Abyss - Martingale Collar

A martingale is a design of dog collar that has been used for over 200 years. The term martingale refers to the function of the “limited-slip” part of the collar. It consists of two loops. One loop evenly disperses tension around the dog’s neck, ensuring the collar can’t be backed out of, which would result in an escape. The collar can also be used instead of a full slip lead or collar, making it kinder on a dog’s neck if fitted correctly. The martingale is widely used in the sighthound community and in rescues, purely because its design meets the needs of the skittish nature of those kinds of dogs. The collar, however, can work on any breed for confidence, control, or both.

A martingale consists of two loops: a head loop and a control loop. The control loop is there to keep control of your dog, whether it is trying to back out or lunge forward. The control loop will tighten to evenly disperse tension around the dog’s neck, ensuring the collar stays snug around all points of the neck, preventing an escape.

A martingale design collar can be used on any dog that may be deemed an escape artist or when using a slip lead or collar. The martingale evenly disperses tension around the dog’s neck, keeping it snug so the dog cannot escape. It also features a wide design so it does not dig in or harm the dog. If your dog pulls, a martingale is also less damaging to the trachea than a flat collar.

Martingale collars are not cruel if used as intended, which is to prevent escape. They are also a kinder and safer alternative to a flat collar, full slip collar, or slip lead. They can be worn with a harness as an emergency-only collar in case the harness fails. The collar has no buckle closure, making it one of the safest options when walking your dog.

To ensure the perfect fit of your martingale, please refer to our size guide (LINK) and have both head and neck measurements ready, as the martingale does not have a buckle or closure and will need to fit over the head. The parts to measure are the top to middle of the dog’s neck and just on the ear cartilage of the dog’s head, where it would get stuck if it were too small.

The parts to measure are the top to middle of the dog’s neck and just on the ear cartilage of the dog’s head, where it would get stuck if it were too small. This is because the martingale has no buckle or closure and needs to be placed over the head, then tightened to fit.

For more guidance on fitting a Martingale check out our sizing guide

A martingale will not stop your dog from pulling; however, it works in a similar way to a full slip lead or collar in that it has a tightening design. Some users choose a martingale to keep easier control of their dog as an alternative to a full slip lead or collar. The martingale, however, is kinder to the neck than a slip lead, as the tension is dispersed and does not choke the dog, unlike other leads and collars.

Yes, you can. Many customers use their martingales paired with a harness, using a connector or a double-ended lead to ensure safety should the dog lunge and break or back out of the harness. As an emergency only use collar. Giving confidence and safety whilst out and about with your dog.