There are three types to choose from when searching for the best German Shephard collars. These are: flat collars, constriction collars, and halter or head collars.
The type of collar you choose may depend on the age of your GSD and the roles your dog has – is he a working GSD or a companion dog?
Searching for the best German Shepherd collars for your GSD is an important part of welcoming your new pup home!
The dog collar you choose won’t be the biggest expense in your dog’s life. But it will be one of the most important ways you and your new pup communicate.
We hope this article featuring some of the best German Shepherd collars will help you choose a collar you will both enjoy!
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
Shopping For The Best German Shepherd Collars
What are the best German Shepherd collars available? Ask any GSD owner and you are likely to get lots of different answers!
German Shepherd collars, like German Shepherds, come in all shapes, sizes, and designs.
The good news is you have lots of different German Shepherd dog collars to choose from to find the perfect fit.
Types Of German Shepherd Collars And Leads
There are three basic styles of German Shepherd collars.
- Flat collar: The flat collar is by far the most common type of German Shepherd collars. These can be made of leather or synthetic material. The material is solid – either flat or rolled material.
- Constriction collar: Martingale, prong/pinch, choke, and other types of constriction collars are controversial. For some breeds with narrow heads, use of a Martingale collar may prevent escape. A prong collar, properly fitted, can be effective to reduce lunging.
- Halter or head collar: Chest halters or head collars, as their name suggests, fit more like a vest or helmet than a traditional collar. These can be a good alternative to traditional collars for small dog breeds with delicate necks. For large, strong dog breeds, a chest harness or head collar can offer a safer form of additional control during training.
Best Collar For German Shepherd Dogs
These are some of the best German Shepherd collars for a companion canine.
Let’s have a look at which one might be best for your dog.
Blueberry Pet Buckle Collar
This colorful, soft flat collar* features a buckle-snap release. There are two rings – a D-ring for leash attachment and small ring for I.D. tags.
It comes in two sizes and six colors.
Flat America Flag Collar
This durable flat collar* features a two-step quick-release and extra handle for training control. The collar offers a panel for patches and a steel leash ring.
It comes in four colors.
Personalized Braided Leather Collar
These hand-crafted braided leather collars* feature a personalized silver metal nameplate to add your dog’s name and a contact phone number.
This collar comes in three sizes and six color combinations.
Best Dog German Shepherd Collars for Working K-9
These are some of the best GSD collars for a working K-9.
Adjustable Flat Collar
This sturdy nylon adjustable flat collar* features a quick-release buckle, handy side pouch and a five-foot matched leash.
It comes in two sizes and six colors.
Flat D-Ring Collar
This flat adjustable D-ring collar* features a magnet ID sticker for service patches and a soft protective padded layer on the collar interior.
It comes in three sizes and five color patterns.
Buckle Flat Nylon Collar
This adjustable buckle flat nylon collar* features a D-ring leash attachment and hook-and-loop panel to add patches.
It comes in two sizes and five colors.
Best Collar For German Shepherd Puppy
These German Shepherd puppy collars come highly rated from puppy owners.
Flat Sturdy Puppy Collar
This durable, sturdy flat collar* with stainless steel buckle and ring is a perfect choice for your puppy’s first collar.
It comes in three sizes and three colors.
Padded Puppy Collar
This comfy, padded yet sturdy collar* is lightweight to help your pup get used to the feel of a collar.
It comes in three sizes and five colors.
Puppy Chest Harness
If you want to start your GSD puppy on a chest harness instead of a collar, this adjustable no-pull harness with two leash connection points* can be a good first harness.
Best Leather Dog Collars For German Shepherds
Each of these German Shepherd leather collar picks comes highly rated by GSD owners.
Leather Padded Collar
This real leather soft padded flat collar* features an adjustable buckle, a large D-ring leash attachment and a built-in small ring for dog I.D. tags.
It comes in four sizes and six color combinations.
Leather Adjustable Buckle Collar
This split leather adjustable buckle collar* features a full grain leather exterior and soft padded sheepskin interior.
It comes in five sizes and eleven fun colors. This military/law enforcement-grade collar features a D-ring leash attachment.
Soft Buckle Collar
This soft durable adjustable buckle flat collar* features strong leather with a metal D-ring leash attachment and a second small ring for I.D. tags.
This Martingale-style collar features a six-foot lead and comes in six colors.
Best German Shepherd Collars and Leash Combos
These are some of the best German Shepherd collars with leashes for an easy combination purchase.
Chest Harness
This chest harness* is made of lightweight oxford and mesh and features two attachment points for the lead.
It can be paired with this Max Neo reflective leash* (four-foot or six-foot)
Collar and Leash in One
This collar-and-leash-in-one* is made from heavy duty mountain climbing-grade rope. It comes in one size and six colors.
It is six feet long.
Collar and Leash Combo
This collar and leash combo* features a retractable cord leash built right into the sturdy padded dog collar. It comes in three sizes and four colors.
Other German Shepherd Products
If you’re preparing for the arrival of a German Shepherd into your family, there are plenty of products you’ll want to consider.
Check out our other guides to the best products and accessories for German Shepherds!
Best German Shepherd Collars
We hope you have enjoyed browsing through our picks for the best German Shepherd collars for companion pups, working K-9s and puppies!
Did any of these options pique your interest? Let us know how your shopping experience works out!
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
References and Resources
Carter, A., DVM, et al, “Lead by Example,” RSPCA of South Australia, 2019.
Block, K., et al, “Dog Collars: Which type is best for your dog?,” The Humane Society of the United States, 2019.
Partnow, A., DVM, et al, “Veterinary Q&A: Prong collars are safe — fact or fiction?,” Seattle Times, 2011.
Dobias, P., DVM, “Choke, Prong and Shock Collars Can Irreversibly Damage Your Dog,” Dr. Peter Dobias, DVM, 2018.
Hope, C., “Preparing for Your New Pup,” Celhaus German Shepherd Breeder, 2013.
Langen, J., et al, “Cost of Owning a GSD,” Bright Star German Shepherd Rescue, 2019.

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