Best Collars for Irish Wolfhounds | Mimi Green

The best collar for an Irish Wolfhound is a 1.5 inch wide martingale that prevents slipping and distributes pressure gently. Their narrow heads and long necks make standard collars unsafe. Choose soft materials like leather or Biothane for comfort, durability, and skin safety.

If you’re searching for the best collar for an Irish Wolfhound, the clear answer is a wide, martingale-style collar. This style is not only designed to prevent slip-outs, but also distributes pressure safely across their long, muscular necks.

Choosing the right collar for an Irish Wolfhound is about fit, function, and safety. 

Their narrow heads make standard buckle collars risky, while their sensitive, wiry coats are prone to matting and skin irritation if the material isn’t soft enough. Martingales strike the perfect balance of control and comfort.

At Mimi Green, we handmake every collar to order right here in the USA. Whether your Wolfhound needs a custom-sized martingale for training or a waterproof option for daily adventures. 

We offer durable, stylish gear built just for your giant breed, complete with engraved buckles, soft linings, and leash-matching sets.

Want the deep-dive? If you’re curious about collar sizing, training tools, material pros and cons, or which features actually matter for such a unique dog, keep reading, we’ve got you covered.

What Makes Irish Wolfhounds Different?

Irish Wolfhounds are majestic, gentle giants, but their size and shape pose real challenges when it comes to collar fit. 

These sighthounds have narrow heads and long, muscular necks, which means that most off-the-shelf collars simply won’t stay put. A typical flat buckle collar can easily slip off during a walk or cause uncomfortable rubbing if it’s not wide enough.

Their laid-back temperament often hides a strong prey drive. One squirrel dash, and suddenly you’re relying on a collar to control over 120 pounds of muscle. 

That’s why secure gear is the baseline. 

Add in a wiry coat that’s prone to irritation, and choosing the wrong material or fit can lead to matting, skin sores, or a Wolfhound who hates wearing their collar altogether.

In short? They need gear that fits them, not whatever the big box pet store has labeled “large.”

Martingale Collars: A Must for Irish Wolfhound 

Featured Product: 1.5 Inch Wide Martingale Dog Collar for Big Dogs

Martingale collars are the gold standard for Irish Wolfhounds. 

Designed with a two-loop system, they tighten gently when tension is applied but never choke like a slip or prong collar. That small adjustment is everything for breeds with heads narrower than their necks.

A martingale solves the biggest concern Wolfhound parents have: slip-outs. Whether it’s a nervous bolt or an excited zoomie, this collar style stays put without harsh pressure.

At Mimi Green, our martingales come in nylon, waterproof Biothane®, and smooth leather, each handmade with care and fitted with reinforced stitching, custom engraving, and your choice of hardware. 

They’re stylish, strong, and customized to your dog’s measurements, not some generic sizing chart.

What Size Collar Does an Irish Wolfhound Need?

• Adult Irish Wolfhounds typically wear collars between 20 and 26 inches.
• Measure your dog’s neck at the base, where the collar naturally sits.
• Add 1 to 2 inches to the measurement for comfort.
• You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog’s skin.
• For puppies, an adjustable, made-to-order collar is recommended due to rapid growth and coat changes.

That’s why Mimi Green offers custom sizing at no extra cost, because close enough doesn’t cut it when you’re outfitting a dog this big.

Which Collar Materials Are Best for Irish Wolfhounds?

Featured Product: Waterproof Leather Alternative Martingale Dog Collar w/ Engraved Riveted Nameplate

Not all collar fabrics are created equal, especially when it comes to long-coated, sensitive-skinned breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. 

The wrong material can rub their neck raw or trap moisture, causing fur loss or rashes.

Here’s what works:

• Nylon: Soft yet strong, our custom-woven nylon is lined to reduce friction and irritation, making it a comfortable everyday option for Irish Wolfhounds with wiry or sensitive coats. It’s lightweight, durable, and anything but scratchy.
• Biothane®: This waterproof, odor-proof, mold-resistant material is ideal for dogs who drool, swim, or love rolling in the grass. Plus, it wipes clean in seconds.
• Leather: A timeless favorite. Full-grain leather collars from Mimi Green soften with age and develop a custom fit that’s as comfortable as it is strong.

Are Wide Collars Better for Large Breeds?

Absolutely. Wide collars, typically around 1.5 inches, are far better suited for large, muscular breeds like the Irish Wolfhound. 

A wider band spreads pressure evenly across the neck, reducing the risk of strain, injury, or fur breakage when your dog pulls or lunges.

