Best Dog Collars for Bernese Mountain Dogs | Durable Picks

The best collar for a Bernese Mountain Dog is a wide martingale style with reinforced hardware. These collars prevent slipping, reduce neck strain, and suit the breed’s size, strength, and thick coat. Choose adjustable, breathable options for secure, daily comfort.

Bernese Mountain Dogs are majestic, double-coated powerhouses that can pull with the strength of a small ATV. 

Whether you’re navigating icy trails, suburban sidewalks, or just trying to prevent your giant fluffball from slipping his collar mid-walk, one thing’s clear: this breed needs gear that works as hard as they do.

But with so many collar options out there, martingales, leather, reflective, it’s easy to end up with something that rubs, slips, or frays within a month. That’s where Mimi Green comes in. 

Our made-to-order collars are handcrafted in the USA and built for dogs like yours: strong, stylish, and never generic. Choose from wide martingales, waterproof Biothane®, or engraved buckle options, all tailored for thick fur, big personalities, and serious comfort.

Not everyone needs the full collar breakdown. But if you’re the kind of dog parent who wants every walk to feel safer, smoother, and a little more stylish, keep reading.

TL;DR – Best Collars for Bernese Mountain Dogs

• Martingale Collar: Slip-proof control for strong pullers; ideal for leash training and daily walks.
• Waterproof Biothane® Collar: Odor-resistant and durable, perfect for muddy hikes, snow days, and messy adventures.
• Wide Nylon Collar: Soft yet sturdy; reduces matting and adds gentle pressure distribution across thick coats.
• Engraved Buckle Collar: Ditch the jingles, get secure, silent ID built right into your collar.
• Fi-Compatible Collar: Add GPS tracking to your walks with style that matches your Berner’s vibe.

Let me know if you’d like a custom version of this list based on specific product features (like handle collars or harness pairings).

What Type of Collar Is Best for a Bernese Mountain Dog?

Wide dog collars protect thick necks and strong muscles, offering slip-free control and everyday comfort.

Martingale Collars

If your Berner is part freight train, part cuddlebug, a martingale collar offers the perfect mix of control and kindness. This collar tightens gently when your dog pulls but won’t choke like a slip collar. 

That means less stress on the neck and fewer chances of them backing out during a surprise squirrel sprint. Extra-wide martingales (1.5”) are especially great for dispersing pressure and reducing matting under thick fur.

Biothane® Collars

For dogs who don’t shy away from wet grass, melting snow, or muddy fields, a Biothane collar is a no-brainer. It’s waterproof, stink-proof, and wipes clean in seconds, while still being soft enough for sensitive necks. 

Mimi Green’s Biothane® options pair durability with style, so your Berner can roll through puddles without you worrying about soggy gear or neck irritation.

Leather Collars

Classic, sturdy, and built to last, leather collars are a stylish choice for Berners who stick to dry terrain. They soften over time and mold to your dog’s neck for a custom feel. 

However, if your dog loves swimming or snow play, leather may wear faster unless well cared for.

Reflective and Fi-Compatible Collars

Berners are big, but that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to spot, especially at dawn or dusk. 

Reflective collars add visibility during low-light walks, while Fi-compatible collars let you pair GPS tracking with Mimi Green’s signature custom style. Peace of mind and paw-sonality, all in one.

Do Bernese Mountain Dogs Wear Collars or Harnesses?

Berners benefit from both collars and harnesses, collars for control and tags, harnesses for training and neck relief.

Collar vs Harness Use Cases

A collar is great for daily wear, ID tags, and training cues. But if your Berner’s idea of a walk is more of a tug-of-war, a harness can reduce strain on their powerful neck. 

The key is choosing the right combo: a well-fitted collar for commands and safety, plus a harness for longer walks or training sessions.

Step-In vs Easy-On Harnesses

• Step-In Harness
  • Great for deep-chested breeds like the Bernese
  • Designed to stay secure without shifting
  • Distributes pressure evenly across the chest
  • A popular choice for dogs who walk calmly but need control
• Easy-On Harness
  • Lightweight, low-profile fit, ideal for dogs with thick coats or sensitive skin
  • Slips on quickly with minimal fuss
  • Less bulk under the arms and chest
  • Comfortable option for daily walks or dogs who prefer a simpler feel

How to Measure a Berner’s Neck Properly

• Use a flexible measuring tape
• Wrap it around the base of the neck, where the collar naturally sits
• Add two fingers between the tape and your dog’s skin for a comfortable fit
• For Bernese Mountain Dogs, aim for a size between 20–26 inches, depending on age and build
• Recheck measurements regularly, especially after seasonal coat changes or growth spurts

How Often Should You Replace Your Berner’s Collar?

