Top 11 Best Collars for German Shepherd in 2023

German Shepherds are popularly known for their muscular body, intelligence, and courage. It’s no wonder they are highly sought out for in the protection field.

However, German Shepherds can still make a great family pet with a bit of extra training. And this is where a dog collar steps in.

A dog collar is meant to provide you with more control over your German shepherd as it comes with leash attachments. It also helps in identifying your large dog if they happen to wander off.

Unfortunately, finding the right collar for your GSD is not as easy as you might think. Some may not last more than a month and others might not fit properly.

So, what’s the best collar for German shepherd dogs? You might ask. Well, it should be one that:

• Doesn’t harm your dog
• Be comfortable to wear all-day
• Fit correctly
• Be made of long-lasting materials

That said, we’ve outlined some of the best collar options in the market that are designed for German Shepherds. Let’s check them out!

Best-Rated GSD Collars: Comparison Table

We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best collar for your German shepherd. It does not matter whether it’s an adult or a puppy. The collars are available in all sizes.

#	Name	Color	Price
1	Gentle Leader Headcollar, No-Pull Dog Collar by PetSafe	Deep Purple	Check Price
2	Military Adjustable Dog Collar by OneTigris	Black	Check Price
3	Heavy Duty Leather Dog Collar by REDLINEK	Black	Check Price
4	Smart Dog Collar with GPS Tracker by Link AKC	Leather	Check Price
5	Adjustable Tactical Dog Collar by Yunlep	Coyote Brown	Check Price
6	Bark Collar Dog Bark Collar Rechargeable Shock Collar by Authen	Black	Check Price
7	Big Dog Harness Soft Reflective No Pull Vest by EXPAWLORER	Black	Check Price
8	Dog Training Collar – Rechargeable Dog Shock Collar by DOG CARE	Black	Check Price
9	Military Dog Collar Adjustable Nylon k9 Tactical Dog Collar by JiePai	Coyote Brown	Check Price
10	Essentials 20+ Colors Classic Dog Collars by Blueberry Pet	Turquoise	Check Price
11	Best Padded Comfort Cushion 3M Reflective Dog Collar by Chai’s Choice	Orange	Check Price

Best Collar for German Shepherd

1. PetSafe No-Pull Gentle Leader Head Collar

PetSafe has a full line of dog equipment that is made to be durable. The Gentle Leader Headcollar is one of our favorites as it boasts a comfortable fit.

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The collar is made from a neoprene padded nose loop plus a head collar. Ideally, the loop helps put pressure on the back of your dog’s neck rather than the throat. As a result, you don’t have to worry about coughing and chocking.

What’s more? This collar does not only provide a perfect fit but it’s also easy and quick to fit. This is all thanks to the quick-snap neck strap and an adjustable nose loop it comes with.

Pros

• Fits petite pups and adult German Shepherds
• Helps control any unwanted behaviors
• Trainer and vet recommended
• Includes one-year chew damage replacement at a small fee
• Comfortable to wear up to 18 hours a day

Cons

• Looks like a muzzle although it’s not

2. OneTigris Military Dog Collar

Featuring top-notch materials, this collar is made with both comfort and durability in mind. To start with, it boasts five adjustable points to allow for a comfortable fit.

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More importantly, the OneTigris collar includes a thick nylon strap and a soft padded inner lining. This ensures optimal comfort while also preventing any irritation.

Additionally, the collar comes with a metal buckle and heavy-duty metal D ring so you can attach a leash. Besides, it features a hook and loop so you can add morale or name patches.

Pros

• Available in medium and large sizes
• Made of soft cushion padding for maximum comfort
• Easy to adjust to ensure a perfect fit
• Constructed from durable nylon fabric
• Comes in many different colors to choose from

Cons

• Metal pieces may start to rust with time

3. RedLine K9 2” Leather Dog Collar

Looking for a collar that will provide you with strong control over your German Shepherd during training? Well, the RedLine collar might just be what you need.

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The collar is constructed using heavy-duty Latigo leather that is both durable and soft on your dog’s skin. On top of that, it boasts a heavy layer of felt designed to minimize stress on the dog’s necks.

As if that’s not enough, the collar comes with a convenient handle and a leash ring for added control during training. This makes it a great professional level training collar.

Pros

• Felt has a soft lining for optimal comfort
• Boasts sturdy stitching for long-lasting performance
• Makes it easy to control your GSD
• Skin-friendly
• Comfortable to hold

Cons

• Only available in a single color

4. Link AKC Leather Smart Dog Collar

Equipped with a GPS tracker, the Link AKC collar allows you to track your dog’s location, activity, and much more. Besides, the tracker enables you to record and even share all adventures with your German Shepherd.

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Additionally, the collar is available in two styles to choose from including classic leather and sports collar. Basically, the classic leather collar is made from leather material while the sports collar boasts a reflective fabric stretch sleeve.

More importantly, the Link AKC collar is designed to be waterproof up to three feet for 30 minutes. As if that’s not enough, it is naturally curved so it can comfortably fit the contours of your GSD neck.

