A good dog collar does two jobs: it fits comfortably and it carries the ID your dog needs in public. In the UK, the Control of Dogs Order 1992 says a dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on it or on a tag attached to it, and microchipping is a separate legal requirement on top of that.

Below, every collar and ID article in our Journal, grouped by topic.

ID, the law and microchips

Start here if you want to be sure your dog is properly identified. A phone number is not a legal requirement, but it is the quickest way for someone to reach you.

• What Must a Dog Tag Say by Law? UK Rules Explained: what UK law requires on a collar or tag, and what to leave off.
• What to Engrave on a Dog Collar: Ideas and What to Include: the legal minimum, phone numbers and tasteful wording ideas for engraving.
• How to Update Your Dog's Microchip Details in the UK: how to find your dog's microchip database and keep your details current.
• Lost Your Dog? What to Do in the First 24 Hours (UK): a calm, practical plan for the first 24 hours if your dog goes missing.

Fit and sizing

Most collar problems come down to fit. Measure first, then check the fit once the collar is on.

• How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar, Harness, Coat or Bed: step by step measuring for neck, chest and back length.
• Dog Collar Size Guide by Breed (UK): typical adult neck sizes for popular UK breeds as a starting point.
• How Tight Should a Dog Collar Be? The Two-Finger Rule: using the two-finger rule and spotting a collar that is too tight or too loose.

Choosing a collar

Materials, fastenings and whether a harness would suit your dog better are the main decisions.

• Types of Dog Collar Explained: flat buckle, quick-release, martingale and rolled collars explained.
• Quick-Release vs Buckle Dog Collars: Which Is Better?: an honest comparison of speed, adjustment, security and style.
• Leather vs Fabric vs Vegan Leather Dog Collars: Which Is Best?: how leather, fabric and vegan leather compare for durability, cleaning and look.
• Harness or Collar: Which Is Right for Your Dog?: choosing for pullers, small dogs and flat-faced breeds.
• What to Look for in a High-Quality Dog Harness: what makes a harness genuinely good, from fit to materials.
• Should Dogs Wear a Collar at Night or at Home?: the case for and against collars at night and indoors.

Puppies, care and replacement

A collar needs introducing gently to a puppy, a little care to stay looking good, and replacing when it shows wear.

• How to Get a Puppy Used to a Collar and Lead: a gentle, reward-based way to get a puppy used to a collar and lead.
• How to Clean a Dog Collar and Lead (Leather, Fabric and Vegan Leather): cleaning leather, fabric and vegan leather collars and leads.
• When to Replace a Dog Collar: Signs of Wear: the signs of wear to look for and a simple monthly check.

By breed

Breed shape and coat change what works. These guides cover collars, harnesses and beds for five popular breeds.

• The Best Collar, Harness and Bed for a Cockapoo: sizing a breed that varies hugely, and how the coat affects the choice.
• The Best Collar, Harness and Bed for a Dachshund: getting the fit right for a long, low dog.
• The Best Harness, Collar and Bed for a French Bulldog: why a harness suits a flat-faced breed, and why a collar is still needed for ID.
• The Best Collar, Lead and Bed for a Cocker Spaniel: collars and leads that clean up well after a muddy walk.
• The Best Bed, Collar and Lead for a Labrador: a collar, lead and bed sized for a big dog.

Shop collars, harnesses and engraving

Browse our personalised dog collars, engraved with your dog's name and your phone number, and our harnesses. Our engraving covers the name and number, so you will still need a separate tag with your name and address to meet the legal minimum. Read how it works on our personalisation and engraving page.

Heading out? Our dog walking guide covers leads, etiquette and routes, and our dog gift guide gathers every personalised gift idea in one place.

Frequently asked questions

What must a dog tag say by law in the UK?

Under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with the owner's name and address on the collar or on a tag attached to it. A phone number is not legally required but is strongly advisable.

Is a microchip enough on its own?

No. Microchipping is a separate legal requirement, and in England dogs over 8 weeks must be microchipped and registered. Your dog still needs a collar with ID when out in public.

How tight should a dog collar be?

A common guide is the two-finger rule: you should be able to slide two fingers flat between the collar and your dog's neck. Any tighter can rub, and any looser risks the collar slipping over the head.