There are a variety of dog collars and leashes you can purchase for your pet. No matter if he is big or small, there is a collar out there for your special companion. With all of the choices out there, your best bet is to keep it simple.

The weight and width of dog collars should be in proportion to your pet's size. To get an accurate length, measure your dog's neck a few inches below his head, adding an inch for small dogs and 2 inches for medium or large dogs.

Your final consideration in types of dog collars and leashes should be what type or style best suits your animals coat? If your pet has a short coat, a broad, flat leather or woven nylon collar with a sturdy metal buckle works well.

Do dog collars differ depending on my pet's type of coat?

If your pet's coat is thick and lush, or if he has long hair a "rolled" style may work better. Although "snap together" types are convenient and sometimes more attractive, if your dog is large or strong, a buckled type is a safer choice.

Nylon styles are not only sturdy and inexpensive, but come in a variety of colors and patterns. If your dog spends a lot of time around other canines, check his collar frequently for signs of chewing damage and replace it right away if necessary.

Your dog may be your best friend, but your pet's best friend is his collar. They are more than a fashion statement, they are important because they also contain your companion's ID. Attached identification tags can save your pet's life and at the very least, ensure that your best friend could be returned to you if lost.

Personalized Dog Collars Can Make All the Difference in Finding a Lost Dog

Personalized dog collars are not only a great way to accessorize dogs but also provide the best way for a dog to be identified in the event he is separated from his owner. In the past dog owners depended on engraved rabies tags listing the address and phone number of the dogs vet.

The problems with using rabies tags in place of a personalized dog collar exist because the veterinarians office is not always open. If a dog was picked up by a concerned citizen after the vet's office closed, he would have to wait until the following morning to contact the dog's owners. Personalized dog collars enable dog's owners' to be contacted as soon as their dog has been found.

Pet owners should be sure the information provided on the collar up to date with current addresses and phone numbers. A collar offering outdated information equates to no collar at all. With all the confusion of relocating pet owners often forget changing the information on the dog's collar until it's too late.

Ordering a new collar with an interim address or a cell phone number as soon as you know you're moving and ordering another when you know your new address helps keep the family dog from falling through the cracks during such a busy and stressful time.

Pet owners who are hard to reach should add other contacts to the collar. If the person who found your dog can't reach you, they are unable to help you or the dog. Situations such as this can be prevented by adding the phone number of a friend or relative to the personalized dog collar. Choose someone dependable, easy to find, and willing (of course).

In addition to being very fashionable, personalized dog collars serve their purpose proudly as they help millions of dogs find their way home every day.