Plastic VS Metal - Which is the best dog collar buckle?
Today I want to talk to you about dog collar buckles – specifically standard plastic and metal side release buckles AKA clips.
It is very important to know the pros and cons of each option when you are selecting the right collar for your precious pup.
Two of the most popular dog collar buckles are plastic side release buckles and metal side release buckles. Both are acceptable choices however one might be better than the other for your individual dog and situation.
Plastic Side Release Buckles
Plastic side release dog collar buckles are popular because they are lightweight, affordable, and durable However, they also come with their own set of pros and cons. Here's a breakdown:
Pros:
- Lightweight: Plastic buckles are lightweight, which can be better for smaller dog breeds. Heavy metal buckles might be too heavy and uncomfortable for them.
- Affordable: Plastic buckles are generally more affordable than metal alternatives, making them a cost-effective option for pet owners.
- Durable: High-quality plastic buckles can be quite durable and resistant to wear and tear. They are designed to withstand everyday use and can last a long time if made from sturdy materials.
- Weather Resistance: Plastic buckles are often resistant to water and moisture, making them suitable for dogs that love to swim or play in the rain.
- Variety: Plastic buckles come in a variety of colors and designs, allowing pet owners to choose collars that match their dog's personality or their own preferences.
- Safety: In some cases, plastic buckles might be considered safer than metal ones, especially if the dog is very active. This is because they are less likely to cause injury if the dog gets caught on something and pulls hard to free themselves.
Cons:
- Not Chew-Proof: Plastic buckles are not chew-proof. If a dog is prone to chewing, they might chew through the plastic buckle, rendering the collar useless and potentially posing a choking hazard.
- Less Durable Than Metal: While plastic buckles can be durable, they are generally not as robust as metal buckles. They can break under extreme pressure or after prolonged use.
- Less Secure: Some people argue that plastic buckles are less secure than metal ones. While this might not be an issue for calm dogs, highly active or strong dogs might be able to pop the plastic buckle open if they pull hard enough.
- Environmental Concerns: Plastic buckles contribute to plastic waste, which is a significant environmental concern. Some pet owners prefer eco-friendly alternatives to reduce their ecological impact.
- Limited Use for Large or Strong Dogs: For large or strong dog breeds, especially those that pull a lot, plastic buckles might not be the best choice as they are generally not as strong and secure as metal buckles.
- Limited Lifespan: Over time, plastic buckles can wear out, especially with frequent use. They may need to be replaced more often compared to metal buckles.
Plastic side release dog collar buckles are lightweight, affordable, and come in various colors, but they may not be the most durable or secure option, if you have a large, strong dog. You need to your dog's behavior, activity level and size when choosing a collar with a plastic buckle. Regular inspection of the collar for signs of wear and tear is also essential for the dog's safety.
Also, keep in mind that not all plastic buckles are created equal. A Dollar Tree dog collar is not going to be quite as secure as a Lupine dog collar or a collar from PetSmart or Petco. We at Angel & Lily Dog Collars + Accessories only use YKK plastic buckles which are very durable and strong and is the same buckles that Lupine puts on their dog collars.
Metal Side Release Buckles
Metal side release dog collar buckles offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Durability: Metal buckles, usually made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel, are highly durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They are less likely to break or deform under pressure, making them a good choice for strong or active dogs. If you are going to choose a metal buckle, aluminum or stainless steel is always a better choice than nickel plated zinc.
- Security: Metal buckles provide a strong and secure closure, reducing the risk of the collar accidentally coming off, especially if the dog pulls or tugs a lot.
- Chew-Resistant: Metal buckles are more resistant to chewing compared to plastic buckles. While no buckle is completely chew-proof, metal buckles are generally harder for dogs to damage with their teeth.
- Longevity: Due to their durability, metal buckles tend to have a longer lifespan than plastic buckles. They are less likely to wear out over time, making them a more reliable option for long-term use.
- Suitable for Large and Strong Dogs: Metal buckles are ideal for large or strong dog breeds that tend to exert more force on their collars. They can withstand the pressure without breaking or bending.
- Engravable: You can have your dog’s name, address and phone number engraved on a metal buckle.
Cons:
- Weight: Metal buckles are heavier than plastic buckles. For smaller dog breeds, the weight of the buckle might be uncomfortable, especially if the collar is wide and the buckle is large.
- Cost: Collars with metal buckles are often more expensive than those with plastic buckles. The higher cost might be a deterrent for some budget-conscious pet owners.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Metal buckles can become hot or cold depending on the temperature, which might cause discomfort to the dog, especially in extreme weather conditions.
- Rust and Corrosion: If the metal buckle is not made from stainless steel or another rust-resistant material, there corrosion and rust, especially if the collar is frequently exposed to water or moisture.
Metal side release dog collar buckles are durable, secure, and chew-resistant, making them an excellent choice for large, strong, or active dogs. However, their weight, cost, potential temperature sensitivity, and rusting issues should be considered before making a decision. Although they are strong and long lasting, please keep in mind that they have moving parts that can fail at any time and although they last a long time, they will rust and corrode in time.
Why We Don’t Sell Collars with Metal Buckles Anymore
Although current trends show that most sellers are selling dog collars with metal buckles and lots of consumers are want collars with metal buckles, we have discontinued metal buckles in our shop – and here is why:
- Inconsistent quality: Although we carefully vet our suppliers, we found the quality of metal buckles to be very inconsistent especially nickel-plated zinc buckles. Some batches we received were very nice with no scratches and very durable. Some batches we received were all scratched and would break easily which would lead to…
- High rate of customer dissatisfaction: Collars with metal buckles were our #1 returned or exchanged item. The reasons for this were buckles that broke in half, buckles that would not stay securely clipped closed, the buckles were too heavy, or the buckles corroded too quickly.
- Cost: We try to keep our prices low and metal buckles can be a bit cost prohibitive for a tiny company like ours.
- Lack of Engraving Equipment: Many customers who want metal buckles also want personalized engraving which we are not equipped to do at this time.
