Tartan dog collar

Tartan dog collars are easy to recognise. The checked pattern does most of the talking, so even a fairly simple collar can look quite different from a plain nylon or leather one.

Some tartans use darker, traditional-looking colours. Others are brighter and stand out much more against the dog's coat.

Don't forget to check the actual collar underneath it. Size, width and fastening still matter more than the colour of the checks.

The Pattern Can Look Very Different Once It's On

A tartan that looks quite busy in a close-up photograph can be much less noticeable once the collar is around a dog's neck.

The opposite can happen too.

A simple red or blue check may stand out strongly on a pale coat, while darker tartans can blend into black or brown fur.

It is worth looking through more than the main photograph if you can.

Traditional Colours or Something Brighter?

There is quite a bit of choice with tartan.

Some people prefer dark green, navy, red or other colours that give the collar a more traditional appearance. Others want something brighter or a little less expected.

Neither is more “correct”. It is really down to what you like.

The pattern itself is the decorative part, so you don't need lots of extra detail for the collar to stand out.

A Little About Tartan

Different tartan patterns are usually known as setts. Many have associations with particular clans, organisations, places or traditions.

That history is part of what gives tartan its recognisable look, but you don't need to choose a dog collar based on a family connection. Plenty of people simply like the colours and checked design.

For a collar, the practical details still come first.

Check the Width as Well as the Neck Size

Check the actual measurement rather than relying on the photograph.

A broad tartan collar can look quite substantial on a smaller dog, while a narrow version gives a lighter look.

The buckle and lead ring make a difference as well. Larger hardware becomes much more noticeable on a small collar.

If your dog normally wears something slim, comparing the width with their existing collar can give you a useful idea of how different the new one will look.

Have a Look at the Fastening

Check the individual product photographs to see how the collar opens and adjusts. Different designs may use different fastenings, so don't assume that every tartan dog collar in the collection is put together in exactly the same way.

The lead attachment is worth looking at too.

See where the ring sits in relation to the buckle and adjustment section. On some collars it is fairly discreet. On others, the metalwork is a more obvious part of the design.

Keeping Tartan Looking Tidy

Checked fabric can hide a surprising amount of everyday dirt, particularly with darker patterns.

Check the care instructions for that particular product before washing it. Different materials and constructions may need different treatment.

While the collar is off, have a quick look at the stitching and the areas around the fastening and lead ring.

There is no need to make a job of it. You are simply checking that nothing has become badly worn or started coming apart.

Does Tartan Suit Every Size of Dog?

There is no particular dog size that has to wear tartan.

What changes is how the pattern looks.

On a small dog, a large check can become quite a noticeable feature. On a bigger dog, the same pattern may look much more understated.

That is why the scale of the collar matters almost as much as the colours.

Measure your dog's neck first and use the sizing given on the individual product page. Don't choose purely from breed, age or how large the dog in the photograph appears.

Choosing Between the Tartan Collars

Once the size is sorted, this collection becomes much easier to choose from.

Look at the width and fastening, then decide which tartan you actually prefer.

Some designs are dark and fairly traditional. Others use brighter checks that stand out straight away.

There isn't much need to make the decision more complicated than that.

The tartan is what gives these collars their character. The product page will tell you the less exciting but more important bits — the measurements, adjustment and how the collar is put together.