10 Best Collars for German Shepherds in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

German Shepherds aren’t always the gentlest dogs when it comes to their toys, beds, and collars. If you’ve owned a German Shepherd for any length of time, you know how quickly they can run through collars and other equipment. Therefore, it’s vital that you choose a durable collar for your German Shepherd that will stand up to their antics.

Luckily, finding a sturdy collar isn’t all that challenging—you just have to know what you’re looking for.

Below, we’ve reviewed 10 of our favorite collars for German Shepherds. There is something for just about every price point and style.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

The 10 Best Collars for German Shepherds

1. Blueberry Pet 3M Multi-Colored Reflective Dog Collar – Best Overall

For most German Shepherds, we highly recommend the Blueberry Pet 3M Multi-Colored Reflective Dog Collar. This collar is stylish and extremely durable. It comes in a variety of different colors, though each collar does feature stripes. It’s made of polyester webbing, making it durable against the elements. We love that each collar includes reflective stripes, making your dog more visible at night.

If your dog happens to get out at night, these reflective stripes can make them much more visible to passing cars (and help you find them).

This collar doesn’t stretch. It’s made to be durable and sturdy. Therefore, it’s important that you choose the right fit for your dog. Luckily, they do have a larger size that works for most German Shepherds.

We also love that this collar comes with two D-rings next to each other. You can use both D-rings with your leash to ensure that your dog is never ripping through the polyester. Plus, the buckle is extremely heavy-duty, as well.

For those on a budget, we highly recommend the PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Dog Collar. As the name suggests, this collar is made of nylon. This material is plenty durable enough for most canines, making this collar a good choice for German Shepherds. The nylon also prevents matting from forming underneath the collar.

This collar is designed to tighten when a dog pulls, loosening again when the pressure is released. Therefore, this collar works great for dogs that tend to slip out of other collars. It’s particularly good for German Shepherds with particularly large necks, which can make it easy for them to slip out of collars.

Of course, there is plenty of adjustability fit into this collar. Therefore, you can easily adjust the fit to match your dog’s size exactly. With a wide range of adjustability, this collar works particularly well for a growing German Shepherd puppy.

Plus, this collar is much more expensive than most. It’s the best collar for a German Shepherd for the money.

3. GoTags Nylon Personalized Dog Collar – Premium Choice

If you have extra cash to spend, we highly recommend the GoTags Nylon Personalized Dog Collar. As the name suggests, this collar can be personalized. Therefore, you can put your dog’s name and your contact information directly onto the collar. You won’t have to worry about purchasing a separate ID tag or about your dog’s ID tag becoming lost. It provides easy identification directly on the collar.

Plus, the personalized message is much larger than the writing on your average ID tag. Therefore, it is much easier for potential helpers to read.

You can add up to 25 characters on your dog’s collar, allowing you to fit the average phone number very easily. You can choose from one of 14 colors, though we recommend one that stands out against the collar color you choose.

The collar itself is extremely durable and machine-washable. The D-ring allows you to connect a leash easily, and it is corrosion-resistant. You can also attach a tag, which is useful as a backup ID or for rabies verifications.

4. Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion Dog Collar – Best for Puppies

As the name suggests, the Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion Dog Collar is designed to be as comfortable as possible for your canine. It features nylon webbing with reflective materials woven in, which helps you and drivers see your dog in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the mesh padding on the collar helps ensure your dog is comfortable, as well as reducing rubbing.

We highly recommend this collar for dogs that have had previous “reactions” to other collars. For instance, dogs that usually get bald spots from collars may find some relief with this one.

This collar also features durable, stainless steel rings, allowing you to easily attach your dog’s leash. The buckle allows you to easily take your dog’s collar on and off. Plus, there are many sizes and colorations available, as well, making it an ideal choice for GSD puppies.

5. Blazin’ Safety LED Nylon Dog Collar

The Blazin’ Safety LED Nylon Dog Collar is truly unique from other collars, as it contains several LED lights. These lights promote visibility at night. Therefore, if your dog often goes out a night, this collar is a must. Not only do they allow you to find your dog easier, but they also allow drivers to see your canine easier. Therefore, this collar can truly help keep your dog safer at night.

