Okay, let's be honest for a second. How many of you have ever bought a collar for your dog thinking, "Oh well, it'll do"? I admit it, I did. My first dog, a Beagle named Oscar, wore a supermarket collar for months. It was too big. He was constantly scratching his neck. One day, my neighbor—the one with that gorgeous gray Whippet—asked me why I didn't invest in something that actually fit him.
It made me think.
Since then, I've realized something. A collar isn't just a piece of fabric or leather you put around your dog's neck to attach the leash. It's so much more than that. It's their identity, their safety, their everyday comfort. And frankly, when you see the difference between a standard collar from a supermarket and a custom-made collar, adjusted to your companion's exact shape... there's no comparison.
So today, we're going to talk about custom-made dog collars versus standard collars. No beating around the bush. With concrete examples, and most importantly, why your furry friend truly deserves the very best.
Standard Necklace vs. Custom Necklace: The Real Differences
What exactly is a standard collar?
You know, those collars you can find everywhere. Pet shops, supermarkets, online stores with express delivery. Sizes S, M, L, XL, supposedly suitable for all dogs. A Cocker Spaniel and a Beagle, both in "M", even though their builds are completely different.
The manufacturing? Often outsourced, mass-produced, using low-quality materials. Scratchy nylon, plastic that breaks after six months, a small medal that gets lost on the first foray into the bushes. In short, disposable.
The other day at the park, I saw a Bulldog with a standard collar that was too tight. The poor thing was scratching its neck every two minutes. Its owner told me, "But I bought a size L!" Yeah, but a Bulldog isn't built like a Labrador. Their neck is thicker and shorter. Standard sizes don't work for everyone.
Our Approach to the Personalized Necklace
We have a different philosophy. First, we do offer predefined sizes, yes, but each size corresponds to a length range adjusted according to breed and build. A collar for a Chihuahua isn't the same as one for a German Shepherd. It seems obvious, but you'd be surprised how many brands overlook this.
And then there are the widths. We thought about that for months. A small dog doesn't need a 4 cm wide collar. That would be ridiculous and uncomfortable. Conversely, a Rottweiler with a 1.5 cm collar? Dangerous. We created widths adapted so that each breed finds the perfect fit—or rather, collar.
Now, if the standard length range really doesn't work—and frankly, that happens very rarely—you can ask us for an even more precise adjustment. A truly bespoke fit. Because some dogs have unique builds. Very thick necks, very thin necks, atypical mixed breeds. In those cases, we go beyond the standard sizes and create something truly one-of-a-kind.
Personalization Isn't Just About an Engraved Name
When we talk about total personalization, we often think of engraving. That's important, yes. But with us, it goes far beyond that.
The colors. Our leather is vegetable-tanned. Do you know what that means? No harsh chemicals. Natural, rich hues that evolve over time. We have coffee brown, deep burgundy, Klein blue... Colors you won't find anywhere else.
Hand-braided. For our nylon collars, we use premium hand-braided paracord. Not stiff, mass-produced nylon. A supple, strong braid with a smooth, rounded finish that never chafes the neck. My brother-in-law has a Springer Spaniel who's been wearing our nylon model for two years. Zero irritation. Zero visible wear.
The finishing touches. Hardware in solid, raw brass, carefully hand-polished. Not plated brass that rusts after three walks in the rain. Solid, finely crafted brass that will last for years without flinching. For the pendant medals, we use a durable and elegant gold-plated nickel alloy.
Comfort and Well-being: The Adjustment That Changes Everything
When the Necklace Becomes a Problem
Take Sophie's story, for example. A friend of mine has an adorable but hyperactive Golden Retriever. She bought a standard collar at the pet store. Size L, as recommended for large dogs. Except... it was too big. With every tug, the collar slipped, pulling on the dog's trachea. The dog coughed and had trouble breathing during walks.
The result? A trip to the vet. Tracheal irritation. Anti-inflammatory treatment. And a hefty bill.
An ill-fitting collar is not insignificant. Too tight? Skin irritation, breathing difficulties, constant stress for the animal. Too loose? Risk of escape (especially with clever dogs who quickly learn how to get out), completely ineffective for leash training.
