Collection: Dog bow tie collar

Dog bow tie collars are mostly about the extra detail at the front. The collar itself may be quite simple, but add a bow and it immediately has a different look.

• There are plainer designs in the collection as well as brighter colours and patterns. Some bows are fairly subtle once the collar is on, while others are much more noticeable.

It is easy to choose one purely because you like the pattern, but have a look at the collar itself too. The neck size, width and adjustment are still the things that need to work for your dog.

How Big Does the Bow Look?

This can be surprisingly difficult to judge from a product photograph.

A bow that looks quite small on its own may stand out much more on a little dog. Put something similar on a broader neck and it can look completely different.

If there are photographs of the collar being worn, they are useful for getting a better idea of the proportions.

Don't just look at the width of the collar. Look at how much space the bow takes up as well.

Plain Colours or Patterns?

There isn't really a right answer here.

A plain bow tie collar can look quite neat and doesn't compete with a patterned lead. Patterned versions have a bit more going on and tend to be the ones you notice first.

The dog's coat colour changes things too.

A darker bow can disappear a little against dark fur, while a pale or bright pattern may show up straight away. On a lighter dog, the opposite can happen.

It's worth flicking through more than the first photograph before deciding. Close-ups show the fabric and pattern clearly, but pictures taken from further away give you a better idea of how the collar will actually look on a dog.

Don't Forget the Collar Size

The bow gets most of the attention, but the neck measurement still comes first.

Check the measurements on the individual product page rather than judging the size from the dog shown in the photograph.

A collar shown on a small-looking dog isn't automatically the right size for every small dog. Neck measurements can vary quite a bit.

The width is worth noticing as well, particularly for puppies and smaller breeds. A wider collar with a noticeable bow will have a much chunkier look than a narrow one.

Check the actual adjustment range rather than simply assuming there will be plenty of room either way.

Everyday Collar or One You Keep for Going Out?

Some bow tie collars look quite dressed up. Others are simple enough that they don't look out of place as an everyday collar.

That may affect which one you choose.

If you only bring it out occasionally, perhaps for photographs, birthdays or a family event, you may care more about the colour and pattern.

For regular use, spend a little more time looking at the fastening, adjustment and general construction shown on the product page.

There is nothing saying a bow tie has to be saved for a special occasion, though. A small plain bow can be surprisingly low-key once the dog is wearing it.

Check How the Bow Sits

Have a look at the photographs from different angles if they are available.

Some bows sit quite close to the collar. Others stick out more and become a much bigger part of the overall shape.

This is particularly noticeable on a dog with a lot of fur. Part of the collar may disappear into the coat while the bow remains visible.

Short-haired dogs show more of the collar itself. The full design can be easier to see.

Keeping It Looking Presentable

The bow can pick up dog hair and everyday dirt just like the rest of the collar.

Check the care information for that particular product before cleaning it. Different materials can need different treatment.

The area around the bow is worth looking at while the collar is off too. If anything has become badly worn or started coming apart, it is better to notice it then rather than when you are about to head out.

There's no need to make a job of it. A quick look every now and again is enough to spot anything obvious.

Which One Would You Pick?

Choosing a dog bow tie collar is mostly about deciding how noticeable.

A plain bow in a darker colour keeps things fairly simple. A brighter pattern makes more of a feature of it.

Look at the bow in proportion to the collar rather than choosing from the pattern alone, particularly if you have a very small dog.

Then check the individual listing for the measurements and product details before ordering.