top of page
Frequently asked questions
Kegdog focuses on making dog gear that prioritises function, fit, and durability without unnecessary embellishment. Our designs are informed by the practical demands of active pets, working and show dogs, and all products are made in-house so we can maintain control over materials, construction, and finish.
Caring for the hardware on your dog’s collar or lead is simple and helps extend its lifespan.
Silver-coloured hardware generally only requires wiping with a damp cloth and should be kept dry when not in use.
Brass hardware will naturally tarnish over time. To maintain a brighter finish, it can be gently cleaned using a brass cleaner such as Brasso. Tarnish is cosmetic and does not affect the strength or safety of the hardware.
Leather dog collars and leads can easily cope with rain and everyday use, but they are not designed for prolonged soaking. Repeated swimming or full submersion (especially in salt water) can dry the leather and lead to cracking or dye transfer over time. For dogs that swim frequently, we recommend considering alternative materials or contacting us for advice.
In general, no - however, care should be taken in certain conditions.
If leather becomes very wet, for example through swimming, some darker colours may transfer onto light-coloured fur. This is more noticeable on white or very pale dogs. If you have a water-loving, light-coloured dog, please contact us before ordering and we can advise on the most suitable colour choices. We have white dogs ourselves and are happy to share what works best.
The most common cause of staining is brass hardware that has developed surface tarnish. This residue can sometimes rub onto fur but can be washed off easily.
We recommend avoiding submerging leather dog collars or leads in salt water, as this dries the leather quickly and can lead to cracking or dye seepage over time.
How often leather needs conditioning depends on how frequently it is used and the conditions it is exposed to. For most dogs, occasional light conditioning is sufficient. Over-oiling can soften leather too much and reduce its structure, so we recommend following our care guide and conditioning only when the leather begins to feel dry.
To measure your dog accurately for a leather collar, use a soft fabric measuring tape and follow the measurement method that applies to the collar style you’re ordering:
• Buckle collars (flat & rolled): measure the middle of your dog’s neck with a snug tape, without fingers under the tape.
• Martingale collars (adjustable & fixed): measure the very top of the neck behind the ears with a snug tape. Fixed martingale designs also require a head circumference measurement.
• Slip collars: measure the widest point of your dog’s head with a snug tape.
Please refer to the photos and step-by-step instructions on our dedicated Measuring page for visual guidance. If you’re unsure which measurement you need or how to take it, feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help.
This depends on the collar design you’re ordering. Most standard buckle and martingale collars use a neck circumference measurement. Some martingale collars and slip collars also need a head circumference measurement because they pass over the head.
The product page for each collar clearly states which measurement is required. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll guide you.
A leather dog collar should fit securely without causing pressure or restriction, but there is no single rule that applies to every dog.
Common guidelines such as the “two finger rule” can be misleading, as finger size, dog size, neck circumference, coat type, and anatomy vary widely between breeds and individual dogs. A fit that works for a small dog may be completely inappropriate for a larger or more heavily built dog.
This is why we rely on accurate measurements rather than general rules. Our collars are made to size using the measurements you provide, and we take into account factors such as coat density, natural weight fluctuation, and any anatomical features that may affect fit. Our measuring photos and instructions are designed to help you achieve a collar that is comfortable, secure, and appropriate for your dog’s build.
If you’re unsure about fit or would like advice based on your dog’s measurements, we’re always happy to help.
We don’t work to standard sizes. All Kegdog collars are made to the centimetre using the measurements you provide.
Because each collar is made specifically for your dog, there is no concept of being “between sizes”. This allows us to build in appropriate adjustment while accounting for factors such as coat type, natural weight fluctuation, and the specific design of the collar.
Our measuring guide and reference photos are designed to help you take an accurate measurement so your dog’s collar fits correctly from the outset. If you’re unsure about any aspect of measuring, we’re happy to advise before you order.
Quality leather collars don’t stretch significantly when used properly. Over time, leather will soften and conform slightly to your dog’s shape, a little stretching can be seen if your dog is a strong puller. That’s why getting the initial measurement right is important — the collar should be well-fitted before use.
Let us know if you have any concerns about this and we can factor it into the fit of your dog's collar.
Yes, but it’s important that we know if your dog is a puppy or still growing.
Puppies and young dogs change shape as they develop, and growth does not happen evenly across all breeds or individuals. When a dog is still growing, we ask customers to let us know and to provide clear measurement photos. This allows us to discuss growth stages together and assess how much growing room can realistically be built into the collar.
While we can often allow for some adjustment, we cannot guarantee a single collar for life, particularly for growing dogs. Our priority is ensuring the collar fits correctly, safely, and comfortably at the time it is worn.
