Matching a collar to a lead is mostly a vanity purchase, and there is nothing wrong with that, but the part worth paying attention to is the hardware. A metal buckle and a metal trigger clasp are what separate a set that stays together from one where the plastic side-release snaps in cold weather, which it tends to do at exactly the moment a dog pulls hardest against it.

The webbing is cotton, softer against the neck than stiff nylon and kinder on the back of a hand when a lead runs through it at speed. The floral print carries across both pieces, and the bow tie sits on a separate loop that slides off, so the collar can be worn plainly day to day and dressed up for a wedding or a photograph rather than being permanently ornamental. The buckle adjusts through a row of holes for a proper fit.

• Matching collar and lead in a floral cotton print
• Detachable bow tie
• Metal buckle and metal trigger clasp
• Five sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL
• One colourway, a pink floral print
• Ships at around 200g to 240g

On sizing: Fitted properly you should be able to slide two fingers flat beneath the collar and no more. Cotton webbing also takes longer to dry than nylon, so this is not the set for a swimming dog.

Who it's for: Small and medium dogs whose owners want walking kit that looks considered, with metal fittings rather than plastic ones.