If you are researching greyhound collars, you are likely a new greyhound owner. This article explains the different kinds of greyhound collars and will help you determine which one will be best for you based on your greyhound and your personal preferences. So to start off, we’d like to say congratulations! Greyhounds are beautiful dogs, and we applaud you for choosing to rescue or adopt a greyhound. As one of the oldest and fastest of breeds, the greyhound has special needs when it comes to its collar.

Greyhounds are graceful, lean and beautiful with a long, powerful neck. Because a greyhounds neck is larger than it head, it requires the use of a sight hound collar or martingale collar when on leash. This is true of Italian Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, and other sight hounds. The following explains the two different types of collars.

The Sight Hound Collar

Example of a Lurcher Collar in Black Leather

The “sight hound” collar (also known as a lurcher collar) was originally created for use when coursing* a greyhound. Sight hound collars are wide in the front and taper down to the ends where it buckles on (see image at right).

These collars were designed to keep a greyhound from cutting off his arterial blood flow and breath when he is straining forward after the hare. However many greyhound owners are attracted to this style of collar as they are also a stunning decorative collar. Difficult to find, these collars are available in leather or fabric and are usually handcrafted. Outside of Etsy and Ebay, we were unable to find an online store that offered them. You might also check out your local greyhound rescue for referrals in your area.

While an attractive collar, these types of greyhound collars are not very practical for everyday use or when walking on leash – a greyhound can back out of this collar because their head is narrower than their neck.  That’s where the martingale collar may be a better option for you.

The Martingale Collar

1.5″ Wide Martingale Collar by the Artful Canine

Martingale Collars are by far the most commonly used collar for greyhounds today. This “limited slip” collar slips over the head, and tightens when your dog tries to pull or back out of its collar. When it tightens, your greyhound is unable to back out of it – thus it is a superb safety collar.

A martingale collar is also a great tool for training your greyhound. Most trainers recommend these collars, as they are a humane and effective training tool when used in conjunction with voice commands.

Perfect for keeping your greyhound safe on leash, the martingale is available in a variety of styles, materials and patterns.  We have written a complete article on martingale collars here, which explains the different types of martingale collars available in the market today.

While not as common in local pet stores, there are many online sellers of this collar, including us. The Artful Canine offers one of the best selections of martingales online today, so be sure to visit us when shopping for greyhound collars!

* Coursing: The sport of running and racing sight hounds.

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