What Is the Alternative to a Breakaway Collar for Dogs?

If you’ve ever worried about your dog getting tangled in a breakaway collar-maybe after a walk near thick bushes or during play with other dogs-you’re not alone. Breakaway collars are designed to snap open under pressure to prevent choking, but they’re not always the best fit for every dog or situation. So what’s the real alternative? The answer isn’t just one product-it’s a smarter approach to safety, control, and comfort.

Why Breakaway Collars Fall Short

Breakaway collars are great for cats, but for dogs, they come with trade-offs. These collars use a plastic or metal clasp that releases when pulled with enough force. That’s useful if your dog gets caught on a fence or branch. But here’s the catch: they can open too easily. A quick tug during play, a sudden leap to chase a squirrel, or even a rough game with another dog can trigger the release. Suddenly, your dog is loose with no ID tag, no leash connection, and no way to safely guide them back.

Many dog owners in Auckland have told me they’ve lost dogs because their breakaway collar popped open at the wrong moment. It’s not rare. One study from the University of Melbourne tracked over 1,200 dog escapes over three years and found that 37% of cases involved collar failure-not because the dog was strong, but because the collar design was too sensitive.

The Best Alternative: A Well-Fitted Harness

The most reliable, widely recommended alternative to a breakaway collar is a harness. Unlike collars that put pressure on the neck, harnesses distribute force across the chest and shoulders. This makes them safer for dogs with tracheal issues, brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs, and puppies still growing.

But not all harnesses are created equal. Look for one with a front clip and a back clip. The front clip helps redirect your dog’s attention when they pull-great for training. The back clip lets you attach a leash normally. Many modern harnesses, like the Ruffwear Front Range or the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness, have reinforced stitching, adjustable straps, and quick-snap buckles that won’t release under normal tension.

Here’s what to check when buying one:

• Measure your dog’s chest girth-don’t guess. A harness that’s too loose won’t hold; too tight will chafe.
• Choose a design with two attachment points: front and back.
• Make sure the buckles are metal, not plastic. Plastic can crack over time, especially in cold weather.
• Test the fit: you should be able to slip two fingers under any strap.

Once you’ve got the right harness, you can still attach an ID tag to the D-ring. No need to sacrifice safety for identification.

Quick-Release Buckle Collars: A Middle Ground

If you still want to use a collar-maybe because your dog hates harnesses or you need something lightweight for quick trips outside-go for a quick-release buckle collar. These look like regular collars but use a sturdy metal or plastic buckle that snaps open with a deliberate push, not accidental tugging.

They’re not breakaway. They won’t pop open if your dog runs through a bush. But if you need to remove it fast-say, during a vet visit or grooming-you can do it with one hand. Brands like Herm Sprenger and PetSafe make these in durable nylon or leather. The buckle is designed to stay shut unless you intentionally press the release tab.

Many dog owners in New Zealand use these for daily wear, pairing them with a harness for walks. It’s a two-system approach: the collar holds ID tags, the harness handles leash control and safety.

When to Skip Collars Altogether

Some dogs-especially those with sensitive necks, respiratory problems, or a history of escaping-do better without any collar at all. If your dog is microchipped and you’re confident they won’t wander far, you might skip the collar entirely and rely on the chip for identification.

But here’s the catch: microchips are useless if no one scans them. A lost dog in a park might be picked up by someone who doesn’t know to check for a chip. That’s why even microchipped dogs benefit from a visible tag. That’s why the harness + tag combo is still the gold standard.

What About GPS Trackers?

GPS trackers like the Fi Series 3 or the Tractive GPS collar are becoming popular. These attach to your dog’s harness and let you track their location via smartphone. They’re not a replacement for a collar or harness-they’re an add-on.

They’re great if you live near bushland, have a curious pup, or live in a busy neighborhood. But they’re not foolproof. Batteries die. Signals get lost. And they don’t help if your dog gets tangled in something. That’s why they work best alongside a proper harness, not instead of it.

Real-World Scenarios: What Works?

Let’s say you’ve got a 6-month-old Labrador who loves to bolt after birds. A breakaway collar? Too risky. A harness with a front clip? Perfect. You can gently guide him back when he lunges, and the harness won’t snap open.

Or maybe you’ve got a senior Chihuahua with a collapsing trachea. A collar could hurt them. A soft, padded harness with no neck pressure? Essential.

What about a dog that’s always on a leash? Even then, a breakaway collar can still fail. A quick-release buckle collar with a harness gives you control and safety without the risk of accidental release.

What Not to Do

Don’t use a breakaway collar for walks. It’s not designed for that. Don’t rely on a collar alone if your dog is a puller. Don’t buy cheap collars with flimsy plastic clips-they’re just as likely to fail as breakaways, but without the safety intent.

And never, ever leave your dog unattended in a yard wearing just a collar. Even the strongest buckle can fail if caught on something. Always use a secure enclosure or a harness with a leash tied to a fixed point if you’re not watching them.

Final Recommendation

The best alternative to a breakaway collar isn’t one thing-it’s a system:

1. Use a harness for walks and outdoor time. It’s safer, more comfortable, and gives you control.
2. Attach your dog’s ID tag to the harness’s D-ring. No need for a collar.
3. If you prefer a collar for everyday wear, choose a quick-release buckle collar with a metal clasp. It won’t pop open accidentally, but you can still remove it easily.
4. Consider a GPS tracker if your dog has a history of wandering.
5. Make sure your dog is microchipped. It’s the backup plan if everything else fails.

This setup gives you control, safety, and peace of mind-without the risk of your dog slipping out of their collar at the worst possible moment.