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Best Collar for Great Dane

Posted on by Carlton Clark
24
Jul

The best collar for a Great Dane is strong, wide, and secure to handle their size and power. Choose martingale, leather, or Fi-compatible collars with reinforced stitching and soft lining. Learn how to size and select gear that keeps your gentle giant safe, stylish, and comfortable.

TL;DR – Best Collars for Great Danes

Great Danes may be gentle giants, but finding a collar that actually fits their size and power? That’s no small task. 

Too loose, and your dog could back out of it mid-walk. Too tight, and you’re risking irritation, or worse, injury.

At Mimi Green, we specialize in custom, handmade collars that are made to order right here in the USA. From wide martingales that gently prevent escapes to leather collars that soften with time, every piece is designed to meet your dog’s needs, and your style goals.

This guide breaks down what truly works for Great Danes: collars built for comfort, security, and daily practicality. 

We’ll show you the styles that work, the ones that don’t, and how to avoid the frustrating trial-and-error loop.

Why Great Danes Need Special Collars

Featured Product: 1.5″ Wide Leather Dog Collar with Engraved Riveted Nameplate

Great Danes are strong, sensitive giants. The wrong collar can cause neck strain or even escapes. Learn why fit and materials matter.

When you’re walking a dog that weighs as much as a small adult, the collar you choose matters. Great Danes aren’t just big, they’re powerful, quick to react, and surprisingly sensitive.

Here’s what sets them apart:

  • Massive size and strength: A collar for a Great Dane needs to hold steady during lunges, sprints, or excited greetings.
  • Thin, sensitive skin: Materials that work for other breeds might cause rubbing, chafing, or even fur loss on a Dane.
  • Neck shape: With a wide neck and deep chest, many Danes slip out of flat collars, especially if startled.
  • Rapid growth (especially in the first year): A collar that fits this week may be too tight by next month.

That’s why a “one-size-fits-all” collar rarely works here. You need gear designed with big breeds in mind, adjustable, durable, and gentle where it counts.

What Size Collar Does a Great Dane Need?

Most adult Great Danes wear collars between 20–26 inches. Learn how to measure your Dane’s neck and avoid common sizing mistakes.

A Great Dane’s neck isn’t just big, it changes fast. Puppies outgrow collars weekly. Adults need a wide fit that won’t rub or pinch.

To measure properly:

  • Use a soft measuring tape around the base of your dog’s neck (where the collar naturally sits).
  • Follow the “two-finger rule”, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
  • Avoid guessing based on weight or breed charts, Dane necks can vary widely by age and body condition.

Best Materials for Great Dane Collars

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

Not all collar materials are created equal. For Danes, comfort and durability are key, especially for sensitive skin.

When your collar covers half your dog’s neck, it better feel good.

Best material picks:

  • Leather
    • Naturally softens over time
    • Durable enough for everyday use
    • Looks better the longer you own it
  • Biothane®
    • Waterproof, stink-proof, and mold-resistant
    • Easy to clean and perfect for drool-prone Danes
    • Flexible enough for all-day comfort
  • Flannel & Velvet
    • Hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin
    • Beautiful texture without bulky lining
    • Velvet at Mimi Green is backed with soft nylon webbing for extra durability
  • Nylon (when it’s done right)
    • Many mass-market nylon collars are stiff or chemically treated
    • Mimi Green uses soft-touch, high-quality nylon that won’t cause rub spots

Still deciding? Match your Dane’s activity level and skin sensitivity to the material, and don’t forget the hardware strength to back it up.

Collar Features to Look For

These features make a big difference for Great Danes. Discover what keeps your collar from slipping, chafing, or failing.

Even the best material can’t compensate for weak design. When choosing a collar for your Great Dane, look for thoughtful construction that keeps both safety and comfort in mind.

What to look for:

  • 1.5″ width or more to reduce pressure and prevent digging into the neck
  • Quick-release buckles that open fast if the collar gets caught
  • Military-grade plastic or hybrid buckles, often stronger and less likely to break under stress
  • Reflective elements for better visibility during nighttime walks
  • Fi GPS compatibility for real-time tracking, especially useful if your Dane ever slips the leash
  • Clean, reinforced stitching that won’t fray under tension
  • Avoid “escape-proof” claims, true safety comes from proper fit, not marketing promises

Best Collar Styles for Great Danes

From everyday walks to park adventures, these collar styles work best for the unique needs of a Great Dane. Each offers a balance of comfort, control, and durability.

Recommended styles:

  • Martingale Collars
    • Gently tighten when pulled to prevent slipping
    • Ideal for Danes with broad necks and narrower heads
    • No harsh choking effect, safe for daily use
  • Leather Collars
    • Suitable for calm, leash-trained adults
    • Softens over time while remaining secure
    • Choose 1.5″ wide or larger to avoid pressure points
  • Fi-Compatible Collars
    • Connects to GPS tracking for peace of mind
    • Great for Danes with large backyards or off-leash freedom
    • Offers a custom fit with Mimi Green’s design options
  • Reflective Collars
    • Boosts visibility on early morning or late evening walks
    • Especially useful for dark-coated Danes

Collar Care & Replacement

Even the most durable collar won’t last forever, especially on a high-energy dog like a Great Dane. Regular care keeps the collar safe, clean, and long-lasting.

