RUFFWEAR - Headwater Waterproof, Stink-Proof, Reflective Dog Collar

My dog's neck measures 23.5 inches, so I ordered the 23-26" collar. The actual size of the collar does not correspond to the product description. From the smallest, it measures 25.5 inches, so at its smallest diameter, it is still so big that it falls off his head. Also, the prong is fixed -- you literally cannot move it; instead, you are to thread the collar through the buckle and then pull back to have the prong go through the hole. I've no clue why it's designed like this, but it's certainly not convenient. Finally, the collar itself has a cheap, plastic feel and appearance -- I understand that it is for use in pools, lakes, etc., but I never expected the collar to have the feel and look of something that I could get from a big-box store for 1/3 the price.In recent years, I've purchased no less than 6 Top-Rope collars, 2 Roamer leashes, and 2 Knot-a-Leashes, so I've been a fan of Ruffwear products. The Headwater collar is just a huge disappointment. I expected more from Ruffwear than what I got, which is being returned because of the woefully incorrect measurement and the awful quality.

This is my third dog collar that I have bought that has been advertised to prevent stink neck. This is the only one that has worked! Finally my dog's neck doesn't smell like stinky algea from a stinky collar. I can continue to hug her.Btw, my dog is in the pool about 8 to 10 times a day. This collar is made out of some strange soft plastic material That does not absorbe water. The buckle is a little strange as per some others reviews. I don't really ever take it off so it's a non-issue for me.The sizing is a little weird too. If in doubt, order a size down. My dog's neck is 17" dia which would put her on the cusp of the med/lg collar (according to the size chart). I read some reviews and decided to size down. I'm glad I did because she is in the middle of the medium collar. We have about three holes of growing room. Also I'm thinking it stretched about 1/4" after a week.This collar IS stiff. Not super stuff, but not playable like the standard fabric collars. It's stiff like a new leather collar. If you are looking for a soft fabric collar, do not purchase this. It's a thin plastic ( ~1/16") with a soft matte coating and a bit of reflection tape. My dog is large so she doesn't mind.If your dog's neck always stinks, then get this!

I'll start this off with saying I got this particular size as it was far cheaper than the smaller size. Nothing a pair of scissors and a drill couldn't fix. Even after my homemade modifications this thing has held up extremely well. Our dog (golden retriever) has no visible marks from wearing it, and no stink. He's pushing 100lbs and absolutely no issues with the collar on the leash.

We were looking for a collar that would not easily get dirty and smelly when our dogs go play in the lake. We were constantly using cloth like collars that would always need to get washed and then would not look the same afterwards. Once we saw these we knew this was going to be a great buy. We bought the fern green for our black lab and the red currant for our yellow lab and they look great on them! The color is exactly as shown in the picture and is very vibrant on their fur. The spot where the dog tags can go works great as it is not in the way of where you connect the leash at and the metal piece that you put the tag on to put on the collar provides a secure look and structure and does not allow your tags to somehow come off the collar. We bought the 20-23" size option as both our dogs neck areas measured around the 22"-23" marking and with all the reviews saying to not buy large we did not want to go larger which was a great choice. If we were to have bought the next size up the collars would have been way to big. We actually could have bought a size down for our girl lab, but we ended up just taking a pocket knife and making an extra hole in her collar. The material for this is definitely very strong and holds up well and seems to be long lasting. The structure of them is quite stiff and was difficult to get that circular collar look going on them but after a weekend with our dogs in them it took its shape around their necks and now holds it. The buckle feature is a little annoying to work with as it seems in order to get the buckle clasp into the collar hole you need to first have the collar go through the buckle and then you maneuver the buckle clasp into the hole desired. We do feel the buckle clasp could be a little longer as it seems that at times with a lot of movement our dogs collars looked as if the clasp wasn't in the hold quite as well anymore, but overall we did not have any issues with the collar unbuckling itself. Overall we would recommend this collar to anyone with active water dogs!

The material is as advertised-waterproof and easy to clean. But, the design ruins it for me. We compete in water trials with our dogs and we have to remove the collar to compete and then reattach when done competing. The buckle on this collar is backwards from any other buckle collar I have had. You have to push the loose end all the way through the buckle and pull back to get the retaining pin in a hole. Because the material is really stiff, it is very difficult to attach in the correct place and it's even more difficult to remove from a wet revved up dog. Plus the id tag attaches to the buckle which also gets into the way. I only gave it 2 stars because it is waterproof and easy to clean. It's in the junk drawer now.

this collar is defective. i am in the process of contacting ruffwear to send me a new one. will update when and if they do. if it was not defective, would be as advertised

Did not like the buckle, hard to get undone, would have preferred a quick release snap buckle. Very sturdy though. Our dog is 80lbs and his neck is about 19.5 - 20 inches, bought the 20-23" collar thinking it would work on the smallest setting, it was too big. It didn't slip forward over his head, just did not like the way it looked too large on him. Overall good product, just don't care for the buckle.

I am so disappointed with this "redesigned" collar the original was far superior. I have used the headwater collar for many years and had to replace my old one last week. The new metal buckle is huge and is so difficult to close and doesn't look as if it will stay secure on the shortest walk let alone a rummage through the woods and river! I have just asked the seller for a refund. Please Ruffwear go back to the original design that was superb, washable easy and secure fastening and no smell!!!

Very strange buckle. To pricey. My collies chewed rubber tag off. Much prefer their hoodie collar

So far so good! We bought this collar for the days at the lake with our Weimaraner. We already have the Chainreaction from Ruffwear and love it but it stinks as soon as it gets wet. The Headwater is stinkfree after many swims! The size recommanded was also perfect.

Excellent produit je l’ai depuis 1 ans et il es encore en parfait état !

Product is exactly as ordered perfect