Leather Dog Collar Guide & FAQs

Choosing the right leather dog collar is about more than simply selecting the right size. Questions about leather care, vegetable tanning, swimming, sizing, cleaning and durability are all important when investing in a collar designed to last.

Our leather dog collar guide answers the questions we're most frequently asked by dog owners and explains how to care for your LISH collar so it continues to age beautifully.

Is vegetable-tanned leather better for dogs?

We believe so. Every LISH collar is handcrafted from premium Italian vegetable-tanned leather that is tanned using natural tannins derived from plants and tree bark, rather than chromium salts used in conventional chrome tanning.

Vegetable-tanned leather retains its natural character, is beautifully breathable, and softens over time to mould comfortably with use. It also develops a rich patina, making every collar uniquely beautiful as it ages.

We choose vegetable-tanned leather not only for its exceptional quality and longevity, but also because it is a more environmentally considered choice, being more biodegradable than chrome-tanned leather and crafted using traditional tanning methods that have been refined over generations.

Do leather dog collars soften over time?

Yes. Our premium vegetable-tanned leather is naturally soft and supple from the outset, but like all high-quality leather, it will continue to soften with use and develop a beautiful natural patina over the years.

This gentle ageing process is one of the qualities that makes vegetable-tanned leather so highly prized, giving each collar its own unique character while remaining strong and durable.

To keep the leather looking and feeling its best, we recommend applying a small amount of natural leather balm every six months, or more frequently if the collar is regularly exposed to water.

How do I measure my dog for a collar?

Using a flexible tape measure, wrap it around your dog's neck where the collar will naturally sit. Measure your dog's neck rather than an existing collar, then compare the measurement with our Collar Size Guide to choose the correct size. If your dog falls between sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size.

Once fitted, the collar should be snug but comfortable. As a guide, you should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck.

If you're unsure which size to choose, please contact our team—we'll be happy to help you find the perfect fit.

Can puppies wear a leather collar?

Yes. A leather collar is an excellent choice for puppies, as quality vegetable-tanned leather gradually softens with wear, making it comfortable against your puppy's neck.

Our Small collar (1.2 cm wide) fits neck sizes of approximately 20–27 cm, making it suitable for many puppies and small breeds, including Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds and Cockapoos.

For larger breed puppies, our Midi collar fits neck sizes of approximately 24–31 cm, making it a great option for puppies with slightly larger necks before they move into our adult sizes.

As puppies grow quickly, we recommend measuring your dog's neck regularly to ensure the collar continues to fit comfortably. You should always be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your puppy's neck. If you're unsure which size to choose, please contact our team and we'll be happy to recommend the best fit for your puppy.

Can my leather dog collar be repaired?

Yes. We believe beautifully made products should be cared for, not replaced, so we offer a repair service for LISH leather collars wherever possible.

Most repairs can be carried out for a small charge, depending on the work required. Simply email us at studio@lishlondon.com with a photograph of your collar, and we'll be happy to advise on the repair options available and provide a quotation before any work begins.

Can my dog swim while wearing this leather collar? Can a leather dog collar get wet?

Yes. Our premium vegetable-tanned leather collars are designed for everyday life and can comfortably cope with rain, muddy walks and the occasional swim in a river, lake or the sea.

If the collar gets wet, simply allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat. Once dry, apply a small amount of natural leather balm to nourish the leather and keep it soft and supple.

To help your collar look its best for many years, we recommend limiting frequent exposure to salt water, as repeated soaking can gradually dry the leather. We also advise avoiding chlorinated swimming pools, as chlorine can damage the leather and shorten its lifespan.

With a little care, your LISH leather collar will continue to age beautifully and develop the rich patina that makes vegetable-tanned leather so distinctive.

Where is the collar made?

Every LISH leather collar is handcrafted in England by skilled British saddlemakers using traditional techniques. The leather itself is sourced from a small family-run tannery in Tuscany, Italy, where vegetable-tanned leather has been produced for generations using natural tannins derived from plants and tree bark.

By combining exceptional Italian leather with British craftsmanship, each collar is made to be beautiful, durable and designed to age gracefully over time.

Why are solid brass fittings better for dog collars?

We use solid brass fittings because they are exceptionally strong, durable and naturally resistant to rust, making them ideal for everyday adventures in all weathers.

