When going through the process of choosing new dog collars for your precious pup, something that can make a huge difference in comfort, safety, and sustainability is the type of leather that you decide on.
We all know that leather is a super sturdy, durable, and stylish option for pet accessories, but did you know that now all leather is created equally? Here are some pointers on how you can make the best choice for you and your dog.
The Importance Of Material Quality
The quality of leather that a collar is made from literally dictates every aspect of it, from durability to comfort and more. ‘Real’ leather, as in material from animal hide, is the most popular choice due to the strength it has and its natural feel.
What you need to pay attention to is the way in which this leather is processed. Vegetable-tanned leather, for example, is widely regarded as the best choice for pet accessories because it does not use any harmful chemicals in its tanning process, making it eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.
What Is Vegetable Tanned Leather?
Vegetable-tanned leather is so-called because the tannins used are from natural plant sources like leaves and tree bark. As you might imagine, this method is completely free from potentially harmful chemicals like chromium, something that is commonly used in ‘traditional’ leather tanning.
The difference here is that vegetable-tanned leather is biodegradable and much safer for your dog’s skin. It also softens in a very pleasant way over time, creating the perfect for your pup’s neck.
Comparing Leather Types
When comparing products, leather quality, and tanning methods are always the key factors to consider. It is these components that dictate things like appearance, durability,y, and overall performance.
Full-grain leather is the highest quality you can hope to find, as it retains its natural grain for the best breathability and strength, and it develops a lovely patina over time that adds to both its visual appeal and functionality. Just below the ladder is top-grain leather, which is sanded and refinished for a really chic and uniform appearance.
Genuine leather takes third place, which is made by combining leftover layers. It has less durability, and will often be coated to mimic the look of a higher quality.
In terms of tanning, there is no doubt that vegetable-tanned leather is the best in the business for dog accessories. This is down to the natural plant-based tanning process that makes it both eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. Not to mention that beautiful natural patina.
The common but lesser alternative, in our minds, is chrome-tanned leather. It is treated with chromium salts that make it very soft, flexible, and water resistant, but the trade-off is a risk of irritation to your pup’s sensitive skin.
Why Sustainability Matters
There is a lot to think about when being a pet owner, so you would be forgiven for not always having sustainability at the top of your list. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that the environment is more and more on people’s minds these days.
The good news on this front is that making the simple choice of vegetable-tanned leather at The Lille Bjorn for your dog’s collar means that you are playing your own small part in the ethical battle.
