If you’ve got a little mate, a Dachshund, Chihuahua, Mini Foxy, or any other pint-sized pup, you already know that finding the right collar isn’t as simple as grabbing whatever’s on the shelf at the pet store.
Small dogs have different needs. Their necks are more delicate. Their skin can be more sensitive. And let’s be honest, they deserve something that looks as good as they do.
That’s exactly why we created The Dashie Collar here at CG Creations. It’s designed specifically for small breeds, and it’s become one of our most popular items for good reason.
But before you buy any leather collar for your little one, here are seven things you really should know.
1. Weight Matters More Than You Think
Ever tried wearing a chunky necklace all day? It gets uncomfortable pretty quick, right?
Now imagine that around the neck of a dog that weighs less than a bag of flour.
Heavy collars can cause real problems for small dogs. We’re talking neck strain, discomfort, and in some cases, restricted breathing. Those big, bulky collars you see on Kelpies and German Shepherds? They’re not built for your Dachshund.
When we designed The Dashie Collar, weight was one of the first things we considered. We use just enough leather to be durable without adding unnecessary bulk. The result is a collar that sits comfortably on your dog’s neck all day: whether they’re napping on the couch or tearing around the backyard.
2. Width: Getting It Right for Small Necks
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realise: collar width isn’t just about looks. It’s about function and comfort.
For small dogs: especially those weighing under 10kg: a narrower collar is almost always the better choice. We’re talking widths around 12mm to 19mm (half to three-quarter inch).
Why? A collar that’s too wide can:
- Restrict your dog’s head movement
- Rub awkwardly against their chin or chest
- Create pressure points on their delicate trachea
The Dashie Collar comes in at a width that’s perfectly suited for small breeds. It’s wide enough to be sturdy and visible, but narrow enough that it won’t get in the way of your pup living their best life.
3. Softness: Why Full-Grain Leather Wins Every Time
Not all leather is created equal. And when it comes to your small dog’s sensitive skin, quality matters.
Those cheap, mass-produced collars you find at big-box stores? They’re often made from bonded leather or synthetic materials that can be stiff, scratchy, and irritating. They might look okay at first, but they don’t soften over time: and they can cause rashes or hair loss around your dog’s neck.
Full-grain leather is different. It’s the real deal: the top layer of the hide, with all its natural strength and flexibility intact.
Here’s the thing about full-grain leather: it actually gets better with age. It starts out slightly firm (not stiff like the cheap stuff), then softens and moulds to your dog’s neck over the first few weeks. It becomes totally unique to your pup.
At CG Creations, we only use full-grain leather for our dog collars. It’s more comfortable, more durable, and honestly, it just looks better.
4. Hardware: Built for Strength and Safety
Let’s talk about the metal bits: the buckle, the D-ring, and any other hardware on the collar.
For small dogs, you want hardware that’s:
- Lightweight (so it doesn’t weigh down the collar)
- Strong (so it doesn’t snap when your pup lunges at a passing magpie)
- Rust-resistant (because Aussie weather can be brutal)
Our heavy-duty hardware ticks all three boxes.
It’s designed to be lightweight but still incredibly strong. It won’t rust, even if your dog loves a good splash in the creek. We use only high-quality metal components on The Dashie Collar and all our other dog collars.
5. Personalisation: Make It Theirs
There’s something special about a collar with your dog’s name stamped right into the leather.
It’s not just about looks (though it does look pretty great). It’s practical too. If your little escape artist ever gets out, a name stamped into the collar won’t fall off or fade like a metal tag can.
We hand-stamp every personalised collar here in our Wagga Wagga workshop. You can add your dog’s name, your phone number, or both. Each letter is pressed into the leather one at a time, so every collar is genuinely one-of-a-kind.
It’s a small touch that makes a big difference: and it’s included as an option on The Dashie Collar.
6. Longevity: One Good Collar Beats Ten Cheap Ones
Let’s do some quick maths.
A cheap synthetic collar from the pet store might cost you $15-20. But how long does it last? Six months? A year if you’re lucky? The plastic buckle cracks, the fabric frays, and before you know it, you’re back at the shop buying another one.
Over your dog’s lifetime, that adds up: not just in dollars, but in trips to the store and collars ending up in landfill.
A quality handmade leather collar costs more upfront, sure. But it’s built to last years. We’re talking a decade or more with proper care. The leather ages beautifully, the hardware stays strong, and you’re not constantly replacing it.
That’s the kind of quality we aim for with every piece we make.
7. Measuring: Get the Fit Right the First Time
Nothing’s worse than ordering a collar online and having it arrive too big or too small.
For small dogs, getting the fit right is especially important. Too loose, and they’ll slip right out of it. Too tight, and you’re causing discomfort.
Check out our articleon how to get the perfect fit Here
If you’re ever unsure, just get in touch with us. We’re happy to help you figure out the perfect size before you order.
The Dashie Collar: Built for Small Breeds
We created The Dashie Collar because we saw too many small dogs wearing collars that just weren’t right for them: too heavy, too wide, too stiff, with dodgy hardware that rusted after a few months.
The Dashie is:
- Lightweight full-grain leather
- Narrow enough for small necks without sacrificing durability
- Fitted with heavy-duty, rust-resistant hardware
- Available with hand-stamped personalisation
- Handmade right here in Wagga Wagga
It’s named after the Dachshund, but it’s perfect for any small breed: Chihuahuas, Mini Foxies, Maltese, Cavoodles, Jack Russells, and more.
Ready to Upgrade Your Pup’s Collar?
Your little mate deserves better than a mass-produced collar that’ll fall apart in six months.
Check out our full range of handmade leather dog collars, including The Dashie Collar, and find something that’s built to last.
Got questions about sizing or personalisation? We’re always happy to help: just drop us a message and we’ll sort you out.
