Best Collar for Basset Hounds | Custom Fit Picks

The best collar for a Basset Hound is a wide, well-fitted martingale that prevents slipping without choking. Their necks are thicker than their heads, so proper fit and soft materials are key to keeping them safe, comfortable, and secure, especially during walks or training.

What’s the best collar for a Basset Hound? A wide, well-fitted martingale collar. It gently tightens to prevent slipping, without choking, a must for Bassets whose heads are narrower than their necks.

Because of their low-slung bodies, sensitive skin, and clever escape tactics, Basset Hounds need a collar that fits just right. The wrong size or material can lead to fur loss, skin irritation, or worse, an unexpected slip-out mid-walk.

At Mimi Green, we hand-make martingale and flat collars designed to fit Bassets like a glove. 

Our collars are soft, strong, and customizable, from velvet to waterproof options, with engraved buckles that stay quiet and secure.

If you’re still wondering how to measure your dog, when to use a harness, or why fit matters more than material, keep reading, we’ll break it all down step by step.

Quicklist: Best Collar for Basset Hounds

• Best Type: Martingale collar to prevent slipping
• Fit Tip: Measure neck, use two-finger rule
• Top Materials: Smooth nylon, velvet, or waterproof
• Best Use: Collar for ID, harness for walking
• Mimi Green Pick: Custom martingale with engraved buckle + matching leash

Why Choosing the Right Collar for Your Basset Hound Matters

Basset Hounds are built differently. Their necks are thick, their heads are narrow, and their skin is soft and wrinkly. That means not every collar will do the job, or stay on.

A poor-fitting collar can slide right off when your dog pulls backward, leaving you holding a leash and no dog. Even if it stays put, the wrong size or fabric can rub sensitive skin raw or lead to fur loss.

Many Basset parents come to us saying, “My Basset slips out of every collar I try.” The truth? It’s not your dog, it’s the collar. Let’s fix that.

What’s the Best Collar Type for Basset Hounds?

Featured Product: Waterproof Martingale Dog Collar with Engraved Buckle – Biothane Sewn

Martingale Collars: Best for Everyday Walks

Martingale collars are made for dogs like Bassets, those with heads narrower than their necks. This clever design tightens gently when your dog pulls, keeping the collar snug without choking. It’s your best defense against unexpected escapes.

Martingales offer safe control without harsh corrections. They’re ideal for everyday walks, casual outings, and leash training, especially if your Basset has a habit of backing out of gear.

Flat Engraved Buckle Collars: Good for Tags and Indoor Use

Flat buckle collars are great for ID or wearing around the house. For Bassets, look for options that distribute pressure across the neck and avoid irritating those loose skin folds.

Avoid thin, stiff, or overly rigid collars, these can dig into the skin or cause rubbing during daily wear. 

Mimi Green offers flat collars made with soft, flexible materials like high-quality nylon for everyday comfort.

Collar vs. Harness: Which Is Right for a Basset Hound?

Featured Product: Nylon Webbing Dog Harness — STEP IN Style

Some dog parents think it’s either/or, but collars and harnesses serve different jobs. For Bassets, using both is often the best solution.

Use the collar with engraved buckle, and for light leash guidance during calm walks. But if your Basset pulls or lunges, a harness is safer, it spreads the tension across their chest and shoulders, not their neck.

Our Step-In Harness was designed with broad-chested, low-set breeds like Basset Hounds in mind. It’s easy to clip on, doesn’t rub under their legs, and matches your Mimi Green collar perfectly for a cohesive set.

How to Measure Your Basset Hound for the Perfect Collar Fit

Use a soft tape and the two-finger rule. Never guess based on weight, Bassets need custom fits for comfort and safety.

Choosing the right size starts with measuring correctly. Bassets are stocky and low to the ground, so neck size can vary a lot, even between dogs of the same weight.

Step-by-step measuring guide:

• Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of your dog’s neck.
• Measure just behind the ears for martingales.
• For martingales, ensure a snug but comfortable fit.
• Apply the two-finger rule: the collar should be tight enough to stay on, but loose enough to fit two fingers underneath comfortably.

What size collar does my Basset need? One that’s custom-sized based on neck measurements, not weight. Always measure before buying.

What Collar Materials Work Best for Bassets?

Smooth nylon, cotton, or waterproof options offer comfort and durability. Avoid scratchy or overly rigid materials.

Basset Hounds are prone to skin irritation, so materials matter. Their neck folds trap moisture, which means rough or absorbent fabrics can lead to rubbing or odor.

