A collar is for ID tags + lead attachment in low-pull moments — your Brussels Griffon should be walked on a harness for pulling. But the right collar still matters.
What to look for in a Brussels Griffon collar
- Wide, soft, padded — never thin. Brachycephalic breeds have airway compromise; a narrow collar putting pressure on the neck makes coughing/BOAS worse. Aim for 1.5" / 4 cm wide minimum.
- Reflective stitching — Irish winter walks are dark by 4pm. Non-negotiable.
- Engraved ID tag attached — Irish law requires dogs to carry their owner's name + address on the collar (separate from microchip). Buy a slide-on engraved tag at the same time.
- Two fingers must fit between collar and neck — too tight chafes, too loose slips off.
Recommended style for Brussels Griffon: wide soft padded martingale (no neck pressure on the trachea)
Irish legal note
The Control of Dogs Acts require every dog in a public place to wear a collar with the owner's name + address. Microchip is separate (also mandatory). Fines up to €1,000.