And then there's the width. A collar that's too thin on a dog that pulls will damage the fur and hurt the neck. Conversely, a collar that's too wide on a small dog is heavy, cumbersome, and ridiculous.
Personalized Adjustment, in Concrete Terms
The two-finger rule applies. You should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. No more, no less. This ensures it fits properly without being too tight.
Next, we look at the breed and its build. A Whippet has a long, thin neck. We'll choose a wider collar to distribute the pressure. A Bulldog has a short, thick neck. We adjust the length to the millimeter so it fits perfectly.
What You Find in the Standard
Cheap, non-breathable nylon. The result: in summer, the dog's neck sweats, becomes macerated, and smells bad. Chemically treated, stiff, industrial leather that never really softens. Plastic buckles that crack. Cheap metal hardware that rusts after two months of use.
Honestly, how many necklaces have you changed in a year? Two? Three? At €15-20 each, it adds up.
Our Selection of Premium Materials
Vegetable-tanned full-grain leather. It's the very best. The outer layer of the hide, the one that contains all the natural fibers, all the strength. Not a compressed and glued underlayer.
This leather breathes; it's supple from the start, and over time it develops a unique patina that no one can replicate. My neighbor—the one with the black Labrador—has had a premium black leather collar with brass buckles for four years. Four years! The leather has darkened slightly and developed a soft texture. Impossible to achieve with new leather.
Premium Black Leather Collar
This black collar, look at the finish. The stitching is done with traditional saddle stitching. Each stitch is made by hand, passing through the leather with two needles. It's an equestrian saddlery technique, the one used for horse harnesses. It's incredibly durable.
Discover this modelHigh-quality paracord. Be aware that not all paracord is created equal. There are countless different qualities on the market. Some are low-grade, brittle, with poorly finished edges that can injure your dog's neck.
We chose a premium paracord with a hand-braided design that gives it a smooth, rounded surface. No rough edges whatsoever. It feels gentle against the neck, even for dogs that pull. A Springer Spaniel I know—my brother-in-law's—wears our gray and brown braided nylon hunting collar . After two years of heavy use in the forest, water, and mud, the collar still looks practically brand new.
Braided Nylon Hunting Collar
See that Labrador? This collar can handle anything. Hunting, brambles, icy water in winter. And the dog stays comfortable. The handcrafted braiding ensures a perfectly smooth surface that never irritates, even after hours of intense activity.
See this necklaceRaw, solid brass hardware. We tested everything: stainless steel, nickel, plated brass. In the end, we opted for raw, solid brass, carefully hand-polished. Why? Because it never rusts, it resists oxidation, and it has a natural finish that ages beautifully. Buckles, rivets, decorative metal eyelets... everything is crafted with the same attention to detail.
Let's Talk Money: The True Cost Over 10 Years
A standard collar? €15. You change it every 8 months (wear and tear, breakage, lost medals). Over 10 years, that's 12-15 collars. Total: €180-225. Plus lost medals: easily another €50-80.
A high-quality personalized necklace? Between €45 and €120 depending on the material and options. Lifespan with minimal maintenance: 5 to 10 years. Cost amortized: between €5 and €15 per year.
So where's the luxury? Frankly, investing in a good collar from the start saves money in the long run. And above all, it provides your dog with constant comfort and maximum safety.
Security and Identification: No Medal Gets Lost
The Problem of Traditional Medals
How many times have I heard: "I lost my dog's tag." So many times that I stopped counting.
These little tags attached to the collar ring make noise (which stresses some dogs), they get caught on fences, bushes, and most importantly... they get lost. The ring connecting the tag to the collar eventually wears out, bends, and poof, the tag is gone.
A friend lost her dog for three days. A Cocker Spaniel who had escaped during a walk. When he was found, his tag was gone. Luckily, he was microchipped, but it took time to identify the owner. Three days of utter anguish.
Permanent Engraving: Visible for Life
On our collars, we engrave directly into the material. Laser engraving for leather, deep engraving for nylon. Your dog's name, your phone number, everything is there, always visible.
