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Best Dog Collar for Chow Chow

Posted on by Carlton Clark
23
Jul

The best dog collar for a Chow Chow is a wide, breathable martingale or canvas buckle collar that won’t slip or mat thick fur. Chows need gear that fits under fluff, prevents pulling injuries, and resists escape. Learn which materials, fits, and styles keep your dog safe and secure.

TL;DR – Best Collars for Chow Chows

  • Martingale Collar – Prevents slipping out while offering gentle control, especially helpful for fluff-heavy necks.
  • Canvas Collar with Engraved Buckle – Soft, stylish, and buckle engraving avoids dangling tags.
  • Waterproof Biothane® Collar – Odor-resistant, perfect for humid climates or drooly Chows. Easy to clean and ultra-durable.
  • Leather Collar – Hypoallergenic and long-lasting for sensitive skin. Ages beautifully and works well with fluffy coats.
  • Fi-Compatible Collar – GPS-ready for escape-prone pups who like to bolt or wander. Stylish protection with smart tech.

If you’ve ever tried to find the right collar for your Chow Chow, you already know it’s no walk in the park.

Between their lion-like mane, broad neck, and strong-willed personality, this breed challenges just about every off-the-shelf collar out there. A poor fit can lead to matting, choking, slipping out, or even joint strain, especially if your pup likes to pull (spoiler: most of them do).

The right collar, or better yet, a well-fitting harness and collar combo, can solve that. 

At Mimi Green, we handcraft collars and harnesses made to order right here in the USA, using premium materials like canvas, Biothane®, and leather that won’t rub or tangle. 

Our martingale collars help prevent escape, and every buckle can be engraved for a safe, tag-free walk.

Want to know what actually works for fluffy, independent, and sometimes stubborn pups like yours? Keep reading. 

This guide covers the best collars, harness types, materials, sizing tips, and fit advice, everything you need to walk your Chow with confidence.

Can Chow Chows Wear Collars or Are Harnesses Better?

Chow Chows can wear collars, but only if they’re the right kind. Their thick coats, broad necks, and independent temperament make gear fit more challenging than with most breeds.

When collars make sense:

Why many Chow owners prefer a harness:

  • Reduces pressure on the neck, especially for pullers.
  • Helps avoid joint irritation, which Chows are prone to.
  • Better control for reactive or leash-pulling behavior.

What’s the Best Type of Collar for a Chow Chow?

The best collar for a Chow is one that won’t slip, rub, or cause fur matting. That means ditching the narrow nylon and focusing on smart fit and soft finishes.

Best collar types for Chows:

What to avoid:

  • “Escape-proof” marketing gimmicks. No collar is magic.
  • Rough, stiff webbing, it mats fur fast.
  • Dangling tags. Choose an engraved buckle instead.

Mimi Green tip: Our collars are handmade to order, which means you get the fit, look, and function your Chow actually needs, not a one-size-fits-most solution.

What Collar Size Does a Chow Chow Need?

Most adult Chow Chows wear collars between 17–22 inches, but breed averages are no substitute for a proper measurement.

How to size your Chow correctly:

  • Use a soft tape measure around the base of the neck, under the fluff.
  • Apply the two-finger rule, the collar should be snug but allow two fingers to slide between neck and strap.
  • Double-check fit after grooming or if your dog gains/loses weight.

Mistakes to avoid:

  • Don’t size based on weight, Chows carry weight differently due to coat density.
  • Don’t guess. Always measure.

Best Harnesses for Chow Chows (And When to Use One)

Featured Product: Fi Compatible Dog Harness — Waterproof STEP IN Style

Harnesses are the safest bet for most Chow Chows. They distribute pressure across the chest, prevent escape, and offer better control, especially for dogs who pull.

The top harness style for Chows are the step-in harnesses, ideal for wide chests and escape-prone dogs.

Chow fluff hides loose straps, always measure under the coat and check fit weekly.

Features to Look for in a Collar or Harness for Chow Chows

Not all gear is built for the Chow’s build. Their deep chest, thick coat, and strong personality call for thoughtful features, not generic fits.

Look for:

  • Soft webbing like Mimi Green’s canvas or waterproof Biothane® to prevent matting and hot spots.
  • Engraved buckles to replace dangling tags that can tangle or break.
  • Custom sizing to match their unique shape, especially post-grooming.

Nice-to-have bonuses:

  • Matching leash and harness sets, not just for looks, but better coordination and control.
  • Fi Compatible Collar for escape-prone Chows.
  • Reflective options for visibility with darker-coated dogs.

At Mimi Green, you can design every detail, from color and fabric to engraving and hardware, so your Chow’s gear works and looks great.