There are many different light modes available, too. The collar is rechargeable and can run for about 8 hours constantly. We also love that they are very adjustable, allowing them to cover several sizes at once. (However, keep in mind, their collars do run big compared to other companies.) We highly recommend measuring your pet’s neck to ensure a suitable fit.

We love that this collar comes with a lifetime guarantee. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the LEDs stopping before their time.

Leather collars like the Logical Leather Padded Dog Collar are usually considered to be the fanciest collar you can purchase for your dog. This one is crafted out of genuine leather with a soft, padded leather lining. The leather is water-resistant and won’t fray easily. It also won’t attract hair, which is a common issue with nylon collars.

The heavy-duty clasp and other hardware match the premium look of the leather. They’re designed to resist corrosion and stay secure, even when your German Shepherd is pulling. Despite being leather, most dogs do find this collar pretty comfortable. The added padding can help prevent bald spots and matting.

With that said, this collar does seem less weather-resistant than others. Leather is simply less resistant to water by nature. Therefore, when used outdoors regularly, this collar can break down faster than others.

For those looking for something a bit more colorful, you may want to consider the CollarDirect Nylon Dog Collar. These collars come in some very beautiful designs, making them a great option for those wanting something besides just solid collars. Plus, the company makes matching leashes and harnesses, too.

This collar is made from the same nylon that most collars are made from. The hardware is decently durable, allowing you to use it every day without wearing down. We also like that the dyes used are gentle and safe, preventing potential reactions. Many customers also reported that the colorful pattern stayed bright for a long time.

However, there are some reported issues with this collar loosening over time. Therefore, while the color does seem to last, the fit may not.

8. Waudog Glow in the Dark Standard Dog Collar

The Waudog Glow in the Dark Standard Dog Collar is designed to be extremely bright. It comes in several bright colors and also glow-in-the-dark. Therefore, it allows you to find your dog should they accidentally get out at night. The collar also comes built-in with a QR code that can be pre-loaded with your contact information. Your neighbors can then scan the code to easily identify who your dog belongs to.

The collar itself is made of nylon, making it weather-resistant and durable. The fastener is a traditional buckle, allowing it to easily stayed buckled while your dog is wearing it.

9. Frisco Outdoor Heathered Nylon Collar and Dog Leash

For those with a new dog, the Frisco Outdoor Heathered Nylon Collar and Dog Leash may be a good purchase option. The matching leash and collar set can really be a good option for those that need both. The hardware and nylon match on both the collar and leash, making it a stylish set.

However, the company’s sizing is a bit confusing. In fact, there are no sizes obviously explained. Therefore, you just have to guess as to what size your dog needs, which you can probably guess doesn’t always end well. Furthermore, the hardware is made with style in mind, not necessarily function. Therefore, while it does look great, the buckle isn’t as durable as it could be.

The collar is more lightweight than other options, largely thanks to the unique buckle design. There is all the hardware you’d expect on a collar, including a D-ring and a separate tag ring.

10. Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Martingale Dog Collar with Chain

We haven’t recommended any chain dog collars on this list because they really aren’t the best option for all dogs. However, the Max and Neo Dog Gear Nylon Martingale Dog Collar with Chain may be a suitable option for those that really like the chain aesthetic. The collar features 1-inch-wide nylon, as well as a chain on one end. Therefore, the whole thing isn’t a chain, while still providing a similar aesthetic.

This collar has a very thick D-ring, making it a good option for dogs that pull. There is also a nonmetal tab for attaching your dog’s ID tags. Because the tag isn’t metal, the tag shouldn’t jangle.

