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Classic, low-key collars suit some dogs perfectly. But for pups of the punk-rock persuasion, an edgier accessory is in order.
Looking for the perfect collar for your little Sid (Not So) Vicious? We’ve got you covered. From skulls to sparkles, we found the best spiked dog collars for four-legged rebels.
What is the Point of Spiked Dog Collars?
The purpose of spiked dog collars is to protect the dog’s delicate neck from attack.
Typically, it is to protect them from other dogs and wild animals, which might try to bite their neck and cause them harm if left exposed.
The spiked dog collar is, in essence, a modernized version of a gnarlier tool called the “wolf collar,” which was designed similarly to protect livestock guardian dogs from fights with wolves while on the job.
Wolf collars, or roccale in Italian, had much longer spikes that were often made entirely of metal such as steel. The metal base of the collar, where it sits on the dog’s neck, acts as an armor against punctures to the vital arteries and airway. The spikes, which often protrude a few inches, are present to prevent wolves trying to bite a dog’s neck, and injure wolves that might try.
The modern spiked dog collar serves a similar function while also taking on a more appealing appearance. The wolf collar does not need to look pretty, and often does not; rust and bent spikes are acceptable, because it does not alter the tool’s function.
Additionally, the modern spiked dog collar is much safer for wear in pet dogs. Unless a dog is a full-time worker, long and gnarly protruding spikes can do unintended damage to the handler or other animals the dog might interact with.
In the end, the spiked dog collar is a modernized form of protection for pet dogs, based on a collar meant to protect their livestock-guarding cousins.
As covered in regards to wolf collars, or roccale, spiked dog collars are actually meant to protect the wearer from potential attack. It would be very unlikely for a dog to harm themselves through wear of a spiked dog collar, as most dogs cannot twist their necks in a way that the spikes could harm their face or shoulders.
That said, there is of course a chance of a dog poking themselves on the paw or leg while trying to scratch, and this could cause a moment of discomfort. However, both spiked dog collars and their predecessor the wolf collar are specifically designed with slightly-blunted tips that prevent any significant injury from the dog grazing themselves on the spikes.
Most modern spiked collars for pet dogs will have a leather band with rivet-style spikes which, even on the most intense collars will be slightly-blunted at the tips to prevent severe injury unless the dog is being attacked.
Why Do Some Dog Collars Have Spikes:
Collars have spikes for two purposes. One purpose is practical, the other is personal preference. The first purpose is to protect a dog’s neck if they were to get in a fight with a wild animal such as a wolf or coyote. The other purpose is for style.
Spiked collars are intriguing, and they raise several questions. In this post you’ll discover everything there is to know about spiked dog collars as well as who should use them versus who shouldn’t.
Are Spiked Collars Safe For Dogs?
Spiked collars were initially used to keep dogs safe during battles. But are they generally safe for your dog to use in the modern-day? This concern is valid, yet the answer is not very simple.
Spiked collars pose little to no threat to your dog themself if they’re correctly used.
They’re even recommended if you live in a place where your dog might frequently get in contact with wild animals such as coyotes, wolves, and other wild animals that may harm or fight with your dog.
A spiked collar in such a situation would keep your dog’s vulnerable neck safe.
However, your dog’s spiked collar can leave other dogs in danger and can hurt them unintentionally.
Generally, dogs in parks like to play with each other, but a spiked collar could harm the other dog while playing around. Therefore, you might want to have another handy if you’re looking to bring your dog to the park.
FAQ
Are spike collars cruel?
Fact: Sadly, this is a false statement that’s been perpetuated by aversive trainers. Even properly fitted prong collars dig into the sensitive skin around the neck, risking severe damage to the thyroid, esophagus, and trachea.