Biothane vs. Nylon Dog Collars: The Ultimate Showdown (Spoiler: Your Nose Will Thank You)
Let's talk about something that doesn't get nearly enough attention: your dog's collar probably smells like a swamp monster's gym bag.
We're not judging! We've all been there, giving our pup's nylon collar the ol' sniff test and immediately regretting every life choice that led to that moment. If you've ever wondered whether there's a better way to keep your dog looking sharp WITHOUT creating a mobile stink factory, you're in the right place.
Today, we're breaking down the great collar debate: Biothane® vs. Nylon. Think of this as the friendly neighborhood showdown where everyone learns something, nobody gets insulted, and your dog ends up smelling significantly better.
Grab your coffee (or wine, no judgment here), and let's dive in.
What Even IS Biothane?
Great question! Biothane® sounds like something a superhero would be made of, and honestly? It kind of is the superhero of dog collar materials.
Biothane® is essentially: PVC-coated polyester webbing. Translation? It's a flexible, durable material that looks and feels like leather but acts like it went to finishing school and learned impeccable manners.
It was originally developed for horse tack (yes, horses got the good stuff first), but dog parents quickly caught on. Because once you realize there's a material that doesn't absorb water, doesn't hold smells, and laughs in the face of mud puddles, you can't un-know that information.
Key traits:
Waterproof (and we mean waterproof, not "water-resistant if you squint")
Stink-proof (your nose will send a thank-you card)
Wipes clean with literally just soap and water
Doesn't crack, peel, or fade like that one regrettable haircut from 2015
And What About Nylon?
Nylon is the reliable friend who's always been there for you. It's the Honda Civic of dog collars; affordable, functional, gets the job done, and you'll find it everywhere.
Nylon is: A synthetic fabric that's lightweight, comes in every color of the rainbow (and then some), and has been clothing dogs since... well, since we figured out dogs need collars.
Key traits:
Affordable (your wallet's best friend)
Available in every color imaginable (galaxy print? Sure! Unicorns? Why not!)
Lightweight and soft
Found in every pet store from here to Timbuktu
The catch? Nylon is like a sponge at a pool party. It absorbs everything—water, dirt, mystery substances from the dog park, and develops a certain eau de wet dog that no amount of washing can truly eliminate.
Think of it this way: Nylon is that friend who's super fun but shows up to brunch still smelling like last night's adventure.
Round 1: The Smell Test (A.K.A. The Sniff-Off)
Nylon Collars:
Let's be real, nylon collars are basically odor sponges. Your dog goes swimming? That collar's holding onto that lake water like it's a precious memory. Roll in something suspicious at the dog park? Congratulations, that smell is now a permanent resident.
You can wash nylon collars (please do), but they take FOREVER to dry, and that wet dog smell? It's lurking. Always lurking. Waiting to surprise you at the worst possible moment, like when you're cuddling on the couch.
Smell rating: 2/10 (and that's being generous)
Biothane Collars:
Biothane laughs at smells. LAUGHS. Your dog can swim in a swamp, roll in who-knows-what, and live their best dirty dog life.
Then you? You simply wipe the collar with a damp cloth and mild soap. Done. No soaking. No waiting three days for it to dry on your radiator. No lingering scent of Eau de Dog Park Mystery.
Smell rating: 10/10 (your nose will literally celebrate)
Winner: Biothane, by a nose.
Round 2: Waterproof Showdown
Nylon Collars:
Water and nylon have a complicated relationship. Nylon is "water-resistant" the way an umbrella is "rain-resistant", technically true, but you're still getting wet.
When nylon gets soaked:
Takes 6-8 hours (or more!) to fully dry
Feels soggy and sad against your dog's neck
Holds onto moisture like it's training for a water-retention championship
Can develop mildew if not dried properly (mmm, fresh)
If your dog is a water baby who thinks every puddle is a personal swimming pool, nylon is basically a full-time wet towel around their neck.
Biothane Collars:
Biothane is 100% waterproof. Not "water-resistant." Not "mostly waterproof if you're gentle." FULLY. WATERPROOF.
Your dog can:
Jump in lakes ✓
Play in sprinklers ✓
Splash through puddles ✓
Live their best aquatic life ✓
Then you wipe it off and it's dry. Immediately. Like it never even happened. It's basically collar amnesia, but in the best way.
