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Best Dog Collars for Chihuahuas

Posted on by Carlton Clark
15
Jul

The best collar for a Chihuahua is lightweight, secure, and custom-fit to protect its delicate neck. Vets often recommend a harness for walks to avoid trachea damage, but a collar is still needed for ID tags. Learn how to pick, fit, and combine both safely for your tiny pup.

TL;DR – Best Collars for Chihuahuas

Picking a collar for a Chihuahua isn’t just about cute patterns (though we love those too!). With such tiny necks and fragile tracheas, one wrong tug can lead to a lot of worry, from slipping out of a collar to choking hazards or skin irritation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether a collar or harness is safer, or how to make sure your Chi’s ID stays put without extra bulk, you’re not alone. We’ll break down what vets recommend, when to choose each option, and how to measure your dog for a snug, comfy fit.

At Mimi Green, every collar is handmade to order in the USA. That means you get lightweight materials, engraved buckles that won’t fall off, and custom sizes that protect even the tiniest necks.

If you just want quick recommendations, check our TL;DR list below. But if you’d rather know exactly why these choices matter, and how to skip the biggest collar mistakes for Chihuahuas, keep reading. We’ve got you (and your tiny sidekick) covered.

Should Chihuahuas Wear Collars or Harnesses?

Featured Product: Firework Fourth of July Dog Collar Accessory

Many vets recommend using both, but for different reasons. A well-fitted collar keeps your pup’s ID tag secure if they sneak out the door. A harness protects that delicate neck when you clip on a leash.

Why this combo works:

  • Collar for ID: Keeps your contact info visible at all times. Shop Mimi Green Engraved Buckle Collars
  • Breakaway collar indoors: Pops open if it gets caught on furniture, a safer choice for tiny escape artists.
  • Harness for walks: Spreads pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck. See Mimi Green’s Handmade Harnesses
  • Peace of mind: Helps prevent accidental injuries or slip-outs.

Want to make your Chihuahua’s collar extra special? Try a cute seasonal add-on like our Firework Fourth of July Dog Collar Accessory, like the one you see in the photo. They are are lightweight, festive, and sized just right for small necks.

Best Types of Collars for Chihuahuas

Featured Product: Velvet Bow Dog Collar Accessory

Tiny necks need gentle, lightweight gear, not stiff, scratchy materials.

Top collar picks for Chihuahuas:

Chihuahua Harnesses: How to Choose

Featured Product: Step-In Black Daisy Dog Harness with Optional Engraved Buckle

A harness is a smart choice for daily walks and can help protect your Chihuahua’s fragile trachea from leash pressure.

Mimi Green harness options to consider:

Not sure which one fits best? View our Dog Harnesses Guide and Harness Size Chart to get the paw-fect fit for your tiny sidekick.

How to Measure Your Chihuahua for a Collar or Harness

The right fit can make the difference between safe and stressful. Remember:

  • Use a soft tape: Wrap it around the base of the neck where the collar naturally sits.
  • Apply the two-finger rule: You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between collar and neck.
  • Check fit often: Puppies grow quickly, resizing avoids rashes or slip-offs.
  • For harnesses: Measure the widest part of the chest, plus behind the front legs, and adjust straps so they’re snug but not tight. Read Mimi Green’s Sizing Tips

What Features Make a Collar Safe for Chihuahuas

For such tiny pups, every detail matters. The wrong collar can cause rubbing, neck strain, or even an escape when you least expect it.

Key features to look for:

  • Lightweight design: Less bulk means less strain on a delicate neck.
  • Soft, durable materials: Velvet, cotton, or smooth nylon webbing are gentle on sensitive skin. See Mimi Green Velvet Collars
  • Engraved buckle: Safer than dangling tags that can catch on furniture or slip off. 
  • Reflective or Fi-compatible options: Adds extra peace of mind for late-night walks or if your Chihuahua tends to dart away. 

Training Tips: Introducing a Collar or Harness

Even confident little dogs can get spooked by new gear. Take it slow to avoid fear and pulling.

How to ease them in:

  • Let them sniff: Lay the collar or harness near their bed so they can check it out first.
  • Reward calm behavior: Use treats when they stay relaxed while you handle the collar.
  • Slip it on for short sessions: Let them wear it for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing.
  • Combine with fun: Take a few steps inside with the leash and reward good walking behavior.
  • Check fit often: A good fit stops chewing, slipping, and discomfort before it starts.

If you’d like help choosing gentle training tools for your tiny pup, check out our guide Best Dog Training Collars for Small Dogs for extra tips and safe recommendations.

FAQs: Chihuahua Collar Concerns Answered

It’s normal to worry about your tiny friend’s safety, these are some of the questions we hear most.

Top Chihuahua collar worries:

  • Should Chihuahuas wear collars all the time? Only when supervised indoors; use a breakaway if they wear it at home.
  • Do collars cause collapsed tracheas? A too-tight or poorly fitted collar can, that’s why many owners switch to a harness for walks.
  • What leash is best for Chihuahuas? Use a Waterproof Biothane Small Dog or Toy Dog Leash – 3/8″ width, skip heavy chains or retractables that can tug too hard. 
  • How often should I replace a collar? Check stitching and hardware monthly, replace at any sign of wear.


Final Checklist: Your Chihuahua’s Collar Setup

Before you head out the door, here’s a quick run-through for keeping your Chi safe, comfy, and stylish.

Chihuahua collar checklist:

  • Lightweight, breakaway or engraved collar for ID
  • Well-fitted harness for daily walks
  • Soft, hypoallergenic material if your dog has sensitive skin
  • Matching leash for gentle, secure control 
  • Regular fit check to prevent slips or hot spots
  • Engraving instead of loose ID tags for less noise and fewer snags

Ready to Give Your Chihuahua a Collar That Actually Fits?

Your Chihuahua’s collar should look cute, and help keep them safe, comfy, and easy to spot if they decide to dash through an open door. 

That’s why every Mimi Green’s collar is handmade to order in the USA, sized to your pup’s unique neck and built to last through naps, zoomies, and big adventures alike.

From lightweight engraved breakaway collars to soft velvet embroidered options, you’ll find styles that protect your dog’s tiny neck without weighing them down. No more worrying about slipping out, tugging too hard, or losing ID tags, just the paw-fect fit your Chi deserves.

👉Find the Best Chihuahua Collar & Harness Now

Carlton Clark