If you have spent any time looking at dog collars, you've probably come across both breakaway and quick release collars.
At a glance, they can look similar.
They are not.
Both are designed with safety in mind, but they solve different problems. Understanding that difference matters, especially depending on how your dog lives day to day. If you are wondering how safe breakaway collars actually are, we go deeper into that here.
What Is a Quick Release Collar?
A quick release collar is what most people are familiar with.
It uses a buckle that opens when you press it. It is designed to stay securely fastened during normal activity and only comes off when you choose to release it.
This is what our flagship product and we’ve been making it for decades.
Adjustable collars are strong, reliable, and ideal for everyday use, especially for:
• leash walking
• training
• dogs that are handled regularly
For many dogs, a well-fitted adjustable collar is exactly what they need.
What Is a Breakaway Collar?
A breakaway collar is designed to release under pressure.
If it gets caught on a fence, a crate, a branch, or even another dog during play, it opens before the situation escalates.
That release is the difference.
It is not about convenience. It is about reducing risk in moments you cannot predict.
The Core Difference
The difference between breakaway and quick release collars comes down to this: one releases automatically under pressure and the other only opens when you unclip it.
Both are intentional designs. They just serve different purposes.
When Adjustable Collars Make the Most Sense
Adjustable collars remain the most common choice for a reason.
They are dependable and built for control.
They make the most sense for:
• daily walks on leash
• training
• situations where you need a collar to stay on
We still use them every day.
They do exactly what they are designed to do.
When Breakaway Collars Make More Sense
Breakaway collars are designed for a different kind of risk.
They make the most sense in:
• multi-dog households (for some dogs)
• homes where dogs wrestle and grab collars
• crate use
• fence running
• dogs wearing collars primarily for ID
If you have ever watched dogs play together, you know how quickly things can escalate.
Most of the time it is harmless. Occasionally it is not.
That is where a collar designed to release can make a difference.
Where Some Breakaway Collars Fall Short
Breakaway collars have a mixed reputation for a reason.
Some of them open too easily.
If a collar releases during normal movement or light play, it becomes frustrating and unsustainable. Collars get lost. Dogs lose their ID. Owners stop using them.
We have experienced that ourselves and it's why we spent time designing something different.
A breakaway collar has to strike a balance. It needs to release under real pressure, but not during everyday activity.
Finding the Right Balance
This is not about choosing one collar and declaring it the safest.
It is about matching the collar to your dog and your environment.
For some dogs, an adjustable collar is the right choice.
For others, especially in more dynamic environments, a breakaway collaradds an extra layer of safety.
Like us, many people end up using both.
So Which Is Safer?
It depends on what you are trying to protect against.
If your priority is control and consistency, adjustable collars are extremely reliable.
If your concern is entanglement, snagging, or collar grabbing during play, a breakaway collar is designed for that specific risk.
Safety is not one-size-fits-all.
It is about understanding how your dog lives and choosing gear that supports that reality.
If you want a deeper look at how breakaway collars work and when they make the most sense, you can read our full Breakaway Collar Guide.