It never fades. Even after years of use, rain, mud, and rolling around in the grass. The engraving remains clear and legible.
Personalization: Your dog is unique, so is its collar.
The Limits of the Standard
Colors? Basic black, brown, and red. Sizes? S, M, L, XL. Personalization? At best, an engraved medal that you buy separately.
In short, your Golden Retriever will have the same collar as your neighbor's. No identity, no personality.
Create Something That Truly Resembles Him
With us, you choose everything. The leather color from about twenty natural shades. The text to be engraved (first name, number, short personal message). The finishes: all our creations are fitted with raw, solid brass hardware, carefully hand-polished.
Personalized Leather and Wool Necklace
Look at this necklace with the "Roro" medallion. It's not just an accessory. It's an object that tells a story, that creates an emotional connection. The owner chose this shade of brown, these small brass decorations. It's unique.
Create your ownFor style enthusiasts, we even have collars with integrated sheep's wool . Ultra-soft, warm in winter, and breathable. A customer told me that her Whippet – who is always cold – loves this style.
Leather and Wool Collar for Breeds Sensitive to Cold
See how soft it is? This leather and wool combination is perfect for breeds that get cold easily, dogs with sensitive skin. The vegetable-tanned leather combined with natural sheep's wool creates unparalleled comfort.
Discover this modelTraditional Craftsmanship: The Art of Taking Your Time
The Reality of Mass Production
Automated machines. Infernal production rates. Hundreds of necklaces a day, all identical, soulless. Minimal quality control. If one necklace has a defect? Too bad, there are 500 more behind it.
Production is often outsourced, under opaque conditions. We don't know where the materials come from or how they are processed. Environmental impact is rarely a priority.
Our Artisanal Expertise
We take our time. Each necklace is crafted by an artisan who has mastered traditional techniques. The saddle stitch, this age-old method of sewing through the leather with two needles, stitch by stitch. No machine can reproduce this strength, this regularity.
We carefully select our raw materials. The leather comes from tanneries that adhere to strict standards. The paracord is of superior quality and has been tested. The brass is solid, not low-grade plated.
Each creation goes through several quality control stages. We check the cutting, the sewing, the engraving, and the finishing. If something isn't right, we start again. There's no compromise on quality.
Okay, it takes time. A necklace takes 2 to 3 weeks to make. But honestly, it's worth the wait to have something that will last for years, isn't it?
For which dogs does custom tailoring really make a difference?
Breeds and Specific Morphologies
Thick-necked dogs. Bulldogs, Mastiffs, some Bulldogs. A standard collar never really works. It's either too tight and chokes them, or too loose and slips. With a precise fit, you find the perfect balance.
Long-haired dogs. Golden Retrievers, Shepherds, Cocker Spaniels. The collar must be designed to prevent tangling and knotting. Smooth materials and flat seams are preferred.
Premium Large Size Necklace
This large blue collar is perfect for big dogs. Wide, sturdy, and comfortable. The solid brass hardware easily supports a 40 kg dog that pulls.
See this necklaceGreyhounds and breeds with sensitive necks. These dogs have a sensitive trachea. A collar that is too tight can be dangerous. We create wider models to distribute the pressure, or round collars that don't press on sensitive areas.
Growing puppies. With a standard collar, you'll need to change sizes every two months. With our adjustable models, the collar grows with your puppy. You save time and money, and your puppy gets used to wearing just one collar.
Active and Sporting Dogs
Canicross, agility, hunting. These dogs need extreme durability. Our premium braided paracord is made for just that. Unbeatable strength, quick-drying even if the dog crosses rivers, and comfortable even after hours of activity.
A friend who does canicross with his Husky has been using our model for three years. Zero visible wear despite the kilometers covered, the sweat, the bad weather.
Dogs with Special Needs
Sensitive skin and allergies. Some dogs react to chemical dyes and industrial treatments. Our vegetable-tanned leather is hypoallergenic. No harsh chemicals. I have a client whose Westie had constant irritation with standard collars. Since switching to vegetable-tanned leather, she hasn't had any problems.
