sessions. Remember that you shouldn’t let your dog wear training collars all of the time as it’s unnecessary. A head collar is only for use in short bursts.

The sizing is pretty good overall. The smallest neck circumference is 7cm and the largest is 58cm. Most small to large breeds will be perfectly happy with this product.  Some extra-large dog breeds can have neck girths of up to 65cm. So the Canny Collar wouldn’t be a good fit for them.

With great reviews and a decent price point, this is an excellent choice if you’re after a walking aid as you train your dog.

Onto the martingales!

The CollarDirect Martingale Collars are very high quality no matter what model you choose. I chose this one because the tribal patterns are so cool! They’re unisex, bright and a little different to the typical patterns you see on collars.

Beyond that, with this product, you can expect durability and comfort. It’s made of woven nylon which is very sturdy. Even if your dog wears the martingale all the time, it’s unlikely to fray or break for years and years. The nylon may be as tough as old boots, but it isn’t harsh on your dog’s skin. It’s soft and forgiving.

There are 3 sizes to choose from. The smallest is 30cm in length which is a bit of a con. This size will work for medium dogs, but small dogs/puppies are excluded. The larger sizes are much more representative of extra-large dogs ranging up to 60cm in length.

If you’re looking for a comfortable martingale collar with an eye-catching design, look no further than the CollarDirect line!