For Irish Wolfhounds especially, narrow collars can dig into their long necks and cause discomfort or long-term irritation. That’s why wide martingale collars are safer and more secure.

Mimi Green offers wide collars in every material we make, and thanks to custom sizing and reinforced stitching, you don’t have to compromise between comfort and control.

Collar vs Harness: What’s Best for Irish Wolfhounds?

Featured Product: Flannel STEP IN Dog Harnesses – Plaid and Floral Options

For everyday walks, a properly fitted martingale collar is the better choice for most Irish Wolfhounds. Their deep chests and long torsos make many harness styles uncomfortable or prone to shifting. 

Some harnesses rub, restrict movement, or slide out of place, especially if the design isn’t tailored for large breeds.

That said, there are moments when a harness makes sense. 

If your Wolfhound is recovering from an injury, is prone to slipping collars even when well-fitted, or needs extra support as they age, a harness can offer more control without neck pressure.

Our Mimi Green Step-In Harness is designed specifically for dogs with deep chests and wide shoulders, ensuring a secure fit without chafing.

For maximum security, we recommend a dual setup, martingale collar for ID and correction, harness for backup control.

What to Avoid When Choosing a Collar for an Irish Wolfhound

Not all collars are created with large sighthounds in mind. Some common features that may work for other dogs can be harmful, or even dangerous, for Irish Wolfhounds.

Avoid:

• Narrow straps that concentrate pressure and cause hair loss or neck strain.
• Cheap nylon with rough edges that irritate sensitive skin.
• Rolled leather collars, which can twist or press into the coat unevenly.
• Buzzwords like “chew-proof” or “escape-proof”, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

At Mimi Green, we also avoid materials like climbing rope and chain because if your dog can reach their collar to chew it, it doesn’t fit properly. Our goal is safety through smart design, not gimmicks.

FAQs About Irish Wolfhound Collars

• What size collar does an Irish Wolfhound need? Most adults fall between 20–26 inches. Always measure and allow room for comfort.
• Do Irish Wolfhounds really need a special collar? Yes. Their head shape and size make martingales essential for safety and comfort.
• Should I choose a harness or collar? For daily use, collars are more practical. Harnesses can help with training or injury recovery.
• How do I stop my Irish Wolfhound from slipping out of collars? Use a properly fitted martingale collar. The two-loop design keeps it secure without choking.
• What do Irish Wolfhounds enjoy for play? Tug toys, soft chews, and puzzle games. Avoid heavy, restrictive gear that slows them down.
• Can I use a GPS collar? Yes! Mimi Green offers Fi-compatible collars that combine smart tracking with handcrafted design.

How Often Should You Replace Your Collar?

• Inspect your Irish Wolfhound’s collar monthly for signs of wear such as frayed stitching, stretched webbing, rusted hardware, or bent buckles.
• Most Wolfhound owners replace collars every 6 to 12 months, or sooner for active dogs.
• Puppies and adolescents will need more frequent upgrades due to growth.
• Biothane® and leather materials tend to last longer than woven fabric, especially with regular cleaning and conditioning.

Final Checklist – What You’ll Need

Featured Product: 1.5 Inch Wide Martingale Dog Collar -with Optional Personalization – Classic Cotton Patterns

Here’s a quick rundown to make sure you’re set up for success:

• ✅ Wide martingale collar (20–26” adjustable)
• ✅ Matching leash (leather or Biothane®, 4–6 ft)
• ✅ Soft harness (optional, for seniors or escape-prone pups)
• ✅ Custom engraved buckle 
• ✅ Collar care kit (especially for leather maintenance)
• ✅ Puzzle toys and soft tug ropes for enrichment
• ✅ Flexible tape measure to re-check fit as needed

This is your daily connection to a dog that’s built for elegance, loyalty, and big-hearted love. Outfitting them well means fewer escapes, less chafing, and smoother walks all around.

Find the Right Collar at Mimi Green

Irish Wolfhounds are one of a kind. 

Whether you’re dealing with slip-outs, sizing struggles, or a sensitive neck, Mimi Green makes collars that solve those problems with style and strength.

Our martingale collars are:

• Custom-sized to your dog’s neck, not the closest guess.
• Made from soft yet durable materials like velvet, leather, and Biothane®.
• Built in the USA by a small team who cares as much as you do.

Ready for a collar that fits, functions, and actually flatters your dog’s personality? Your Irish Wolfhound deserves more than “large breed” gear. 

They deserve a collar that’s made just for them.

👉 Explore Martingale Collars for your Irish here!