The 5 Best Greyhound Collars Australia: Tested & Evaluated 2024
Written By Vedrana Nikolic | Canine Coach, B.A Ethnology & Anthropology, M.A Semiotics.
Edited & Fact Checked By Renae Soppe | B.A Journalism & Science.
Last Updated: 9th January 2024
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 being gentle on their necks. So, to determine which brands have the best collars, our team of experts collaborated with prominent industry professionals to test various dog collars that would be most beneficial for our Greyhounds. After months of research testing dozens and dozens of options with our own canine companions, we finally agreed on the list below.
Our guide to Greyhound collars will help you find the best collar. We will discuss how to pick the finest collar for your dog and share the results of a study that took months to complete. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of these dog collars for a Greyhound available in Australia. Let's dig in!
Quick Picks - The Top 3
Our Number 1 Pick -
CollarDirect Martingale Collars for Dogs
- Lightweight
- Lots of beautiful designs to choose from
- Durable
- Good value for money
- Adjustable size
Runner Up -
RC Pet Products All Webbing Training Collar
- Easy to put on
- Lots of patterns to choose from
- Three sizes available
- Reflective tag for night time visibility
- Durable and machine washable
Third Choice -
Dogs My Love Real Leather Padded Collar
- Made with genuine leather
- Soft padding on the inside
- Quality stitching and hardware
- Durable and pliable
Australia's Best Greyhound Collars Reviewed
Ready to check out some beautiful Greyhound collars? After months of research and several dozen collars later, these are the best options our team of independent experts found:
#1: Best Overall: CollarDirect Martingale Collars for Dogs
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, we think 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 (4 cm).
Compared to the second option by RC Pet Products that has heavy metal parts, this brand offers a lightweight dog collar for our Greyhounds. During our tests, we noticed that this type collar is one that may be used on a regular basis and is ideal for energetic dogs like Greyhounds.
The CollarDirect Martingale Collars for Dogs being tested by our independent expert team.
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 to me most is the number of beautiful colour patterns I could choose for my dog's collar. I enjoyed looking through them all and finding the one that expressed my canine companion’s personality the best.
When it comes to sizes, CollarDirect offers two: medium for dogs with a neck circumference between 30 cm and 43 cm and large for the range between 30 cm 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 our team of independent experts were sad to note means that this collar will not work for Italian Greyhounds.
What we love about this collar is its durability with beautiful designs. The quality of the materials does not compromise the aesthetics and adorable appearance of our dogs.
Also, we recommend this one because of its adjustable feature, which gives our dogs a little more freedom when they are wearing this collar and at the same time, it can be easily worn and can fit our dogs perfectly.
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#2: Runner Up: RC Pet Products All Webbing Training Collar
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 three sizes, including small. The collar in size small is suitable for dogs with a neck circumference between 23 cm and 36 cm. Our panel of independent experts note that 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.
Unlike our number one choice by CollarDirect, which does not offer small sizes, this can be used for smaller dogs, as long as you select the appropriate one for them by personally checking your dog's size. I know personally that finding a small collar for a very active dog that can last for a long time is difficult, but this brand solves the problem for you.
The RC Pet Products All Webbing Training Collar being tested by our independent expert team.
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.
Its 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.
What makes this our second choice is its reflective tag feature that allows us to see our dogs whenever we are outdoors at night. Greyhounds are very active dogs, so it is a must for us to keep an eye on them, and this dog collar will help us do the job.
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#3: Best Leather Collar: Dogs My Love Real Leather Padded Collar
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. Our team of independent experts share that 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.
What I personally think makes this brand better than our number two option is its soft padding because of its material. Most dog collars on this list do not have this feature, and if your Greyhound needs a more comfortable collar, then this brand is for you.
The Dogs My Love Real Leather Padded Collar being tested by our independent expert team.
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, similar to our number one choice, it’s only available in one size (18 cm - 33 cm).
We love the material of this brand, especially if you are a leather lover. The collar is well-made and carefully crafted to suit our dogs' needs in terms of durability and comfort. This brand proves that a classic dog collar is still one of the best choices for our beloved canine companion.
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#4: Most Stylish Greyhound Collar: Handmade Martingale Greyhound Dog Collar
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.
