Leather vs Nylon Dog Collars: Which Is Better?

George has opinions about a lot of things. Magpies: highly suspicious. Bath time: deeply unfair. The postie: still under review.

But collars? George just wants one that doesn't itch, doesn't stink, and survives his daily dip at the beach. Fair enough.

So which is better for your hound, leather or nylon? Here's the short answer, then the long sniff around.

The short answer

Nylon is cheap, light and happy to go in the washing machine. But it's plastic, so every scratch, swim and wash sheds tiny microplastics into the soil and water. Leather costs more, but it softens with wear, lasts for years, and won't spend the next few centuries lounging in landfill.

If you want one collar for many walks, swims and magpie swoops, leather is usually the better pick. If your young hound grows a size every fortnight, think clever... has your neighbour's pup stopped growing... maybe there is a chance of an exchange for a bunch of parsley from your garden for their discarded leather pup collar? Do I have an old leather belt I can adapt?

Nylon dog collars

Nylon is plastic. Fancy, woven, comes-in-every-colour plastic, made from oil. But plastic all the same.

The good bits

• Cheap to buy
• Light, which is handy for tiny hounds who weigh less than a loaf of bread
• Comes in every colour and print you can imagine (and a few you'd rather not)
• Can go in the washing machine

The not-so-good bits

• The edges can fray and rub, especially on short-coated hounds
• Webbing soaks up water and holds onto smells. Yes, that smell.
• Plastic buckles can crack after one too many lunges at a passing cat.
• It sheds tiny plastic fibres as it wears.
• When it's worn out, it goes to landfill. Your compost bin wants nothing to do with it.

Leather dog collars

Leather is a natural material. We use buffalo leather, a by-product of a growing lean-meat industry, paired with solid brass hardware that's tougher than a terrier at bath time.

The good bits

• Softens and moulds to your hound's neck, like a favourite pair of boots.
• Smooth, rounded edges are gentle on fur and skin.
• Very strong. Buffalo leather is thicker and tougher than most cow leather - there is a reason why its been used in shipbuilding since before the Vikings.
• Stays supple after swims and resists cracking in salt water. Built for seagull patrol.
• Develops a rich patina with age. It gets better looking over the years, which is more than most of us can say.
• At the end of its life, the leather is compostable and the brass can be reused.

The not-so-good bits

• Costs a bit more up front.
• Needs a wipe down after rolling in horse poo.
• A little heavier than nylon.
• Not for hounds who is related to Hudini and can somehow snakc on their collar.

Leather vs nylon at a glance

Which collar is right for your hound?

Choose leather if your hound:

• Has finished growing (or you don't have any friends or neighbours to trade with)
• Treats every puddle, river and wave as a personal invitation
• Has a short coat or sensitive skin that nylon might rub
• Wears a collar every day, and you'd like one that lasts

Nylon may suit if your hound:

• Is still young and growing faster than your grocery bill
• Chews their own collar (supervise them, whatever the material) - we still can't work out how this happens...

Not sure of your hound's size? Check our collar size guide before you buy.  We even cater for long-neck hounds who need a wider collar to support their vertebrae.

Caring for a leather collar

Leather care is easier than getting your hound to come back at the beach.

1. Everyday: just check over the collar when giving a morning cuddle.  It's just due dilligence to make sure they will be safe on the lead.
2. Muddy (or your hound found something smelly to roll in): wipe with a damp cloth and a small drop of hand soap, then wipe clean. For plaited or stitched collars, use a soft toothbrush to get between the strips or stitching.
3. After a swim: let it air dry naturally, away from heaters and direct sun. Your collar doesn't need a sauna.

When it finally wears out

A nylon collar retires to landfill. A leather collar gets a second act.

• Brass hardware: remove it and donate it to your local Repair Cafe, Men's Shed or the iconic Australian "junk drawer" so it can be used again.
• Leather: leather is compostable, but it breaks down slowly and needs a helping hand. Cut or shred it into small pieces for your home compost, or use your green waste bin if your council accepts it.  Without the brass hardware, we've found a lawnmower is brilliant at this.  However, not recommended if your lawn aspires to centre court at Australian Open.

Read more on our Materials & Sustainability page.

Quick questions

Is leather or nylon better for dogs who swim?

Buffalo leather. It stays supple after swims and resists cracking in salt water. Nylon soaks up water and can start to smell like, well, wet dog. Nylon also takes an age to dry, which can cause irritation. Those we have interviewed all agree that a collar that can remain wet all day is a real pain... in the neck... 

Is a leather collar worth the extra cost?

A leather collar usually outlasts several nylon ones, so the cost evens out over time. It also keeps plastic out of landfill, reduces microplastics in our oceans and bodies.

Are leather collars comfortable?

Yes. Leather softens and moulds to your hound's neck, and its edges are smoother than nylon webbing. Most hounds forget they're wearing one, right up until someone says "walk".

Is buffalo leather ethical?

Buffalo leather is a by-product of an important, religious neutral, lean meat industry. Our leather comes from tanneries that have been audited by the Leather Working Group.

Find your hound's new favourite collar

Browse our leather dog collars and matching leads. All are designed in Australia and handmade by skilled craftspeople. Save 10% when you buy a matching collar and lead together.

George approves. The magpies are still discussing.

More questions? See our Product FAQs.