Best Collar for American Pit Bull Terrier

The best collar for an American Pit Bull Terrier is a wide martingale or leather collar with reinforced stitching and a snug fit. These collars prevent slipping, reduce skin irritation, and withstand pulling, making walks safer and more comfortable.

American Pit Bull Terriers aren’t just strong, they’re agile, persistent, and full of energy. That means a collar needs to hold up to more than just walks. It needs to survive pulling, playing, shaking off, and the occasional backyard zoomie.

At Mimi Green, we hand-make every collar to order here in the USA. We offer collars that work hard and look good doing it, including rare features like engraved buckles and Fi-compatible martingales that you won’t find elsewhere.

Want a deeper dive into which collar works best for your dog’s build, personality, and walk style? Keep reading for a breakdown of top styles, sizing tips, and expert-backed recommendations tailored for APBTs and their close cousins.

Best Collars for American Pit Bull Terriers

• Martingale Collars: Prevent slipping, ideal for wide necks
• Leather Collars: Soft, strong, reduces irritation
• Biothane Collars: Waterproof, chew-resistant, easy to clean
• Custom Sizing: Prevents escapes, improves comfort
• Avoid Cheap Nylon & Snap Buckles: Not strong enough
• Mimi Green Picks: Handmade, Fi-compatible, engraved options
• Best Combo: Martingale + matching leash + harness

Martingale, Leather, or Waterproof? Best Collar Types for American Pit Bull Terriers

The best collar for your APBT depends on their activity level and sensitivity. Here’s what works, and what doesn’t.

Martingale Collars (Best for Pullers & Safety)

• Helps prevent collar slipping (a real issue with necks as wide as their heads)
• Provides gentle tightening without choking
• Martingales remain the safest and most effective collar for leash training. The gentle tightening gives feedback without harsh corrections or constant pressure.
• Mimi Green offers martingales in Velvet, Biothane, and Leather, including Fi-compatible designs

Leather Collars (Durable & Comfortable)

• Naturally molds to your dog’s shape over time
• Reduces pressure points and irritation on short-coated dogs
• Softer color options help avoid the “tough dog” stereotype in public
• Vegetable-tanned leather with deep engraving available

Waterproof Biothane Collars (For Active APBTs)

• Wipes clean, won’t absorb odor or moisture
• Excellent for dogs who play hard or swim often
• Our Biothane collars are lightweight, strong, and come in bold color combos

Flat Buckle Collars (Best for Light Use)

• Use for indoor dogs or ID tag holders
• Our military-grade plastic or hybrid buckles outperform standard metal designs
• Not ideal for pullers, but perfect as a backup or stylish ID collar

How to Measure an American Pit Bull Terrier’s Neck for a Perfect Fit

A secure fit prevents slipping, chafing, and chewing. Here’s how to get it right.

1. Use a soft tape measure around the base of your APBT’s neck, just below the ears, where the collar naturally sits.
2. Apply the two-finger rule: the collar should be snug enough to stay in place but loose enough for comfort.
3. For martingales, make sure it doesn’t over-tighten when engaged, just enough to prevent slipping.

Average size range for APBTs: Most adults fall between 14-18 inches. But don’t guess. Measure, then recheck every few months, muscle tone, activity, and weight shifts affect collar fit.

Because Mimi Green makes every collar to order, we offer true customization. 

Extra wide? Narrow neck? Odd fit? No problem.

Pit Bull-Type Breeds: What Makes Their Collar Needs Different?

Not all “Pit Bulls” are the same, here’s how to choose based on breed and build.

While “Pit Bull” is often used as a catch-all label, there are several distinct breeds in this family, each with their own collar needs. Let’s break it down:

American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)

• Lean, athletic, and incredibly agile
• Martingale collars prevent escapes during fast direction changes
• Leather is a great option for comfort and reducing skin friction

American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff)

• Bulkier, broader necks and chests
• Benefit from wider collars to distribute pressure
• Adjustable leather or Biothane is ideal for comfort and durability

American Bully (including Pocket, XL, and Classic)

• Extremely muscular with short necks
• Require collars that match strength and bulk
• Choose heavy-duty hardware, thick webbing, and reinforced stitching
• Avoid overly rigid “no chew” collars, they can rub or slip if the fit isn’t perfect

Each of these breeds deserves a collar that fits their build, not a generic “one-size-fits-all” solution. That’s why Mimi Green offers custom sizing, multiple widths, and a variety of collar styles that work with your dog’s proportions, not against them.

Collar vs Harness for American Pit Bull Terriers: What’s Best for Control?

Collars are great for cues and ID. Harnesses help with strength distribution. Many APBTs benefit from using both.

For everyday use, a collar offers more control during training and walk corrections. It also holds tags securely and allows for clear leash communication. 

But when your American Pit Bull Terrier starts to pull, or if they’re recovering from injury, a harness adds value. Our Step-In Harnesses at Mimi Green are specifically designed for dogs with deep chests like APBTs. 

They’re easy to put on, don’t require overhead slipping, and offer balanced pressure across the chest and shoulders.

