FAQ

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a martingale collar?
Martingale collars are a safe and comfortable way for every dog to wear a collar. If your dog tends to pull on their leash, bolt after squirrels, or is capable of escape from their regular collar by backing out of it, a martingale collar may be the right choice for you and your doggie!

Martingales are necessary collars for sighthound breeds, like greyhounds and whippets, who's heads are smaller than their necks - allowing them to easily back out of regular collars. Unlike regular collars, martingales have a cinch loop that restricts when a dog pulls on a leash avoiding the possibility of escape - and relaxes when stopped or offleash.

Martingale collars allow dogs to wear their collar comfortably as it rests loosely on their necks, and tightens only when it needs to be snug around the neck. Martingales are also great for leash training and allow more flexibility than your average collar. 

How do I check my collar for a proper fit?
When pulling the D-Ring and the cinching action takes place, you should be able to place THREE fingers between the two metal slides - so they should come close but not touch. This prevents the collar from slipping off if the dogs tries to back up.

We do not recommend putting your ID tags directly on a martingale. If you do so, maybe clip them to a slider instead of where a leash would attach on the D-ring. This prevents your dog from becoming entangled in a way that would cause the martingale to tighten. We suggest using a Tag Shuttle to attach ID tags, especially if your hound switches collars often.

My dog isn't a sighthound, but I like your product. Could I use martingale collars on my Boxer or Great Dane? How about my Miniature Pinscher?
Our martingale and tag collars are ideal for any breed of dog! We have successfully outfitted nearly all breeds, from six-pound lap dogs and to Great Danes. Just send us your pet's measurements (see the sizing page) when you order so we can make sure of a good fit. Also, keep the size of your dog in mind when selecting a collar width. A 1" wide collar might look funny on a Great Dane, and you will probably want to avoid purchasing a 2" wide collar for your Shih Tzu. 

What is a Tag Collar?
Tag collars only serve two purposes - one is to safely hold ID tags and charms, and the other is to keep your hound looking fabulous! Tag collars are safe for 'round-the-clock wear because they do not have any tightening action. If an unsupervised dog wearing a tag collar becomes caught on something, they will be able to free themselves simply by backing out of the collar. Unlike martingales, tag collars cannot be attached to a leash. They are 100 percent devoted to carrying your pets ID information, which makes tag collars the most stylish and the SAFEST way to ID your hound! 

Where do I put my dog's ID tags on these collars?
We recommend that you put your tags on a Tag Shuttle for safety, then clip the TAG SHUTTLE to the D-Ring on one of our tag collars.

We do not recommend putting your tags directly on a martingale. If you do so, please clip them to a slider instead of the D-ring where a leash would attach. This prevents your dog from becoming entangled in a way that would cause the martingale to tighten.

Does Classic Hound offer Buckle/Side-Release collars?
Yes!  We are proud to offer top-of-the line all metal side-release buckles. Your pup's safety is our #1 priority, so we never use plastic hardware pieces on any of our collars or leashes. 

At just over 500 lbs. our ALL METAL SIDE-RELEASE BUCKLES are far superior to all plastic buckles, and twice as strong as most buckles on the market today. Not only are our new buckles extremely stylish and contoured for a perfect fit on your dog's neck, but they are also extremely durable and strong. Our metal buckles achieve average break strengths of over 500lbs, twice as strong as collars made with plastic side release buckles - which start to break at 100 - 300 lbs. Despite the buckle's superior strength, they remain lightweight and sleek. Available in three widths, 1 inch, 1.5 inch, and 2 inch and offered in a gorgeous high polished nickel plated finish.

How are Classic Hound collars and leashes made?
A Classic Hound collar is not just beautiful clothing for your hound - it's a critical piece of safety equipment! Every Classic Hound collar is sewn with extreme attention to detail. The core of your collar is highly dependable 600-lb. polypropylene webbing. The lining will completely wrap the core to eliminate raw edges and protect your pet's delicate neck. Each seam is created with an industrial-duty straight stitch machine, using color-coordinated heavyweight bonded nylon threads. The importance of a proper seam cannot be overstated; straight locked stitches are the strongest type, and our bonded nylon thread provides unparalleled durability under pressure. We take pains to ensure our hardware is tightly sewn in place to reduce movement and eliminate unnecessary wear and tear. Finally, each piece of solid brass or welded steel hardware is individually inspected to ensure it can withstand years of the harshest abuse. The end result is a collar we are proud to use, to sell and to stand behind. You simply can't find safer and more beautiful hound neckwear!

What is cuddleskin lining?
Cuddleskin is a thick, fleece-backed satin which is soft and smooth on your dog's neck. It is both attractive and durable, and it prevents the hair loss from chafing that lesser collars may cause. It's perfect for the collar your dog will wear on everyday walks or at frequent "dress up" occasions. It's the strongest, softest lining you can get, and it looks like pure luxury. Best of all, it's even machine washable!

I'm concerned about credit fraud when shopping online. Is Classic Hound's checkout secure?
ClassicHound.com employs SSL encryption to provide a fully secured checkout experience. We also utilize widely known and trusted online transaction handlers to process your credit card during online sales. Your information is secure when you shop with us, no matter what method you choose!

How do I clean a Classic Hound collar?
Classic Hound collars are designed for dogs, and we know that means they'll get dirty! For lightly soiled collars, we recommend spot-cleaning with a damp sponge and a little Woolite. If your collar becomes extremely soiled, machine washing on "cold" in a lingerie or delicates bag is fine, followed by drying flat (do NOT machine dry).

Do you offer Wholesale pricing?
Yes! Please email us to request our wholesale pricing and policies.