eBay Guides - HoundWear's Guide to Martingale Collars

The Martingale collar is a traditional design of collar created for sighthound breeds like the Greyhound and whippet which have a head size the same width as their neck. Dogs with long, slim necks and small heads require this type of collar because they can "back out" and escape from traditional buckle collars that fit around wider part of the center neck area.

Good Quality Martingale collars are constructed on an Industrial Sewing Machine with industrial strength thread that is much too thick and strong for use in any home sewing machines. For Safety Reasons one should NEVER purchase a martingale collar that has been sewn on any home machine or attempt to make one for their pet unless the proper materials, machine, thread and stich is used. It doesn't matter how "strong" the webbing may claim to be, the collar is only as strong as the sewn seam. Also be wary of "zigzag stitching" that repeatedly peirce's and weakens the webbing. The base or inside of a martingale collar should also contain nylon or polypropylene webbing for strength. The outside is typically decorated with decorative fabric or ribbon. If your dog has a sensitive neck it is also recommended to purchase a collar that is lined. The reason for this is because friction from the webbing in some cases, can strip or damage the the fur around the neckline.

Some Martingale Collar Designs:

1. Custom Fit > 2. Adjustable > 3. Coursing Slip Lead >

Martingales with an attached leash can be designed with a loop system for walking or as a slip leash for lurecoursing [picture 3 above]

The basic and most popular design sold today is a series of slides or rings on either side of the base, with one slide used for sizing adjustment and a D ring to attach the leash [picture 2 above]. This design allows you to adjust the collar for an exact fit for your dog and it can be re-adjusted/sized for another pet with a similar neck sizing range.

Fitting

A martingale collar should be adjusted for a snug fit around the base of the neck where it meets the head. This area is slightly smaller than the width of the head and neck. In the normal position the collar will rest comfortably on the base of the neck. When the animal pulls forward the loop above the base of the collar tightens and acts similar to a choke collar. The martingale collar however is much more gentle and humane on the animal because it will only tighten to the exact size you have adjusted for your dog. The width of the collar also displace's pressure over a larger surface area. The wider the collar, the more gentle it is on your dog.

Choke collars which are narrow and have no adjustment continue to become smaller and smaller with increased pressure. This can lead to airway obstruction or tracheal damage in severe instances. I would personally never recommend narrow metal or "rope style" choke collars to be worn by greyhounds. Greyhounds have a very low body fat ratio and not much padding of "fat and fur" to protect the trachea or neck from the extreme pressure that could be exhibited wearing a choke collar. Good control for training of a unruly dog on leash can be successfully achieved using a 1" martingale style collar or a harness.

Martingale collars most often used with sighthounds or lurchers but can also be used with other breeds with long, slim necks.

10-13" whippet

13-17" greyhound, saluki, afghan hound, pharoah hound, vizsla & ibizan

15-21" rhodesian ridgeback, dalmation & doberman

20-25" wolfhound, deerhound & great dane

HoundWear has a wide selection of Leather, Reflective, Fun & Decorative Martingale collars available in 1.5" & 2" widths. Special orders are also welcome.