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Best Collars for Goldendoodles

Posted on by Carlton Clark
02
Aug

The best collar for a Goldendoodle is a soft, flat, adjustable style that prevents matting and fits their curly coat. Martingales are ideal for training and safety. For comfort and control, pair with a step-in harness. Avoid heavy or stiff materials to protect their sensitive skin.

TL;DR: Best Collars for Goldendoodles

Want to take it a step further? Keep reading, and find the exact right fit for your curly-coated best friend, and see which styles parents trust most.

What Makes Goldendoodles Tricky to Fit?

Goldendoodles are lovable, playful, and curly-coated, but their unique build presents some collar-fitting challenges. 

Their soft, fluffy fur can mat under the wrong material, and their head shape means some collars slip right off.

Their Signature Coat Needs a Gentle Touch

That bouncy, teddy-bear coat? It’s adorable, but it’s also high-maintenance. 

High-quality soft nylon is a better choice, and waterproof Biothane is ideal for doodles who love puddles or the pool.

Sizing Challenges for Doodle Necks

Goldendoodles often have thick coats and narrow heads, a combo that makes them notorious for backing out of collars. A standard flat buckle style might seem secure, but once that floof compresses, it can easily slide off.

That’s where Martingale collars come in. 

Their limited cinch action provides just enough tension to stay secure without choking. Mimi Green’s Martingales are crafted with soft edges and lightweight hardware to protect delicate skin while preventing Houdini-style escapes.

What Type of Collar is Best for a Goldendoodle?

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No one-size-fits-all here. Your doodle’s lifestyle, coat, age, and activity level all play a role in choosing the right collar. Let’s break down the best options:

Flat Collars – Best for ID and Everyday Wear

Flat collars are a great choice if your dood is already leash trained and not prone to pulling. They’re simple, comfortable, and perfect for holding ID info.

At Mimi Green, you can choose a lightweight nylon or canvas and customize everything, from buckle type to engraved nameplate, so your Goldendoodle’s everyday look feels as special as they are.

Martingale Collars – Prevent Slip Outs

If your pup tends to pull, dart, or back out of their collar mid-walk, Martingales offer gentle correction without harsh pressure. They’re especially helpful for Goldendoodles with narrow heads, giving you a secure fit that adjusts slightly under tension.

Mimi Green’s Martingales are available in waterproof Biothane, nylon, and canvas, each one sewn to order with soft seams and limited cinch range for safety.

Waterproof Collars – Best for Active Dogs

Goldendoodles love to play in sprinklers, lakes, and the occasional mud puddle.

For those wild-child types, Biothane is your best friend. It’s a smooth, stink-resistant material that’s easy to clean and doesn’t tangle or mat fur.

Mimi Green’s waterproof collars are crafted from real Biothane. That means more durability, less stink, and zero frizz.

Fi-Compatible Collars – Tech Meets Style

Mimi Green makes custom Fi-compatible collars that blend security and style.

Should Goldendoodles Wear a Collar or a Harness?

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Collars and harnesses serve different roles, and most Goldendoodle parents find success using both.

Why We Recommend a Dual Approach

Use a collar to hold your dog’s ID and to provide light control for casual strolls. Use a harness for leash training, trail hikes, or any walk that might turn into a tug-of-war.

This is especially helpful for doodles prone to neck strain, or those still learning leash manners.

Best Harnesses for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles tend to have wide chests and deep ribcages, which can make some harnesses a poor fit. That’s why Mimi Green designed two specific styles:

  • Step-In Harnesses – Ideal for escape artists or dogs with broad chests. The buckle sits on the back, and there’s no awkward over-the-head moment.
  • Easy-On Harnesses – Lightweight and bulk-free for dogs who hate too many straps. Great for sensitive pups or those with thinner coats.

We steer clear of front-clip harnesses because they can shift off-center, especially on deep-chested dogs, causing discomfort or even chafing.

How to Measure Your Goldendoodle for the Right Fit

Proper sizing keeps your dog safe. An ill-fitting collar can cause rubbing, slipping, or even chewing behavior.

Use a Soft Tape, Not Guesswork

Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of your doodle’s neck, where the collar would naturally sit. Follow the two-finger rule: you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the collar.

If your Goldendoodle visits the groomer regularly, measure when their coat is freshly trimmed, and again at full fluff. Adjustable collars give you wiggle room as their fur grows.

Common Sizing for Mini vs Standard Goldendoodles

  • Mini Goldendoodles typically range from 10–16 inches
  • Standard Goldendoodles fall in the 16–22 inch range

Every Mimi Green collar is made to order, and we don’t charge extra for custom sizing, because we know “close enough” isn’t good enough when it comes to your best friend’s safety.

What Do Vets and Trainers Recommend?

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Veterinarians and dog trainers agree on one thing: the right collar isn’t just about looks, it’s about safety, fit, and comfort.

Vet-Backed Collar Materials

Goldendoodles have sensitive skin, and their coat is prone to tangles. That’s why vets tend to recommend soft, flexible collars that won’t rub or snag. 

Think smooth nylon, velvet, or waterproof Biothane, never stiff leather or scratchy webbing.

Training Tools: What to Use, What to Avoid

For leash training, Martingale collars are often the best balance of control and gentleness. They gently tighten when your dog pulls, but won’t choke or cause stress like chain slips.

