Best Collars for German Shepherds: Sized and Built for the Breed

The German Shepherd ranked #4 in AKC registrations for 2024, making it one of the most popular large breeds in the country (AKC, 2024). This means collar manufacturers cater to the breed — but it also means plenty of generic “large dog” collars that don’t account for the Shepherd’s specific build.

German Shepherds need collars that match their combination of size, strength, and intelligence. A collar that works fine on a Labrador might not suit a Shepherd — the neck proportions are different (longer and narrower relative to head size), the coat thickness affects contact point placement, and the breed’s working drive demands hardware that won’t fail during high-energy moments.

TL;DR: Adult German Shepherds measure 18-24 inches around the neck and need 1-1.5 inch wide collars. For everyday use, the Ruffwear Crag ($25-$30) or a Biothane waterproof collar ($20-$50) are top picks. Use a martingale for escape-prone Shepherds. German Shepherds make up roughly 3% of the U.S. dog population (Trusted Housesitters, 2024).

Most adult German Shepherds have neck measurements between 18 and 24 inches. Collar width should be 1 to 1.5 inches for everyday wear, and up to 2 inches for padded training collars. Here’s what works best across different collar types and use cases.

German Shepherd Collar Sizing

Getting the measurement right matters more for German Shepherds than for many other breeds because of their coat.

How to Measure

Use a soft measuring tape around the neck where the collar sits — typically the middle of the neck, below the ears
Measure with the dog standing in a natural position
Add 2 inches for breathing room and coat

Size Chart

Age	Typical Neck Size	Recommended Collar Width
Puppy (8-16 weeks)	10-14 inches	1/2 - 3/4 inch
Puppy (4-6 months)	14-18 inches	3/4 - 1 inch
Adolescent (6-12 months)	16-20 inches	1 inch
Adult female	18-22 inches	1 - 1.5 inches
Adult male	20-24 inches	1 - 1.5 inches
Large male	22-26 inches	1.5 inches

German Shepherds have a double coat that adds effective thickness to the neck. In winter when the undercoat is fully grown, a collar that fit perfectly in summer may feel tight. If your dog’s collar size falls between two sizes, go up.

Best Everyday Collars

Ruffwear Crag Reflective Collar

The Crag has become a near-default recommendation for active large breed dogs. The collar uses a low-profile aluminum V-ring that lies flat against the neck instead of dangling, reflective trim for nighttime visibility, and a side-release buckle rated for large dog forces.

For German Shepherds specifically, the Crag’s webbing width (3/4 to 1 inch depending on size) sits comfortably between the jaw and shoulders. The reflective trim is particularly useful since many Shepherd owners walk early morning or late evening.

Price: $25-$30 Size range: Multiple sizes covering 14-26 inch necks

Alpine Dog Co. Ballistic Nylon Collar

1050 denier ballistic nylon — the same material used in tactical gear. Triple-stitched seams and solid metal hardware (no welded rings, no plastic buckles). This collar is built for dogs that destroy normal equipment.

German Shepherds that spend time in brush, work outdoors, or simply play hard will appreciate the material’s resistance to abrasion and tearing. The metal D-ring is thick enough that it won’t bend open under pulling force.

Price: $30-$45 Best for: Working dogs, outdoor dogs, and Shepherds that eat lesser collars for breakfast.

Biothane Waterproof Collar

German Shepherds often work in water, mud, and wet environments. Biothane collars are coated polyester that doesn’t absorb water, odor, or bacteria. They wipe clean with a cloth, dry instantly, and don’t develop the wet-dog-collar smell that traps moisture against the coat.

Multiple manufacturers make quality Biothane collars. Look for nickel-plated or brass hardware and adjustable sizing. The material looks and feels similar to leather but requires zero maintenance.

Price: $20-$50 depending on brand and hardware Best for: German Shepherds that swim, train in rain, or live in humid climates.

Best Martingale Collars

Here’s something most collar guides skip: German Shepherds can slip out of flat collars more easily than breeds with wider heads. Their head-to-neck ratio is close enough that a determined Shepherd backing up can pop right out of a standard buckle collar. Have you ever had a dog back out of their collar at the worst possible moment? Martingales solve this.

Ruffwear Web Reaction Martingale

Combines a martingale tightening mechanism with a standard buckle, so you don’t have to slip the collar over the dog’s head. The webbing width distributes pressure comfortably, and the reflective stitching adds nighttime visibility.

The fit adjustment stays where you set it, and the collar engages gradually — no sudden constriction. For Shepherds that occasionally try to back out during leash walks, this is the reliable prevention.

Price: $30-$35 Best for: German Shepherds that attempt to slip their collar during walks or when startled.

