Leather vs. Biothane®: Which USA-Made Dog Collar Is Best for Your Dog?

Buying a collar for your pup is a lot like shopping for your own clothes. You want to prioritize durability, quality, fit and comfort for your dog as you would for yourself!

USA-made dog collars are some of the most personalized and highest-quality accessories you can gift your pup. Two popular materials are leather and Biothane® — a durable and waterproof polyester. These materials are both great choices for dogs. You know your pup best, though, and their precious needs and your preferences mean that one material may be better for your furry family member.

We have the lowdown on the benefits of both leather and waterproof options. Explore our guide on these different dog collar materials so you can rest assured your furry friend gets the best.

Why Choosing the Right Material for Your Dog Collar Matters

Leather and Biothane® are quality materials. Both are durable and long-lasting, which dog owners know are nonnegotiable benefits! Collars are essential for securing leashes and ID tags, so they must be sturdy and reliable. More importantly, collars have constant, direct contact with your dog’s fur and skin — making your material choice a matter of comfort and well-being for your pup. Cheap materials and cheaply made collars can lead to irritation and chafing.

As important as the type of material you choose is where and how the material is sourced and how your pup’s collars are manufactured. You give your dog a collar in love, and they wear it in love. That compassion can be at the heart of your collars when you choose products that are handmade in the USA by reputable brands.

All About Leather Dog Collars

Leather is a natural, renewable material that is upcycled from skins and hides. When manufacturers treat leather, it undergoes tanning and other treatments to fortify it so that it is durable enough to last for considerably longer. Full-grain leather can last for a theoretical lifetime.

Pros of Leather Dog Collars

Leather dog collars can be the ideal accessory for you and your dog if you value a timeless, natural and sophisticated look. Leather’s classic appearance is difficult to replicate with other materials, so if doggy-chic is your preference, leather is the top choice.

With the proper care, your dog will have a long-lasting collar, thanks to leather’s durability. Possibly the best part of having a leather collar is that the material softens over time, potentially making it the most comfortable collar your pup could ever hope for.

Cons of Leather Dog Collars

Leather can be the perfect way to treat your dog to the best, but it does have some drawbacks to be mindful of. Leather requires a little extra maintenance — you have to regularly clean and condition it to retain its quality. This is an important consideration if you always have your hands full with lots of busy paws!

Also, if you and your dog love taking dips together and enjoying other water-heavy activities, leather may not be up your alley. Leather has a small degree of natural water resistance, but because it is a naturally porous material, it is not waterproof.

If leather does get wet, it can lose its natural oils and become dry, stiff and brittle. It may also develop mold or mildew and an unpleasant odor — definitely not what you want for your dog. But accidents are a part of life! If your dog’s collar accidentally gets wet, blot out as much of the water as you can and let it air dry for the best results.

 

All About Waterproof Dog Collars

Biothane® is a durable polyester material that looks similar to leather and has excellent waterproof qualities.

Pros of Biothane® Waterproof Dog Collars

Choosing a Biothane® dog collar allows you and your pup to enjoy several cool benefits:

• Biothane® is easy to clean and maintain. The easy maintenance frees up your time and resources, so you can commit those to your dog instead!
• Biothane® is completely waterproof as it is made from nonporous PVC or TPU coating over polyester webbing.
• Biothane® is also odor-resistant because the synthetic material discourages bacterial growth.

Cons of Biothane® Waterproof Dog Collars

Biothane® has incredible benefits that make it an advantageous and aesthetically pleasing material for dog collars, but it also has some cons. Biothane® is synthetic, and it lacks the natural look and feel of leather. Though it mimics the best qualities of leather well, it is not as soft initially and, therefore, may not be as comfortable a fit for your pup.

Leather vs. Waterproof Collars: How Do You Decide?

Choosing a collar can be a real tail-wagger for your pup, so you naturally want to make the best choice! Leather and Biothane® collars are both excellent options, so picking the right collar for your dog truly comes down to your furry companion’s unique needs.

To simplify choosing between waterproof versus leather collars, consider the following:

• Your dog’s lifestyle and activity level
• If your pup has any allergies or material sensitivities
• Your durability preferences for your maintenance needs
• Your and your dog’s personal style preferences

Best Uses for Leather Dog Collars

Is leather the best material choice for your pup’s collar? The answer can be a resounding yes if the following is important or true for you:

• You would like a collar that is perfect for everyday use.
• You want a collar that lasts for as long as possible.
• You have a less active dog.
• Your dog experiences sensitivities or allergic reactions to synthetic materials.

Best Uses for Waterproof Dog Collars

A synthetic, waterproof dog collar may be your perfect choice if you and your pup need the following:

• A collar that suits active dogs and pups who love playing in water and mud
• A collar that suits an outdoorsy, adventurous lifestyle or extreme weather conditions
• A low-maintenance collar

Expert Recommendations From Mimi Green

Your dog deserves the best, and their collar is no exception. At Mimi Green, we offer a wide range of personalized collars, leashes and harnesses. We’re not barking up the wrong tree here! These USA-made collars are the real deal, and that is exactly what we offer — quality products that are handmade in the USA.

You can explore our diverse selection of classic leather and Biothane® dog collars and enjoy custom options, including embroidery and engraving, that your dog will drool over.

All our made-to-order products combine functionality with artistic design — allowing you to enjoy quality products and stylish accessories that make the other dogs green with envy. Shop now at Mimi Green and find the perfect collar to match your dog’s unique personality and lifestyle!