Dog Collar And Lead Sizes

[Kcinnick]

I am doing a craft show benefit for down syndrome for a friend that has a child with down syndrome. She has orgainized this craft show as a fundraiser, so I want to do what I can to contribute. I mostly make double layer belts and holsters, and have never really dabbled in any other leatherwork. I wanted to have more things to offer, not that I am concerned about profiting at the show, just really contributing. I have never done a show, I get enough orders through word of mouth and email/internet forums to keep myself busy to not justify spending the time and money it takes to invest in a show.

Anyway, I was concerned about using two pieces of thick leather for the collars like I do with my belts, mainly since I feel the inside layer will wrinkle with such a severe bend. Anyway, I have lots of 7oz cutoffs that I haven't cut into holster loops or belt keepers and I planned to use that as the outer part of the collars. I was considering lining the inside with deerskin or a lighter weight leather, but wasn't quite sure what would be appropriate.

I don't plan on doing any stamping or carving, just basic solid working collars and leads, maybe a some conchos and decorative spots. I have the weaver heritage foot press and I am considering getting the spot setter and guide to make some quick even spaced designs.

I know the basic construction techniques, I just need some suggestions on proper sizes, weights and hardware. I will probably place an order with Weaver this week. I also plan on doing some basic magnetic money clips and some single layer belts, to have something less expensive at the show. I don't plan on making anything I can't sell, but I want some items that will appeal to more than the normal gun enthusiest crowd I normally do business with.

[Mijo]

I guess the first thing you need to figure out is the size of the dog that your going to be making the collars for. This will help determine size of the hardware (i.e. buckles, d-rings) and weight of the leather you'll need to use.

I make both lined and unlined dog collars for small dogs, using 9-11 oz latigo. for my lined collars I just split the latigo and double up, with 5/8" being the minimum width. for unlined I don't bother to split the latigo at all. If your planning on making collars for medium to large sized dogs and only using 7 oz leather, I suggest doubling up and using the same leather as the liner so that your overall weight would be around 14 oz. IMHO, using only 7 oz with a liner of deer skin or thinner leather doesn't have enough weight for a medium to large size dog collar.

Conchos, bling, decorative spots and studs seem to be real popular on collars these days so if you incorporate those into your collars they should sell fairly well. I don't like to use those things on my own collars, I prefer a simple and understated look, but I get a lot of people asking me about them.

Good luck and post what you make, if you have time...

[Kcinnick]

I find two layers of 7/8 Hermann oak good for belts, I have a lot I can use I was just worried about wrinkles on the inside layer. I glue my belts with the leather curved to prevent wrinkles on the inside, I would imagine with a dog collar you would have to have dang near a circle.

[Spence]

As Mijo said, depends on the size of the dog.

The width would depend on the breed. I make single layer for normal dog-walking, etc. I go double layer for working dogs.

Leashes range from 1/2" to 1", depends on the customer's preferences. Working dogs get a minimum of 3/4". I agree with Mijo about the bling. I'll put it on, but I don't like it. I won't add spikes though. Personal preference because I've seen too many owner/handlers tear up their hands trying to grab a dog in an emergency. I think it's a liability issue for me.

I've tried the curving while gluing thing, but quite frankly, who sees the underside. I usually line a single layer with pigskin to hide the stud prongs etc. If I don't line it, I smooth it out with gum trag.

hth