Winner: Biothane (and every water-loving dog on the planet)
Round 3: Durability Duel
Nylon Collars:
Nylon is pretty tough! It can handle regular wear and tear like a champ. BUT (and it's a big but):
Frays at the edges over time
Fades with sun exposure and washing
Can weaken when constantly wet
Plastic buckles can crack or break (usually at the worst possible moment, like mid-walk in a busy parking lot)
Might need replacing every 1-2 years depending on use
Nylon is the friend who's reliable until suddenly they're not, and you're left wondering when exactly things went sideways.
Biothane Collars:
Biothane is basically indestructible. We're talking "could probably survive the apocalypse" levels of durable.
Doesn't fray, crack, or peel
UV resistant (the sun is no match)
Stays flexible in cold weather (looking at you, Canadian winters)
Won't break down from constant water exposure
Metal hardware (not plastic) means no surprise buckle failures
Can last 5-10+ years with proper care
Winner: Biothane (unless you enjoy buying new collars every year, in which case, you do you!)
Round 4: The Hardware Situation
Let's talk about the unsung heroes of dog collars: the buckles, D-rings, and clips that actually hold everything together.
Nylon Collars (Usually Plastic Hardware):
Most affordable nylon collars come with plastic buckles because it keeps costs down. And plastic buckles are fine... until they're not.
Plastic hardware:
Lightweight (great!)
Can crack under pressure or extreme temperatures (not great!)
Might break at inconvenient moments (really not great!)
Less secure for strong pullers
Can wear down faster
Have you ever had a plastic buckle snap while your dog spotted a squirrel? It's not fun. Ask us how we know. (Actually, don't.)
Biothane Collars (Metal Hardware):
Quality biothane collars typically use metal hardware, brass, stainless steel, or other rust-resistant metals.
Metal hardware:
Doesn't crack or break under normal use
Rust-resistant (especially when electroplated)
More secure for strong dogs
Smoother action (easier to clip and unclip)
Lasts as long as the collar itself
Looks more premium (because it is)
Winner: Metal hardware on biothane (because peace of mind is priceless)
Round 5: The Cleaning Olympics
Nylon Collars:
Cleaning process:
Remove collar from dog
Hand wash with mild soap OR throw in washing machine
Rinse thoroughly
Hang to dry
Wait 6-8 hours (or longer if it's humid)
Check if it's actually dry (it's probably not)
Wait another 4 hours
Finally put back on dog
Collar still smells slightly weird
Cry a little
Time investment: Half a day minimum
Biothane Collars:
Cleaning process:
Wipe with damp cloth and soap
Rinse
Towel dry (or don't, it's basically already dry)
Put back on dog
Time investment: 2 minutes
If your dog is an Olympic-level mud enthusiast, this time difference adds up FAST.
Winner: Biothane (and your sanity)
Round 6: Style & Customization
Nylon Collars:
Nylon wins the "most options" award, hands down. You want glow-in-the-dark sharks? They got it. Tie-dye? Yep. Your dog's face printed on their collar? Surprisingly, yes, that exists.
Pros:
Literally every colour and pattern imaginable
Often cheaper for fun, seasonal styles
Great for frequently changing looks
Cons:
Colors can fade over time
Prints may crack or peel
That cute pattern looks less cute when it's soggy
Biothane Collars:
Biothane comes in tons of solid colors (we're talking 20-30+ options), and many companies offer custom color combinations. At Hund & Shore, we let you mix and match colors for a completely personalized look.
Pros:
Colours stay vibrant forever (seriously, no fading)
Clean, modern aesthetic
Custom color combos mean your collar is unique
Looks sharp even after years of use
Cons:
Fewer wacky patterns (if unicorns and rainbows are your thing, nylon might be your jam)
Winner: Tie! (Depends on your vibe, classic custom vs. pattern party)
Round 7: Price Tag Reality Check
Let's talk money, because we're all living in the real world here.
Nylon Collars:
Initial cost: $10-$36 typically
Nylon collars are budget-friendly upfront, which is why they're so popular. If you're trying to keep costs low or your dog is still growing, nylon makes sense.
BUT (here's the catch):
Replace every 1-2 years = $10-$36/year
Over 5 years = $50-$180 total
Plus the cost of your sanity dealing with the smell
Biothane Collars:
Initial cost: $25-$60 typically
Biothane costs more upfront, no question. But here's the math:
Lasts 5-10+ years
One purchase vs. multiple replacements
Over 5 years = $25-$60 total (same collar!)
