Dog collars are one of the few indulgences for a dog lover. Though dog collars are an absolute necessity, they can also be a fashionable extravagance. Dog collars make the dog stand out in the crowd. A unique dog collar can really draw attention to the dog and the owner.

Today, there are many different kinds of dog collars available. They range from simple and practical leather collars to fancy, personalized collars for that unique look. There are many companies that are designing unique collars for all kinds of dogs. These include nylon collars, cotton collars, metallic collars, leather collars, handmade collars, woven collars, foam collars, gold, silver or platinum collars, beaded collars, stone-studded collars and so on. Based on the purpose, dog collars can be categorized as adjustable collars, washable collars, training collars, no-bark collars, reflective collars, electric collars, waterproof collars, talking collars and others.

Some common designs include plaid, polka dots, python prints, crocodile prints, animal prints, tuxedo style, denim, bandana, mink, bone, bow collar, slide collars, metallic collection, beaded, velvet, and those with unique designs such as MLB, NLF, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Eagles and so on.

Dog collars have to be very comfortable. The right size of the dogs neck has to be carefully measured using a tape. Placing two fingers between the neck and the tape would show the most comfortable length. The tape should also be kept loosely around the neck. The collar is likely to rest a few inches below the head, but it is better to add a couple of inches to the measurement. If the length is between two sizes, choose the bigger collar.

Go for a bigger collar if the dog is still growing. The different collar sizes available are: toy (8-10""), small (10-14""), small plus (14-16""), medium (16-18""), large (20-22"") and extra large (22-24""). The width of the collar is generally "" or 1"". 10-14"" collars are for beagles, Jack Russells, and shelties, which have smaller necks. Labs, Australian shepherds, Dalmatians, pointers and spaniels have neck sizes ranging from 14 to 20 inches, while rottweilers, Great Danes, and chow chows have neck lengths between 18 and 28 inches.

Dog collars also differ on the basis of the buckle used. Some collars have snap-together buckles, which are very convenient, but they are not ideal for big and powerful dogs, as they are not very strong. Some buckles also have special safety features to prevent collar-related accidents. These days, there are also GPS-enabled dog collars available to make dog tracking easier.

Prices of dog collars start from $5 or $6 and can go up to $100 depending on the kind of collar and the material used. They are also available in wholesale quantities, in sets of 12 or 24 collars or more.