Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar Review

 

RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar, Red Currant, 20"-23"

The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar is a product of the Ruffwear brand. Ruffwear is a brand that started out in a garage somewhere. However, right now, its products have a decent enough reach way beyond that garage.

Ruffwear believes that dogs and their human counterparts should explore the great outdoors to their heart’s content. Hence, they produce and carry supplies to attend to this seeming need.

The Ruffwear brand was created in 1994 and has, since then, been coming up with products that are supposed to help high energy dogs perform. The main focus of the brand is dogs, however, it also carries other stuff so that their human counterparts won’t be left out.

The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar is a basic collar so the idea is that it be worn every day. At the end of this review, you’ll be able to decide whether or not this collar is right for you. Ready? Let’s get on with it!

 

 

 

Who Can Wear The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar?

This is a basic collar and so can be worn by basically any dog, provided he can find the collar in his size. It actually comes in 5 sizes.

RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar, Red Currant, 20"-23"

 

 

Features Of The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar

1. Material

This collar is made of nylon webbing that is coated with plastic. Now, this is something you definitely don’t see often.

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The idea behind coating the nylon webbing with plastic is to make the collar waterproof. Additionally, the collar is constructed such that it is also odor proof.

The combination going on with this collar makes things not just easier but also more pleasant seeing as you won’t consumed by the smell from the collar. It also makes the collar easier to clean. All you really need to do is wipe down with a soft rag and mild detergent and then air dry.

As for strength and durability, this is a decent collar. It should last a reasonably long time even for active and high energy dogs. Especially seeing as water can do it no harm.

This collar comes in only four colors: red currant, blue spring, alpenglow pink and fern green. Thankfully, none of the colors washes off or bleeds. So, it should remain the same color for as long as the collar lasts.

2. Clasp, Leash Ring And ID Ring

The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar uses a buckle that is made of anodized aluminum. The buckle is pretty solid and should be able to survive a lot of handling. Also, the buckle is coated so that it is protected against rust.

However, it is pretty touch to work the buckle. The metal tongue does not move, so, passing the strap through the buckle and then fastening it will take a bit of manipulation.

If you plan on taking this collar off frequently, the buckle will probably frustrate you a lot.

Anyway, on the buckle just right there at the bottom left corner is a small hole with a little tag on it. That hole is for you to hook your dog’s ID tag to. And no, you don’t want to remove that tag that comes with it.

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Here’s why: The tag is actually a silicon silencer. That is, it is put there so that as your dog’s ID tag dangles it doesn’t make noise.

Finally, there is the leash ring which is made of anodized aluminum. It is sewn securely into the collar and so should not give you issues.

The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar doesn’t feature a strap loop. So, you’ll have to make do with the leash ring.

RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar, Red Currant, 11"-14

 

 

Is The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar User Friendly?

We would have said yes seeing as the Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar is a basic collar. However, because of the issues that the buckle will probably present, we will say kinda.

 

 

 

Pros Of The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar

1. Waterproof And Odor Proof

We are sure nobody likes an item that has the propensity to stink badly. So, you see why we like the fact that this collar is odor proof. The fact that it is waterproof actually helps it to be odor proof.

2. Silicone Silencer

We also like that this collar comes with a little silencer where the ID tag will hang. This is because it reduces the noise that the ID tag would have made if left alone.

3. Durable

We definitely like that the collar is durable. From the collar itself to the attachments (buckle and leash ring), we see attention to sturdiness and durability.

RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar, Red Currant, 11"-14

 

 

 

Cons Of The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar

The buckle is the biggest issue with this collar. We are yet to understand why Ruffwear decided to make the buckle this difficult to use. But whatever the reason, it isn’t working.

 

 

 

Alternative Options To The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar

 

Reflective Option

Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Collar

Blueberry Pet Essentials 6 Colors Durable 3M Reflective Classic Dog Leash 5 ft x 5/8", Marsala Red, Small, Leashes for Dogs

The Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Collar is also made of nylon webbing, however, it is not coated with plastic. So, while this collar is water safe (that is, your dog can wear it in water and be fine), the collar is definitely not waterproof.

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However, it is made with reflective stitching and so can be a useful tool for spotting your dog in the dark. Get more information on this collar here.

 

Option With Patterns

Blueberry Pet Floral Collar

Blueberry Pet 2019 New 4 Patterns Adjustable Flocking Dog Collar with Artificial Silk Flower - Polka Dot in Pastel Purple, Medium, Neck 14.5"-20

If you would rather not get a plain colored collar, you could check out the Blueberry Pet Floral Collar. This collar comes with a number of different designs with the basic floral theme underlining them all.

Also, the Blueberry Pet Floral Collar makes use of a plastic buckle that is pretty easy to work. We should also mention that this collar comes with ornaments of flowers that make the collar that much cuter. Refer to this review for more information on this collar.

 

Leather Option

 

Weaver Leather Sundance Collar

Weaver Leather Sundance Dog Collar, 1 x 19-Inch, Brown

You could decide to go the leather route and if you want, consider the Weaver Leather Sundance Collar. It comes in just one basic leather color but that color is really cute.

The collar has scalloped edges and is dotted on the outside with berry conchos. There are some other cute design patterns going on at the edges of this collar too.

Also, there is a possibility that you’ll get the Weaver Leather Sundance Collar less pricey than our featured collar. We also have a review on this collar that you should check here.

 

 

Comparison Table

Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar

RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar, Red Currant, 20"-23"

Click here to get this for your dog!

Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Collar

Blueberry Pet 6 Colors 3M Reflective Classic Dog Collar, Midnight Navy, Large, Neck 18"-26", Adjustable Collars for Dogs

Click here to get this for your dog!

Blueberry Pet Floral Collar

Blueberry Pet 2019 New Spring Polka Dot Flocking Dog Collar in Pastel Purple with Artificial Silk Flower, Medium, Neck 14.5"-20", Adjustable Collars for Dogs

Click here to get this for your dog!

Weaver Leather Sundance Collar

Weaver Leather Sundance Dog Collar, 1 x 19-Inch, Brown

Click here to get this for your dog!

 

Material Plastic coating Nylon webbing Polyester Leather
Buckle Metal Plastic Plastic Metal
Unique Feature Silicone silencer Reflective Floral patterns Berry conchos

 

What People Think About The Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar

People are actually fine with the strength of the collar and the fact that it is odor resistant. However, a number of people are not happy with how the buckle works. It doesn’t seem to put too much of a damper on things, though.

 

 

 

Our Take

We actually like the Ruffwear Headwater Dog Collar and think you would be fine if you don’t plan on pulling the collar off your dog frequently.

RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar, Red Currant, 11"-14