9 Best Dog Collars For Alaskan Malamutes In 2024

Today, plenty of people still own Alaskan Malamutes—even if it isn’t to haul supplies. As desirable as these dogs are, however, one thing you’ll always need to purchase with a Alaskan Malamute is a collar. Despite what some owners might say, your Mal will most likely need to wear a collar all the time.

Not only can they prevent your Alaskan Malamute from wandering too far, but they’re often a legal requirement in many places.

The good news is that you don’t need to try and figure out which collars will work best for your Alaskan Malamute and which ones won’t. We’ve already compiled a list of the best Alaskan Malamute collars as well as answers to frequently asked questions by Alaskan Malamute owners.

What To Look For When Buying A Collar For your Alaskan Malamute

Buying a collar for your Mal might seem like the most natural part of dog ownership, but it isn’t always as simple as it looks. Two main key elements can make or break a collar: durability and adjustability.

As Alaskan Malamutes grow from puppies to adults, their neck sizes will change with them. The collar you purchase for a three-month-old puppy is unlikely the same one you will use on a full-grown adult. Unless you want to keep buying collars every time your Mal grows continually, you’ll need adjustable one.

Not only will an adjustable collar save you a few bucks, but it can also help you ensure your Mal doesn’t slip out of the collar either. When your Mal first begins wearing a collar, they may spend a lot of time trying to slip out of it. If there isn’t much room for adjustment, your pup may be able to succeed at it.

Another feature to think about is durability. Even if the collar works great for your Mal, you’ll still be wasting your money if it tears or rips within a week. Generally, collars that use tear-resistant material like nylon or sturdy leather tend to be more durable than plastic or rubber.

Different Types Of Dog Collars For Alaskan Malamutes

Although most collars might look the same at first glance, there are actually several different kinds that you can purchase for your Mal. The type you need often depends on your Mal’s individual needs and temperament.

A martingale collar, for instance, is often an excellent choice for dogs that try to pull a disappearing act. Unlike a flat or rolled collar, a martingale collar will tighten when your Mal pulls on the lead. While the tightening shouldn’t choke your Mal like a choke chain might, it should be enough to prevent them from slipping out of it.

Reflective or LED collars, on the other hand, are all about keeping your Mal visible during nighttime. If a busy schedule means that you can only take your Mal out on walks in the middle of the night, you may want to invest in a light-up or reflective collar.

Not only will passing vehicles be more likely to see your pup on the sidewalk, but you’ll most likely have an easier time spotting them too if they wander off.

One controversial collar type is the electronic training collar or shock collar. Owners may use shock collars as a way to keep their Alaskan Malamutes enclosed in an electric fence, to stop excessive barking, or as a form of training.

While some Alaskan Malamutes may need the hands-on approach of a shock collar more than others, it’s important to ensure that you don’t misuse or abuse an electronic training device.

Best Dog Collars For Alaskan Malamutes

While plenty of collars might work “fine” or “okay” for your Mal, only one can be the best of the best:

Best For Every Day Use – Buckle-Down Vintage US Flag Seatbelt Dog Collar

For a collar that shows off your Mal’s patriotic pride, there’s no better option than the Buckle-Down Vintage US Flag Seatbelt Dog Collar. Designed with durable polyester webbing and a steel D-ring attachment, your Mal is unlikely to tear this collar apart anytime soon.

There’s also a patented seatbelt buckle clasp that you can use to slip the collar on and off your Mal anytime easily you need to. To do so, all you need to do is “push” the seatbelt, and it should unbuckle. Unsurprisingly, this patriotic pattern is locally made in the USA and includes six different sizes for you to pick from.

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7 More Highly Rated Dog Collars For Alaskan Malamutes

We understand that every Alaskan Malamute’s needs are a little different—which is why we’ve included all the best Alaskan Malamute collars for you to pick from.

Best Electronic Training Collar – PetSpy M686 Premium Dog Training Collar

If you plan on electronically training your Mal, safety is the top priority—which is why the top-rated PetSpy M686 Premium Dog Training Collar may be the ideal choice. Regardless of what behavior you’re trying to curb, this collar helps manage your Mal up to even 1,100 yards away.

When you need to stop your Mal from wandering too far off, barking, or acting aggressively, there are four training modes that you can use to provide a shock, vibration or sound. There are also eight different levels to help determine how much correction you want to provide too.

Since skin irritation can sometimes be an issue with electronic training collars, the PetSpy device has included specific contact points. Conductive rubber to keep the collar from causing any kind of real physical harm.

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Best No Slip Martingale Collar – Country Brook Petz Solid Martingale Dog Collar

If your Mal’s favorite trick is escaping their collar, you might want to invest in the Country Brook Petz Dog Collar. Although taking the collar on and off is almost effortless with the side-release buckle, there’s a loop that will tighten whenever your Mal tries to pull aggressively.

Keep in mind that, unlike choke or prong collars, this one should only restrict your Mal, but not actually cause them any physical pain. For additional security, there’s a place to add your Mal’s ID tag. If your Mal does happen to wander off, this safety feature can help ensure they’re returned safely.

