8 Best Dog Collars for Shiba Inus in 2023

Although a relatively new addition to places like the United States, the Shiba Inu has already stolen the hearts of dog enthusiasts everywhere. With thick coats and agile forms, many have referred to Shibas as “fox-like”.

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Shibas are not a new breed—some reports say they began popping up as early as 300 B.C. Historically, Shibas were hunters in Japan, but nearly went extinct after the devastation of World War II. Fortunately, through careful breeding, Shibas survived and now remain extremely popular in both their homeland and the United States.

It isn’t difficult to see why: although high-maintenance at times, Shibas have an outgoing, affectionate temperament that make them the perfect companions. That being said, Shibas can also become very unreliable when you take them off a leash: unless they’re confined to a specific area, these dogs will take every opportunity they can to escape.

This is why, barring special circumstances, it’s a good idea to make your Shiba wear a collar and a leash when they’re outside. However, finding the right collar for your Shiba Inu can feel impossible: not only can these dogs have sensitive skin, but it may be a challenge to get a collar that fits correctly.

Fortunately, you don’t need to go through the process alone—keep reading for a closer look at the best Shiba Inu collars of 2023 as well as what to look for when purchasing one.

What to Look for When Buying a Collar for your Shiba Inu

You might think that purchasing a collar for your Shiba Inu begins at the store, but it starts here. Before you start spending any money, you should know what features make up a good collar (and which ones don’t).

Comfort is always the number one priority. Even if your Shiba Inu doesn’t wear their collar all the time, you want the time they do wear it to be enjoyable. It can be difficult to tell how comfortable the collar will be just from pictures, but you can look at the materials it’s made of. Collars designed with extra neoprene padding or soft leather tend to be softer and gentler on your Shiba’s neck.

Another thing to think about is durability. The most comfortable collar in the world won’t mean much if your Shiba manages to destroy it in a month. Typically, collars that use materials like polyester, nylon and nickel-plated hardware tend to last longer than those that are made with cheap plastic or rubber.

Adjustability might not seem like a big deal, but if you have a Shiba Inu puppy, it can be the most important factor. As your Shiba grows, you’ll want a collar that can grow with them. Collars that label themselves as “highly-adjustable” or use multiple points of adjustment may be a better option for a puppy. Keep in mind that, while you want the collar to fit your Shiba’s current measurements, you should purchase one that you can adjust to a larger size.

Different Types of Dog Collars for Shiba Inus

In addition to understanding what to look for, it’s also helpful to be able to identify the different types of collars too.

Although they used to be more popular, choke chains or prong collars have fallen out of fashion. When your Shiba pulls on the leash, a choke chain will tighten around your dog’s throat until it causes pain. The idea is, after doing this enough times, your dog will realize they shouldn’t repeat the behavior.

Given the Shiba Inu’s small size and outgoing temperament, most owners don’t use choke chains with this breed. If you do plan to use one, you should make sure you know how to use it properly.

Shock collars are another controversial choice. These electronic devices work off remote controls or sensors and will give your dog a small shock when they do something they aren’t supposed to. Shibas that frequently bark, jump over the fence, or attack other dogs may wear a shock collar if nothing else works.

The Shiba Inu are known for being escape artists. Given the rarity of this breed, it’s understandable why you’d want to keep tabs on them. One way to do this is by using a GPS tracking collar. Not only can you find your Shiba anywhere they go, but some of these devices also send you alerts when your dog has left the yard.

Leather collars are another type to be aware of. While a leather collar doesn’t have any special tricks, many owners have found that leather material can be gentler on their dog’s neck than polyester or nylon. In some cases, depending on how it was made, leather collars can also hold up better too.

Best Dog Collar for Shiba Inus

You might find plenty of choices, but only one stands above the rest. Here’s what we’ve picked out:

Wigzi Waterproof Dog Collar

Best for Every Day Use

If you’re looking for a collar that can withstand the wear and tear of your Shiba’s everyday life, look no further than the Wigzi Waterproof Dog Collar. Although Shibas aren’t usually natural-born swimmers, that doesn’t mean your pup might not still enjoy this waterproof choice.

With a reflective strip to help your pup stand out at night and a durable design, this collar may be able to endure tough conditions better than some other options. Since the collar is waterproof, you can easily remove any debris or dirt with a little soap and water.

7 More Highly Rated Dog Collars for Shiba Inus

Every Shiba Inu has different needs and every owner has different expectations—which is why we’ve taken the extra time to highlight seven more choices that may also work for you.

iPets PET618 Remote Dog Training Collar

Best Electronic Training Collar

While not always the first choice for Shibas, a shock collar may end up being your best choice. If you do have to go this route, you want to ensure that your pup is wearing the safest product on the market—and that may just be the iPets PET618 Remote Dog Training Collar.

With shock, vibration, and beep modes, picking the type of correction you want to use is as simple as pushing a button. Not only is the collar waterproof, but you can train up to three dogs using one transmitter. Keep in mind that the transmitter only works in an 880-yard range.

