Dog collars are a necessary accessory for dog owners as they are needed for identification and training purposes. They often differentiate mans best friend from a pack of wolves because they symbolize domesticity. But more than anything else, a dog collar directly or indirectly represents your personality and tastes as a dog owner. While a dog collar has begun as a necessary tool for controlling dogs, it has evolved into an excellent gift for dogs.
Today, a collar has advanced from a plain functional thing to an object of delight for both dog and owner. It is no wonder then that collars have ushered in an industry of its own in the canine accessories business. More and more dog owners are gradually becoming aware of canine fashion sense. And the quest for uniqueness, much for the owners than for dogs, has fueled the upswing trend of designer dog collars.
Designer collars are being made according to dog owners details and preferences. Exclusively designed dog collars could easily fetch a hundred dollars or more each but they are fitting presents to cherished pets. Currently, there are countless makers of designer dog collars.
These collars are made using various materials. From nylon to leather, these collars also come in countless colors, shapes, and sizes. As an owner you can even have your collar custom made according to the time of the day you walk your pet; for instance, if you take your dog for a walk usually at night, you can get a stylish reflective or lighted dog collar which is great in the dark. Some fashion icons and designers, like Gucci, have started designing fashionable dog collars.
It is not surprising today to find collars speckled with diamonds and other precious stones. Dog collars laced with gold and other expensive metals are becoming quite common for dog owners who can afford them. The rise in popularity of these collars has made the manufacture of collars that suit any size of dog possible.
Before, generic collars only cater to average sized canines, unintentionally leaving out very small and extra large dogs. Designer collars can now emphasize the beauty of your pet dog whatever the size and breed. More importantly, designer dog collars have also introduced a wide selection of materials that were previously unimaginable to be used for collars. Indeed, the designers imagination is the sole limitation in making dog collars. Today, dog collars can be made by using not only nylon and leather but denim, vinyl or even velvet as well. The choices for fabric used to make collars have grown more diverse.
Thanks to designer dog collars, they are made to fit the dog and not the other way around as it used to be. The time for collars to be both practical and decorative has arrived. The most basic but sought after dog collar design is having the name of the dog engraved on the collar itself or on a thin piece of metal, like copper or even a small sheet of gold alloy.
Some designers offer dog collars with detachable rhinestone letters that indicate the name of the dog; this makes the rhinestone name spelling easily transferable to other collars. Still some designers have created collars with new age symbols and charms that are believed to protect dogs like talismans. But the real essence of spending for a designer dog collar is to have a collar that perfectly and comfortably fits your canine pal.
Collars do not have to be made by fashion designers with Italian-sounding names; in fact if you have the skills, you can design your own collar and put up a business making designer collars for other dogs. With the all the hype in and deluge of designer dog collars in the dog accessory industry, one basic rule of thumb has remained constant. The perfect collar for your dog is the one that is not too loose on the neck and not too tight to the point of choking your dog. Always make sure that the distance between your dogs neck and the collar is approximately as wide as two fingers.
In the end, the question is not about how a dog collar looks on your dog, but rather how it fits.
Lee Dobbins writes for http://dogcollars.topicgiant.com where you can learn more about all types of dog collars including the designer dog collar.
