Need some help collar shopping!

Zeus and Voodoo each need a new collar. I've been looking around online, but am still unsure what to get. I figured all you collarmaniacs out there would be a big help in finding something nice for each of them.

I've never had a martingale, but would be willing to give one a try on Zeus--if it's pretty enough. I don't trust them to hold the Chaos Demon, buckle collars only for him. I also like the traditional-style buckle collars, with holes for adjustment. I hate the ones with plastic snaps and sliding adjustments; I've never had any success with those.

Zeus has a skinny neck, 16 1/2 inches. Voodoo's is about 18 inches.

So if you have any suggestions, please post them!

Your boys are classic leather dogs. Voodoo's collar in your sig is absolutely perfect for him!

I'd go with Paco, to be honest.

Second choice (if you want something a little different) would be an embroidered Collarmania leather with their names on them.

Hmm. That collar is a wonderful one, but it's just a scootch to small for him now. It's on the last hole, and is just a teeny bit snug. Maybe I should ask the person who makes them to come up with an identical collar, only an inch longer. *ponders*

I've actually found the martingales to be far sturdier than any other collar I've tried on Hannah. (ETA: I meant sturdily made martingales. Some leave a lot to be desired in the way of hardware and stitching).

I have a friend who makes the sturdiest martingales I've ever owned. She uses pretty heavy duty hardware and their designed more for danes than greyhounds so they're strong! She also has some of the most awesome fabrics ever. Another big bonus, she donates a portion of her proceeds to rescues.

www.thepanachepooch.com

Yeah, martingales are REALLY strong. And nylon is generally stronger than leather, but how it is put together is usually what ends up determining the strength of the collar.. the weakest link and all that, you know.

Have you looked at Master's Pride for leather? I LOOOVE their stuff.

Yeah, the hardware is what worries me. Voodoo has gone through two slip chains by pulling the links apart, and the martingle hardware I've seen looks a bit flimsy for him. But that site Shadow posted does interest me! I'll check it out.

And nolu, do you have the link for Master's Pride?

Uh huh.... http://www.masterspride.com/Collars.htm IMO he has NICE stuff for lower prices.

It's not only the hardware I would be worries about, if I were you... but the stitching. Some stitches can actually tear nylon apart and drastically weaken it, so if strength is an issue you want to scour the site for info on their stitching or e-mail them. Also, sometimes they just don't... I dunno.. it just isn't well-sewn. All the nicer collars I have are well-made, and I would have returned them if they weren't, but loads of the 'pretty' collars at the pet expo I saw just didn't look STRONG.

www.masterspride.com

My only issue with Masters Pride vs. Paco is that MP usually uses slightly more delicate hardware. Paco stuff is beefy.

There is also Blocky Dogs, but I've never been able to figure out how to order the correct size from them!

P.S. a lot of martingale hardware I've seen leaves a lot to be desired. I love my dogma london 'gales, but the hardware is too thin to logically use on a doberman. For this reason I would not buy a martingale online unless you've seen one of the same brand *in person*.

I know what you mean. I was searching for pretty collars online (most were martingale) and it kinda bothered me how many sites had disclaimers like "for light use only"". Why produce a collar if it's not strong enough to actually *be* a collar?

And oh, those masters pride collars are gorgeous! *drool*

EDIT: Thanks for the advice on the martingales, Sizzle. I'd love to get a Paco collar too. But I dunno...the price is a bit intimidating.

You're right. To add to that, I would NOT buy from 2 Hounds Design. I adore their collars, but the hardware is much too thin. While I trust them to hold Middie no matter what, and otherwise they are very strong, the hardware is almost on the light side, whereas I like to see it medium/thick.

Agreed, this is my biggest hurdle with Paco collars, Matt would KILL me if I spent $100 on a collar for Sierra... but they look so fantastic!

I'd consider it if I were in your shoes Gemp (with your dogs. Sierra's too little and not strong enough to justify NEEDING a collar like a Paco).

I'll take a picture of Hannah's super sturdy martingale close up so you can see the hardware and the super duty box stitching.

Amanda does a GREAT job. This thing is sturdy.

Ah, but not all of them are $100. Ilsa's Paco Collar, had I actually paid for it, would have only been $66.95. Ronin's would have been $82.99

Got anything you can barter, Gemp? I looove their barter policy!

You all know where my collar preferences lie. I always go with Collar Mania because I've used them, know they work, and tend to stick with what I've found works for Ella.

From having a dog aggressive puller who is as strong as an ox when she gets in the "zone", I'd have to say that Collar Mania makes pretty darn strong collars.
I have leather, nylon, and fabric collars in regular buckle and martingale style. I have yet to have a collar fail on me that has been made by Collar Mania. I deem myself pretty **** picky when it comes to equipment, too.

Collar Mania has a million choices (and Lisa always helps out those who have a hard time deciding on something) and her hardware is beefy AND strong.

Her prices are pretty reasonable as well.

ETA: also, if Lisa doesn't have something that you would like for your collar, she will try her hardest to get you what you want whether it be a fabric type or buckle type. She will do what is within her power to make your custom collar...well, custom.