Max and Neo Dog Gear Martingale Collar

Best No Slip Martingale Collar

If you’re nervous about using a choke chain but still want to teach your Shiba not to pull on the leash, you might want to consider purchasing a martingale collar like the Max and Neo Dog Gear Martingale Collar.

With highly-reflective webbing that keeps your pup visible on any outdoor adventure they embark on, this collar can be used at any hour. The lockable nylon clasps help keep your Shiba safe by preventing unintentional unlatching. However, if you do need to pull the collar off in a hurry, all you have to do is push the buckle.

Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion Reflective Dog Collar

Best Reflective Collar

If you plan on taking your Shiba Inu out for a nighttime walk, chances are that you won’t be able to use a regular collar. What you’ll most likely need instead is a reflective collar like the Chai’s Choice Comfort Cushion Reflective Dog Collar.

With tough nylon webbing and soft, breathable mesh, this collar combines two key aspects your dog will need: durability and comfort. Not only will the webbing ensure the collar holds up, but the breathable mesh can help prevent your dog from sweating or becoming too hot where the collar is. If you need to take it off, the collar also includes a duraflex buckle for easy removal.

Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Safety Dog Necklace

Best Light Up LED Collar

Although reflective collars can help your Shiba stay visible during the dark, you may need more visibility than reflective stitching can provide. If that’s the case, the Nite Ize NiteHowl LED Safety Necklace might be your best option.

This brightly-lit necklace includes two LED lights that will illuminate your Shiba from yards away as well as two different modes for you to pick from. Unlike some collars, which may feel like they take minutes or hours to pull on and off, putting the NiteHowl necklace on is as simple as slipping it over your Shiba’s head.

The polymer tubing is also designed to be weather-resistant so that your nighttime adventures don’t have to stop because of a little rain or snow.

Weaver Pet Deer Ridge Leather Dog Collar

Best Leather Collar

Shibas tend to have thicker, longer coats—which can make finding a collar that doesn’t irritate their skin a challenge. If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy nylon or polyester, you can always try the Weaver Pet Deer Ridge Leather Collar.

Crafted with single-ply harness leather on the outside and tan deerskin on the inside, the chances of this collar chafing against your Shiba’s skin are much lower. To prevent rusting or abrasion, the product also uses a solid brass buckle. Not only is it handmade in the USA by professionals, but it’s also available in multiple different sizes as well.

Link AKC GPS & Activity Monitor Dog Collar

Best GPS Collar

It doesn’t matter if you live in the middle of the desert or the heart of a big city—your Shiba Inu’s safety will always be a number-one priority. Even if you aren’t afraid of someone snatching your rare pup up, that doesn’t mean your Shiba won’t try and escape all on his own. Many owners have found that, when they’re let off the leash, these dogs can become unpredictable very quickly.

If you need a little peace of mind, there’s no better place to look than the Link AKC GPS & Activity Monitor Dog Collar. While it might be a little pricier than a regular collar, this choice will allow you to keep tabs on your Shiba at all times—even in up to three feet of water. Not only will you be able to keep track of your dog, but you’ll also receive alerts if your Shiba wanders away from home.

EzyDog Checkmate Dog Collar

Best for Shiba Inu Puppies

One of the biggest issues you’ll likely have with your Shiba Inu puppy is leash training. Your pup’s first instinct will be to pull on the lead, and unless you correct him, he’ll continue to do it. That’s where the EzyDog Checkmate Dog Collar comes in.

Made with a nylon material that’s meant to last, this collar will apply firm pressure when your Shiba aggressively tugs. However, unlike choke chains or prong collars, this product shouldn’t choke or harm your puppy.

The stainless steel D-ring is also sturdy enough that it won’t break if your Shiba tries to get away or chase after another dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big of a collar do I need for an adult Shiba Inu?

While it can vary from dog to dog, many Shibas have necks that measure around fourteen to seventeen inches. In many cases, that’s the medium size, but you should always double-check with the sizing chart before you buy anything. Since most products use their own guidelines, what may be a medium in one product could be a large or small size in another.

Is it a legal requirement for my Shiba Inu to wear a collar?

As rare as this breed is, you probably won’t find any legal requirements about collaring your Shiba in the United States. That being said, some cities might have rules regarding dogs in general. If you aren’t sure, don’t forget to check with your local government. If you plan on traveling out of town, state, or country, you should always do your research beforehand. Even if it’s a little time consuming, knowing the regulations can save you from paying a hefty fine.

How do I know if the collar is uncomfortable on my Shiba Inu?

It can be difficult to tell whether or not a collar is uncomfortable, but there are two methods you can try: the first is looking for signs of visible skin irritation like chafe marks, bald spots, or redness. Another technique is sliding two of your fingers underneath the collar. If you aren’t able to, the collar is too tight. However, if you can easily slide more than two of your fingers, it’s probably too loose and your Shiba may be able to slip out of it.

What should I look for in a collar for a Shiba Inu puppy?

The most important factor to consider when buying the best Shiba Inu collars for your pup is adjustability. As your Shiba continues to grow, you’ll want to find a collar that can do the same.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what to look for, don’t be afraid to start searching for the right collar. However, if you still have a few misgivings, feel free to try one of the best Shiba Inu collars that we’ve picked for you above.

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