Care and replacement tips:

  • Clean Biothane with soap and water, it’s waterproof and odor-resistant
  • Use leather conditioner to keep leather soft and crack-free
  • Hand-wash velvet and fabric collars, then air dry to prevent shrinkage or wear
  • Avoid harsh detergents, which can irritate sensitive skin

Keeping your Dane’s gear in top shape means safer, more comfortable walks, no unexpected breaks, no irritation.

Collar vs Harness – Which Should You Use?

Most Great Danes do best with both a collar and a harness. Each serves a different purpose, and together they offer control, comfort, and backup safety.

When to use each:

  • Martingale or flat collar
    • Best for holding ID tags
    • Useful for short walks or well-trained dogs
    • Offers a familiar, everyday fit
  • Step-in harness
    • Spreads pressure across the chest, not the neck
    • Ideal for Danes who pull or have spine sensitivity
    • Helps prevent choking and reduces injury risk

Why the combo works:

  • A collar for ID and quick leash clips
  • A harness for walking and training
  • If one fails or comes loose, the other provides backup security

For barrel-chested breeds like Danes, a properly fitted step-in harness from Mimi Green is easy to put on and won’t rub under the arms, unlike many front-clip styles that shift during walks.

Best Collar + Leash Combos for Great Danes

A strong collar isn’t complete without a leash that can handle a powerful dog. Together, the right combo improves control, coordination, and style.

Top pairings to consider:

  • Leather Collar + Leather Leash
    • Timeless, durable, and softens with time
    • Looks elegant and wears well with daily use
  • Biothane Collar + Matching Leash
    • Waterproof, easy to clean, and odor-resistant
    • Great for dogs who drool, swim, or get dirty on walks
  • Martingale + Standard Leash
    • Offers security and slip prevention
    • Ideal for training or navigating busy spaces
  • Reflective Collar + Reflective Leash
    • Added visibility from both ends of the lead
    • Useful for nighttime walks or rural roads
  • Matching gear sets
    • Available from Mimi Green in velvet, leather, Biothane, and more
    • Include coordinated poop bag holders and harnesses

These sets aren’t just about aesthetics, they keep your walking gear organized, functional, and easy to grab before heading out the door.

Great Dane Gear Checklist

Featured Product: Lightweight Biothane Reflective STEP IN Dog Harness

Here’s a simple checklist to help you gear up for safe, stylish walks with your Great Dane.

Must-haves:

  • Wide martingale collar (1.5″)
  • Adjustable step-in harness
  • Durable leash (4–6 feet, no retractables)
  • Engraved ID buckle or secure tag
  • Biothane or leather backup collar

Optional, but helpful:

  • Fi-compatible collar for GPS tracking
  • Matching leash + collar set for style
  • Extra collar for muddy hikes or backup use

Keeping this list handy ensures you always have the right tools for your dog’s needs, at every life stage.

FAQ – Great Dane Collar Questions Answered

  • What’s the best collar for a Great Dane? A 1.5″ martingale with reinforced stitching offers security and comfort, especially for escape-prone dogs.
  • Should I use a collar or harness for walks? Ideally both. Use a collar for ID and a step-in harness to reduce strain and improve control during walks.
  • Can I use a martingale collar for training? Yes, martingales are a safe training option that prevents slipping without choking when used properly.
  • What materials are best for sensitive skin? Leather, Biothane, and velvet buckle collars are gentle and hypoallergenic. Avoid rough nylon or harsh chemicals.
  • How do I measure my dog’s neck properly? Wrap a soft tape around the base of the neck and add two fingers of slack for a snug but not tight fit.
  • Do vets recommend certain collars? Vets often favor martingales for control and comfort, especially when paired with a harness.
  • What if my Dane chews their collar? That’s often a fit issue, not a material flaw. If the collar reaches their mouth, it likely sits too low or too loose.

Find the Right Fit for Your Great Dane

You’ve got a dog with a heart as big as their frame, and their gear should reflect that. Great Danes need collars that won’t back down from their size or wear out before the next growth spurt.

If you’ve struggled with slipping collars, uncomfortable materials, or weak hardware, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why Mimi Green creates custom-fit collars, leashes, and harnesses designed specifically for large and giant breeds.

What we offer:

  • Wide, reinforced martingale collars that stay secure, even when your dog sees a squirrel.
  • Handmade leather and Biothane collars that combine durability with comfort for daily use.
  • Matching sets and Fi-compatible options that give you safety, function, and style, without compromise.

Every piece is made to order in our New Mexico studio by a small, passionate team who believes your dog’s gear should be as personal as your bond.

Looking for a collar that won’t quit on your gentle giant?  We’ve got just the thing.
👉 Shop Mimi Green’s Collars For Your Great Dane.

Carlton Clark