Dog collars made in the USA give comfort to your dog and peace of mind to you. They’re made with the highest quality materials on the market and made by people (usually dog owners) who know what a dog needs to feel safe.
Whether you’re shopping for small dogs or your favorite large dog breed, training collars, or stylish prints for the diva dog, shop dog collars that are made in the United States.
American Made Dog Collars
What to Look For
Materials
You’ll find safe, sturdy dog collars made from a variety of materials. The most popular include leather, hemp, nylon, polyester, and BioThane.
Leather is a natural material. Look for full-grain leather for toughness and durability; American leather tends to be better quality, and avoid “genuine leather,” as these collars are inferior. Leather collars are more expensive, and you’ll need to treat them with a leather conditioner every so often.
Hemp is a natural fiber. It makes eco-friendly dog products that are also hypoallergenic, so they’re great for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. Hemp is also eco-friendly, making it an environmental-friendly choice.
Tough nylon webbing is also good material from which to make dog collars, but some dogs are allergic to this material.
Polyester collars are the least expensive, but they have a strong webbing, they tend not to last as long. If you want to accessorize your best friend with a variety of collars, giving your pooch a stylish look, this might be a good choice. The companies on our list that use polyester webbing in their dog collars utilize the strongest you can find.
BioThane is polyester webbing that’s covered with a PVC coating. It has a leather look and a little bit of a sheen, and it’s very hard-wearing and waterproof.
You’ll also want to buy high quality hardware. In particular, look for American stainless steel or solid brass hardware, as they hold up best and are the industry standard in metal fittings.
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Tensile Strength
Tensile Strength refers to the amount of stress or load a material can handle before it stretches and breaks. In dog terms, it refers to the pulling strength your dog has. Canines have a pulling strength higher than their weight. All the US-made dog collars we recommend have appropriate tensile strength for your dog.
Dog Collar Styles
Believe it or not, that cute color or pattern on your dog’s collar isn’t the most important quality to look for as you search for a high quality dog collar. Above all else, you should consider the different styles of dog collars, because some of the styles carry different functions and shouldn’t be worn all day.
Standard Collar
A standard collar is simply that: a collar your dog can wear all the time. Also called a buckle collar, it’s not used for training purposes; rather, it holds your furry friend’s ID tags, and it’s fashionable. If your dog is leash trained, she can wear a standard collar on a walk. However, if your dog isn’t leash trained or likes to jump and tug when she’s on a leash, choose a leash made for controlling behavior. I learned this the hard way when my son’s 90-pound lab saw his friend at a distance. I couldn’t keep him from pulling, and he injured my shoulder!
Breakaway Collar
Breakaway collars are designed to release when pressure is applied at an angle or if the collar gets twisted. This collar style is patented by Chinook & Co, LLC, a made in the USA company. You can read about them below. Sadly, though it’s difficult to think about, strangulation occurs, so you you’ll find peace of mind while you’re away from your pet when you consider a breakaway collar.
Martingale Collar
A martingale collar is a style of collar originally made for dogs that have small heads and thick necks, such as greyhounds. However, many people use this style of collar when they’re leash-training dogs. Your dog should NOT wear a martingale collar all the time, as it’s made to tighten. As a result, it might become a choking hazard to your dog if it gets a paw, toy, or stick stuck in it. It’s a looping collar with a second, smaller loop and D ring that keeps your dog from backing out of the collar. Be sure to measure your dog properly for a martingale collar. Measure the widest part of your dog’s head; the neck just behind the ears; and the neck where the collar sits.
Smart Collar
A smart collar is a catch-all phrase for a dog collar that has some sort of electronic component for tracking or training capabilities. It might be a collar that tracks your dog’s location, provides certain signals for training purposes, or is part of a containment system that keeps your dog in your yard. While some of these smart collars are designed in America, none is made in America.
Slip Collar
A slip collar is made out of a braided material that simply slips over a dog’s head and onto his neck. This collar type is used in dog shows and should not be left on an unsupervised dog.
Head Collar
A head collar wraps around a dog’s muzzle. It’s used to leash train a dog and teach it to heel. It allows for positive reinforcement instead of punishing the dog for wrong behavior.
