Best Dog Collar for Pugs

The best collar for a Pug is flat, lightweight, and has an engraved buckle. It’s safe for ID and, in many cases, leash walking, if your Pug doesn’t pull. For pups with respiratory issues, a harness is better. We’ll help you choose the right fit, style, and material.

Pairing a lightweight engraved ID collar with a well-fitted harness can be a great option for walks, especially for Pugs who need extra support. Look for harness styles that reduce pressure on the chest and avoid contact with the throat.

Bonus points for soft materials like nylon that won’t rub or overheat your pup, especially in warmer climates.

At Mimi Green, we handmake every collar and harness to order right here in the USA. 

From breathable, Nylon collars to our Easy-On harness built for Pugs’ unique shape, our gear is made with your pup’s safety and style in mind.

Want to know exactly which features, sizes, and styles work best for your snorty sidekick? Keep reading, we’ll walk you through it all.

Why Picking the Right Collar Matters for Pugs

Featured Product: Pug Ribbon Dog Collar *Limited Release

A poor collar fit can restrict breathing or chafe delicate skin. Here’s how to avoid common pug-owner mistakes.

Pugs may be small, but their gear needs are anything but basic. 

These flat-faced charmers have compact airways and short necks, which means anything worn around that area has to be thoughtfully chosen.

Using a collar for leash walking can compress the trachea and trigger coughing, gagging, or worse if your Pug pulls when excited or startled. 

For Pugs with breathing issues or strong pullers, it’s safer to use a harness for walks and reserve the collar for ID.

Watch out for signs that your pug’s collar isn’t the right fit:

• Gasping sounds during walks
• Chafing or fur loss around the neck
• Constant scratching at the collar
• Escaping out of the collar entirely

If any of these ring true, it’s time for a change.

What Type of Collar is Best for a Pug?

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Pugs need flat, breathable collars that are lightweight and comfortable. 

Let’s get specific. The best collar for your Pug is flat, lightweight, and sits comfortably without pressing into their neck. Materials like nylon webbing or soft leather give the right mix of durability and breathability.

Since Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, it’s especially important to choose gear that avoids restricting breathing or adding pressure to the throat.

Should You Use a Harness Instead of a Collar for Walks?

If your Pug is healthy and doesn’t pull, a collar and leash combo can work. Just make sure the collar fits well and sits loosely around the neck.

But for many Pugs, especially those who pull, have existing respiratory concerns, or are still in training, a harness is the safer, more comfortable option for walks. 

Some pugs have fragile throats and are prone to conditions like tracheal collapse. When that’s the case, harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders, steering clear of those vulnerable areas.

At Mimi Green, we’ve designed two harnesses that work beautifully for Pugs:

• Step-In Harness: Best for barrel-chested pups or escape artists. It clips on the back and doesn’t touch the throat.
• Easy-On Harness: For dogs who hate bulk or have sensitive skin. Lightweight, simple to fasten, and fully customizable.

Both come in all our signature fabrics and can be embroidered with your pup’s name. Plus, they match your collar, because style matters too.

Some folks try front-clip harnesses to curb pulling, but we’ve found they often shift awkwardly and cause rubbing around the front legs. That’s especially frustrating for Pugs with sensitive skin.

Our advice? Choose comfort and adjustability over gimmicks. Your pug will thank you every time you clip in.

How to Measure a Pug for the Right Collar

Measure at the base of the neck and add 2 inches for comfort. Most adult Pugs wear 10–15” collars.

Getting the fit right makes all the difference, both for comfort and safety. Here’s how to measure like a pro:

1. Use a soft measuring tape.
2. Wrap it around the base of your pug’s neck, where a collar naturally sits.
3. Add 1–2 inches to that number so the collar isn’t too snug.

Most adult Pugs fall into the 10–15″ range, but puppies grow fast. For growing pups, plan to re-measure every few weeks and choose adjustable collars that can grow with them.

Avoid the trap of “one-size-fits-all.” Pugs have short, stocky necks and can easily slip out of poorly fitted collars, especially when startled or on the move.

Still not sure? Mimi Green offers custom sizing at no extra cost. We make sure your gear fits paw-fectly from the start.

Features to Look for in a Pug Collar

Comfort and security come down to the right materials, closures, and sizing.

Not all collars are created equal, and when it comes to Pugs, the details matter. Their short necks and delicate skin call for soft, breathable materials that won’t chafe, snag, or overheat.

Here’s what to look for:

• Soft nylon or classic leather – Durable, flexible, and gentle on the skin
• Custom engraving – Keeps ID info secure without dangling tags that jingle or catch
• Washability – Nylon collars can be cleaned with soap and water; leather benefit from occasional spot cleaning or conditioning
• Breathable, lightweight construction – Especially important for warm weather or dogs with heavy coats

At Mimi Green, we sew every collar with reinforced stitching and offer optional embroidery or engraved buckles, because safety should always look stylish.

Collar vs Harness: Which is Safer for Pugs?

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Always use a collar for ID tags, and pair it with a harness for walks to protect breathing if your pug needs it.

When it comes to safety, harnesses beat collars for some pugs. 