Replace collars every 6–12 months, or sooner for active, strong-pulling dogs. Watch for fraying, stretching, or damaged hardware.

• Even a collar that looks fine may be wearing out
• Watch for frayed stitching, stretched buckles, or a bent D-ring
• Check monthly, especially for active or outdoor dogs
• Puppies? Recheck fit often during the first 18 months

👉 Browse Mimi Green Collars for Large Breeds

Training Tools for Bernese Mountain Dogs

Martingales and handle collars help with pulling; e-collars or prongs only in professional hands.

Handle Collars

A built-in handle on your dog’s collar can be a game-changer, especially for Berners in public spaces or tricky situations. 

Martingale as Everyday Training Gear

Because Berners often pull due to instinct, not disobedience, martingales are a safe and gentle tool to guide them. The controlled tightening action discourages pulling while avoiding the harsh impact of choke chains. 

It’s also a safer option for large dogs who are still mastering leash manners.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Are Bernese Mountain Dogs considered large or XL? They’re XL. Males can weigh up to 115 lbs and stand over 27 inches tall. Their size calls for wide, reinforced collars that can handle power and bulk.
• Should I use a harness or collar for leash training? Start with a well-fitted martingale collar to teach leash cues. Add a harness for additional control if needed, especially during high-distraction walks.
• What causes neck irritation in Bernese dogs? Tight collars, poor-quality materials, or heat-retaining fabrics like cheap neoprene are common culprits. A breathable collar prevents irritation, especially on long-coated dogs.
• What’s the leading cause of death in Bernese Mountain Dogs? Cancer, especially histiocytic sarcoma. While it’s unrelated to collars, it’s a reminder to prioritize regular vet care and check your dog’s neck and skin routinely when adjusting their gear.

Collar + Leash Combos That Actually Work

• A sturdy collar is only half the equation, your leash must match in strength and style
• Bernese Mountain Dogs can pull over 1,000 lbs, so grip, hardware, and material are critical

Mimi Green offers matching collar and leash sets in:

• Biothane® – waterproof and wipe-clear
• Leather – timeless and strong
• Nylon – soft and stylish

These sets are built to:

• Handle surprise lunges
• Resist muddy terrain and rough play
• Maintain a consistent feel between collar and leash

Choose a 4–6 foot leash for the right balance of control and movement

Matching materials create a unified, polished look on every walk

Gear Checklist for Bernese Mountain Dogs

A quick-reference list for dog parents who don’t want to forget a thing:

✅ 1.5” Wide Martingale Collar
✅ Waterproof or Leather Collar for Outdoor Use
✅ Matching 4–6’ Leash
✅ Step-In Harness for Pullers or Neck-Sensitive Dogs
✅ Engraved Buckle or ID Tags (no dangling noise or lost tags)
✅ Poop Bag Holder or Matching Key Fob
✅ Collar Fit Check Every Few Months

Built for Berners, Because Strength Deserves Style

A collar that slips, rubs, or frays under pressure isn’t just frustrating, it’s risky. Bernese Mountain Dogs need gear that respects their strength, protects their coat, and keeps them safe on every adventure.

That’s why Mimi Green collars are:

• Handmade in the USA, one at a time, just for your dog
• Available in wide sizes (1.5”), ideal for pressure distribution and fur protection
• Designed with comfort in mind, using soft yet durable linings like neoprene or velvet
• Customizable with engraved buckles, name embroidery, and Fi GPS compatibility
• Available in waterproof Biothane®, perfect for outdoor-loving dogs who don’t mind mud

Looking for the best setup for your Bernese?

• Start with a Martingale Collar to prevent pulling and slipping
• Add a matching 4–6’ leash for better grip and daily consistency
• Choose a Step-In Harness for extra control without neck strain

We believe your Berner’s collar should do more than hold a tag, it should reflect their personality, support their training, and make every walk smoother.

👉Shop our collection today and get a collar that’s made to last, made to fit, and made to love.