What Worries Chow Chow Owners Most

You’re not alone if you’ve had a collar slip off mid-walk, or battled fur matting after just a week with new gear. These aren’t small issues. They’re common, and fixable.

Concern: Will a collar hurt my Chow’s neck?

  • Yes, if it’s narrow or misfitted.
  • Solution: Use a wide martingale or harness to avoid tracheal pressure and neck injuries.

Concern: What if my Chow escapes their harness?

  • Their shape makes slipping out easy.
  • Solution: Step-in styles with correct fit reduce this risk. Mimi Green harnesses are built to stay put.

Concern: How do I avoid fur matting?

  • Friction from rough materials or tight collars can damage thick coats.
  • Solution: Choose soft, breathable fabrics like canvas or leather, and check the fit regularly.

Concern: Can collars worsen joint issues?

  • Chows are prone to hip and joint problems.
  • Solution: Use a harness to distribute pressure and reduce tug impact on joints.

Concern: How do I find gear that fits all that fluff?

  • Most brands don’t accommodate Chow proportions.
  • Solution: Choose made-to-order gear measured under the fluff. Mimi Green specializes in this.

How Often Should You Replace a Collar or Harness?

Even the best gear wears out. And with a heavy-coated, strong dog like a Chow, things can wear faster than you’d expect.

Check your gear for:

  • Frayed stitching
  • Stretched or cracked webbing
  • Bent buckles or loose rivets
  • Fit changes due to coat length or weight shifts

Collar material lifespans:

  • Biothane®: Wipes clean, resists odor and cracking
  • Leather: Lasts for years with care; softens over time
  • Canvas: Gentle but should be washed occasionally

With Mimi Green, you can reorder custom-sized gear anytime, without guessing sizes or settling for “almost fits.”

Best Collar & Leash Combos for Chow Chows

A strong collar needs a leash that’s just as reliable. Chow Chows can go from zero to “squirrel!” in seconds. That’s why your leash matters.

Why skip retractables:

  • Too little control
  • Handle breaks easily with sudden lunges
  • Risky in crowds or near roads

What to pair with your collar:

  • Biothane® leashes: Waterproof, tough, and great for muddy paws
  • Leather leashes: Softer grip for you, gentle friction for your dog
  • Matching sets: Better coordination, and honestly, they just look better

Mimi Green makes it easy to build your full setup in one go, with style and durability built into every piece.

FAQs – Chow Chow Collar and Harness Questions Answered

These are the top questions we get from Chow parents, and straight answers you can actually use.

What size collar should a Chow Chow wear?

  • Most adults fit 17–22 inches, but always measure under the fur.
  • Puppies grow fast, check fit every few weeks.

Is a Chow Chow a medium or large breed?

  • Technically large, but they carry a lot of bulk in fluff.
  • Their necks are broader than average, adjust sizing accordingly.

Can I use a prong collar on my Chow Chow?

  • Only with a professional trainer. Mimi Green recommends martingales for safe, gentle control.

How do I stop my Chow from backing out of their harness?

  • Choose a step-in or dual-clip style with the right size.
  • Always adjust straps snugly beneath the coat.

What’s the safest leash length for walking a Chow?

  • Stick to 4–6 feet. Long leads give too much room for sudden pulling.
  • Avoid retractables, especially with powerful breeds like Chows.

Gear That Honors Your Chow’s Personality

Chow Chows are proud, opinionated, and full of flair. The gear you choose should match their confidence and their coat.

At Mimi Green, we design for dogs who don’t fit the standard mold, literally. Our made-to-order collars, harnesses, and leashes are built for the Chow’s thick mane, wide chest, and unique energy.

What sets us apart:

  • Handmade in the USA with ethical sourcing
  • Custom sizing for a secure, fur-friendly fit
  • Materials like canvas, waterproof Biothane®, and hypoallergenic leather
  • Engraved or embroidered personalization so your dog’s ID never slips off

Looking for a collar that’s as bold and beautiful as your Chow? We’ve got you covered.

Find the Paw-fect Fit for Your Fluffy Lion

Your Chow’s collar isn’t just a fashion choice, it’s their comfort, safety, and identity. If your current gear slips, mats fur, or just doesn’t fit quite right, it’s time for an upgrade.

Why Mimi Green is the better fit:

  • Secure, breed-aware fit: No more guessing sizes or risking escapes
  • Built for fluff: Soft, breathable fabrics that protect the coat
  • Designed for you: Matching accessories, engraved buckles, and real craftsmanship

Every piece we make is handcrafted just for your dog, because they deserve more than mass-produced.

👉 Shop the perfect collar for your Chow Chow now. Your fluffy lion deserves gear that fits like it was made for them. Because it was.

Carlton Clark