How to Choose the Right Collar for Your Dog’s Size and Breed
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If your dog is a daily companion, whether you’re walking through the suburbs, hiking on bush tracks, or putting in a hard day’s work, choosing the right collar matters more than you think.

At PK9 Gear, we design and make premium dog gear right here in Australia, built for dogs that live an active lifestyle. Our collars aren’t a fashion statement but a means of comfortable control and long-lasting performance.

In this guide, we’ll help you select the ideal collar for friend size, breed, and daily life, whether they have a tendency to pull, are a working breed, or are a weekend warrior.

Why Choosing the Right Collar Matters

A quality dog collar isn’t just something to clip a lead to. The right collar can:

  1. • Make walks and training more manageable
  2. • Prevent escapes, especially with high-energy or narrow-headed breeds
  3. • Avoid injury by reducing pressure on your dog’s neck and spine
  4. • Provide quick access to ID tags for safety

However, the wrong collar, whether too loose, too tight, too weak, or poorly suited to your dog’s anatomy, can lead to frustration or even injury.

The Collar Types We Offer (and When to Use Them)

PK9 Gear offers three high-performance collar types, all crafted from premium materials and tested in real-world conditions.

Slip Collars

Slip collars are designed for quick application and reliable control. Unlike choke chains, our slip collars are made with durable, non-abrasive materials and offer a smooth tightening action for gentle correction when needed.

Best for

  • Training sessions
  • Dogs who need responsive correction
  • Controlled environments (not ideal for off-leash use)
Tactical Dog Collars

Built for strength, our tactical dog collars feature rugged materials, high-tensile hardware, and often include control handles for close contact in high-energy or high-risk environments.

Best for

  • Working breeds
  • Large, strong dogs
  • Hiking, camping, and everyday outdoor use
Leather Dog Collars

Our leather dog collars combine classic style with natural durability that will last. They become more and more flexible over time, and shape to the curvature of your dog’s neck for all-day comfort.

Best for

  • Daily wear for non-working dogs
  • Owners seeking style, durability, and comfort
  • Dogs with sensitivities to synthetic materials

Matching Collar Type to Dog Size

Small Dogs (Under 10kg)

Breeds

Mini Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, Toy Poodle

Medium Dogs (10–25kg)

Breeds

Kelpie, Staffy, Beagle

  • Recommended Collars: Tactical or Slip Collar
  • Note: Look for a balance that is durable enough for control, but not overly bulky.

Large Dogs (25–45kg)

Breeds

Labrador, Border Collie, German Shorthaired Pointer

  • Recommended Collars: Tactical Dog Collar
  • Note: Prioritise reinforced stitching, metal hardware, and adjustable fit.

Giant Dogs (45kg+)

Breeds

Rottweiler, Bull Arab, Great Dane

  • Recommended Collars: Tactical Dog Collar with grab handle
  • Note: A wide collar helps distribute pressure and makes handling easier in public or working environments.

Breed-Specific Considerations

Some breeds benefit from specific collar choices due to body structure, behaviour, or working roles.

Narrow-Headed Dogs (e.g., Greyhounds, Whippets)

Why: Flat collars may slip off too easily

Use: Slip Collar provides a snug, controlled fit

Working Breeds (e.g., Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherds)

Why: High-drive, high-energy behaviour

Use: Tactical Dog Collar for durable, daily use with an optional grab handle.

Double-Coated Breeds (e.g., Border Collies, Huskies)

Why: Thick fur can cause matting under rough materials

Use: a Leather Dog Collar or a smooth-edged Tactical Collar to reduce friction.

How to Measure Your Dog’s Neck for the Right Fit

  • Use a soft tape measure around the base of your dog’s neck
  • Add two fingers of space for comfort; the collar should be snug but not tight
  • Check sizing monthly, especially for growing dogs or seasonal coat changes

Materials We Use and Sell

PK9 Gear is committed to using only premium materials that hold up in real conditions. Our products are made to last, even with dogs that work hard, play rough, or spend time in the elements.

Here’s a closer look at what we use in our collars:

Material Where You'll Find It Benefits
Heavy-Duty Webbing Slip Collars, Tactical Dog Collars Lightweight, strong, dries quickly, resists abrasion and mildew
Stainless or Black Coated Metal Hardware All collars Rust-resistant, secure, and doesn’t crack like plastic buckles
Full-Grain Leather Leather Dog Collars Durable, ages beautifully, softens over time, breathable
Reinforced Stitching All collars Increases strength and lifespan, reduces risk of failure under load

We never cut corners on materials. All PK9 Gear collars are crafted with performance and longevity in mind, tested in the kinds of conditions most cheap imports wouldn’t survive.

Standard Collar Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even experienced dog owners can fall into these traps:

Using a collar that’s too loose

Measure and choose based on neck circumference, not guesswork

Ignoring your dog’s breed or energy level

Attach the collar to the job, a tactical collar for a working dog, a soft leather collar for daily walking

Leaving on a frayed or stiff collar

 Inspect your dog’s collar regularly and replace it when it shows signs of wear.

Choosing fashion over function

Prioritise durability, comfort, and fit, especially for active or strong dogs

How to Know It’s Time for a New Collar

  • Your dog has outgrown their current one
  • The collar is frayed, rusted, or unreliable
  • Your dog’s behaviour (pulling, reactivity) has changed
  • You’re upgrading from low-quality gear to something built to last

When you're ready to invest in gear that matches your dog's needs, we've got you covered.

Why Dog Owners Choose PK9 Gear

  • Designed and made in Australia
  • Built for real dogs in real conditions
  • Trusted by working dog handlers, tradies, and adventurers
  • Focused on quality over quantity

We know you want gear that’s not going to let you down, and that’s just as happy hiking in Tassie, camping in the Outback, or working on site with your dog by your side.

Find the Right Fit with PK9 Gear

Every dog deserves a collar that fits their lifestyle, not just their neck. At PK9 Gear, we believe in creating products that work as hard as your dog does.

Explore our three premium collar categories:

  1. Slip Collars
  2. Tactical Dog Collars
  3. Leather Dog Collars

Your dog doesn’t need more gear; they need the right gear.

Ready to upgrade? Visit pk9gear.com.au and gear up with Australian-made collars designed to last the distance.

PK9 Gear

PK9 Gear