The demand for Goldendoodles is skyrocketing. These dogs' popularity jumped from position 9 in 2020 to top 5 by 2021, and ownership in the U.S. has doubled since 2016. According to Rover's latest numbers, Goldendoodle puppies are now the second most popular choice, just behind mixed breeds. And it's no wonder why.
These dogs check nearly every box for what people want in a pet: they're brilliant, obedient, friendly, and great with kids and other pets. Their eagerness to please makes them super trainable, too.
Goldendoodles also have a low-shedding coat, which makes them a great option for allergy sufferers. However, one thing to note is that they have high energy levels. Without a sturdy and comfortable collar, you're bound to struggle with keeping them in check.
These dogs are also prone to skin sensitivities and allergies, so not every "sturdy" collar will do the trick. In this guide, we'll cover what to look for in a collar perfect for your Goldendoodle and share some top picks that we've personally tested.
Best Collars for Goldendoodles
When shopping for any dog collar, the first thing to remember is your dog's unique physical and temperamental traits. That way, you'll find a collar that fits your dog's needs. Things get a bit interesting for Goldendoodles because they're hybrids, not purebreds. They're a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever.
This mix means there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to goldendoodle collars. Your dog's size varies depending on whether it takes after its Golden Retriever or Poodle parent. Plus, Poodles come in several sizes, which adds another layer to figure out what to expect with Goldendoodle sizes.
As you may know, we have the standard Poodle, miniature Poodle, and toy Poodle. Depending on the poodle's parent, we have the following goldendoodle categories.
- Standard Goldendoodle: You get a standard Goldendoodle when it's a crossbreed of the standard Poodle and Golden Retriever or when the dominant genes are from the Golden Retriever parent. Usually, these dogs weigh over 50 pounds and measure over 21 inches.
- Medium Goldendoodle: These dogs weigh 36 to 50 pounds and measure around 17 to 21 inches.
- Miniature Goldendoodle: These dogs weigh 26 to 35 pounds and measure around 14 to 17 inches.
- Petite Goldendoodle: These dogs weigh less than 25 pounds and measure less than 14 inches.
Remember that collar manufacturers usually don't include miniature and petite size categories. Instead, you'll get small, medium, large, and extra-large categories. So, when buying the collar, we recommend checking the actual neck size of your dog, depending on its category.
Beyond size, there are a few more key features to look for because of Goldendoodles' high energy, intelligence, and sensitive skin.
Sturdiness
Goldendoodles have the Golden Retriever's love for fetch and the Poodle's high energy. They need rigorous exercises and mental stimulation, which is not always available, especially when you have a demanding daily job. When you get a chance for walks, these dogs will want to use all their pent-up energy during that small window by pulling, running, and jumping.
Goldendoodles love to chew, so a sturdy collar is a must. For durability, go with a 1000D or 1050D nylon collar. The D stands for denier, a measure of thickness and toughness. 1000D is military-grade nylon, meaning it's built to withstand all kinds of rough treatment.
Note that leather and polyester just don't hold up the same way. Leather might look nice, but it cracks and weakens over time and is not chew-proof. Polyester, while light, is more prone to fraying. 1000D and 1050D nylon resist wear, stretching, and chewing far better than other materials.
Comfort
Goldendoodles are a cross between two of the most intelligent dog breeds out there. With Poodles ranked second and Golden Retrievers fourth in Coren's canine intelligence book, you're guaranteed an exceptionally clever pup, regardless of which breed's traits are more dominant.
One interesting thing about brilliant dogs is that they tend to avoid discomfort. So, if a collar isn't comfortable, expect your Goldendoodle to refuse to wear it. So, apart from sturdiness, make sure the collar is comfortable. Now, comfort in collars mainly comes down to the material and the width.
A wide collar helps spread pressure across a larger area, making it gentler. Look for collars with a soft lining to add an extra layer of comfort. The lining cushions your Goldendoodle's delicate fur, reducing the chances of irritation and hair breakage.
Water Resistance
Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers were originally bred for retrieving games from water. Golden Retrievers and standard Poodles have webbed feet, giving them an edge in the water. As a result, their Goldendoodle offspring is a natural swimmer.
So, you'll want a collar that can keep up with these dogs' love for water. Look for a collar made from nylon. Unlike leather, nylon is resistant to becoming damp, smelly, or a breeding ground for bacteria. For extra comfort, consider a collar with a neoprene lining.
Neoprene is a water-resistant material used to make wetsuits, so it holds up well in wet conditions. If your pup has neoprene sensitivity, a simple nylon collar without padding is still a great choice. A nylon collar without padding is easier to clean, dries quickly, and is more comfortable than collars with sponge padding.
Best Collars for Goldendoodles
We have given you the features to check when choosing a Goldendoodle collar, but that doesn't make picking the right collar from the many options in the market any easier. The best news is that we have already tested most of the collars, and here are the best options.
Gold Camo 2-inch Luxe Martingale Collar
Goldendoodles are a cross between two of the most active, energetic, and playful dog breeds. As a result, most Goldendoodles are hyperactive. You'll see them jumping on people, digging holes, and running around. Some of these behaviors, such as pulling on the leash, are destructive and simply annoying, and you must have a way to tame them.
