Herm Sprenger Collars: A Guide to Sizing and Appearance Differences

Prong collars are designed to fit high on a dog’s neck, just behind its ears, snugly, but not too tight. The general rule of thumb is to measure your dog's neck with a string and line it up next to a tape measure. Let's say you get 18 inches. You should then add two inches to that measurement, which would mean you need at least a 20-inch collar or slightly larger. The additional two inches allow for comfortable movement of the collar and ensure that you don't have to buy additional links later unless your dog’s neck size grows. You can always remove links if a collar is too large or purchase additional links to lengthen the collar.

Another factor to consider is coat type. If you have a long-haired German Shepherd, go with bigger links to prevent it from catching on your dog's coat. A smaller link size will do the trick with a standard coated, standard-sized dog. If you have a dog that's on the larger size, larger links may be an ideal fit for them because the links are heavier-duty and typically come in longer lengths.

Next up, let's talk about the appearance of an authentic Herm Sprenger and why that matters. Herm Sprenger is a German dog training equipment manufacturer that has been in operation since the late 1800s. They are known for their high-quality dog collars and training equipment, including their most popular product, their prong collars.

The first Herm Sprenger collar was developed in the late 1800s by Hermann Sprenger, who recognized the need for a more effective and humane way to train dogs. The original collar was made of interlocking metal links that could be tightened or loosened to apply pressure to the dog's neck evenly, unlike slip collars, which are also known as choke collars. Herm Sprenger's prong collars quickly gained popularity among professional dog trainers and quickly became the #1 brand around the world due to their expertise in precision tooling and exceptionally high-grade alloys used in their manufacturing process.

Over the years, Herm Sprenger continued to innovate and refine their collars, introducing new materials and designs to improve their effectiveness and comfort for dogs. Today, their collars and other training equipment are still used by dog trainers and handlers all around the globe.

While it's fair to say that Herm Sprenger collars are controversial, and maybe even that they're not suitable for all dogs or training situations, many trainers and handlers consider them to be a useful tool when used correctly and under the guidance of a professional. The controversy is strictly based on the collar's looks, and not its effectiveness, humane nature by design, or safety.

To spot an authentic collar is usually pretty simple. Stainless models that are not quick release will have a triangle tab with an orange circle on the "dead ring" of the collar. The quick release models only have one D ring and usually will have the same tab connected to it, although I've seen some black stainless quick release collars without it. Luckily, the buckle will have a perfectly engraved Herm Sprenger logo on it. Remember, this is a company famous for its precision. If it doesn't look flawless, it is a knockoff.

The curogan and chrome models will not have the triangle tab with the orange circle. But they will have a neck plate that reads "SPRENGER" on them and "HS Germany" to indicate that they are authentic Herm Sprenger products made in Germany.

We're putting out this information so that people understand that the stainless product they're used to seeing differs quite a bit with the chrome and curogan models. If money is tight, go chrome. Stainless is better and will last a few lifetimes. The black stainless will last forever as well because it is stainless, but the coating may not survive 30 years of abuse. And last but not least, curogan is the way to go if your dog has sensitive skin or allergies to nickel. Or if you just like the cool color! Warning about that though. They get considerably darker with use like brass does after aging.

Thank you for reading and we hope this can clear up some confusion! And as always, leave a like and share.

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