Dogs that pull. A collar that's too thin can hurt their neck. We recommend collars with appropriate widths to distribute the pressure. And if the dog really pulls a lot, we sometimes advise using a harness as well.
Senior dogs. Older dogs deserve comfort. A soft, lightweight collar that won't strain a tired neck. Our sheepskin models are perfect for this.
The Price: How Much Does It Really Cost?
We're doing the math over 10 years
Standard collar: €15 each. Replacement every 8-10 months due to wear and tear or breakage. Over 10 years, expect 12 to 15 collars. Total: €180-225. Add lost medals (€5-10 each, let's say 5 medals in 10 years): +€50. Grand total: €230-275.
High-quality personalized necklace: €50-120 depending on the material and options. Lifespan: 5 to 10 years with minimal maintenance. Amortized cost: €5 to €15 per year.
Honestly, where's the luxury? Investing €80 once and not having to think about it for years is much smarter than constantly buying cheap stuff.
The Profits That Are Not Counted
Peace of mind. You know your dog is identified and safe. No stress on every walk.
Everyday comfort. A dog that's comfortable in its collar is a happy dog. Less scratching, less irritation, better skin health.
Personal satisfaction. When you see your dog wearing a beautiful collar that fits perfectly, there's a sense of pride. A colleague told me she gets compliments every time she goes to the park. People ask where she got the collar. It's gratifying.
How to Choose and Order Your Personalized Necklace
Step 1: Measure Accurately
Take a flexible measuring tape. Measure the circumference of your dog's neck where the collar will naturally rest. Add two fingers' width of space. This is your reference measurement.
Measure several times to be sure. A moving dog can sometimes skew the results.
On our website, we have a detailed size guide with size charts for each breed. Chihuahua, Beagle, Labrador, German Shepherd... each breed has its own recommendations.
Step 2: Choose Your Model
Vegetable-tanned full-grain leather model : for elegance, durability, and everyday use in the city or countryside. Perfect for calm or moderately active dogs. Each leather model has its own specific characteristics – width, stitching style, and particular finishes.
Braided nylon (paracord) model : for sporty, active dogs who love water. Lightweight, durable, and quick-drying. Ideal for hunting, canicross, and walks in the woods.
Leather model with sheep's wool : for dogs that get cold easily, those with sensitive skin, and senior dogs who deserve maximum softness.
The choice of model determines the material. Each creation has been designed for a specific use and a particular aesthetic. Browse our different models to find the one that best suits your dog.
Step 3: Customize
Leather color: coffee brown, burgundy, blue, red, black... We have about twenty natural shades.
Text to be engraved: your dog's name, your phone number. We recommend both for complete identification.
Hardware: All our creations are fitted with raw, solid brass hardware, carefully hand-polished. Buckles, rivets, decorative metal eyelets... everything is crafted with this natural finish that ages beautifully over time. For pendant medals, we use a durable and elegant gold-plated nickel alloy.
Complete Color Palette
Look at this palette. Red, burgundy, green, blue, black, brown, orange. There's something for everyone. And each collar can be matched with a leash for a harmonious set.
Exploring colorsStep 4: Place your order
Visit our shop . Select your model, choose your options, add to cart.
Production time: 2 to 3 weeks. Yes, it takes longer than ordering from Amazon with 24-hour delivery. But you're not buying something disposable. You're investing in something that will last.
We personally oversee each creation. If we need any further information about your order, we will contact you.
Careful delivery. Your necklace arrives in protective packaging, with a small care card.
What Those Who Chose Bespoke Say
Testimonials from Satisfied Owners
Marine, owner of a red Cocker Spaniel: "Before, I changed my dog's collar every six months. It wore out, broke, and smelled bad after the rain. Since I got this red leather collar a year and a half ago, it's like new. The leather has softened, and the color is magnificent. I regret not investing sooner."
Thomas, owner of a Springer Spaniel: "My dog is a madman. Hunting, water, mud, brambles. I've tried loads of collars, they all broke within a few months. Yours has held up for two years without a hitch. It's really sturdy."
