Collar Style Comparison

What are the main collar styles and their purpose?

Most collars fit into one of the three categories: Center Ring, D-End, or Standard.

• A Center Ring Collar is used when you are concerned about a hunting dog getting his collar hung on a tree limb or branch. The center ring allows the collar to flex in a way that the material would not naturally flex, and the dog can back out of the collar if it is fitted loosely. It can also be used to fasten a leash to the collar, but it could be possible for the dog to back out and get loose if the collar is not tight enough. A center ring collar that has both a center ring and a "D" to hook a leash to is sometimes referred to as a Double Ring Collar.
  
  
• D-End Collars are a variation of a standard collar. The "D" comes before the buckle on this style. When used with a leash this is the most secure design since the dog actually pulls against two layers of the collar. If a dog somehow managed to pull the "D" loose from where it is attached to the collar material, he would still not be able to run loose. This is the best design for strong-pulling dogs.
  
  
• A Standard Collar is made more or less like a man's belt. This is the most common dog collar design. Most versions have a "D" ring to attach a leash.

What are the different styles of buckles available?

Most buckle styles fit into one of two categories: Roller Buckle or Double Buckle. A few models use a hybrid buckle that combines the roller and double buckles for the best of both worlds. We also carry several adjustable collars with quick-release or cinch buckles. Either style buckle can be used with any style collar.

• Roller buckles are easy to put on and remove. These collars have a single-sided buckle with a roller that allows the collar material to slide easily through. Collars with this style of buckle almost always have a keeper to prevent excess material from flapping.
  
  
• Double buckles are designed so that the material passes through the buckle twice for the most secure fastening. The double buckle actually acts as its own keeper.

What is the difference between "Neck Sized" (NS) and "Collar Sized" (CS) dog collars?

• The majority of collars we sell are "Neck Sized" or "NS" collars. NS collar sizes are determined by measuring from the center of the buckle to one of the adjustment holes. When you measure your dog's neck for an NS collar, that measurement IS the collar size you need.
• A few of our collars are "Collar Sized" or "CS" collars. Their sizes are measured from the buckle to the tip or end of the collar. To properly fit a CS collar, you should add 4-5 inches to your dog's measured neck size to determine which collar size you need.

It is vitally important that you measure your dog's neck to comfortably fit him with the correctly sized collar. Dog's necks are narrowest at the base of the skull and broaden toward the shoulders. This should be considered when you decide where you want the collar to sit on the neck.