When it comes to selecting a collar for your pitbull, it’s important to choose one that will keep them safe and comfortable while allowing you to maintain control if needed.
Several factors should be considered to ensure you find the best possible option for Pitbull Collar.
What to look in a Pitbull Collar
Style
For Pitbull Collar, your choice comes down to flat/buckle collars, slip collars or harnesses. Flat collars are good for everyday use but may not provide enough control for larger or stronger dogs. Slip/martingale collars are more adjustable and prevent slipping free but can injure if pulled. Harnesses are great for dogs that pull on leash but won’t work for off-leash situations where ID is required.
Material
Nylon and leathers are common collar materials. Nylon is affordable, durable and lightweight. Leather offers a softer feel but can develop rough or cracked edges over time.Avoid chain collars that pose injury risks. Thick, wide collars distribute pressure better than thin ones.
Fit
The collar should allow for two fingers to fit under comfortably when buckled on the smallest setting. Measure neck size snugly without restricting breathing.Check fit often as puppies grow quickly. Too loose risks slippage, too tight can cause chafing or injury.
Size
A rule of thumb is to select a collar that’s proportionate to your dog’s breed standard size as an adult. An oversized collar looks sloppy and doesn’t serve its purpose well. For large-breed puppies, plan to upsize collars as they mature.
Safety Features
Look for breakaway clasps in case the collar gets caught on something while walking. Reflective strips aid nighttime visibility. Durable reinforced stitching prevents tearing. ID tags embedded or riveted on securely stay attached.
Usage
Consider how the collar will be used – daily walks, training classes, off-leash parks, etc. Slip collars offer better correction control than flat buckles. Harnesses are best for dogs that pull excessively.
Cost
High-end collars from $30-50 offer sturdy construction using top-quality materials. Basic buckle collars function well under $15. Over $50 and you’re paying more for appearance than utility, usually.
what size collar does a pitbull need?
There is no single sized collar that will fit all pitbulls, as their neck sizes can vary depending on their age, sex, and individual size. However, here are some general guidelines for pitbull collar sizes:
Selecting the Perfect Collar Size for Your Pitbull
Puppies in the Early Stages
For the initial months between 8-12 weeks, focusing on flexibility is key. Puppies at this tender age are bundles of boundless energy growing rapidly day by day. Sizes between 10-14 inches allow wiggle room as paws, legs and neck lengthen week over week. Adjustments every few inches avoid restriction as they explore and play.
The Transition to Adolescence
As teething and gangly phases emerge 4-6 months, more robust sizes support their burgeoning builds. Ropes of muscle swell beneath soft puppy coats. Measuring between 14-16 inches provides stability at this transitional period. Changes in appetite and activity levels sculpt developing physiques. Frequent checks prevent pinch points.
The Prime of Adulthood
Once past teenage tumult at 1-2 years, swagger and stride settle into final form. For well-proportioned females, sleek curves often fit best within 16-18 inches. Meanwhile, strapping males tend to fill out broader chests paired with sturdier 18-20 inch necks. Not too tight yet slack risk losing, the ideal goldilocks width ensures comfort.
Custom Sizing for Maximum Coziness
For ideal conformity, soft fabric measuring tapes contour accurately behind perked ears. Published charts can vary – our pups follow no rules! Observe body language too; tension or fuss implies resize. With diligence, no restraint prevents fun or impedes the regal structure we adore in each favorite family friended.
Choosing the Right Collar Size for Your Pitbull – Males vs Females
Male Pitbulls
From a young age, male pits tend to develop more robust physiques. Their thick necks often require:
8-12 weeks: 11-14 inches
4-6 months: 15-17 inches
1-2 years: 18-20 inches +
Their broad shoulders and thicker muscle mass mean males stay on the higher end of size ranges. Opt for durable nylon or leather that can withstand powerful jaws.
Female Pitbulls
More petite naturally, females usually fit:
8-12 weeks: 10-13 inches
4-6 months: 14-16 inches
1-2 years: 16-18 inches
Their svelte curves and trimmer builds mean most stay in the lower half of measurements. Soft fabrics prevent chafing delicately.
Throughout Life
Check collars monthly as hormone fluctuations cause subtle size changes. Watch especially during heat cycles when females may swell slightly. Monitor weight gain or loss too to ensure optimal fit.
Best collar for a pitbull
When choosing a collar for your pitbull, it’s important to select a high-quality brand you can trust.
Frito
Frito collars are built to last, with sturdy stitching and heavy-duty clips. Their Classic nylon collar comes in stylish color options and a wide range of sizes. At just $10, it’s an affordable essential for everyday walks.
Blueberry Pet
Blueberry makes soft yet structurally sound collars with comfortable rolled edges. Their reflective Velour collar comes highly recommended for evening strolls with its eye-catching fluorescent trim. At $15, it offers visibility and value.
StarMark
For serious chewers, the rugged StarMark chainmail collar is nearly indestructible. Available in leather or nylon, their tightly woven design discourages tearing without constricting movement. Though pricey at $35, it provides peace of mind.
Kurgo
Feature-rich Kurgo collars don’t skimp on safety. Options like their Tru-Fit Smart collars integrate an LED tag light for low-light identification. Their harness clips include an O-ring for leash attachment to distribute pressure evenly across powerful chests. Ranging $25-45, they offer innovative designs.
Best shock collar for pitbulls
I do not recommend using shock collars on pitbulls or any dogs. While some people argue they are an effective training tool in rare cases, many positive reinforcement trainers agree they can cause unnecessary pain and damage the human-animal bond through fear and intimidation.
Pitbulls, in particular, are sensitive dogs who thrive on positive reinforcement training methods using rewards, praise and relationship building over punitive techniques.
Below are some kinder alternatives to consider instead:
Gentle Leaders
These head collars guide a dog by the muzzle rather than applying pressure to the neck. They allow you to redirect a pitbull’s attention using little strength. Brands like PetSafe and Blue-9 make soft, padded versions.
Harnesses
For pitbulls that pull, a well-fitted harness distributes pressure across the chest instead of the throat area. Freedom No-Pull and Kurgo have sturdy, comfortable harnesses.
Clicker Training
Using a click-mark-reward method, you can train loose leash walking, sits/stays and more through positive reinforcement of wanted behaviors instead of correcting unwanted ones. Clicker training strengthens the human-dog bond.
Obedience Classes
Professional training provides guidance on handling common pitbull issues like leash reactivity or distractibility around other dogs. Positive training classes never use pain-inflicting devices.
Exercise
Ensuring your pitbull gets sufficient physical and mental exercises through play, puzzles and activities can curb many pulling/lunging behaviors that stem from pent-up energy or boredom.