HI! As this is my first review we are all going to learn together what kind of flow works. It also might change depending on the product, but here we go!

If you have ever handmade something yourself or purchased something handmade, you likely have one of two views. Either handmade things are the best thing in the world or handmade is “cheap.” The truth is that handmade things tend to be better than large manufactured products. BUT this is only true if the people making the product pay significant attention to details, are clear with their client about the amount of time it takes to be that detailed and are open to feedback to make their products better. These are all the things that have made me fall in love with Strange Tails.

I will be honest that when I find a brand I really enjoy, I tend to become a full time fan. Strange Tails is no different. I have been using these collars for 3.5 to 4 years now. I originally started with their classic biothane collar, but upgraded to the quick release collar as soon as they were out.

There are a few things about their products that I really enjoy and will be reviewing. First, we will chat about the collar’s material and color. Next, a bit about how well that have held up for me to dirt and other things your dog can get into and then if I ultimately think it is worth what it costs (spoiler, I do).

Materials and colors:

This version of their collar is made from biothane. If you have no idea what that is, it is a kind of polyurethane. It tends to be made from different renewable resources (love this) and tends to be fairly strong. It is also water resistant. All of this results in a collar that can both handle every day life and feels really nice when you handle it.

Additionally, Strange Tails offer these collars in a wide range of amazing colors. For me this is a huge benefit. I really enjoy color in my life in general. I have also tried where I can to give each of my animals their own unique colors. This is just fun for me, but helps to make things really clear for anyone who might be helping me with the animals. For example, the pet sitter knows that green or greenish = Copper and Lilac or light pink = Luna.

My experience in the past with colorful products is that they fade over time. I can remember the first time I purchased a blue iPod Mini (yes I am old), the box used to say on it “Like a fine pair of jeans, color may fade over time.” This can be a real problem for people who love color. Additionally, they can get so dirty it no longer looks like the color it was originally supposed to be. But that is not what happens here.

This particular collar is made with a stainless steel, aluminum alloy and brass hardware. They have a quick release buckle, a d-ring and some button studs that hold the collar adjustment in place. They come in both 3/4 and 1 inch. You can choose between chrome and brass hardware depending on what you prefer.

How well it holds up:

In the years I have used these collars for my dogs they have been all over the place. In dirt, mud, snow, sand, and rain. With all that said, I have only had to clean these collars at best once a month. I do this mostly because I am aware that there is likely dirt on them that I cannot see. Otherwise, if I went totally from what I could see, they wouldn’t need to be washed. This is a huge deal for me. As I mentioned already I love color and often products that have the bold colors I enjoy end up getting very dirty. Once that happens it’s hard to enjoy the color without seeing all the dirt.

I will say that when I do wash them, I can notice more dirt. This is super easy to remove though. I just fill a bowl or the sink with lukewarm water and a bit of laundry soap. I let that sit for about 30 minutes. Most of the time this results in all of the dirt coming off. A few times I have to take a small scrub to some spots, but that has been few and far between. This keeps colors like the sea foam green and lilac you see on the pups bellow nice and bright.

The only thing I will note is that the buckle itself will likely show the most wear. I have always opted for the chrome hardware and so can only speak to the black finishing. I have included a photo bellow that shows what it looks like as it starts to wear off.

If I was forced to pick one thing, this would be what I would like to change. I would love an option to have the buckle in chrome or silver to start. That being said it doesn’t bother me.

Is it worth it?

The simple answer is yes. At $42USD, that might be a hefty price tag just for a collar. But when I stop to think about the amount of money I have spent on different collars that either break, cannot be washed or are just not well made, to me this is way less. Keep in mind before ordering (if you choose to do so) they are handmade. As such, they have a fairly strict policy of not return or exchange items unless something is actually wrong with the collar. I have made this mistake before, so be sure to measure first. Additionally, I have noticed that sometimes the buckle confused people when they attempt to take it off. You just have to press on the two tab on the side and it pops out. Pretty easy, but not like a traditional collar and I feel like it should be mentioned.

Otherwise, I would personally say go for it! In fact I’m a tiny bit sad they dont make one that is small enough for me to use for my cat!

A few things to note before we go:

This is the current cost on January 12 2025.

This post is not sponsored and is just my experience with the product.

All photos are either the property of Strange Tails or Danni and The Zoo.

Here is the link to check out Strange Tails: https://shopstrangetails.com

Strange Tails Adjustable Biothane Quick Release Dog Collar

Materials and colors:

How well it holds up:

Is it worth it?

Danni and The Zoo: Pet Gear Reviews