Bringing home a new puppy is one of life’s happiest moments — and making sure you have the right gear ready can help set your little buddy up for a safe, stress-free start. One of the first essentials you’ll need is a well-fitting puppy collar.
With so many styles, materials and colors available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. While colors and patterns are up to your personal taste, there are a few important features that make certain collars safer and more comfortable for young pups.
To help you get started, here are some of the best puppy collars — all highly rated by pet parents — so your new best friend is protected from day one.
Best overall puppy collar: Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Nylon Dog Collar
Best budget puppy collar: PetSafe Martingale Nylon Dog Collar
Best customizable puppy collar: GoTags Nylon Personalized Dog Collar
Best martingale puppy collar: Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar
Best whelping collars: Puppy Whelping Collar
Best ID tag for puppy collars: GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Why Puppies Need Collars
A collar’s main purpose is simple: identification. Your puppy should always wear a personalized ID tag along with any required registration or vaccination tags. If your pup ever wanders off, an ID tag displaying:
- His name
- Your name
- Your phone number
- Your address (if it fits)
can quickly bring him home.
If you prefer to skip noisy tags, you can opt for an embroidered collar that displays essential info right on the strap — no jingling required.
While collars can be used for quick potty breaks or short outdoor trips, longer walks should be done with a harness. Puppies that pull can strain their necks, and repeated pressure on a collar can lead to choking or even tracheal injury.
And skip “training collars” like shock collars or prong collars — these rely on fear rather than positive reinforcement and can harm your puppy both physically and emotionally.
How To Pick the Right Puppy Collar
Before you buy, you’ll want to measure your puppy’s neck with a soft measuring tape. Most collars come in multiple sizes, each tied to a specific neck measurement.
If your puppy is still growing (and he almost certainly is!), choose an adjustable collar that fits snugly now but leaves plenty of room to expand as he grows.
A properly fitted collar should:
- Be tight enough that he can’t slip out
- Be loose enough for you to slide two fingers between the collar and his neck
Getting this balance right ensures comfort and safety.
The Best Puppy Collars
⭐ Best Overall: Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Nylon Dog Collar
A long-time favorite with thousands of glowing reviews, this durable nylon collar checks every box. It’s strong, lightweight, machine-washable and available in tons of colors and sizes. It’s built to last from puppyhood through adulthood.
💸 Best Budget Pick: PetSafe Martingale Nylon Dog Collar
For under $7, you get a reliable, comfortable flat collar with a sturdy plastic buckle. It comes in multiple sizes and fun colors — perfect for budget-conscious new pet parents.
🧵 Best Customizable: GoTags Nylon Personalized Dog Collar
Keep your puppy safe and stylish with this bright, high-visibility collar embroidered with his name and your phone number. It’s perfect for pups who may be shy with strangers or prone to slipping away.
🐾 Best Martingale Collar: Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar
Ideal for narrow-headed breeds like whippets and greyhounds, martingale collars gently tighten when pulled, helping prevent escape without choking. They offer more security than standard collars for dogs who are expert wigglers.
🍼 Best Whelping Collars: Puppy Whelping Collar
If you’re caring for a whole litter, these soft, colorful whelping bands are perfect for easily telling puppies apart. They’re comfortable, adjustable and designed specifically for tiny babies.
🔖 Best Puppy ID Tag: GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tag
Durable, easy to read and available in a variety of fun shapes, these stainless steel tags are built to withstand all the chewing, playing and zooming your pup can throw at them. You can engrave details on one or both sides.
The Bottom Line
A good collar is a simple, stylish way to keep your pup safe and identifiable from the moment he comes home. Whether you want a classic nylon look, a personalized option or extra security for a narrow-headed breed, these collars offer comfort, durability and peace of mind — everything a growing puppy needs.
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