- First collar and toy breeds. Our Soft Puppy collar is our lightest, made from two layers of soft cowhide leather. Extremely gentle and flexible, perfect for a puppy getting used to a first collar, and for small fragile-necked breeds that need a lightweight collar for life, such as Yorkshire Terriers, miniature Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Miniature Schnauzers. From 8 inch necks.
- Small dogs and larger pups. Our Soft Padded Puppy and Small Dog collar is soft leather padded with cowhide, giving rounded edges and a slightly thicker, stronger collar that is still very flexible. Ideal for muscular-breed puppies (Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Labrador pups, for example) and for small adult dogs like Dachshunds. From 9 inch necks.
- Adult dogs. Our Adult Padded collar is cut from cow shoulder leather for real strength, with a soft cowhide interior for comfort. Made for adult dogs with strong, muscular necks over 13 inches, breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers. Not suitable for necks under 13 inches or for fragile-necked breeds: choose the Soft Padded collar for smaller sturdy dogs, or the Soft Puppy collar for fragile necks.
Padded collars come in 3/4, 1 and 1 1/4 inch widths: narrower for small necks, wider for bigger, stronger dogs. Soft leather comes in 12 colours and padded collars in two-colour combinations, with brass or chrome fittings. Add a matching lead in the same leather at the same time so they arrive together.
- Using a flexible tape measure, measure round your dog’s neck where the collar is normally worn. It should be snug but a comfortable fit, not too loose and not too tight.
- That measurement is the neck size to use when ordering. Please choose the exact circumference of the neck, not the total length of the collar. We make the collar to it.
- No tape measure? Use a piece of string or ribbon round the neck, then measure that against a ruler.
Every collar is handmade to order in a small saddlery in the Kent countryside, by a maker who has been working leather since 1989: cut from premium shoulder hide to your dog’s neck size, stitched and securely riveted round strong metal fittings.
Why choose a saddlery-made puppy collar? Most puppy collars are nylon or cheap leather. This collar is made in an English saddlery using the same traditional techniques as all our adult collars, just in the softest, lightest leather available. It is gentle enough that most puppies barely notice they are wearing it, which makes getting used to a collar far easier.
Is a leather collar safe for puppies? Yes. This collar is designed for young dogs: the soft cowhide is gentle on developing skin and coats, with no rough edges or stiff sections.
What age can a puppy wear this collar? Most puppies can start wearing a collar from around 8 weeks. This is designed to be the very first collar a puppy wears, light enough for them to get comfortable without stress or irritation.
What size puppies is this suitable for? Puppies and smaller dogs with finer, more delicate necks. As your dog grows into a medium or larger breed, move up to our soft leather collars or the padded leather collar range.
How do I measure my puppy? Measure the circumference of the neck where the collar will sit and order to that exact size. The collar has 5 holes, with the middle hole matching your measurement.
Can I get a matching lead? Yes, matching puppy leads are available in the same colour.
How is this different from a pet shop puppy collar? It is individually made to order in a UK saddlery, in the neck size you choose. Not made in bulk and not adjustable nylon: a proper first collar that will last through the puppy stage and beyond.
