Martingale collars have become popular with dog owners over the years. With its clever two-loop design, the martingale dog collar is excellent at providing good control while on the leash while ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety.

Any dog can wear a martingale collar, but because of its unique design it’s especially beneficial to some breeds. Here are the breeds that benefit most from wearing a martingale collar.

Dog Breeds with Slim Heads Should Wear a Martingale Collar

Some breeds have very slim heads and large necks, which means they can slip out of standard buckle dog collars. Martingale collars are the collar of choice for these dogs because they’re more likely to stay on. When a slim-headed dog pulls on the leash when wearing a martingale collar, the collar becomes snugger around the neck and prevents escape.

Breeds with slim heads that should wear a martingale collar include:

• Greyhound
• Italian greyhound
• Whippet
• Afghan Hound
• Borzoi
• Saluki
• Pharaoh Hound
• Azawakh
• Scottish Deerhound
• Silken Windhound
• Cirneco Dell’Etna
• Ibizan Hound
• Other slim-headed lurchers and sighthound

Dog Breeds with Delicate Tracheas and Necks Benefit from Martingale Collars

When dogs strain on the leash while wearing a standard buckle collar or slip collar, the pressure on the front of the neck can lead to injuries to the neck and trachea (windpipe). Some smaller breeds are prone to tracheal collapse, a serious medical condition that needs attention and treatment. But the design of the martingale collar allows for even pressure to the neck, and there’s a limit to how tight the collar can go. That’s why the martingale collar is an excellent choice for dogs that have sensitive tracheas more prone to injury or collapse.

Breeds with delicate tracheas that should wear a martingale collar include:

• Chihuahua
• Pomeranian
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Maltese
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Pugs

Although these dogs are most likely to experience neck and trachea injuries, dogs of any breed can experience tracheal collapse or other pressure-related injury, especially overweight dogs and older dogs. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, consider replacing your standard dog collar or slip collar with a martingale collar.

Bonus: Dogs that Pull on the Leash

No matter what the breed, dogs that consistently pull on the leash can benefit from a martingale collar. In addition to the neck and trachea injuries discussed above, common injuries from pulling too hard on the leash can include:

• Skin abrasions
• Hypothyroidism
• Damage to the vagus nerve that can lead to fainting and shorter life span
• Restricted blood flow causing eye and ear problems

If your dog consistently pulls on the leash, consider a martingale collar. It’s not only safer, but it’s also a good training tool as you teach your dog to walk well on a leash.

Martingale Collars You Can Personalize

At Hot Dog Collars, we have dozens of styles of martingale collar that can be personalized with your pet’s information for added safety. Check out all of our stylish and durable martingale dog collars for even more selection!