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Best Reflective Collar – Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Collar

If you plan to take your Mal out on a few nighttime walks, you may want to look into purchasing a reflective collar like the Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Collar. This multi-colored design uses 3M reflective threads so that your Mal can stay visible at all hours of the night.

It’s also completely adjustable, and even includes a special loop for you to attach personalized pendants or identification tags. If your Mal gets up to a little too much nighttime fun, there’s no complicated cleaning process—all you need to do is pop the collar into the washing machine, and then let it air-dry.

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Best Light Up LED Collar – Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Collar

Although reflective collars stand out in low lighting, perhaps nothing shines brighter than the Blazin’ Safety LED Dog Collar. With high-quality nylon, the collar uses a light-transmitting polymer core to glow in the dark. Even if it isn’t dark out, you can still put the collar on your Mal—just don’t turn it on.

There are two different modes that you can use: a steady glow and a flash mode (if you really want to keep your Mal visible to others). While the lithium battery comes included and is designed for long-lasting use, it’s also easily-replaceable too.

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Best Leather Collar – Soft Touch Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar

While nylon collars might be known for their durability, almost nothing can beat the softness of a genuine leather collar like the Soft Touch Leather Two-Tone Padded Dog Collar. Not only does it use handmade, full-grain leather, but the inside is padded with soft sheepskin to prevent harmful skin irritation and chafing.

If you want to attach a personalized identification tag or card, you can use the brass D-ring to do so. Both the D-ring, leash attachment and buckle are lacquered to counteract rust.

Depending on your preference and your Mal’s size, it’s worth noting that the collar comes in an assortment of different colors and sizes.

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Best GPS Collar – Link AKC GPS & Activity Monitor Smart Collar

Just because your Mal isn’t able to slip the collar off doesn’t mean they can’t still pull a disappearing act with it on. In that case, the Link AKC GPS & Activity Monitor Smart Collar. When your Mal wanders off, not only will you receive an alert on your phone, but you’ll also be able to track them down too.

The Link AKC collar allows owners to download a smartphone app for tracking and uses coverage from the AT&T network. The collar is soft leather, and waterproof in conditions up to three feet so that you’ll be able to locate your pup regardless of where they end up.

Keep in mind, however, that this GPS collar does require a low-monthly service plan with AT&T—the details of which are included with purchase.

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Best For Alaskan Malamute Puppies – Sassy Dog Wear Puppy Paws Dog Collar

Although collars are important for Alaskan Malamutes of all ages, they’re especially important during those first months of leash training. If your precious pup is still growing, the Sassy Dog Wear Puppy Paws Dog Collar may be an ideal choice for you.

Not only does it use durable nylon webbing to ensure the collar can withstand any adventures your Mal might go on, but it also includes a stylish pattern as well. While the collar is designed to keep your Mal from slipping out of it, it also has a quick-release buckle so you can “dress” your Mal effortlessly.

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 Related: Best Dog Beds For Alaskan Malamutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is My Alaskan Malamute Legally Required To Wear A Collar?

You may have heard some dog owners say that it’s a legal requirement for dogs to wear collars, and there is some truth to this. In the United States, some areas may have rules about whether or not your Mal needs to be on a leash while out in public (and by association, wear a collar). If you can’t find any details about your location online, you can always try asking a local government official. More often than not, laws regarding collars and leashes are made by local governments rather than state or national ones.

What Size Collar Should My Alaskan Malamute Puppy Wear?

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to fitting your Mal puppy for a collar. In addition to every dog’s neck size being different, brands often use their own sizing systems too. What you can do is measure your Mal’s neck beforehand, and check the measurement against the product’s sizing chart to make sure you get the right size. Keep in mind that, since your puppy will continue to grow, it’s important to purchase a collar that you can adjust to a bigger size.

How Do I Know If The Collar Is Too Tight Or Too Loose?

Even if you get the right size, it’s likely that the collar you purchase for your Mal will need to be adjusted. The trick, however, is ensuring that you don’t get it too tight or not tight enough. One way to check the tightness is by putting two fingers underneath the collar. If you aren’t able to fit two fingers underneath, the collar is probably too tight. Yet, if you can fit more than two fingers easily, it might be too loose.

Does My Alaskan Malamute Even Need To Wear A Collar?

Some dog owners may even argue that you don’t even need a collar for your Mal. While your Mal may not wear their collar every second, they’re still important. In addition to any legal requirements, collars are also the perfect thing to attach ID tags to.

How Do I Know If The Collar Is Causing Irritation Or Chafing?

If you happen to notice chafe marks, redness or other skin irritation when you take the collar off your Mal, it may be due to tightness. If the collar is too tight, it can sometimes leave chafe marks behind. However, before you assume anything, it’s a good idea to schedule a vet appointment and ask a vet. In some cases, your Mal might be experiencing an allergic reaction to some of the materials or fabrics in the collar.

Conclusion

One of the first things you’ll purchase for your Mal will be a collar. While this might seem like a simple task, the different types and qualities of collars can make it challenging. You don’t need to pick something up on the shelf and hope it works. We’ve already gathered and reviewed a list of the top-rated best Alaskan Malamute collars on the market. Don’t feel shy about trying one of the products we’ve listed above.