Pros

• Durable but still fashionable
• GPS provides fast and accurate tracking
• Includes safety features like temperature alerts
• Correct size guaranteed
• Has LED light for ease of visibility at night

Cons

• GPS may not provide accurate activity tracking
• Has a poor battery life

5. Yunlep Tactical Military Dog Collar

The Yunlep dog collar highlights a dog-friendly design plus a durable construction. Not only is it made of high-quality 1000D nylon material but it also comes with a heavy-duty metal buckle. As such, it’s very hard to break thereby providing more security for your GSD.

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What’s more? It comes with a control handle which allows you to grab your German Shepherd from the collar. Also included is a D-ring so you can attach a dog leash.

And you know what the best part is? The collar boasts a magic sticker on the back where you can attach your dog’s name, badges or ID patch. This way, if your GSD gets lost, it can be easy to find him.

Pros

• Light in weight and extremely comfortable
• Easy to adjust so you get a perfect fit
• Silent when your GSD is running
• Won’t cut your dog’s neck
• Sturdy and super durable

Cons

• May not fit true to size
• A little bit abrasive for some dogs

6. Authen Barking Control Training Collar

Here is yet another great dog collar for your German Shepherd. Featuring five adjustable sensitivity control levels, the collar is designed to help stop barking without causing any harm.

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What’s more? The Authen collar boasts three training modes including vibration, beep, and harmless static shock. Best of all, it allows you to freely choose the best mode and level depending on your needs.

As if that’s not enough, the collar is made using IP67 waterproof material. Therefore, you can use it both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.

Pros

• Fits all dog sizes between 7 and 120 lbs
• Comes with a built-in rechargeable battery
• Strong vibration
• Has a reflective nylon tape for better visibility
• No harm shock

Cons

• Doesn’t activate sometimes when needed

7. EXPAWLORER Dog Harness

Combining comfort and durability, the EXPAWLORER harness could make a great collar for your German Shepherd. It is equipped with a quick buckle that allows for easy wear. Besides, the harness boasts an adjustable buckle for ensuring a perfect fit.

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Additionally, this collar features a no-pull design which enables your GSD to move more freely. On top of that, it comes with a sturdy rubber ring to ensure effective control of your dog. You can also connect a dog leash to the ring.

Also included with the harness is a reflective tape that ensures better visibility of your GSD during nighttime activities. As a result, your dog will be safer and more secure.

Pros

• Available in a variety of colors and styles
• Includes a sturdy rubber handle for quick grabbing
• Made from durable and top-notch nylon
• Provides you with better control of your dog
• Comfortable and highly breathable

Cons

• Straps are not sturdy enough
• Could use more reflective material

8. Dog Care Rechargeable Dog Training Shock Collar

Whether your GSD has uncontrollable behavior problems or not, this Dog Care is worth considering. It has three training modes including vibration, shock, and beep to help you teach your German Shepherd basic obedience commands.

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And you know what the best part is? The collar supports up to 9 dogs training using just a single remote transmitter. So, if you’ve more than two dogs, this Dog Care training collar for German Shepherd might just be what you need.

Last but not least, the collar enables wireless control for up to a remote range of 330 yards. So, you can train your German Shepherd in the backyard or park.

Pros

• Security keypad lock to prevent accidental shock
• The receiver is IP65 waterproof
• Both transmitter and receiver are rechargeable
• Made of strong ABS materials
• Delivers a clear and stable signal

Cons

• Battery life is not exactly as advertised
• The receiver feels a bit bulky on the collar

9. JIEPAI Military Adjustable Dog Collar

Featuring a simple design, this military dog collar for German Shepherd is made with comfort in mind. To begin with, it features a soft padded lining that prevents chafing for your German Shepherd’s skin.

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Best of all, the JIEPAI collar has five adjustable points plus a double pin buckle. These two features allow you to easily adjust the collar’s length as desired. As such, it can fit both medium and large dogs.

More importantly, the collar is constructed from 1000D nylon materials with quality stitching to ensure long-lasting performance. It also comes with a heavy-duty metal D-ring plus a metal buckle for added durability.

Pros

• Hook and loop panel for attaching military patches
• Easy to add a dog leash
• No noise when the dog runs
• Does not cause skin irritations
• Boasts durable construction

Cons

• Buckle pins are a little bit thin and can be hard to engage

10. Blueberry Pet 22 Colors Classic Collars

Available in many solid colors, this collar packs a lot of punch. It comes with a matching harness or leash to complete the stylish look. Unfortunately, both the harness and leash are sold separately.

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Also, the collar is made from nylon fabric coupled with high-density webbing to ensure optimal durability. Also, it boasts a metal D-ring that is coated with chrome for long-lasting performance.

More so, it is designed to fit properly to ensure there is no room for your German Shepherd to chew. However, the collar does not really stretch itself so you should make sure to get the right fit.

