The best dog brands of 2026 (and what to avoid)
Read this before you buy your dog anything else.

A good collar shows in three things: how it's made, how it fits your dog and how well it holds up to daily use. We looked at five very different brands so you can choose the one that suits your dog, not the one that shows you the most ads.
How we chose them
- Materials that say exactly what they are.
- Buckles and rings built for real pulling.
- Sizes by neck measurement in cm, not just S, M and L.
- Design: a style of its own.
- Who it's for: each brand suits a different kind of dog and owner.
At a glance
| Brand | Based in | Best known for | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Pipoca | Lisbon | Beaded and leather collars, harnesses | Characterful design for every day |
| 2. Louisdog | Seoul, since 2001 | Luxury clothing, beds and accessories | Small dogs and a boutique look |
| 3. Free Stitch | Tokyo | Tanned leather and technical webbing | Simple, well-finished basics |
| 4. Voyager | Best Pet Supplies | Step-in mesh harnesses | A practical harness that's easy to put on |
| 5. Bark & Style | USA | Quarterly subscription box | Discovering new brands |
Before you read on: this guide was written by Pipoca Dogwear. Yes, we're on the list, which is why we also tell you, using information from their own websites, what we like about the others.
Pipoca
A brand designed in Lisbon with two very different lines: colourful beaded collars, like Alma, and leather collars with stones and studs, like Terra and Kiwi. They are completed by natural-fibre harnesses and accessory collars worn alongside the collar.
Alma Llama Red collarColourful beads · from €39.99
Kiwi collarLeather with green stones · from €39.99
Terra collarFull-grain leather · from €39.99
Nuua Coffee harnessRamie and cotton · from €49.99Black Friday at Pipoca
- Collar + lead set: free accessory collar.
- Nuua harness: free lead.
- Second collar: 20% off.
Louisdog
A South Korean brand that has been making luxury clothing, carriers, beds and accessories for dogs since 2001. It works with European fabrics and has its own stores in Korea, as well as being sold in boutiques in several cities around the world.
Free Stitch
A dog accessories brand based in Shibuya (Tokyo) and made in Japan. It offers double-layer tanned leather collars that change colour with use, and polyester webbing collars with an anti-odour treatment and reflective material.
Voyager
The harness line from Best Pet Supplies. It specialises in breathable mesh step-in harnesses (your dog steps in and it fastens on the back), with reflective bands and lots of colours.
Bark & Style
It isn't a collar brand but a US quarterly subscription box: each season it sends a selection of pieces from boutique brands (clothing, accessories and the odd treat for the owner).
What to avoid when buying a collar or harness
Whatever the brand, these are the signs that make us wary of a product.
- "Leather" with no details. If the listing just says "leather" without specifying, or mentions PU, it may be synthetic. Look for "100% leather" and, better still, the type (full-grain or vegetable-tanned): it ages well instead of cracking.
- Thin plastic or painted-metal buckles and rings. They are the first thing to break or chip. The ring the lead clips onto should be solid metal.
- Sizes by letter or weight only. Two 10 kg dogs can have very different necks. A good brand gives you the range in centimetres for the neck (and the chest, for harnesses).
- Choke, prong or shock collars. They hurt, and in Spain the Animal Welfare Law bans collars that cause a dog pain or suffering.
- Beads or decorative pieces without a strong cord. If it breaks, small pieces end up within your dog's reach. Check what the cord is made of and that the pieces are smooth, with no sharp edges.
- Clipping the lead to a decorative accessory. A decorative collar looks great, but the lead always goes on the collar or harness.
- Buying without being able to exchange the size. Even if you measure well, it happens. Before you buy, check the store has a clear exchange policy.
Frequently asked questions
Collar or harness?
For dogs that pull a lot or have neck problems, a harness is better. For dogs that walk calmly, a comfortable collar is enough. Many owners use both: a collar for the ID tag and everyday wear, a harness for long walks.
How do I measure my dog's neck?
With a flexible tape measure, where the collar sits, without pulling tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the neck. Our size guide gives you the size for every collection from a single measurement.
How much should a good collar cost?
It depends on the material: a basic nylon collar can cost very little, while a quality leather or design collar usually costs between €30 and €60. More than the price, look at the materials, the buckle and the sizing.
Going with number 1?
Find their size in a minute and make the most of Pipoca's Black Friday.
See the offersGuide written by Pipoca Dogwear (JARUCCA, LDA. · NIPC 518790436 · Rua Doutor Augusto José da Cunha 17, R/C Esq., 1495-239 Oeiras, Portugal), which appears on this list as brand no. 1. Information about other brands comes from their official websites and channels, checked in November 2026, and may change. The names and trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners; Pipoca has no commercial relationship with them. · Legal notice · Privacy · Terms