Tactical Collar
A tactical collar is used on dogs for military training purposes. Although most any dog can wear a tactical collar, they’re made of the toughest and strongest materials. They also feature a handle and either a metal buckle or double roller buckle.
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How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck
With a fabric tape measure like that which a seamstress might use, wrap the tape around your dog’s neck where the collar will comfortably rest. The collar should sit against his neck but not be tight; you don’t want to restrict your pet’s airway. Generally, you should be able to fit two fingers between his collar and neck. Measure twice for accuracy.
Why Buy An American-Made Dog Collar?
Besides the fact that dog collars made in the USA involve attention to detail and use of superior materials, here are a few other reasons you want to choose an American-made dog collar:
- These companies employ American workers at a fair wage
- The dollars generated stay in the USA and support local economies
- Production involves environmentally friendly processes
- The businesses support non-profit organizations, namely, dog rescue or adoption agencies
- You receive personal care.
Dog Collars Made in the USA
Do you know of a company that makes dog collars in the USA but isn't on our list? Leave a comment below, and we'll check it out! As always, thank you for buying American-made!
All Dog Collars Archives
2 Hounds Design has been “turning heads (and tails) since 2003.” Located in North Carolina, this company started with one person looking for a special collar for her two dogs, and today 2Hounds Design gives over 50 hardworking people job satisfaction. Not only that, but also, these dog collars come in unique patterns and designs, and they’re made with quality materials. 2 Hounds Design works closely with adoption and rescue groups worldwide. Choose size, collar style (martingale, buckle, side release), and made-in-the-USA hardware color. You can also add an optional coordinating leash.
All Star Dogs
All Star Dogs sells officially licensed pet collars and other dog gear, and they’re all made in the USA. This company carries a wide variety of favorite teams merch, from NHL and NCAA to the Armed Forces. If you can’t find what you want, reach out to the company for custom products. Not only that, but All Star Dogs belongs to and supports a number of pet-related organizations, and it’s a member of the Fair Labor Association.
Shop the All Star Dogs website or on Amazon.
The Artful Canine
The Artful Canine has been designing and manufacturing its dog collars in Venice, Florida, since 2009. The company offers standard, martingale, and quick-release collars, along with custom designs, with tight, even stitching and thick thread, strong hardware, and smooth edges. It offers a one-year guarantee on its seams and hardware.
Auburn Leathercrafters
Located in the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York, Auburn Leathercrafters is a family-owned business that’s been around since 1950. One of its most popular products is leather dog collars and leashes. They use the finest full grain leathers and other materials. Not only do their American employees take pride in these top quality leashes, but so do their mascots, Baxter and Abe.
ButtonSmith
I love ButtonSmith’s backstory. This company began when a fourth grader had to come up with an item he could trade at a school trading post, so he made pinback buttons. These were so popular that he continued making these and more items. Today, ButtonSmith is a full-fledged manufacturing company located in Washington. It makes products on demand using a suite of proprietary software applications. And of course, one of those products is a dog collar. These dog collars are made with top-quality polyester webbing made in the USA just for this company. It repels water, and it’s rot and mildew resistant. The dog collar also features a Duraflex acetal buckle that has a higher tensile strength than nylon. Everything used to make this dog collar is made in the USA.
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Chinook & Co.
Chinook &Co. patented the KeepSafe Break-Away collar in order to allay any collar-related incidents when your dog is unsupervised. Using a breakaway buckle attached to a D ring on each side, it’s designed to release when pressure is applied to the collar at an unusual angle, or if the collar gets twisted. Chinook & Co. is located in Virginia. Shop color and size.
Country Brook Petz
Located in Alabama, Country Brook Petz makes its dog collars in the USA from imported and domestic materials. Many of the selections are made from polyester webbing and nickel-plated buckles and D rings. Others have strong plastic hardware such as heavy-duty wide-mouth triglides. Note: Not everything on the Country Brook Petz website is made in the USA, so be sure to read the product descriptions. For example, the leather collars are not American-made.
Cycle Dog
Cycle Dog makes its collars and other pet products in Portland, Oregon, using post-consumer recycled materials. These materials primarily include inner tubes and plastic pop bottles. The company makes employing local people within its community a top priority. Cycle Dog also guarantees its products. Check out its “no stink” collars that are waterproof and antibacterial. An added benefit is each leash attachment doubles as a bottle opener! The company also has some collars that are Fi-compatible (sold separately). We love the National Parks dog collar.