Top materials for Bassets:

• Nylon: Our nylon options offer a soft outer feel with a strong. Great for everyday comfort. 
• Cotton: Lightweight, breathable, and available in endless designs at Mimi Green.
• Waterproof Biothane: Perfect for beach walks, mud, or rainy-day sniffing adventures. Wipes clean and resists odor buildup.

Mimi Green uses ultra-soft, durable materials to keep your Basset comfy on every outing.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Basset’s Collar

Featured Product: Emma Floral Martingale Dog Collar – Personalized Laminated Cotton

Collars don’t last forever, especially if your Basset is active outdoors, rolling through grass, or dragging their gear across the porch. A collar that looks “okay” at a glance might not be safe anymore.

Here’s what to check:

• Frayed stitching or loose threads
• Rusted hardware, especially in humid areas
• Stretched-out webbing or warped buckle shape
• Fit issues after weight changes or shedding

We recommend inspecting your dog’s collar monthly and replacing it every 6–12 months, or sooner for growing puppies. A fresh, well-fitted collar is more than a style upgrade. It’s peace of mind on every walk.

Collar Features to Look For

The right details make all the difference for Basset comfort and control.

Basset Hounds aren’t built like every other dog, so the right collar features make a big difference. Here’s what to look for:

• 1” Wide: Helps distribute pressure evenly across the neck
• Engraved buckle: Silent ID with no dangling tags, perfect for reactive or sound-sensitive dogs
• Made-to-order sizing: No awkward gaps or gaping collars that could slip

Bonus: Mimi Green lets you build complete matching sets, including leash, harness, and even poop bag holders, so everything works (and looks) better together.

Checklist: What You’ll Need for a Happy Basset Walk

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Don’t stop at the collar. Here’s your complete checklist for safe, stylish walks with your Basset Hound.

Bassets are charming but stubborn, so walks can be part stroll, part tracking mission. Here’s what to have on hand:

✅ Wide martingale or flat collar
✅ Matching leash (4–6 ft, lightweight grip)
✅ Step-in harness for better control
✅ Engraved buckle or embroidered name
✅ Dog Collar Accessories
✅ Soft measuring tape for regular fit checks

When everything matches and fits like it should, walks become smoother, safer, and way more stylish.

Your Basset Hound Deserves More Than a Generic Collar

Bassets aren’t built like other dogs. A custom-fit collar avoids slipping, rubbing, and discomfort by adapting to their unique anatomy.

Basset Hounds have short legs, long ears, and thick necks with excess skin. That combo creates real challenges for gear that’s “off the rack.” Most collars are made for generic neck shapes, not low-slung scent hounds.

A collar that’s too loose will slip. Too tight, and it rubs. Materials that seem fine on another breed can cause matting or discomfort in a Basset.

That’s why every Mimi Green collar is made to order, by hand, to fit your dog. No more guessing. No more gear battles.

Collars That Don’t Just Fit, They Feel Right

Struggling with slipping collars, rusted buckles, or unhappy walks? Mimi Green has a better way, for you and your Basset.

If your Basset has slipped out of collars, scratched at itchy fabric, or looked downright miserable on walks, you’re not alone. Most gear isn’t made with Basset builds in mind, but ours is:

• Custom sizing: We don’t guess. You measure; we build.
• Martingales that work: Designed to stay on, not choke.
• Soft, strong materials: Velvet, waterproof, and ultra-soft nylon options.
• Engraved buckles: No noisy tags, no rust.

With Mimi Green, you get more than a collar, you get a solution. One that works, looks great, and makes your walks easier.

Reach out with your dog’s measurements or behavior needs, and we’ll walk you through the best options, no pressure, just people who love dogs helping other dog lovers.

FAQs About Basset Hound Collars

1. What collar is best for a Basset Hound? A martingale collar, sized properly, offers the safest and most comfortable fit for this breed.
2. Can Bassets slip out of collars? Yes, traditional collars often slip off due to their head/neck ratio. A martingale prevents this with gentle tightening.
3. Should I use a harness or collar for walks? Both. Use a harness for control and a collar for ID. Mimi Green’s matching sets let you use both without hassle.
4. Is a martingale safe for daily wear? Yes, but remove it when unsupervised to prevent accidental tightening or snagging.
5. How do I know if the collar fits correctly? Use a soft tape measure and the two-finger rule. It should be snug but not tight, and never based on weight alone.