Zero smell-related therapy bills
Winner: Biothane for long-term value (nylon for short-term budget)
Round 8: Best for Different Dog Lifestyles
Not all dogs are created equal (and that's what makes them perfect). Let's break down which collar might work best for different pup personalities.
Nylon Might Be Your Pick If:
✓ Your dog is still growing and you'll need multiple sizes
✓ You're on a tight budget right now
✓ Your dog lives indoors 99% of the time and rarely gets dirty
✓ You love changing up their look with different patterns constantly
✓ Your dog is gentle and doesn't pull on the leash
Biothane Is Probably Your Soulmate If:
✓ Your dog thinks every body of water is a personal swimming pool
✓ You live somewhere with actual weather (rain, snow, mud)
✓ Your dog is a professional mud-puddle finder
✓ You value "wipe clean in 30 seconds" over "wash and wait 8 hours"
✓ You're tired of replacing collars every year
✓ Your dog is fully grown (or close to it)
✓ You want something that looks good for YEARS
✓ Your nose has standards
The Verdict: So Which One Should You Choose?
Here's the honest truth: Both nylon and biothane have their place in the dog collar universe.
Choose Nylon if: You need something affordable right now, your dog is still growing, or you genuinely enjoy having 47 different collar options to match every season and mood.
Choose Biothane if: You want a collar that'll outlast your dog's puppy phase, teenage rebellion, and early retirement. If you value durability, easy cleaning, and never having to smell your dog's collar again, biothane is calling your name.
Our totally unbiased opinion? (Okay, fine, we make biothane collars, so maybe slightly biased, but hear us out!)
If your dog is done growing and you're investing in quality gear that'll last years, biothane is worth every penny. The upfront cost pays for itself in longevity, and your future self will thank you every single time you wipe it clean in 30 seconds instead of doing the whole wash-dry-wait-is-it-actually-dry dance.
Plus, there's something deeply satisfying about having gear that just... works. Rain? No problem. Mud? Whatever. Mystery substance from the dog park? Wipe and done.
Why We're Team Biothane (But We Get It If You're Not)
At Hund & Shore, we make all our collars, leashes, and harnesses with biothane because we're dog parents too, and we got TIRED. Tired of smelly collars. Tired of replacing gear every year. Tired of that sinking feeling when our pups jumped in the lake and we knew we'd be dealing with a soggy collar situation for the next 8 hours.
We switched to biothane and never looked back.
But here's the thing: We're not here to collar-shame anyone. (See what we did there?) If nylon works for you and your pup, that's awesome! Seriously! Every dog deserves a collar that keeps them safe, and if that's a $12 nylon number from your local pet store, you're doing great.
We just want you to know there's another option, one that's waterproof, stink-proof, and built to last through every adventure your dog drags you on.
Ready to Join Team Biothane?
If you're thinking, "Okay, you've convinced me, where do I get one of these magical smell-proof collars?" We've got you covered!
At Hund & Shore, we make waterproof biothane collars, leashes, and harnesses right here in Ottawa, Canada. Every piece is:
✓ Fully customizable (pick your colors, pick your hardware)
✓ Made by two dog moms who actually use this stuff
✓ Built to survive Canadian & US weather (if it can handle Ottawa winters, it can handle anything)
✓ Backed by our "we actually care" guarantee
CLICK TO SHOP OUR FAB COLLECTIONS
Still Have Questions?
We get it, choosing the right collar is a big deal. (Okay, maybe not that big, but your dog wears it every day, so it matters!)
Hit us up:
Email: hundandshore@gmail.com
Instagram: @hundandshore (come say hi! We post dogs. Lots of dogs.)
Or just browse around our site and see what speaks to you
One Last Thing...
Whether you go with nylon, biothane, or a collar made entirely of unicorn dreams, the most important thing is that your pup is safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure.
We just happen to think they should smell good while doing it. 😉
Happy adventuring!
– The Hund & Shore Team (and our very good dogs Sadie, and Rylee who definitely don't write these blogs but provide excellent moral support)
P.S. If you've made it this far, you deserve a treat. Use code BIOTHANE10 for 10% off your first order. (Your nose will thank you.)
