Review of Puppy ID Collars

Using Colored Breakaway Collars to Identify Puppies

When raising a litter of puppies that look nearly identical, such as our English Cream Golden Retrievers, keeping track of each one can be a challenge. Since most of our pups share the same cream-colored coats, subtle markings, and similar sizes, visual identification is difficult without some kind of labeling system. To solve this, we use Puppy ID Breakaway Collars in different colors to distinguish each puppy. These collars have been an essential tool in our breeding program for several years, and we consistently order them from Amazon due to their affordability, reliability, and positive reviews—over 5,000 with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Why Breakaway Collars Are Essential for Puppies

Safety is our top priority when it comes to young puppies. Unlike standard collars, breakaway collars are designed to release if they get caught on something, preventing the risk of strangulation. Puppies are curious and often wiggle into tight spaces, play roughly with littermates, or chew on objects, which can lead to accidental entanglement. A traditional collar that doesn’t release could become a serious hazard, making breakaway styles the only safe option for puppies under 12 weeks old.

The Challenge of Shed Collars and Our Solution

While breakaway collars are crucial for safety, their very design means they can occasionally come apart—especially when puppies are playing or exploring. Early in our breeding experience, we encountered a situation where two female puppies lost their collars at the same time. Since they looked almost identical in size and coloring, telling them apart became a stressful challenge. Fortunately, we relied on their distinct personalities to correctly identify them, but the experience taught us a valuable lesson.

To prevent this issue, we now double-collar our puppies. By using two colored breakaway collars per pup, we eliminate the chances of misidentification. Even if one collar comes off, the second ensures we can still distinguish each puppy. Given that these collars are inexpensive, doubling up is a cost-effective solution that provides much peach of mind. We’ve never had a case where two collars came off the same puppy at once, making this method highly reliable.

Cost and Convenience

The expense is negligible compared to the convenience and security they provide. Though the collars can technically be washed and reused, their low price makes it unnecessary to go through the hassle. Since puppies grow quickly, these collars are only needed for a short period

before they outgrow them.

Limitations of Breakaway Collars

While these collars are perfect for identification and short-term safety, they are not suitable for leash training or long-term wear. Because they are designed to release under pressure, they won’t hold up to pulling or tugging during walks. Once our puppies are old enough for leash training, we switch to sturdier, adjustable collars.

Final Thoughts

For breeders or anyone raising multiple puppies that look alike, colored breakaway collars are an affordable, practical, and safe way to keep track of each pup. Our double-collar system has eliminated any potential for identification mix-ups, and the peace of mind they provide is well worth the minimal investment. We recommend these collars to anyone looking for a simple, yet effective way to distinguish their puppies. But remember, double collar them.

Here is the link we use to order the ones we use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FVW7753?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1