Who wouldn't love to pet a dog that is patted and praised by all? Owning a well-groomed and a healthy pet is really desirous. For instance, a tiny poodle that flaunts a pink ribbon around her neck, or a male Boxer that wears a brown studded collar around his, always appears stylish and well-tended. Thus, collars form an important part of dog accessories. Commonly a dog collar is something that a dog wears around his neck. But if we say that such collars are used as a sort of fashion garment for dogs, it would be too loose a definition. Though dog collars are used to add that glamorous touch to your pet, they also have some other vital functions. Sometimes they are used to display the owner identification or medical information tags. They are also used to control and train your dog. In these lines, we let you explore the different varieties of dog collars that are easily available in the market for your pet.

Buckle Collars/ Flat Collars
Such collars come with a buckle and are available in materials like nylon, leather, cotton, hemp, metal etc and are generally used to attach the 'pet-id'. Such collars once fastened around your pet's neck, cannot be tightened without unbuckling.

Quick Release Collars
These collars are generally flat buckle collars made of nylon. They have a plastic strap that easily buckles and unbuckles. They can be easily adjusted round your pet's neck, but cannot be tightened once fastened.

Flea Collars
Such collars are sometimes worn along with the conventional buckle collar. They are infused with various chemicals that act as flea-repellants, and hence are used as an alternative to medication and other sprays and dusts.

Break- away Collars
Such quick-release collars look like ordinary buckle collars but have a safety mechanism. The dog can break free of the collar when he applies an excessive force. This prevents choking and other accidents.

Slip Collars/ Chokers/ Choke Chains
Generally made of nylon, cotton or leather, such collars come with two rings at either ends. The collar loops through one of these rings and is connected to a leash over the back of the dog's neck. They should be tied with proper care.

Limited Slip Collars
Such collars are a combination of slip and quick-release collars. They can be easily adjusted and are suitable for dogs that often slip their collars. They tighten around a dog's neck only till a certain point and hence prevent choking.

Choke Chains
These are traditional metal training collars that are used to train dogs (especially giant dogs and dogs with a thick coat). Tying such collars on unattended dogs might sometimes lead to severe accidents. So, be careful with such a collar.

Metal Show Collars
These thin slip collars are generally made of braided nylon, cotton, leather, hex or serpentine metal chain, but are quite different from training choke chains. Such show collars are used in the conformation show rings with all, but toy dogs.

Elizabethan Collars/ Space Collars
An Elizabethan collar is actually a form of device that is attached to your dog's conventional collar. Shaped like a truncated cone, it prevents your dog from biting people or licking wounds and injuries (if any) after a surgery.

Martingale Collars/ Greyhound Collars
Quite similar to a horse's martingale; a martingale collar in dog helps you to secure control over your pet (like limited slip collars). They don't come with a buckle, but a piece of plastic tubing that prevents accidental choking.

Prong or Pinch Collars
Generally made of a series of chain links, these collars are used while training your dog. Though their function is similar to traditional choke collar, but they are much gentler and safer. Such collars should be placed high on your dog's neck.

Head Halters
Such collars are similar to the halter of a horse, and help you to gain control over your dog's head. They are fastened around the back and over the muzzle of your dog. They however, do not prevent your dog from eating or barking.

Electronic Collars/ Shock Collars
Such collars help in conditioning your pet's behavior. Tied with an electronic device, they can produce electrical stimulus, whenever your pet goes wrong. The trainer can control the device easily with the help of a remote.

Thus, it is imperative that you choose a proper dog collar depending on its function and also the nature and type of your dog. You may even extend your pet's wardrobe by buying him a wide variety of dog collars of different widths, fabrics and style. But always make sure that your pet is safe, comfortable and happy in his new accessory.