Camille, cat owner (yes, we also cater for cats!): "My cat is small, with a thin neck. It was impossible to find a suitable collar in pet shops. Here, I found a model for small animals , with engraving. It's perfect, it doesn't bother him at all."
Small Animal Collar
This small model is perfect for cats and very small dogs. Ultra-lightweight, precise fit, permanent engraving. Because little companions deserve the very best.
Discover this modelRegret for Not Having Changed Sooner
That's what we often hear. "I should have invested from the start." How much money is wasted on cheap necklaces? How many times have you had to replace a lost medal?
In the end, we save money. And above all, we give our dog the comfort it deserves from day one.
A collar isn't just an accessory. It's a daily companion for your dog. It's their safety if they get lost. It's their comfort for years of walks, games, and adventures.
Yes, a custom-made collar costs more than a standard supermarket model. But frankly, when you consider the long-term benefits, when you think about your pet's well-being, can you really put a price on it?
Ever since I understood this—thanks to my neighbor and her Whippet, remember?—I wouldn't go back for anything in the world. Oscar, my Beagle, now has a collar that fits him perfectly. He doesn't scratch his neck anymore. He runs, he plays, he's living his best life. And when I look at him, I think that's exactly what we owe our companions.
Your dog gives you everything: unconditional love, loyalty, and a zest for life. The least we can do is offer him a collar that respects his physique, ensures his safety, and expresses his unique character.
In short, if you're still hesitating between a standard collar and a personalized collar, ask yourself this question: what does my dog really deserve? You already know the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a custom-made collar really worth it compared to a standard one?
Honestly? Yes, a thousand times yes. Durability alone justifies the investment. But when you add the comfort for your dog, the security of the permanent engraving, the complete personalization... there's no question about it. I have clients who have been using the same collar for five years. Try doing that with a €15 model from a pet store.
My dog doesn't have a particular build, is a custom-made dog useful?
That's what I thought too. Then I realized that even a "standard" dog deserves a perfect fit. Because not all Labradors are the same. Some have a thicker neck, others a thinner one. A collar fitted to ITS body shape, not to a statistical average, really makes all the difference in terms of comfort.
How long does it take to make a custom-made necklace?
Between two and three weeks. I know, it's longer than Amazon Prime. But we don't mass-produce. Each necklace is made specifically for you, with the colors you've chosen and the engraving you've requested. Handcrafted work takes time. And frankly, for something that will last for years, waiting three weeks is really nothing.
Can I return a custom-made necklace if it doesn't fit?
Since it's personalized with your dog's engraving, it can't be resold to anyone else. However, if you're unsure about the size, contact us BEFORE ordering. We'll help you measure correctly and guide you in choosing the right size. And if there really is a sizing issue upon arrival, we'll find a solution together. We've never left a customer in the lurch.
Does laser engraving fade over time?
No. It's engraved deep into the material. Not printed on the surface. I have clients whose dogs have been wearing their engraved collars for six or seven years. The engraving is still perfectly legible. Even after thousands of hours of use, rain, mud, and sun. It's truly permanent.
What material should I choose for an active dog?
It depends on your priorities. Leather offers elegance, maximum durability, and breathability. However, if your dog spends its life in the water, and you're looking for something ultra-lightweight that dries in two minutes, braided nylon is unbeatable. My brother-in-law has a Springer Spaniel that hunts in wetlands. He swears by nylon. Instant drying, no odor even after hours in the mud.
Is a custom-made collar suitable for growing puppies?
Good question. For a growing puppy, you have two options. Either you get a collar with several adjustment holes to accommodate its growth for a few months, or you wait until it reaches its adult size (around 8-12 months depending on the breed) and then invest in THE collar that will last its entire life. Frankly, waiting a few months with a basic collar, then switching to a custom-made one, is often the smartest strategy.
How to care for a custom-made leather collar?
Super simple. A quick wipe with a damp cloth now and then to remove dust. If your dog has rolled around in the mud, a little mild soap, a rinse, and let it air dry (never on a radiator). Once or twice a year, you can apply a little leather conditioner if you want to keep it ultra-soft. But honestly, our vegetable-tanned leather is so well treated that it ages beautifully even without any special care.