Choosing the right dog show collar and lead is one of the challenges that the dog owner faces on the eve of the Dog Show, as such a tool in his hand is a direct tie to his pet, which helps the owner feel his four-legged friend and pass messages it needs at the Dog Show ring.
The Dog Show is a feast of victories, achievements, and of course, a lot of positive, bright, cheerful vibe. It is also a severe event for dog owners, breeders, handlers, trainers, and their four-legged pets. The preparation for this event is long and in advance, during which the dog owners bring their pets to perfection. Between the dog’s daily training, dieting, and taming to the noise and presence of many strangers, the owners of four-legged friends often look in the dog collar shop, eyeing beautiful show gear for their lovely pets – a dog show collar and lead. As experienced dog show attendees and participants, we can safely state that proper, beautiful show gear is an integral part of the success of your furry friend in the show ring!
Dog Show Gear: a Whim or a Must-Have
The dog & puppy collars, leashes, and harnesses are essential accessories a dog owner needs to purchase to make his pet feel good during walk sessions or training classes. It should be practical, reliable, and comfortable to ensure the dog’s and others’ safety. By all means, this applies to Dog Shows and other various events. A dog show collar and lead are mandatory accessories at Dog Shows that will not only beautify your dog at the ring but, at the same time, allow the owner to control the pet’s behavior by reminding the dog to obey the commands.
Dog Show Collars & Leads: the Requirements to Show Gear
You’ve probably heard that the Dog Show rules prevent dogs from exhibiting in strict collars, harnesses, and leads. Some hapless beginners lead their pets to their first show in ordinary accessories for walks. How they are surprised to see the representatives of different breeds in the ring in various dog show collars and leads designed explicitly for such an event! The days when dogs were led into the ring on tarpaulin leashes or, even worse, in rusty chains are already gone. As Dog Shows are held at a high international level, the dog show gear is also a subject of exacting requirements and standards.
A dog show lead should be comfortable for both a handler and his four-legged companion. Moreover, it should help present the dog to the expert in the most advantageous way, highlighting all its strengths and hiding its flaws. It should not tear and damage the dog’s fur on the neck. Usually, it is selected due to the dog’s coat color and often in harmony with the handler’s suit, and it also corresponds to the style of the show, as adopted for each breed. They are made of different materials – leather, metal (chain), nylon, silk, waxed cotton, etc., and produced in various designs. As a rule, the type, design, color, and material of dog show collars and leads are dictated by the fashion trends, while their choice depends on the dog breed and the owner’s taste.
The choice of dog show collars and leads is rather diverse. It is easy to find pet gear for a show for any breed at any pet store: wide and narrow, short and long, of different colors and shades, with or without restraints. Many artisans and brands make exclusive dog show gear that looks like a real piece of art! They are made of genuine leather, embellished with rhinestones, gemstones, natural fur, and even gold inlays.
Types of Dog Show Collars & Leads
Many professional handlers and owners have their own secrets and little tricks in selecting gear for Dog Shows. Their choice depends on the specific dog breed, the degree of dog training, the handler’s advice, and the taste of the owner for sure. For large and smooth-haired dogs like Sighthound or Labrador, the dog show collar chains and martingale dog show collars are used, the thin leather collars and leashes are in favor for Terriers, while for dwarf dog breeds like Chihuahua or Cardigan Welsh Corgi, the owners select nylon ropes and martingale snake chain dog show collars. Let’s review them in more detail.
- Martingale dog show collar. These are extremely popular for large dog breeds and dogs with narrow heads, like hounds, for instance, as well as anxious or fearful dogs to prevent them from slipping out. They are safe and effective collars designed to keep your puppy/dog under control without being as risky. Traditionally, they are made from genuine leather, accented with a martingale metal loop. Often, the leather loops of such dog show collars are embellished with metal insets like rivets, studs, or rhinestones.
