Dahound martingale collars – intentionally made wider with soft-touch fabric
Dahound martingale dog collars are intentionally designed to be wider than other types of dog collars. The reason behind this is to provide the ultimate comfort to your dog. The wide design spreads the tension more evenly when your dog pulls, so that it does not cut into your dog’s neck unlike narrow dog collars. Covered with soft-touch fabric both inside and outside, there is no plastic webbing exposed to your dog’s delicate skin. Our martingale collars come in many stylish prints including plain colours, gingham & plaid, stripes, floral and other fun prints.
What is a martingale dog collar?
Martingale collars are a type of dog collar that are anti-escape because of its unique structure. Unlike standard dog collars, martingale dog collars are made of two loops - a large loop where a dog’s head goes in and a small loop with a D-ring. When a leash is attached, the small loop tightens in response to a dog pulling on the leash. This ultimately reduces the circumference of the collar, making the collar escape-proof, especially when the dog jumps backward. Watch this video to learn more.
Are martingale dog collars comfortable?
You may think that it would be uncomfortable for your dog to wear a martingale collar because of it being escape-proof. However, many dog owners find the experience of using martingale collars quite pleasant. Unlike standard dog collars, a martingale collar does not need to be too tight around a dog’s neck all the time. It sits snuggly (more relaxed than the standard collar) around a dog's neck when there is no tension applied. It will stay snuggly and comfy when a dog is walking without pulling and tightens only when the dog pulls or jumps backwards. When the dog stops pulling, it will automatically revert to its original circumference.
How are martingale collars different to slip-collars or choke collars?
There is a huge difference between them. The maximum length a martingale collar tightens is limited to the small loop's length - it stops getting tighter at a point where it’s close enough to keep the collar from slipping off but not tight enough to hurt or choke your dog. Slip-collars and choke collars, on the other hand, have no limit on how far they can tighten on a dog’s neck – because they’re not made of two loops unlike martingale collars. They continue to get tighter, the harder a dog pulls.
Martingale collars are the best type of dog collar for sighthounds
Most sighthounds have very slim pointy heads, which are often narrower than their necks. This makes it so easy for them to slip out of standard dog collars, as they simply don’t have the unique dual loop structure that martingale collars have. To put it simply, wearing a standard dog collar for sighthounds is placing a ring on a cone-shaped ring holder and flip it upside down and hoping it’ll stay where it was. Watch this video where we demonstrate how the martingale system prevents accidental slip off.
The most common sighthound breed who will benefit from martingale collars include Greyhounds, Whippets, Italian Greyhounds, Borzois, Salukis, Afghan hounds, Azawakh, Deerhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Pharaoh Hound, Sloughis, Galgos, Silken Windhounds and Lurchers.
Can martingale dog collars be used for other non-sighthound breeds?
The simple answer is yes. Martingale collars are recommended for any dog who easily escapes out of the standard dog collar and harnesses. However, there are a few things that you may need to consider. First, most martingale dog collars do not have side release buckles - they simply slip over the head. If your dog’s head is significantly bigger than the neck, you may need to loosen the collar to slip it over the head. Another thing to consider is the width of the collar. Martingale collars are intentionally made wider than the standard dog collars to evenly distribute the pressure on the neck. However, if your dog’s neck is significantly short and our existing dimensions are not suitable, please consider placing a custom order with us.
Martingale dog collars are also great for fluffy dogs
Many dog breeds with thick fur around the neck enjoy using martingale collars. Because of the thick mane, it is difficult to achieve a snuggle fit with standard dog collars, or without snapping all the fur into a clasp with the flat buckle collar. Martingale collars sit loosely around their neck to allow space for the fur, but tightens only when necessary to prevent them from backing out of the collar.
Can martingale collars be worn all the time like an ID or house collar?
Martingale collars are not suitable to be worn all the time like as a house collar or an ID collar for the exact same reason why they’re so effective in preventing accidental slip off. If the D-ring gets caught on to a furniture piece, a dog won’t be able to slip out of the collar without your help, which can lead to a choking hazard. We strongly recommend that your dog wears a martingale collar under supervision and have a separate thin house collar for the ID tag. Think of your martingale collar as a nice functional (but fashionable) jacket that you wear in winter. You don’t wear jackets around your house. You wear it to go outside and take it off when you get home.
Other common names of martingale collars
Martingale collars are often called greyhound collars, whippet collars, Italian greyhound collars, sighthound collars and limited slip collars. If anyone mentions any one of these, they’re most likely referring to martingale dog collars.
Are martingale collars better than harnesses?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question as every dog has different needs for different circumstances. If your main concern is your dog escaping out of a standard dog collar or a harness, you may consider using a martingale collar to prevent accidental slip off. If you’re looking for an option that’s easier for your dog’s neck, check out our H-shaped strap style dog harnesses.