Shop the Cycle Dog website or find select collars on Amazon.
Earth Dog
Earth Dog has been making hemp dog collars in the USA since 1997. These collars can be machine washed and dried. They get softer with wear, and they’re hypoallergenic, so they’re great for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. You’ll find standard collars in solid colors or patterns, and both are adjustable. They also feature breakaway buckles. You also can purchase martingale collars. Earth Dog offers a martingale relooping program to extend the life of your martingale collar.
Shop the Earth Dog website, or find a few selections on Amazon.
Found My Animal
Found My Animal makes its hand-dyed rope collars using colorfast dye, cotton collars, and other supplies in New York. The cotton collars can be personalized with your pet’s name. It’s made from high-quality, heavyweight cotton webbing and stitched with gold thread. The company is also known for its hand-dyed rope leashes.
Shop on the Found My Animal website or find select products at Chewy and Amazon. Actually, Amazon carries a significant supply of Found My Animal hand-dyed rope leashes.
Check out this article! Best American Made Toys for Dogs Home Alone
Freedom No-Pull Harness
The Freedom No-Pull Harness website features all made-in-the-USA products, including dog collars, from Jessica MacDonald, who designed, invented, and patented the namesake harness. That means you can shop on this website knowing you’re supporting an American company and an American inventor. You’ll find dog collars made by companies that are listed on our website such as Cycle Dog and Up Country. Shop leather, martingale, and standard collars made with industrial strength webbing core, stainless steel D rings, and nautical equipment-grade clip closures. These clip collars come in 18 different colors. Freedom No-Pull Harness is located in Tuxedo Park, New York, where it also has a brick-and-mortar store.
The Good Dog Company
The Good Dog Company operates from Hendersonville, North Carolina. From the outset, the owners wanted to be a “Made in America” company and make durable but naturally-derived dog collars. More specifically, they’re made from 55% hemp and 45% certified organic cotton. Hemp naturally is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic.
Shop The Good Dog Company website or find selections on Amazon.
J&J Dog Supplies
J&J Dog Supplies has numerous made-in-the-USA collars for different contexts, from walking your designer dog to training your dog for the police academy. We’re showing off the leather collar that is American-made. It features burgundy latigo leather with chrome-plated hardware. It comes in seven lengths. J&J Dog Supplies also makes and carries some serious dog hardware, too, like the heavy-duty Cobra Buckle Dog Collar with Handle for intensive training sessions, or the all-weather BioThane collar that’s sun, mildew, odor, and mold-resistant. Note: Not all collars are made in USA, so check the product descriptions for the Made in USA origin.
Tactipup
Tactipup opened its Clearwater, Florida doors in 2017. It’s a law enforcement family business that proudly carries the made-in-the-USA flag. This company also prioritizes sourcing all its materials in the USA “unless it’s absolutely impossible.” These dog collars (and leashes) are made from military-grade webbing and the strongest buckles on the market. Even the smallest of collars this company makes, like the 1-inch extreme tactical dog collar, shown, can withstand over 2,000 pounds of working force. Choose a pattern and/or color, size, and a patch for a small upcharge. Check out the video on Tactipup’s website for how to clean the collar. These collars may well be the last you’ll ever have to buy!
Up Country Inc.
Up Country Inc. brings 100 designs of dog collars to the market in a variety of lengths and widths. These standard and martingale collars feature cast brass hardware; the buckles are Coast Guard-approved for high-weight hold. Each item is hand sewn, pressed, and finished with care in Rhode Island. They’re made from high-tensile strength nylon webbing with sewn-on polyester and nylon ribbons. They’re stain and fray resistant. The “Green Market” collar can be personalized. You’ll also find matching harnesses and leads. Up Country Inc. has been in business since 1984.
Buy on the Up Country Inc website or find select items on Amazon.
Check out these other pet-related articles from USA Love List!
- Gifts for Pet Lovers and Pets Made in the USA
- Best CBD for Pets: A Made in USA CBD Pet Products Source List
- Made in USA Cat Supplies: The Ultimate Source List
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