- Martingale lead. The accessory is a ‘two-in-one’ collar & leash and works similarly to a Martingale collar. Dog show gear is usually made of either genuine leather (a leather slip collar) or metal (a dog snake chain collar) with two end rings (or plastic tube), one of which slides down the lead to keep the collar in place. Such a martingale lead fits almost any dog breed but is commonly used for toy breeds in the show ring. The collar portion slips over the head, tightens when the lead is pulled, and prevents the dog from slipping off.
- Martingale chain. One of the Martingale dog show collar varieties is the twin- or triple-row martingale collar with limited traction to prevent accidental choking, representing the premium selection for showing your dog. Usually, such collars are made from superior materials (stainless steel or solid brass) in gold or silver color. The martingale chains are flattened for a very smooth, slimline feel, which adds to the visual impact of this stunning show collar. Such dog show gear offers modern style, exceptional functionality, and uncompromising quality.
- Cords. These leads can be made from a braided material such as polypropylene knit, cotton, nylon, rope, etc. They are lightweight, elastic, yet strong. The leads come in different thicknesses and fit most size breeds (except giant breeds), especially small breeds. They drape well over the dog’s withers.
- Handmade dog show collars & leashes. This category comprises artisanally crafted or custom-made personalized dog show collars and leads. Usually, the artisans embellish such distinctive leather or metal leads with unique nameplates, ornaments, filigree, stones, pendants, tags, and other unusual tricks. They customize each accessory to the dog’s temperament, build, age, and disposition, as requested by the dog owner.
Dog Snake Chain Collar as the Handiest and Aesthetic Dog Show Accessory
Following the Dog Show etiquette and the concept of aesthetics, the dog show lead should be as thin as possible. The snake chain show choke collars meet this criterion perfectly, offering optimum elegance in the show ring to the puppy. Such leads do not distract a dog and absolutely do not interfere with it following all the handler commands. On the contrary, the dog show collar chains can enhance your dog’s movement, shoulder placement, neck shape, and head shape. The leads feature lightness and ultra-smoothness. They look extra refined and elegant and perfectly suit all dog breeds, colors, ages, and genders. If you ask your local ring expert for suggestions, he will definitely say, “Yes, this accessory is the best choice for your doggie to show off in public & get bonuses from the jury!”
Some Tips Before Purchasing the Right Dog Show Collar and Lead
Pet stores are overflowing with a variety of different dog show leads. Sometimes knowing which one best suits your dog, and primarily, which is reliable and trustworthy, is a hard decision, whether it is classic or ultra-fashionable, leather or metal, budget-friendly or out of the box. Many men, many minds. However, before purchasing, learn the yardsticks to filter out the right accessory for your lovely pet:
- Product quality is what you can’t compromise. Shop for top-quality pet gear completed with industry-specific certifications from reputed brands and manufacturers.
- Material, the dog show collar and leash made, determines the durability and safety of the dog show equipment, and it must be genuine and hypoallergenic.
- The lead’s features should be merited and benefit your dog, comfortable to set up, convenient to use and maintain as well as and fit well in the correct size.
- Dog show gear should fit in size, sit tightly enough so your dog can’t easily slip out of it.
- The lead color depends on your preferences, but select it due to the color of your dog’s coat.
- Cost does not always justify the quality. Don’t go for the expensive lead. It’s no guarantee it is the best one on the list. The cheapest product isn’t also your option. Find the right balance between the cost and the product specifications. Choose the dog show lead that provides the best value for the money.
- Browse customer reviews to know the pros and cons of the product. Look into the details of the customer feedback, their good or bad experiences regarding the same aspect of the product.
- Ask for advice from professionals – dog trainers and breeders, having experience of similar events and probably knowing all about the pitfalls of the Dog Show.
- And finally, visit a Dog Show, particularly a showing of your breed, to see various types of dog show pet gear that the dog owners use for their pets. You’ll get an idea of what your dog breed tends to be shown in and which dog show collars and leads are in trend nowadays.
A Dog Show is a fantastic event inherent with passion, a spirit of competition, a thirst for victory, months of training, and beauty. We wish you and your 4-paw friend successful performances and achievements at Dog Shows!
