The 10 Best Spiked Dog Collars
Special Honors
Dean & Tyler The Business End While there are many collars that feature both spikes and studs, the Dean & Tyler The Business End stands out from most others due to having an inverted design. Rather than a single row of spikes with two rows of studs surrounding them, it has the opposite, with a single row of studs surrounded by two rows of spikes. Its hardware also has different finishes, with the studs being brass plated and the spikes being nickel. dtdogcollars.com
HuntSmart LB6032 If you take your dog out boar hunting, the HuntSmart LB6032 is a smart choice to keep them protected. It is crafted from high-quality, two-ply leather and has tough nylon stitching to reduce the chances of it breaking off in the field. Its available in either a two-inch tapered option, or a non-tapered one-inch one, both of which have spikes that are 1-1/8 inches long. huntsmart.com
Editor's Notes
April 09, 2020:
Before you even consider buying a spiked collar you should remember that these were historically used to provide neck protection to canines, which means they were meant to hurt anything that was trying to bite them. With this in mind, it should be no surprise that these do present some safety hazards, even the dull ones. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, there are some basic guidelines you should follow to reduce the chances of injury to humans, other animals, and furniture. First, and perhaps most importantly, they should never be used if your dog will be around children. Generally, they are best used when taking your dog out and about, as they can easily puncture sofas and mattress, and scratch hard furniture like coffee tables. They should also only placed on well-behaved pets and should never be worn if your dog will be playing with other animals.
If your goal for a spiked collar is still more about protection from coyotes and other wild animals that may try and harm your dog than simply style, you'll want to look for one with sharp points, such as the Pet Artist 2.0, Dogs My Love Faux Croc, and Berry Beirui. That being said, there is no arguing that these all also make a pretty edgy fashion statement. For example, the Pet Artist 2.0 has alternating columns of spikes and studs; the Dogs My Love Faux Croc not only has the cool reptilian texture in its name, but also four oversized squared spikes surrounding the leash attachment point; and the Berry Beirui has a sparkly skull and crossbones on it.
If you are worried about getting something too sharp, whether because you have a dog that tends to lean against your leg or your plan on walking multiple dogs together, you should look to any one of the other options on our list, as they all have rounded points. In regards to style, the Didog Bandana Scarf certainly stands out from the rest, thanks to its combination bandanna and collar design. Conversely, many might find the Macho Dog Red 20 to be a little less appealing visually due to being made from nylon, rather than genuine or faux leather. However, this construction actually makes it one of the stronger options on the list and ideal for pullers.
Fashion And Function Together
In addition to looking fashionable, the most practical use for the spiked collar is to protect a dog's throat from potential predator attacks.
Many doting pet owners consider their dog's safety and sense of fashion as equally important (if not more so) than their own. While there's nothing wrong with attracting attention as you walk down a busy street with your four-legged pooch decked out in a fancy sweater and collar, there's a lot to be said for a good-looking collar that serves a practical purpose at the same time. Dog collars come in many types and are available in virtually any color of the rainbow to suit any breed. But one type of collar that stands out from all others is the spiked variety.
The spiked dog collar is usually constructed from synthetic polyurethane leather due to the material's durability, propensity to withstand extreme weather conditions, and its ease of cleaning. The collar is fitted with a series of evenly-positioned, elongated, and pointed metal studs in every direction. In addition to looking fashionable, the most practical use for the spiked collar is to protect a dog's throat from potential predator attacks. Wild animals (and other aggressive dogs) are less likely to mess with a rugged-looking canine who has spikes protruding from his neck. In this sense, both style and function come together to create a simple, yet attractive accessory that helps to keep a pet safe, while looking tough at the same time.
Although a spiked collar will add to the macho factor of a particularly large dog, don't be surprised when you see these accessories available in bright pinks and sized appropriately for small breeds. In that sense, the collar is useful primarily for display purposes. Based on our list, the spiked dog collar not only makes a four-legged pooch stand out in a crowd, but it also makes him easy to spot should you ever lose sight of him. Much like its traditionally-designed counterparts, the spiked collar's eclectic range of colors and elaborate designs will help give your pup an identity all his own.
Spikes Of Style And Common Sense
Before you invest in a spiked collar for Fido, you must be realistic in your assumptions about what the collar can really do. As cool as this accessory is, it shouldn't be depended on as the only line of defense against an attack. The collar can definitely be used in this capacity, of course, but you should still be aware of your dog's surroundings and be prepared to take charge should the animal sense potential danger. Remember that a dog's sense of smell is much keener than our own, so he's likely to sense danger a lot sooner than a human will, allowing the collar's spikes to serve as an assistive tool. Now, it isn't my intention to discredit the spiked collar from its value as a protective aid at all. I'm merely suggesting that as a dog owner, depending on your own instincts in combination with the collar will provide additional assurance for avoiding a problematic confrontation .
If you and your four-legged friend have a real wanderlust for the next great adventure together, a spiked collar with sharpened points will definitely help to act as a deterrent. Giving off a fierce look to would-be predators will prove useful if your dog happens to be traveling with you in unfamiliar wilderness. But in most suburban settings, one equipped with rounded spikes that are hand-set and tightly-riveted to the faux leather material will do just fine. Rounded spikes also prevent a dog from injuring himself and other friendly pups when socializing outdoors.
Make sure the collar's hardware and buckles are durable and rust-resistant for withstanding rough outdoor conditions. The option of removable spikes also comes in handy when using the collar as part of a training regimen.
A Brief History Of Spiked Dog Collars
Dog and human cohabitation represents a transcendent partnership that dates back over 30,000 years. Early dogs took the form of domesticated grey wolves that were accepted into early nomadic tribes due to their innate abilities to warn early humans of potential dangers and aid in the process of scavenging for food sources. This early relationship allowed humans to claim ownership over dogs as eventual pets and companions.
Simple leather collars were fashioned for boar hunting pooches, while shepherd dogs wore spiked collars for wolf hunting.
The earliest references to the dog collar appear in paintings dating back nearly 3,500 years to the times of ancient Egypt. Dogs were revered as loyal hunters and protectors in Egyptian society. By the peak of this civilization, both collaring and leashing were standard practices in terms of dog training, with collars becoming a form of fashion and artistic expression.
The first spiked collars were found in ancient Greece and worn by working farm dogs as a means of protecting their necks from wolf attacks while guarding livestock. These collars were made with leather and equipped with riveted spiked nails. Like the dogs of ancient Egypt, Greek canines were also considered companions, protectors of the home, and hunters. A similar trend continued into ancient Roman civilization, as people became emotionally attached to their dogs. Collars of the time were adorned with fancy patterns and attached to leads. One well-preserved dog found at the ruins of Pompeii was discovered with an inscribed collar containing a message expressing appreciation to the animal for saving his owner's life in a wolf attack.
During the Middle Ages, dogs were used as both hunters and shepherds. Simple leather collars were fashioned for boar hunting pooches, while shepherd dogs wore spiked collars for wolf hunting. It wasn't until the Age of Enlightenment in the18th century that the canine regained its status as a noble and emotionally-fulfilling companion. It was during this time that silver, gold, and brass collars also became common.
Today's collar market maintains a focus on both form and function, with flashy colors, elaborate designs, and decorative spikes that draw attention to little pups and big dogs alike.