The Gold Camo 2-inch Luxe Martingale Collar is the best option for training your Goldendoodle against pulling on the leash. The high energy in these dogs. As the name suggests, this is a martingale collar designed with two loops instead of one.
One loop is the standard loop that goes around the neck, just like any other collar. The other loop works like a noose. When pressure is applied to the lead, the loop tightens, creating unpleasant pressure around the neck. But we don't want you to confuse this martingale design with choke collars.
Choke collars are for aversive training and can choke your furry friend to death or injure the neck. But for this collar, the tightening is limited. The collar can't go all the way to choke your four-legged friend, however much he pulls. That means there are no choking risks even if the lead gets caught by fences and branches.
The tightening is like a gentle reminder that he's doing something wrong. However, like any other training collar, we don't recommend using this collar for tie-outs. After the training session, switch back to standard collars.
Gold Cognac 2-inch Tacti Luxe Dog Collar
Leash training makes walks easier, but it won't diminish the golden-doodle's natural, playful, and adventurous nature. That means your standard collar should still be sturdy and durable enough to withstand rough play. We don't think there is a collar that excels in these qualities more than the Gold Cognac 2-inch Tacti Luxe Dog Collar.
First, this collar is made of 1050D nylon. This is the quality of nylon used to make police belts, chainsaw chaps, and kayak covers. It's tough webbing that is resistant to fraying, abrasion, and punctures. That means your 50-pound Goldendoodle can't break it, whether he rubs against rocks or chews.
Also, this collar's D-rings, which are a weak point for most collars, are metallic and can't snap under pressure. This makes the collar foolproof in terms of durability and reliability. Something else: this collar is 2 inches wide. This is the same width used to make collars for giant and muscular breeds like the Newfoundlands, Huskies, and St Bernards.
When a medium dog like the Goldendoodle wears this wide collar, pressure is perfectly distributed around the entire neck. In turn, pressure per square inch is very minimal. This makes the collar incredibly comfortable. It can't dig into the neck skin or damage the hair.
Olive 2-inch Expedition Dual-Pinned Dog Collar
As we said, Goldendoodles have no standard size, making it hard to predict your dog's final size. Even if the breeder gives you pedigree documents showing the size category of the Poodle parent, you can't certainly know where the dominant genes come from.
Getting an adjustable collar is the ae way to ensure that the collar remains fitting even if there are variations from the expected size. Most collars have buckles that allow you to adjust for two size ranges, but we were really impressed by the adjustability of the Olive 2-inch Expedition Dual-Pinned Dog Collar.
Instead of buckles, this collar is dual-pinned like a classic nylon belt. It has around six holes, which means you have a wide range of size adjustability, just like a normal belt. The inside area of this collar is lined with neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber that is water—and sweat-resistant.
As a result, the collar doesn't absorb odors or allow mold growth. So, you won't have to deal with bad fouls after play, swimming, and rigorous exercises. The soft material shields the delicate neck hairs from the nylon webbing. As a result, your four-legged friend won't have irritations, chafing, and bald spots, even if he wears the collar all day.
Sofia 1.5-inch Tacti Lite Dog Collar
The above collars we have featured so far all have a neoprene lining to improve comfort. Unfortunately, goldendoodles are prone to skin allergies, and some might be allergic to synthetic rubbers like latex and neoprene.
The dog can also be allergic to metals used to make closures, such as nickel and chromium. Common signs that your pup is suffering from neoprene or metal allergy include:
- Recurrent skin infections
- Sores and scabs
- Patchy fur loss
- Red and inflamed skin
- Excessive itching and scratching
If you notice some or all of the above signs after your dog wears a collar lined with neoprene, the solution is to get a hypoallergenic collar. The best hypoallergenic collar we have seen is the Sofia 1.5-inch Tacti Lite Dog Collar.
This collar doesn't come with any linings or paddings, and the buckles are made of plastic instead of metal. This makes it hypoallergenic and the perfect option for Goldendoodles with sensitive skins.
Something else worth mentioning is that the nylon used is the same 1050D quality, and the plastic used to make the buckles is hardened. That means the collar is as sturdy, durable, and reliable as the above options. But without padding, the collar is more lightweight, weighing only 5 ounces. This is a perfect weight for everyday wear.
Another thing that makes this collar great for everyday wear is the handle on the top. If you're playing or walking with your dog off-leash, you can always grab this handle to gain control when necessary.
How to Properly Fit a Collar on a Goldendoodle
Goldendoodles have thick and curly coats, which make an over-the-head collar a pain to put on. That's why we recommend the above adjustable buckle collars. They are much easier to pop on and off, and you can tweak the fit as the pup grows.
Get a 14- —to 18-inch collar if it's a miniature Goldendoodle and a 16- —to 22-inch collar if it's a standard Goldendoodle. When fitting the collar, maensuret's snug but not too tight. Leave enough space to slide two fingers between the collar and the neck. This way, it's secure but won't dig in or bother the dog.
Conclusion
Goldendoodles gives you the friendly and loyal vibe of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. They're amazing family dogs, super social, and love being part of hikes, trips to the dog park, and snuggling up on the couch.
Since Goldendoodles are so playful and full of energy, you need a collar that's not just comfortable but also tough. The above collars are sturdy enough to keep up with their active lifestyle. They can withstand all the running, rolling, rough play, and nibbling without breaking or hurting the dog.