Pros

• Light in weight for a comfortable wear
• No fraying of the collar’s fabric
• Buckles are made using eco-friendly plastic
• Available in 22 vibrant colors to choose from
• Has a super strong clasp

Cons

• Might be small for a fully-grown German Shepherd

11. Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Collar

This is a premium pet collar that is not only ideal for a German Shepherd but also for other pets like cats. Featuring a mesh padding that is both soft and breathable, the collar is designed to provide comfortable wear.

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What’s more? The Chai’s Choice collar boasts a nylon webbing together with a 3M reflective material for added safety. Ideally, the reflective material ensures better nighttime visibility as you walk your GSD.

Finally but most importantly, the collar comes with a sturdy stainless steel ring for attaching a leash. On top of that, the ring boasts a pretty large loading capacity for stronger dogs.

Pros

• Padded for extra comfort
• Greatly reduces irritation from rubbing
• Available in many beautiful colors
• Offers lots of adjustment room
• Sturdy and secure
• Boasts a great closure design

Cons

• Not sized correctly
• Too wide for a small GSD

Buying Guide- What to Look Out for

There are a variety of collars available to choose from in the market. Unfortunately, not every collar that looks good is right for your GSD.

So, here are some key points to keep in mind while looking for the best collar for your German Shepherd.

Type of Collar

Dog collars come in various types. The most common ones include tactical collars, training collar, standard collar, martingale collar, vibrating E-collar, and gentle leader collar. Each of these collars serves a different purpose. For instance:

(1) Training collar

This type of collar is best suited for teaching dogs not to pull on the leash. It features a metal chain that is designed to clinch once the dog or the dog owner pulls on it. However, it needs to be used with caution to ensure you don’t injure your dog’s neck muscles or bones.

(2) Standard Collar

A standard collar boasts a simple buckle connection coupled with a D-ring for attaching dog tags. It is highly adjustable so it can fit your GSD correctly. Also, the collar is best suited for any German Shepherd who doesn’t pull on the leash.

(3) Gentle Leader Collar

This collar looks like a muzzle probably because it wraps around your GSD’s muzzle, behind the head, and under their ears. It is designed for a German Shepherd that likes pulling on the leash. It works the same as a head collar

(4) Martingale Collar

A martingale dog collar is simply a cinching collar that works by tightening once the dog pulls on the leash. The tightening helps prevent your GSD from slipping out of the collar.

(5) Vibrating E-Collar

This type of collar is built to vibrate when triggered via remote control. Basically, the vibrating sensation helps you get your dog’s attention. And as a result, you’re able to give your dog a command or correct him.

(6) Tactical Collars

Tactical or military collars are specifically made for protection, K9, service type work, and military. They have high tensile strength, great handling plus buckling capabilities.

Size

Another factor worth considering is the size of the collar. This is because German Shepherds have a thick neck and a unique head shape.

So, you may need to get a measuring tape and measure the diameter of your GSD neck. And for best results, we recommend you get an adjustable collar. This way you can be sure to get the right fit by adjusting its size.

Material of the Collar

The material of the collar determines its durability. Generally, most collars are made from nylon material as it is not only durable but also has water-resistant properties.

Some collars, on the other hand, are made of metal because this material is quite tough. These types of collars are best suited for large dogs with extreme behavioral problems. However, they should not be worn for extended periods.

Lastly, there are collars constructed of leather. Leather collars are soft on the skin, durable, and looks beautiful. However, they are pricey.

Comfort Level

The last feature to take into account is the comfort level of the collar. Generally speaking, some collars made from rough materials usually leave chaff marks behind.

Therefore, you should look for collars with padded linings because they won’t cause any skin irritation. Besides, you might want to consider collars whose straps are made of thick materials and are also adjustable for added comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Now let’s have a quick look at some of the common questions dog owners ask about best collars for German Shepherd.

Q: Are shock collars safe for German Shepherds?

A: Yes they are if used in the right manner. However, they are not highly recommended because they may cause physical pain to the dog if not used properly.

Q: Are Martingale collars cruel?

A: No they are not. Therefore, they are ideal for training as well as control. Nevertheless, Martingale collars may pose a danger to your GSD if not used properly.

Q: How tight should a dog collar be?

A: It should fit snuggly to avoid making your dog feel restricted or uncomfortable. Basically, you should be in a position to fit your two fingers under the collar while your dog is wearing it.

Our Top Pick Collar for German Shepherds

There is no doubt that all the above collars are the best on the market. So, regardless of which collar you choose, you will be getting a good deal.

Nevertheless, we think that the RedLine K9 Leather Collar is the overall best. We love that it is made from heavy-duty leather for maximum durability. Not to mention, it boasts a felt-lined for added comfort around the neck area.

Conclusion

Getting a dog collar for your German Shepherd is essential for any owner. The collar makes walking and training your GSD a lot easier for both you and your pooch. However, whichever collar you choose it can either make or break your experience with your GSD. Therefore, you must choose the best collar for German Shepherd like the ones we’ve reviewed in this guide.