PetSafe Quick Snap Buckle Martingale

The budget-friendly option. Quick-snap buckle for easy on/off, nylon construction, and a gentle correction when the dog pulls or tries to back out. Available in sizes that accommodate most German Shepherd necks.

The correction is mild enough for sensitive dogs but effective enough to prevent escape. First-time martingale users often start here.

Price: $10-$15 Best for: Budget-conscious owners who need slip prevention without the premium price.

Best Leather Collars

Filson Nylon/Leather Hybrid

Filson combines a nylon webbing base (washable, fast-drying) with leather reinforcement at stress points. The result is a collar that handles water and dirt like nylon but ages like leather at the visible surfaces.

The rustproof hardware is significant — German Shepherds that swim or train in wet conditions will corrode the buckles on cheaper collars within months. Filson’s hardware is built for outdoor use across seasons.

Price: $35-$50 Best for: Owners who want the durability of nylon with the appearance of leather.

Full Grain Leather Training Collar

Double-ply leather with a padded interior is the traditional choice for working German Shepherds. This style of collar is wider (1.5-2 inches), distributes leash pressure across a broader area, and stands up to heavy daily training use.

Look for brands that use full grain leather rather than bonded or split leather. Full grain develops a patina with age but maintains structural integrity. Bonded leather is pressed scraps that fall apart within months.

Price: $30-$60 Best for: Schutzhund/IPO training, protection work, and formal obedience where a wider collar provides better control during heeling.

Training Collar Options

German Shepherds are responsive to training and rarely need harsh corrections. However, their intelligence and drive mean they need clear communication — and training collars provide that communication channel at a distance.

Remote Training Collars

For detailed reviews of specific e-collar models, see our training collar comparison. For German Shepherds specifically:

Dogtra 1900S is the most common recommendation — 127 stimulation levels, 3/4 mile range, and the IPX9K waterproofing that handles the conditions working Shepherds encounter
Mini Educator ET-300 works well for pet Shepherds that don’t need the higher power ceiling of the 1900S

Martingale vs. Flat vs. E-Collar: Which Does Your Shepherd Need?

Situation	Recommended Collar
Everyday wear, well-behaved dog	Flat collar with ID tags
Walks with occasional pulling	Martingale
Escape-prone or backup-prone	Martingale (mandatory)
Off-leash training and recall	E-collar with flat collar for ID
Working dog / Schutzhund	Wide leather training collar
Swimming / water work	Biothane flat or martingale

Most German Shepherd owners end up with at least two collars: a flat or Biothane collar for everyday ID and a martingale or e-collar for training walks.

Common Collar Mistakes With German Shepherds

Using a collar that’s too narrow. A 1/2-inch collar on a 80-pound Shepherd concentrates all pulling force on a narrow strip. This is uncomfortable for the dog and provides poor handling control. Go 1 inch minimum for adults, 1.5 for large males.

Leaving a martingale on unsupervised. The loose fabric loop on a martingale can catch on crate wire, fence posts, or branches. Use martingales for walks and training only. Switch to a flat collar or no collar at home.

Not adjusting for coat changes. German Shepherds blow their undercoat twice a year. The collar that fit during shedding season will feel tight when the new undercoat grows in. Check fit monthly.

Ignoring collar wear. German Shepherds are active dogs that stress their equipment. Check the collar monthly for frayed stitching, worn buckle mechanisms, corroded hardware, and stretched webbing. Replace any collar that shows structural wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size collar does a German Shepherd need?

Most adult German Shepherds need a collar sized for 18-24 inch necks, with the breed making up about 3% of dogs in every U.S. state (Trusted Housesitters, 2024). Males tend toward the larger end (20-24), females toward the smaller (18-22). Always measure rather than guessing — Shepherds vary significantly in build between lines.

Should a German Shepherd wear a collar or harness?

Both serve different purposes. A collar holds ID tags and works for trained dogs that walk calmly. A harness provides better control during training walks and prevents throat pressure from pulling. Many Shepherd owners use a flat collar for ID and a harness for walking, especially during the adolescent pulling phase.

Can German Shepherds wear collars all the time?

A properly fitted flat collar can be worn continuously. Martingales, training collars, and prong collars should only be worn during supervised walks and training sessions. Remove specialty collars when the dog is at home, in a crate, or playing with other dogs.

How often should I replace my German Shepherd’s collar?

Inspect monthly, replace when you see wear. Nylon collars typically last 1-2 years with daily use on an active Shepherd. Leather lasts 3-5 years with conditioning. Biothane lasts 5+ years. The buckle and D-ring usually show wear before the strap material does.