We found that this collar isn’t the most comfortable. Many dog owners reported that their dog scratched at it, which may be due to the lower-quality stitching inside the collar. While this collar is made to be more durable, the metal chain isn’t the most high-quality. There are many reports of the metal affecting a dog’s skin or causing reactions.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Collar for German Shepherds

Purchasing a collar for your dog may not seem complicated. However, there is a lot that can go wrong with your dog’s collar. German Shepherds tend to be rather rough with collars. Therefore, it isn’t odd for them to ruin collars far before their usual expiration date. Plus, collars can also rub your German Shepherd’s fur off, as well as causing mats.

Luckily, with only a small amount of background information, you can pick out a quality collar whether you’re shopping in-store or on the internet. Here are some of the things you should consider:

Material

Collars can be made from several different materials, and these materials have a large impact on how the collar functions.

Nylon

Nylon is one of the most common collar types, as it is pretty inexpensive. These collars come in many different sizes and designs, allowing you to choose the perfect option for your canine. These collars are widespread, so finding them isn’t challenging in the least.

However, nylon can hold onto nasty smells and wears out faster than other options. You can’t really clean nylon well, either.

Neoprene

Neoprene is the same material used in wet suits. However, when used in dog collars, it is often reinforced with nylon mesh to improve durability. These collars work great for dogs that spend a lot of time in the water, though German Shepherds usually don’t fall into this category. They dry quickly and don’t usually cause allergies.

However, this material can also be expensive and tends to be bulkier than other options.

Chains

Chain collars are most popular for larger dogs, including German Shepherds. These collars are very durable and easy to clean. Most can be wiped down easily and cleaned with soapy water. However, these collars are much less safe than other options. They also don’t do well in cold weather, as extreme cold can weaken steel.

Furthermore, you can’t use most chains with your average leash, either.

Leather

Leather may seem like a classic collar material. However, there is a reason it is no longer widely used. This material is often more expensive, though these collars can be expected to last for years. Bonded leather is much lower quality than genuine leather, even though the two can be difficult to tell apart.

Rolled leather collars are recommended for dogs with more sensitive necks, as the lack of edges can prevent sores and other skin problems.

These collars tend to come in fewer designs. Plus, they can become smelly and harder to clean as the years go by.

Buckles

There are tons of different buckles used on dog collars. Often, these buckles are mostly a matter of personal preference. The difference between each collar buckle usually isn’t much more than aesthetics. However, each type still has its pros and cons for you to consider.

Plastic buckles are easier to click on and off. However, they are less durable and tend to wear down due to weather exposure. UV light and extreme cold can lead to less buckle integrity.

Metal buckles are stronger overall and more secure. They are perfect for dogs that are prone to chewing, as no dog is going to chew through a metal buckle. Plus, they have more staying power, which is always important when you have a German Shepherd.

Many dog collars have buckle locks, which prevent the collar from becoming undone accidentally. However, this does seem to be a more premium option.

Aesthetics

When you purchase a collar, you want it to look good. However, the aesthetics you’re going for will differ depending on your personal preferences. For the most part, what a dog collar looks like doesn’t matter much in practicality.

However, some accessories and decorations should be considered with a bit more scrutiny. For instance, while spikes can be a fun accessory, they can also lead to injuries. Many studs and jewels are simply glued onto the collar, increasing the odds of them falling off. In this case, your dog could become curious and accidentally ingest one of the decorations. Plus, no one wants a collar with obvious pieces missing.

Therefore, exactly what the accessories are on the collar matters. How they’re attached to the collar matters, too. While how the collar looks is important, you also need to ensure that it is safe.

Conclusion

Our favorite collar for German Shepherds is the Blueberry Pet 3M Multi-Colored Reflective Dog Collar. Its reflective material ensures that your dog is seen at night, and it comes in many different colors. We love that two D-rings are provided, increasing the collar’s durability.

For those on a budget, we also like the PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Nylon Dog Collar. This simple nylon collar comes in a few different color options and is designed to prevent your canine from slipping out. Therefore, it’s a great option for escape artists.

Hopefully, one of the collars on this list fits your needs and budget. We hope we’ve helped you decide on the perfect collar for your canine’s needs.

Featured Image Credit: YamaBSM, Pixabay