Paracord dog collar

Paracord collars have a very different look from the usual flat nylon or leather ones. The cord is woven together this gives the collar more texture and makes the pattern part of the design.

Some are kept fairly simple with one colour. Others mix two or more colours through the braid, so they stand out a bit more.

The Weave Changes the Look

Not every paracord collar has the same sort of braid.

Some have a fairly simple weave that keeps the collar looking neat and compact. Others use more cord and end up noticeably thicker.

Have a look at the side photographs if they are available. They often show the depth of the braid far better than a picture taken from directly above.

This is particularly useful if your dog normally wears a thin collar.

A heavily woven paracord design can look much more substantial once it is around the neck, even if the length is exactly right.

Check the Width Before You Buy

Width makes quite a difference with this type of collar.

Because the cord is braided together, a paracord collar can have a broader or more rounded shape than a basic flat collar.

That may look quite different on a small dog compared with a larger one.

Don't try to judge it entirely from the dog shown in the photograph. Check the measurements on the individual product page and compare them with the collar your dog already wears if that helps.

Colours Can Look Very Different Once Woven

One of the more interesting things about paracord is how the colours work together.

A collar made from two or three colours can look almost patterned, even though the design comes from the way the cord has been woven rather than printed fabric.

Some combinations are quite subtle. Others stand out straight away.

If several colours are available, look through the close-up photographs. They are useful for seeing how the individual strands run through the weave.

It is also worth looking at the collar from a little further away. A colour combination that looks busy in a close-up can be much less noticeable once the collar is actually being worn.

Have a Look at the Fastening

The braid is only one part of the collar.

Check how the particular design fastens and where the adjustment sits. The buckle and lead attachment can look fairly small next to a thick weave, or they may be a noticeable part of the design.

The individual listing should show you what is fitted to that particular collar.

It is sensible to look over the fastening and lead attachment now and again. If something has become damaged or started coming apart, take the collar off and check it properly.

Look at the Ends of the Weave

The ends of a braided collar are worth a quick look too.

This is where the woven section meets the fastening or other hardware, and different designs can finish this area in different ways.

Close-up photographs are useful here.

You are mainly looking at how tidy the joins appear and how much extra bulk there is around the buckle. On a little dog, that can make more difference to the overall look than you might expect.

It is one of those details that is easy to miss when you are mainly choosing by colour.

Cleaning the Braided Collar

Dirt and dog hair can work their way into the braid.

Usually a quick clean is enough. If it has picked up mud you should take a bit more time with it rather than tugging at the woven cord.

Check the care instructions before washing or soaking the collar. Different designs may need different treatment.

While you have it off, give the braid a quick look over too.

Paracord or a Flat Collar?

The biggest difference is really the construction.

A flat nylon collar has a smoother, simpler band. A paracord collar gets much of its appearance from the woven cord itself.

If you like a collar with texture and a more obvious pattern, paracord is worth looking at. If you prefer something very slim and plain, a flat collar may suit that look better.

Neither needs a complicated explanation.

Start with the neck measurement, then check the width of the weave and the fastening. After that, choose whichever colour or braid you prefer.