Best collar for a Labrador
A Labrador's collar has to keep up with a body that changes from a growing puppy to a broad-chested, thick-necked adult, and comfort against that double coat matters as much as strength. Here is how to get the fit right.
Why a Labrador's changing size matters so much
A Labrador puppy's neck grows considerably in its first year, which means a collar bought at eight weeks old will not fit the same dog at eight months, let alone as a fully grown adult. Checking the fit every few weeks during puppyhood, and adjusting or replacing the collar as needed, is far more important than picking the perfect collar once and forgetting about it.
Adult Labradors are a broad, well-built breed with a thicker neck than many dogs of a similar height, so a collar sized purely by a general small, medium or large chart can end up snug even when it looked generous on paper. Measuring your own dog's neck directly gives a more reliable fit than a size label alone.
Comfort against a Labrador's coat
Labradors have a dense double coat that can trap moisture and dirt against the skin, so a collar with a smooth inner surface that does not rub or hold damp against the neck is more comfortable over a long walk than a rough or absorbent one, particularly for a dog who swims regularly.
A wider, flatter collar can spread pressure more evenly across the neck than a thin one, which is worth considering for a Labrador that pulls on the lead, though the priority in that situation is generally working on loose-lead walking or considering a harness rather than relying on the collar alone to manage pulling.
Checking the fit properly
Fit a collar so two fingers slide comfortably underneath it; snugger than that risks rubbing or restricting breathing, while looser risks the collar slipping over the head, particularly on a Labrador's fairly tapered head shape. Recheck this measurement regularly through puppyhood and again if your adult dog's weight changes noticeably.
Look at the collar itself every so often too, checking stitching, the buckle or clip, and any tags for wear, since a Labrador's general enthusiasm for life, water and mud tends to put more strain on gear than a quieter dog's collar would see.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Real-Time GPS Pet Tracker
A compact GPS tracker that clips to most collars for real-time location, geofence alerts and find-me sound.
£29.99
Dog Collar Classic Dark Blue
The Dog Collar Classic Dark Blue brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Dog Collar Classic Purple
The Dog Collar Classic Purple brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Dog Collar Classic Orange
The Dog Collar Classic Orange brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Dog Collar Design Camouflage Hot Pink
The Dog Collar Design Camouflage Hot Pink brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£11.49
Dog Collar Classic Yellow
The Dog Collar Classic Yellow brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Dog Collar Classic Brown
The Dog Collar Classic Brown brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Dog Collar Classic Lime Green
The Dog Collar Classic Lime Green brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Dog Collar Design Stars Lime on Hot Pink
The Dog Collar Design Stars Lime on Hot Pink brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£11.49
Dog Collar Design Stars White on Red
The Dog Collar Design Stars White on Red brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£11.49
Dog Lead Classic Lime Green 1.2m
A 1.2m Red Dingo classic lead in bright lime green, hard to mislay and easy to spot, on solid hardware and covered by a five-year guarantee.
From£16.49
Dog Collar Classic Black
The Dog Collar Classic Black brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£10.99
Common questions
- How often should I check my Labrador puppy's collar fits?
- Check every couple of weeks during the first year, since a Labrador puppy's neck grows quickly and a collar that fit comfortably a month ago can become tight without much warning. Adjust or size up as needed rather than waiting until it looks obviously too small.
- Should I choose a wider or narrower collar for a Labrador?
- A wider, flatter collar spreads pressure more evenly across the neck, which some owners find more comfortable for a broad-necked breed like a Labrador, though a well-fitted narrower collar is also fine for a dog that walks nicely on the lead.
- Is a harness better than a collar for a Labrador?
- Many owners use a harness for walking, particularly with a dog still learning not to pull, and keep a collar mainly for ID tags. Both can be used together, and which suits your dog best often comes down to their individual walking behaviour.
- How do I know if my adult Labrador's collar still fits well?
- You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and the neck. Recheck this if your dog's weight changes noticeably, since a shift in body condition can make a previously well-fitted collar feel tighter or looser than before.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.