Type of Show Collars

[abby's mum]

I was wondering what kind of show collars are commonly used and are popular. Does it vary by where you are from? JB Pet supplies have many, so using then as an example would be easiest. Like Nylon Ultra Braid, Parachute, Nylon choke and Snap choke. Also what kind of leads? Thanks.

[gmacleod]

I would say that a lightweight/narrow metal choke collar is the most common for showing boxers (at least in my experience - may be different elsewhere). Leads are usually lightweight dark coloured nylon. The point of both being to be as invisible as possible.
This page may help you out more: http://www.boxerworld.com/training/collars/

[JulieM]

The nylon collars are the most common here in the US, closely followed by the serpentine/hex or jewelers chain. I'll only purchase collars/leads at shows anymore, having been burned several times when what I ordered from a catalog turned out not to be what I thought it was. Happily, nearly every show has at least one vendor with collars, and the prices are usually comparable to catalog pricing.

I use only nylon or cotton on puppies, and metal for young adults who are full of energy. :smile: For my exceptionally-well-trained older bitch, I can use the thin parachute collar and lead, but she is by far the exception to the rule! Leads are also nylon, I don't think I've seen many leather leads at all in the Boxer ring. I prefer the loop-end leads, as I've had too many close calls when my thumb accidentally hit the trigger on a snap lead.

If you're using a nylon collar, the lead matches the collar. As Gwyneth said, the goal is to make it as invisble as possible, so if you've got a fawn you may want to use beige, a brindle would probably call for brown, a reverse brindle you could get away with black - and if any of the above have a collar or half-collar (show side), you want white.

[Kerry Jane]

I agree that the nylon seem to be the most common.
However, I bought Star a kangaroo braided leather collar and lead, which is white and very nice - this was after multiple nylon collar/leads started to fray after not that much use, and were looking really bad. My hope is that even though the leather was more expensive that it will last much longer.
I have also started to see a number of the professional handlers using braided leather collars/leashes.

[abby's mum]

Thanks everyone. I am hopefully going to a show this weekend so I am eager to see what they have.