Still, a collar has its place. You should always keep one on your pug when indoors or in the yard, especially if your dog’s a known escape artist.

Here’s when to use each:

• Collar only: For ID tags at home, or leash walks if your Pug is healthy and doesn’t pull
• Harness only: For walks, adventures, or anytime there’s tugging or pressure
• Both: For outings: collar holds ID, harness gives safe leash control

And if you love a matching look? Mimi Green has coordinating collar and harness sets made from the same soft materials and bold prints. Your pug can be safe and the best-dressed pup on the block.

Training Tips for Pugs and Their Gear

Training a Pug to accept their collar or harness? Use patience, consistency, and treats.

Pugs are famously stubborn (and charmingly so), but that doesn’t mean you can’t train them to love their gear. It just takes some gentle encouragement, and maybe a few snacks.

1. Start with short, positive sessions. 
2. Let them sniff the collar or harness before putting it on. 
3. Clip it loosely and offer a treat right away. 
4. Then remove it after a minute or two. 
5. Gradually increase the wear time.

Avoid yanking or forcing, it only builds resistance. Instead, create good associations:

• Pair the gear with a walk or play session
• Give verbal praise as you suit them up
• Never scold or punish them for squirming

When Should You Replace a Pug’s Collar?

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Inspect every few months for wear. Replace if hardware is loose, fabric frays, or fit changes.

Even the best-made collar won’t last forever, especially if your pug loves to roll in the grass or gets muddy on the regular.

Here’s when to consider a refresh:

• Fraying at the edges
• Rusty or sticky buckles
• Stretching that makes the collar too loose
• Your pug has outgrown it, or lost weight
• Signs of rubbing or skin irritation

If your pug is still growing, remeasure every few weeks.

Best Mimi Green Collars & Harnesses for Pugs

Featured Product: Easy On Nylon Dog Harness – Optional Personalized Buckle

We might be biased (okay, we’re definitely biased), but pugs are pure joy wrapped in a smooshy, snorty package. They’re funny, loyal, and full of personality, like if a clown and a teddy bear had a baby.

That’s probably why you’ll spot so many of them across our site. Amanda, our founder, has adopted all of her pugs from The Pug Ranch, a local rescue run by one of her dearest friends. Not only do we love pugs, we support their second chances, too.

When you shop with us, you’re not just getting a collar that fits your dog like a dream, you’re joining a family that believes every pup deserves comfort, care, and a little extra flair.

Need help choosing a size? Check out our Dog Collar Size Chart

Not every collar fits a pug’s neck or needs, but that’s where we shine. At Mimi Green, we design gear that’s not just safe and stylish, but tailored to how Pugs move, breathe, and live.

Top picks for your Pug:

• Nylon Engraved ID Collar – Machine washable, and available with personalized buckle engraving (no noisy tags).
• Easy-On Harness – Lightweight, step-through design ideal for squishy faces and round bellies. Prevents pulling pressure on the neck.

All Mimi Green products are handmade to order in our New Mexico studio. You choose the fabric, color, hardware, and size. We build it from scratch, just for your pup.

With reinforced stitching, soft materials, and thoughtful design, our collars and harnesses keep your pug safe and looking their best.

Pug Collar & Harness Shopping Checklist

Featured Product: Hand Embroidered Dog Collar *36 Velvet Dog Collar Colors

Make sure your Pug’s gear fits right, feels good, and keeps them safe.

 ✔️ Flat, lightweight collar with an engraved buckle
✔️ Soft nylon, velvet, or leather materials
✔️ Adjustable sizing with 2-finger room under the collar
✔️ Engraved buckle or silent ID tag
✔️ Harness for leash walks
✔️ Monthly fit checks and wear inspections
✔️ Matching leash for control and coordination
✔️ Avoidance of prong, choke, or tight padded collars

Got all of the above? Your pug is ready to hit the park, or the couch, in total comfort.

FAQ: Common Questions About Pug Collars

Still deciding what’s right? Here’s what other pug parents are asking.

• What collar is safest for a pug? A flat, lightweight collar with an engraved buckle. 
• How tight should my pug’s collar be? Loose enough to slide two fingers underneath. It should never restrict breathing or rub the skin.
• Should I walk my pug using their collar? Yes, if your Pug is healthy and doesn’t pull. But if they have breathing issues or tend to tug on the leash, a harness is the safer option.
• What material is best for a pug collar? Soft nylon, velvet, or leather, materials that won’t cause chafing or overheat your dog.
• Can pugs wear martingale collars? Yes, but only when paired with a harness and under supervision. They offer backup security if your pug slips out of traditional collars.

Ready to Find the Perfect Collar for Your Pug?

Your pug deserves gear that’s as thoughtful as you are. Not just anything from the pet aisle, but something made for their unique needs: soft enough not to chafe, smart enough to protect their airway, and stylish enough to show off that adorable mug.

At Mimi Green, we build every collar and harness by hand, right here in the USA. You choose the colors, fabrics, and engraving, we craft it to fit your dog perfectly.

Try our best-selling Nylon ID Collars or Harnesses to give your Pug comfort, security, and style that lasts.

👉 Shop Pug-Friendly Collars Now!