Puppy vs Adult APBT Collar Needs

One collar doesn’t grow with your dog. Start light, then upgrade as they grow.

For Puppies

• Choose lightweight, adjustable collars
• Biothane and soft nylon are ideal, easy to clean, soft on puppy skin
• Avoid training tools like prongs or e-collars
• Recheck fit weekly as weight and neck size can change rapidly

As They Grow

• Move to wider collars (1.5″) for better weight distribution
• Leather or martingale styles offer better control and reduced chafing
• Check for signs of rubbing or tightness every few weeks

A collar that’s too tight, too heavy, or too loose can disrupt leash training, or worse, cause discomfort your pup can’t communicate. 

That’s why Mimi Green allows you to size up gradually, with handmade quality that adjusts to every growth spurt.

Collar Worries, Solved for APBT Owners

These are the issues we hear most from American Pit Bull Terrier families, and how we solve them.

My dog chews through every collar: This is often a fit issue. When collars sit too loose, dogs can reach them with their mouths. Mimi Green’s snug, made-to-order designs reduce chew access, and Biothane resists bite damage better than nylon.

Collars slip off during walks: Wide necks and sudden backing up? That’s exactly what martingale collars are made to prevent. The moment your APBT tries to escape, the collar gently tightens without choking.

My dog looks too ‘aggressive’ in their gear: Dark, spiked, or overly bulky collars can reinforce unfair stereotypes. Our Designer Fabric Collars come in velvet, soft pastels, florals, and custom prints that let your dog’s sweet side shine.

Collars leave bald spots or cause irritation: Short coats and sensitive skin don’t play well with stiff webbing or plastic hardware. Our wide-band leather, smooth Biothane, and soft velvet martingales are built to reduce friction and stay comfortable on every walk.

When to Replace an American Pit Bull Terrier’s Collar

Even the best collar wears out eventually. Here’s when to swap it for a safer, better fit.

• Fraying at the edges? Time to upgrade.
• Rusty buckles? Replace ASAP, especially if you walk near water.
• Stretched out from wear or constant pulling? The collar may no longer fit securely.
• Size no longer accurate? Seasonal weight changes and muscle growth can affect fit, recheck regularly.

Most APBTs do well with a fresh collar every 6–12 months, depending on activity level. Mimi Green collars are stitched by hand and designed to last longer, but no gear lasts forever. 

Check often, and replace at the first sign of compromise.

Collar + Leash Combos for American Pit Bull Terriers

A great collar deserves a leash to match, both in style and strength.

A collar isn’t complete without a leash that complements both its function and fit. For American Pit Bull Terriers, that means a lead that’s strong, secure, and easy on your hands.

Ideal materials:

• Biothane – Waterproof, grippy, and odor-resistant
• Leather – Comfortable, classy, and ages beautifully
• Heavy-duty nylon – Classic feel with added durability

Recommended length: 4–6 feet gives your APBT enough room to walk comfortably while keeping you in control.

At Mimi Green, our collars and leashes are designed to work together. 

You can customize color, width, hardware, and even add engraved ID buckles or matching key fobs for you. It’s function, fashion, and safety, all handmade to order.

Checklist – What You’ll Need for Your American Pit Bull Terrier

Everything you need to walk, train, and style your APBT with confidence.

✅ Martingale or Leather Collar (custom fit, wide band)
✅ Matching Leash (Biothane, leather, or nylon – 4–6 ft)
✅ Step-In Harness (for added control on busy walks)
✅ Engraved Buckle (silent ID, no dangling tags)
✅ Flexible Tape Measure (for regular fit checks)
✅ Collar Cleaning Wipes (for velvet and leather upkeep)
✅ Treat Pouch or Clicker (for training on the go)

Your APBT Deserves More Than a Generic Collar

You didn’t choose an American Pit Bull Terrier because you wanted a basic dog. You chose them because they’re smart, strong, full of personality, and loyal to the end.

Shouldn’t their collar reflect that?

At Mimi Green, we make handcrafted collars that are as bold and dependable as your dog. 

Whether you’re searching for a martingale that doesn’t rub, a leather collar that turns heads, or a matching leash set that’s built to last, we’ve got you.

👉 Explore our collar collections now. And give your American Pit Bull Terrier the collar they actually deserve.

FAQs – APBT Collar Questions, Answered

Still deciding? Here’s what other American Pit Bull Terrier owners ask most.

What size collar should I buy? Measure the neck base, most APBTs fall between 16–22 inches. Always double-check fit before ordering.

Can I use a martingale every day? Yes, as long as you supervise. Remove it when your dog is unsupervised to avoid over-tightening if caught on something.

Which collar is best for pulling? A wide martingale or padded leather collar helps control pulling without putting pressure on the trachea. For strong pullers, add a harness for backup.

Are spiked collars bad for American Pit Bull Terriers? They’re not harmful, but they may reinforce negative stereotypes. Softer, colorful collars can help your dog feel more approachable.

Can my APBT wear a GPS or Fi-compatible collar? Yes! Mimi Green offers Fi-compatible martingales and leather collars, designed to integrate safely with your GPS tracker.