Prong collars or e-collars may be recommended by experienced trainers in very specific cases, but they should never be used on puppies or without professional supervision. 

Collar Features to Look For

Not all collars are built with Goldendoodles in mind. Look for details that match their coat type, activity level, and personality.

Material Matters

  • Nylon is soft, sturdy, and available in tons of colors and prints. Ideal for everyday wear.
  • Canvas is soft enough for curly-coated dogs and adds a modern, durable look, perfect for everyday adventures with a bit of style.
  • Biothane is perfect for puddle-lovers. Waterproof, nonporous, and odor-resistant, it wipes clean and stays smooth.

Mimi Green offers all three, handmade to order in styles that are as functional as they are fashionable.

Hardware That Won’t Fail

A collar is only as strong as its hardware. That’s why we use:

  • Engraved buckles, durable, lightweight, and strong
  • Reinforced stitching to withstand pulling and daily wear

You won’t find cheap snap-ons or rattling components here.

Customization = Safety + Style

Mimi Green collars can be personalized in more ways than one:

  • Engraved buckles keep your contact info safe and silent, no dangling tags to get caught
  • Embroidered names add a personal touch and a second layer of ID
  • Color combos that actually reflect your dog’s personality

We offer both plastic and metal buckles, depending on your dog’s needs. Our plastic buckles are lightweight and strong, great for everyday wear and easy on sensitive necks.

It’s safety, simplified, and stylishly done. 

How Often Should You Replace Your Dog’s Collar?

Even the best collars don’t last forever, especially with a dood who plays hard and sheds seasonally.

  • Check monthly for signs of wear, fraying edges, stretched holes, rusted hardware
  • Replace if needed, especially after major growth spurts or post-grooming size shifts
  • Puppies grow fast, you may need a new collar every couple of months in that first year

Mimi Green collars are designed to last, but we also make it easy to re-order your favorite style in a new size whenever your pup levels up.

Grooming & Collar Care Tips for Goldendoodles

Because Goldendoodles are known for their lush coats, collar care and grooming go hand-in-hand.

  • Remove the collar before brushing to avoid yanking or damaging curls
  • Wash collars regularly, especially after muddy walks or pool days. Velvet and nylon can be hand-washed; Biothane wipes clean in seconds
  • Choose breathable materials post-groom to avoid irritation when the coat is short

Remember, a well-fitted collar should never leave marks. If it does, it’s time to adjust the size, or swap to a softer material.

Collar & Leash Combos That Actually Work

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When your dog’s collar and leash are made to work together, walks become smoother and safer, not to mention more stylish.

  • Waterproof combos: For doods who splash, dig, and roll in the dirt, a Biothane collar and matching leash keep things clean and easy. No mildew, no odor, no problem.
  • Velvet sets: For the more refined pup, velvet martingale collars paired with a matching leash offer soft texture and eye-catching color.
  • Fi-compatible sets: Combine GPS tech with Mimi Green design, custom collars with matching leashes that keep your dog secure and easy to track.

Every leash is made to match your chosen collar style, giving you a cohesive, coordinated setup that performs just as well as it looks.

Goldendoodle Gear Checklist

Before your next walk, hike, or grooming session, here’s a checklist of what you’ll need to keep your dood safe, stylish, and comfortable:

  • Flat or martingale collar (sized to current coat length)
  • Soft step-in or easy-on harness for walks
  • Matching leash with strong hardware
  • Engraved ID buckle or embroidered contact info
  • Brush or detangler for grooming
  • Backup collar for car rides, daycare, or travel

Mimi Green makes every one of these essentials to order. Because your Goldendoodle doesn’t deserve gear that’s “close enough.”

FAQ

  • What’s the best collar for a Goldendoodle with curly fur? A soft, flat collar made from smooth nylon, velvet, or Biothane helps prevent tangles and matting. Avoid stiff edges or rolled leather styles.
  • Are Martingale collars safe for Goldendoodles? Yes, they are safe and ideal for doodles with narrow heads as they prevent slip-outs without choking.
  • Should I walk my Goldendoodle with a harness or collar? Use both. A collar is for ID and casual cues, while a harness protects the neck and spine, especially if your dog pulls.
  • How often should I replace my dog’s collar? Inspect monthly and replace if worn, rusted, or poorly fitted. Puppies need frequent replacements. Adults with thick coats should re-measure after grooming.
  • What size does a goldendoodle wear? Mini Goldendoodles typically wear 10–16 inches; standard Goldendoodles range from 16–22 inches. Always measure with a soft tape and adjust for coat thickness.

Your Doodle Deserves Better Gear

If you’ve ever struggled to find a collar that fits your Goldendoodle’s fluff without causing matting, slipping, or discomfort, you’re not alone. 

Their unique build requires thoughtful design, gentle materials, and sizing that actually works with their grooming schedule.

At Mimi Green, we handmake every collar and harness in the USA with your dog’s needs in mind. 

Whether you need a velvet martingale that won’t tug curls, a waterproof Biothane collar for mud runs, or a Fi-compatible GPS style for off-leash adventures, we’ve got you covered.

Need something custom? Shop Mimi Green Now! We’ll size it to your dog’s neck, match it to your favorite colors, and engrave their info right into the buckle.

Because no doodle is generic, and their gear shouldn’t be either.

Carlton Clark