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Wherever you see a dog they’ll almost always have a collar on. There are tons of different types of collars for people to style their dog in. But why do some collars have spikes? Are spiked collars dangerous for the dog and the people around them?
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.
Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
What’s The Purpose Of a Spiked Dog Collar?
Spiked collars date back to ancient Greece, where they were used as neck armors for dogs during herding and flocking. Dogs are beneficial animals in this matter. They bark and aware everyone in case of a threat.
The neck is an unprotected and vulnerable spot on dogs. Spiked collars protect brave dogs during a fight with predators such as wolves.
Spikes around the dog’s necks drastically increase the chances of survival in case of a fight.
Nowadays, these collars are usually used for fashion purposes. However, they also serve their original purpose of keeping necks and throats safe in the event of fighting off a wild animal.
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.
Related Reading: Do Dog Collars Cause Tracheal Collapse? (The Truth)
How Does a Spiked Dog Collar Work?
A spiked collar, also known as a wolf collar, is primarily used to prevent wolves from attacking dogs. These collars usually have a thick leather base strap with spikes made from different metals such as steel on top of them.
The most common reason in the past for a dog to wear a spiked collar was for protecting livestock from wolves.
The spikes on these collars act as armor for your dog. In case of an attack or a fight, the spikes on the collar protects your dog’s neck, throat, and carotid arteries from harm and injuries. If they’re sharp and long enough, the spikes can even injure the predator trying to attack.
Who Should & Who Shouldn’t Use a Spiked Dog Collar?
Whether your dog is better using a spiked collar or not varies depending on your circumstances.
Some people could benefit from using a spiked collar on their dog, while some should give it a second thought.
If you live in a place with wild animals around and there’s a possibility of your dog getting into a fight, a spiked dog collar is recommended.
Using the collar will give your dog more safety and will keep their neck and throat safe.
If your dog is trained to protect your home from thieves or potential burglars, a spike collar would be a valuable tool for them to have.
While people don’t attack by biting at their opponents throat, it will make them have to second guess how they want to get past your dog because of the threat the spikes pose.
If your dog isn’t being used for guarding purposes alongside being your companion, a spike collar isn’t necessary. If there’s no real danger your dog could potentially be in, a regular collar will suit them much better.
However, if you do choose to get a spike collar because you like the style it’s best to find one that has rounded tipped spikes like this one. This way your dog won’t accidentally poke you, your family, or any of their furry friends.
When Should Someone Consider Getting a Spiked Collar?
Spiked collars are valuable for people who live in dangerous neighborhoods or near farmland/crops.
While dog’s are seen today as lovable furry family members, they’re still extremely valuable as protectors if need be as well.
If you live in an area where you don’t feel the safest at times, bringing your dog around with you is a good idea. And helping them be as protected as possible by wearing a spiked collar is a good idea.
If you live near a vineyard or in an area that’s more country than city, a spiked collar for your dog might be a good idea. Wild animals are much more common here and if you’re letting your dog out at night it’s best that they’re protected.
Wild animals are unpredictable and a spiked collar could help your dog win a fight and save their life.
Are Spiked Dog Collars Illegal?
Spiked collars are not illegal to be used on dogs.
Spiked collars pose no threat to the dog they’re being used on. They’re designed to prevent other animals from being able to bite a dog’s neck.
This is why it’s not necessary for spiked collars to be used unless they frequently come in contact with wild animals.
Less sharp, rounded tipped spike collars are more of a fashion statement in urban areas that aren’t harmful to the dog or anyone who touches the spikes.
At times, there can be confusion between the prong and spiked collars. A large population considers pinch and prong collars to be inhumane and wants them to be banned. However, spiked collars don’t pose any such threat to dogs and are safe when properly used.
Related Reading: Are Quick Release Dog Collars Safe? (The Truth!)
Differences Between a Spiked Collar And a Prong Collar
Spiked collars have a thick leather strap with spikes on their outer surface. Their purpose is to add safety when your dog gets in a fight or from attempts of theft.
In addition, they protect your dog’s neck and throat from predators.
Prong collars are used to teach discipline and prevent your dog from pulling. They usually don’t have a leather strap and are made of metals like steel with prongs on their inner surface.
These prongs pinch the skin on a dog’s neck when they pull and can be harmful to your dog’s neck and throat.
The most obvious difference between these two collars is that one has spikes on the outside of the collar and one has them on the inside. One protects your dog from attackers and the other attempts to stop them from pulling.
Best Spiked Dog Collar
It’s important to watch out for the cheap spiked collars. A low-quality spiked collar made cheaply won’t be able to protect your dog as the collar is supposed to.
In our opinion, the best spiked collar is the PET ARTIST Leather Spike Dog Collar.
This heavy duty collar has the perfect design to keep your dog safe from being bitten by other animals. It acts as a strong piece of armor around your dog’s neck that will defend their neck against attackers.
It also makes your dog look like a warrior who’s ready to defend their loved ones at any moment.
Final Thoughts
Some collars have spikes on the outside to help protect the dog wearing the collar.
They’ve been used for hundreds of years by farmers to equip their herding dog with the ability to fight off predatory wolves attempting to eat their livestock or harm the dog guarding them.
Spiked collars are still used in cities even though there’s no wild animals to fend off. In these instances the spiked collar is used because the owner likes the style of the collar. In this case the spikes would be much more rounded and less dangerous.
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