How Our Leather Dog Collars Are Built
Every Lei Custom Collar is handcrafted from leather and designed with careful attention to comfort, structure, and visual balance. The way a collar is constructed affects how it sits on the dog’s neck, how decorative elements are displayed, and how the collar performs in everyday use.
Below are several construction details used in many of our custom leather dog collars.
Reverse D-Ring Design
Most Lei Custom Collars feature a reverse D-ring placement, where the leash attachment ring is positioned forward of the buckle on the collar strap, rather than being attached directly to the buckle hardware.
This construction places the leash ring slightly ahead of the buckle assembly and integrates it into the body of the collar itself.
This placement helps keep the decorative section of the collar centered and visible when worn, while also keeping the leash clip positioned slightly forward on the dog’s neck.
Because the ring is integrated into the structure of the collar rather than attached to the buckle hardware, the pull from the leash is distributed across the body of the collar. This helps maintain the collar’s balance while providing a secure leash attachment point.
How Our Collars Are Measured
Our collars are measured from the base of the buckle to the center hole.
The center hole represents the neck size the collar is designed to fit.
Because most Lei Custom Collars feature a reverse D-ring placement, measuring from the D-ring would not provide an accurate measurement. The D-ring is positioned forward as part of the collar’s construction and is not used as a reference point for sizing.
For this reason, the correct measurement for our collars is always taken from the base of the buckle to the center hole.
Because many of our collars include decorative elements and a reverse D-ring placement, the total length of the collar may be longer than the listed collar size.
For the most accurate fit, we recommend measuring your dog’s neck carefully before ordering.
👉 For sizing guidance, see our guide: How to Choose the Right Dog Collar Width (Size & Fit Guide)
Layered Leather Construction
Same of Lei Custom Collars are built using two layers of leather.
This construction provides:
• a structured base for decorative hardware such as conchos, studs, cabochons, and crystal settings
• improved support for decorative elements
• a collar that maintains its intended shape when worn
Because leather naturally curves around a dog’s neck, the top layer of the collar is intentionally made slightly longer than the bottom layer.
When the collar is laying flat, you may notice a small gap between the layers near the edges. This is normal and allows the collar to bend naturally when worn around the neck.
This construction allows the collar to follow the natural curve of the dog’s neck while maintaining its structure.
Tapered Collar Design
Some wider collars are made with a tapered section near the buckle.
This means the collar gradually becomes narrower near the buckle so a smaller buckle and D-ring can be used.
This design allows dogs to wear a wider decorative collar while keeping the hardware near the neck lighter and more comfortable.
Tapering can be especially helpful for dogs with smaller necks, as it allows the collar to maintain a wider decorative section while reducing bulk near the buckle area.
The result is a collar that keeps the visual presence of a wider design while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
Weight Considerations
Two-layer collars naturally weigh more than single-layer collars.
For that reason, we generally do not recommend two-layer collars for young puppies or dogs that should not carry additional weight on their neck.
For puppies or dogs with smaller or more sensitive necks, a single-layer leather collar is often the better option.
Built Individually, Not Mass Produced
Every Lei Custom Collar is handcrafted individually rather than produced in large batches.
Each collar is cut, assembled, and finished one at a time. This allows careful attention to details such as leather selection, hardware placement, and the balance of decorative elements across the collar.
Because each piece is made individually, small adjustments can often be made to better suit a dog’s specific size or design preferences.
This slower, hands-on process allows every collar to leave the workshop with the same level of care and attention given to the collars worn by our own dogs.
Decorative Elements
Lei Custom Collars may include a variety of decorative elements such as:
• engraved conchos
• gemstone or marble-style cabochons
• crystal settings
• metal studs and hardware
These elements are carefully positioned so the design remains balanced and centered when worn on the dog’s neck.
When crystals are used, we select Swarovski crystals or crystals of similar high quality for brightness and clarity.
Martingale Collar Option
Some designs can be made as a martingale collar upon request.
A martingale collar uses a limited-slip design that gently tightens when tension is applied to the leash. This helps prevent the collar from slipping over the dog’s head while remaining comfortable when worn.
Martingale collars are commonly used for breeds with narrow heads and wider necks, but they can also be helpful for dogs that tend to back out of traditional buckle collars.
Because martingale collars tighten when tension is applied to the leash, they should always be used with proper fit and supervision and should not be left on a dog unattended.
If you are interested in having a specific collar design made as a martingale, please contact us before ordering to discuss available options.
How Our Collars Are Built FAQ
1. How are your dog collars constructed?
Each collar is handcrafted individually using carefully selected leather, hardware, and decorative elements.
Construction methods such as layered leather, tapered design, and reverse D-ring placement are used to improve balance, comfort, and durability.
2. What is a reverse D-ring and why is it used?
A reverse D-ring is positioned forward of the buckle and integrated into the collar body.
This helps distribute leash pressure more evenly and keeps decorative elements centered when worn.
3. Why is the collar measured from the buckle to the middle hole?
The center hole represents your dog’s neck size and allows adjustment on both sides.
Because of the collar’s structure and D-ring placement, measuring from other points would not provide an accurate fit.
4. Why do some collars have two layers of leather?
Two-layer construction provides additional structure and support for decorative elements such as crystals, cabochons, and conchos, helping the collar maintain its shape.
5. Is it normal to see a slight gap between leather layers?
Yes. A small gap may appear when the collar is laid flat.
This allows the collar to curve naturally around the dog’s neck when worn.
6. Are these collars mass produced?
No. Each collar is handcrafted individually, allowing careful attention to material selection, balance, and overall construction.
7. Can collars be customized?
In many cases, yes. Because each collar is made individually, small adjustments to size or design may be possible depending on the request.