We also believe it is more environmentally responsible to use a collar as it was intended and to get the best possible wear from a well-fitted piece, rather than compromising fit in an attempt to make one collar last indefinitely. A collar made with intention and used appropriately will perform better and last well over its natural lifespan.
Because we use durable materials and traditional construction methods, many customers choose to keep a puppy’s first collar as a meaningful piece of their dog’s history, even once it has been outgrown.
As your dog grows or changes shape, a new collar may be required to maintain correct fit and comfort.
We don’t use standard sizes because dogs aren’t standard.
Neck circumference, head shape, coat type, muscle, and overall build vary widely between breeds and individuals. Fixed sizing systems often force compromises in fit, which can lead to collars that are either too loose, too tight, or poorly positioned.
Instead, all Kegdog collars are made to the centimetre using the measurements you provide. This allows us to build each collar with intention, incorporating appropriate adjustment while accounting for your dog’s anatomy, coat, and how the collar will be used. Our approach prioritises correct fit, comfort, and function over convenience.
Measurement photos give us essential context that numbers alone can’t provide.
While accurate measurements are important, photos allow us to assess factors such as coat density, neck shape, posture, and how the collar will sit on your dog. This is particularly important for made-to-measure collars, slip designs, and dogs that fall outside typical proportions.
Reviewing photos helps us confirm that the measurements taken are appropriate for the collar design and allows us to advise on fit before your collar is made. This collaborative approach helps ensure a safer, more comfortable fit and reduces the risk of avoidable sizing issues.
Customer reviews of Kegdog products are available directly on our website through our reviews page, where feedback is linked to verified orders.
You can also find customer experiences shared across our Etsy store and on our social media channels, including Instagram, Google, and Facebook. These reflect our longer trading history and offer additional insight into our work over time.
Yes. In addition to our core range, we undertake bespoke and commissioned work. If you have a specific design, requirement, or idea that isn’t shown on our website, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss it.
Pricing and lead times for commissioned work vary depending on the design, materials, and complexity involved. Once the details are agreed, we create a one-off listing outlining the design specifications and cost for your personalised piece.
Our bespoke work focuses on specialist leather designs within our existing material standards. This includes custom collar designs, alternative proportions, specialist fittings, and unique engraved ID tags.
We do not produce collars or leads in materials outside our established range, but we are happy to explore specialist leather constructions where they align with our design principles and expertise.
Yes. We have previously undertaken commissioned leather work for film and television productions, including prop work for Sky Atlantic.
Commissioned work for media, editorial, or specialist projects is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you’re looking for custom leather pieces for a production or professional project, please contact us with details and timelines so we can advise on suitability and availability.
To enquire about bespoke or commissioned work, please contact us with as much detail as possible about your request. Where appropriate, we’ll discuss design options, materials, pricing, and lead times before creating a one-off listing for your order.
All commissioned work is subject to agreement before production begins.
Yes. We occasionally undertake leather restoration or repair work, where the original piece and materials are suitable.
Restoration work is assessed on a case-by-case basis and may include repairing, stabilising, or sympathetically refurbishing existing leather items. Our aim is to preserve the character and integrity of the original piece while extending its usable life where possible.
If you have a leather item you would like us to assess for restoration, please contact us with details and photographs so we can advise on suitability.
We occasionally undertake memorial or commemorative leather work at the request of customers.
These commissions are handled with care and discretion and are discussed on an individual basis to ensure the request is appropriate and achievable. Memorial work may involve repurposing existing leather or creating a simple, meaningful piece to mark a specific connection or history.
If you wish to discuss a commemorative project, please contact us privately with details so we can advise on whether it is something we are able to undertake.
Yes we do. We handle returns and exchanges on our collars on a case by case basis due to the custom-built nature of our designs.
We are always happy to exchange or refund unused leads/leashes so long as the product has not been customised or personalised in any way.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any issues with your purchase, and we will do our best to resolve the issue.
Yes, many of our designs can be returned to us for adjustments. We can make lead handles larger or smaller too.
Of course, we always endeavour to get the fit just right for you first time around but in certain cases we understand that you might not realise you want the change until after you've received your item.
We sometimes charge postage and packaging or a small resizing fee to cover additional materials in these cases but we aim to assess it on a case by case basis.
All of our orders are dispatched in tissue gift wrapping inside a branded, padded envelope. This reduces our packaging waste keeping our packaging eco-friendly whilst allowing you to keep the item in our branded tissue packaging for gift giving.
There may be scope for us to amend gift packaging on request; please get in touch with us if this is something you would like.
Yes. We occasionally accept small-batch trade or professional orders where our products are being supplied directly to clients as part of a professional service.
This typically includes dog trainers, dog-walkers or other pet industry professionals ordering limited quantities for direct sale to their own clients. Orders of this type are assessed individually and are subject to availability, lead times, and agreed terms.
bottom of page