Unlike the previous option by Dogs My Love, which is a classic leather collar, this one is more modern and more environment-friendly than leather. As much as leather is a good option, we also value vegan products like this one.
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.
Overall, our panel of independent experts definitely liked how this product balances security and beauty. The design has an artistic touch, built on a large loop. Whenever the dog isn't actively pulling on the leash, the collar should be loose enough that it didn't cause discomfort to our dogs.
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#5: Best for Larger Greyhounds: Downtown Pet Supply Big and Wide Martingale Training Collar
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.
We included this as our top five because compared to the Handmade Martingale Greyhound dog collar in our number four spot, which is made from polypropylene metal, the material of the Downtown Pet Supply collar is polyester, making it softer and more flexible for our dogs.
The Downtown Pet Supply Big and Wide Martingale Training Collar being tested by our independent expert team.
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 our team of experts 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 I almost forgot, the prints on these Downtown Pet Supply collars are adorable. I got to choose from a bunch of colourful patterns for my pupper.
We love how this martingale collar for dogs is constructed from high-density polyester that has been double-stitched for added strength, and it features nickel-plated hardware that is weather-proof and escape-proof.
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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, then 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, as our team of independent experts point out, 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 I Consider When Buying a Collar for Greyhounds
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. According:
Size and Adjustability
As we noticed during our testing phase, 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 cm 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.
“The adjustability of these collars is critical because the purpose is to have the collar loose enough to be comfortable, tight enough under tension to prevent the dog from slipping out of it, and, at maximum tightness, not tight enough to choke the dog.” - Pat Miller for Whole Dog Journal [2]
Another thing to keep in mind is the width of the collar. In general, wider collars tend to work better for Greyhounds (think 4 cm to 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 for their elongated necks.
Comfort
Comfort is another key point to think about when buying a 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.
“A collar that is too tight can also be harmful to a dog, and even a ‘moderately tight’ collar can lead to skin irritation. Collars that are too tight can cause hair loss, and the skin in those areas can be more prone to infection.” - Dr. Barbara Hodges for PetMD [3]
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.
My Final Verdict
What kind of collar is best for Greyhounds? Our team of independent experts found that a nice martingale collar is the best and the safest option when we are considering the purpose of our dog collar, material, size, and design. After several weeks of research and testing, we especially love the extra-wide but lightweight collar from Collar Direct.
A good alternative that we can recommend is the similar collar from RC Pet Products (this one is available in size small too).
FAQ
Martingale collars, if fitted and used right, are a good solution for Greyhounds. They are more secure than regular collars for these dogs. The key is choosing a wide and comfortable collar and adjusting it right.
When fitting a collar for any dog, it should fit snugly. A dangling collar is not good because it can cause more irritation (and isn’t safe). Still, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog’s skin. With martingale collars, you’ll want to adjust the collar with the martingale loop pulled taut (just pull the D-ring where you attach the leash). You want the collar to be tight, but not choke the dog when the martingale loop is completely tightened.
With Greyhounds and other Sighthounds, the collar should sit on the thinnest part of their neck. This means the collar should sit quite high, close to their heads. This refers to dogs wearing a wide martingale collar or another wide collar for walking.
If you plan to use the collar for walking your dog on a lead, then you should opt for a wide collar. Thin collars will slip over a Greyhound’s head very easily. Not only that, but a thin collar could also cause injury to the dog’s neck in case of pulling. A wider collar is more secure and distributes the weight more evenly if the dog pulls.
Martingale collars are not meant to be worn all the time. When used without a lead, these collars will hang loosely. Not only that, but the additional loop on the collar will be dangling about. This creates a risk of the collar getting caught onto something. The risk is even greater if two dogs are playing. Therefore, martingale collars are best worn only when walking the dog on a lead.
References
- Miller, P. November 10, 2017. “The Safest Types of Dog Collars (and the Most Dangerous”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved December 5, 2023. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/collars-harnesses-leashes-muzzles/the-safest-types-of-dog-collars-and-the-most-dangerous/
- Miller, P. May 3, 2020. “Limited Slip Collars: Best for Dog Training and Restraint”. Whole Dog Journal. Retrieved December 5, 2023. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/collars-harnesses-leashes-muzzles/limited-slip-collars-best-for-dog-training-and-restraint/
- Lowe, L. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved December 5, 2023. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog
