A martingale dog collar, or martingale collar, is a dog collar with a unique design that provides good control but doesn’t put pressure on the dog’s trachea. Named after French trainer Henri Martin who invented the collar in the 1980s, it’s become extremely popular over the past few decades for owners of all types of dogs.

How is a Martingale Collar Different from Other Dog Collars?

A standard dog collar (flat collar) is a single loop of nylon, leather, or other material, which is typically fastened with a buckle. It’s simple in design, easy to use, and works well for the majority of dogs.

In contrast, a martingale collar is made of two loops of material, a larger one and a smaller one, which allows for the collar to become tighter when the dog pulls without putting pressure on the trachea or delicate neck area.

A martingale collar is also different from a choke or slip collar, which is a single loop of rope, chain, or other material that tightens when pulled. However, this type of collar can and does put pressure on the dog’s trachea when used incorrectly.

What are the Benefits of a Martingale Collar?

The main benefits of martingale collars are:

1. Martingale collars are ideal for dogs with slim heads.

These breeds – including greyhounds, Italian greyhounds, whippets, Borzois, and Salukis – can slip out of a regular buckle collar. Martingale collars are the safer choice for these dogs, as the collar tightens when they pull, making them much less likely to escape.

2. Martingale collars don’t put excessive pressure on the trachea and neck.

Dogs that pull on the leash can end up damaging their trachea (windpipe) or neck when they wear a traditional buckle collar or slip collar. Since the dog is pulling forward, all the pressure ends up on the front of the neck, where the trachea is. A martingale collar’s design allows for even pressure around the neck, making it less damaging for the trachea and delicate neck area. There’s also a limit to how tight the collar can become, which isn’t true for a slip collar. Dogs with sensitive tracheas – including Pomeranians, Yorkies, and Maltese – can benefit from martingale collars.

3. Martingale collars are a useful tool for dog training.

Dogs that are still learning to walk well on a leash can benefit from a martingale dog collar during training. The tightness will provide a cue that they’re pulling (a behavior they should stop) but it won’t become too tight, the way a slip, choke, or prong collar can.

Finding the Right Martingale Dog Collar for Your Dog at Hot Dog Collars

Hot Dog Collars has a huge selection of martingale collars in all kinds of colors and patterns to suit every dog! Made from durable polyester and featuring an all-weather nickel-plated D-ring to attach to a leash, our martingale collars are durable and safe. Check out our full selection of martingale collars here, including our martingale collars that can be personalized with your dog’s info.