leather collar question

[benelli]

Might be a silly question, but I'll ask anyway.

I like the looks of leather collars and, from the threads on here in the last couple of weeks, picked one I think I would like to buy, but I'm curious about how "gentle" you have to be with them. Right now we have one of the plastic-y sort of collar that is completely maintenance-free. I don't mind saddle-soaping a leather collar every now and then, if that's all that's required. But what if your dog goes swimming or something? Do you swap our your leather collar for a plastic/nylon one before working in the water? Or do you just clean up the collar afterwards? What about regular hunting trips and that sort of thing?

I guess my main question is, do you actually USE the leather collar or is it more just because it looks sharp, and you use a lower-maintenance collar when your dog is out getting dirty?

Thanks!

[jimbo&rooster]

Depends on the collar. Our hounds used to wear heavy collars all the time. Harness or bridle leather is pretty good stuff it will last quite a while in all conditions. Cheap leather collars are just that.

[GSP7]

I dont do anything to a leather collar. Put it on the dog and forget it.

The $10 + harness leather collars I like better than the high dollar ones . I have bought both the L.C.S. grand nationals, and the ones from Gundog supply. I was told the Latigo ones are thinner less quality(never bought those)

For a long time I used the L.C.S. day-glow plastic ones. Decided to go traditional leather for awhile. Variety

[shags]

Leather collars look sharp, but IME they get pretty ripe with dog smell. Not to mention what they're like after a roll in something dead or some manure or whatever dogs believe is perfumy Or after a skunk encounter

We've been using biothane or beta biothane for years now. Easy to clean, great variety of colors

[MonsterDad]

Best collar made is Permatack. $22 custom made. Nice lady named Mary in MO makes them.

I have never seen a collar made this well at any price. She even sews the material on a radius so there is little stress on the seams.

http://www.permatack.com/permatack_cove ... cd_007.htm

[Jaggerbush]

I only take my dogs leather collar off when I use my garmin alpha. I was having problems with it creating a static charge that was turning the Ecollar off. I didn't believe it when they told me that, but Garmin was right. The leather collar is holding up well and my dog swims a lot.

[jimbo&rooster]

I have never bought collars from permatack but I have several leads and some horse tack from there and I am VERY happy with it. i will continue to buy from them.

Jim

[MonsterDad]

I have never bought collars from permatack but I have several leads and some horse tack from there and I am VERY happy with it. i will continue to buy from them.

Jim

I have a double-ply blaze orange collar and it hasn't faded, or bled and cleans up like new. Its 5 years old. Really have never seen a better piece of work for a dog collar before. I also have a short leash with a police snap that is great.