Unlike plated fittings, solid brass won't chip or peel, and it develops a beautiful character over time. Each fitting is finished with a protective lacquer to help maintain its lustre, giving your collar lasting strength while preserving its timeless appearance.

How long does a leather dog collar last?

Every LISH collar is handcrafted from premium vegetable-tanned leather and designed to provide many years of everyday wear. With the right care, the leather will develop a beautiful natural patina while remaining soft, supple and comfortable for your dog.

To keep your collar in excellent condition, we recommend applying a natural leather balm every six months, or more frequently if it is regularly exposed to water, particularly salt water.

Like all leather products, longevity also depends on how the collar is used. If your dog is a strong puller, we recommend walking them on a well-fitted harness rather than attaching the lead directly to the collar. This helps reduce strain on the leather and fittings over time.

As with any collar or lead, it's good practice to inspect it regularly, paying particular attention to the D-ring and other high-stress areas for any signs of wear. Every LISH collar is reinforced at key stress points for added strength, but because every dog is different, regular checks help ensure your dog's safety.

What lead matches this dog collar?

Every LISH leather collar has a matching leather lead, handcrafted in the same colour, leather and finish to create a beautifully coordinated set.

You'll find the matching lead in the Matching Accessories section on this product page. Alternatively, you can explore our Leather Dog Leads collection if you'd like to mix colours or create your own combination.

Why is vegetable-tanned leather better than chrome-tanned leather?

We choose premium vegetable-tanned leather because it is crafted using natural tannins derived from plants and tree bark, rather than the chromium salts commonly used in chrome tanning.

Vegetable-tanned leather retains its natural character, develops a rich patina with age and becomes even more beautiful through years of use. It is also more biodegradable than chrome-tanned leather, making it a more environmentally considered choice.

Vegetable-tanned leather is prized for its strength, durability and timeless appearance, making it the perfect choice for luxury dog collars designed to last.

Can my dog wear a leather collar every day?

Yes. Our premium vegetable-tanned leather is naturally soft and supple, making it comfortable for everyday wear while remaining exceptionally strong and durable.

Each LISH collar is handcrafted in England and designed to mould gently over time, becoming even more comfortable with regular use. Combined with the correct fit, it provides lasting comfort for daily walks and everyday adventures.

As with any dog collar, choosing the correct size is essential. A properly fitted collar should allow you to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck.

How do I choose the correct collar width for my dog?

Choosing the correct collar width helps ensure your dog's collar is both comfortable and well balanced. As a general guide, smaller dogs and puppies are better suited to narrower collars, while larger breeds benefit from wider collars that distribute pressure more evenly across the neck.

LISH leather collars are available in three widths:

1.5 cm – Ideal for many toy and small breeds.
2 cm – Suitable for many small to medium-sized dogs.
2.5 cm – Recommended for larger breeds and dogs with broader necks.

For the best fit, always choose your collar based on both your dog's neck measurement and build, then refer to our Collar Size Guide. If you're between sizes or unsure which width is right for your dog, our team will be happy to help.

Are leather collars good for small dogs?

Yes. Our Small leather collar (1.2 cm wide) is specifically designed for toy and small breeds with neck sizes of approximately 20–27 cm. It is suitable for many breeds, including Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles and many Cockapoo puppies. Each collar is handcrafted from premium vegetable-tanned leather that is soft, lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear. To ensure the best fit, always measure your dog's neck and refer to our Collar Size Guide before ordering.

How do I clean and care for a leather dog collar?

Allow any mud or dirt to dry naturally before gently brushing or rubbing it away. Wipe the collar with a soft, damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt, then allow it to air dry naturally away from direct heat.

To keep the leather soft and supple, apply a small amount of natural leather balm every six months, or more frequently if the collar is regularly exposed to water. As with any natural leather, some balms and waxes may deepen the colour slightly, so we recommend testing on a small, inconspicuous area first.

With a little routine care, your LISH leather collar will continue to age beautifully and develop the rich patina that makes vegetable-tanned leather so distinctive.

Explore the Spencer Leather Collar Collection

Our Spencer leather collars are handcrafted in England from premium Italian vegetable-tanned leather and are available in a range of timeless colours.

Or browse the complete Designer Leather Dog Collar Collection.