Just Wondering About Collar Area

[Carol and Banjo]

As Banjo gets older and "furrier" we've noticed that the fur around his neck (where his collar lies) is noticeably shorter that the surrounding area.  Is this normal??  It's as if the fur in this area isn't growing ...it's hard to tell actually if it isn't growing or if it's wearing off.  Has anyone noticed this with their dogs?

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

1st of all, I love your page. Went there to try and see how old Banjo is. He is absolutely adorable by the way. As many on here know, I have developed this "thing" with the big ole red doodles! That being said, the collar area could probably be many things. If he is old enough, it could be the coat change and it could be starting in the neck area. (That would be my guess). I wouldn't worry too much about it, as that is one of the areas that you will probably want a little shorter anyway as it tends to matt (especially during the coat change). My Sophie has different areas where the hair is thicker than others.

[Carol and Banjo]

Thank you! I've been noticing his coat changing....beginning at his hind/tail area and moving up his back towards his neck. His fur is getting coarser and wavy(ish).

[L.M.]

My 1 year old goldendoodle has the same thing. I think it's partially from the collar, although we take it off during the day when he is home alone, and partially the groomer who seems to purposely cut his hair shorter there to avoid matting. I agree with the last reply....shorter hair around the neck is a positive, as it will definitely matt in that area if it is too long.

[Carol and Banjo]

We've started to remove his collar when he's just in the house. I'm sure it's more comfy for him as he seems to scratch that area ... not too much...but he does scratch there more than anywhere else.

[BG and Gavin]

I have heard that rolled leather collars reduce matting, although I do not have personal experience with this.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I love leather collars although, the last two I purchased broke after becoming wet causing the dog to get loose!

[Deb, Connor & Simon]

Brucegirl, you are correct. Rolled leather collars will not wear on the hair or cause matting the same way a regular flat collar does. They're a little more expensive, but they do the job. My uber hairy collie wore a rolled leather collar for years and we never had any coat-related problems.
Now I have to take collars off in the house because the doodles think it is a fine game to grab someone's collar and pull! Oh, these doodle boys! :-D

[Carol and Banjo]

Sue - That is a perfect description! Ring around the collar it is! I've checked carefully and there is no matting of fur there...it's just really short fur. I hope it will grow back in. We'll continue to leave his collar off except for when we go out with him. I'm using the prong collar on walks - this has been a lifesaver as far as the pulling. I had tried the gently leader with some success but found the prong collar to be the best. Banjo knows when I have that in my hand that we're going for a walk. We walk a mile or two daily and our walks have been soooooooo enjoyable for both of us!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I don't know about the rolled leather collars, but if a long-haired dog wears a collar most of the time, it will "wear away" the fur around the neck; what actually happens is the ends of the hairs get broken off from the continuous friction and rubbing. The heavier the collar, the more noticeable this may be.

[Carol and Banjo]

Yes, Karen I am sure that's what's happened here. I did just put a new wider flat collar on Banjo about 2 weeks ago....brand new with the cutest design too! Oh well, guess we'll just be wearing that for special occasions. It's amazing how much "wearing away" took place!

[shelly]

Hi Carol! Tori has that "collar depression" too... Careful.. Banjo could be starting to change his puppy coat... and will easily mat around his collar -...my groomer told me to use a ROLLED leather collar as it doesn't pull on the hair causing it to mat.... but I can't seem to find one with a snap in closure - obviously that would be too hard to do as you can't adjust the strap if it's rolled. I don't like the buckles as I am afraid they will catch on something when I'm not around. Sometimes I take off her collar when inside, but she thinks it's a game whenever we try to put it back on to take her out, making it more of a pain for us - it's like herding in cattle - HUH! Now I know how SHE feels trying to 'herd' us! LOL
P.S. Banjo is just beautiful! He's growing into such a handsome young man!

[Carol and Banjo]

Thanks Shelly! I can relate to the "herding" thing......sometimes getting Banjo to come inside is quite a challenge! We'll be visiting DH's Mom in King's Park in June sometime.....do you know of any dog friendly beaches???