When choosing a dog collar, there are many things to consider. First of all, you need to know the size and strength of the dog that will be wearing it. The collar should not only fit the dog in size, but also in strength.

Plastic hardware works very well for collars used on small dogs, puppies and toy breeds. The plastic has many advantages, including it's lighter weight. The lighter collar is much easier for small dogs and puppies to get used to.

Puppies grow fast. Even though you will soon need to buy them a bigger collar, you shouldn't put them into such a large collar that they are uncomfortable wearing it. We want them to think of collars in a happy way.

Sometimes I've seen tiny dogs wearing a heavy collar. It's so heavy the poor dog can barely hold his head up! Using a smaller collar made with plastic hardware would meet the small dog's needs much better.

Small dogs don't need the extra strength that comes form using metal hardware on collars. They don't weigh as much as the larger breeds and aren't as strong. Collars made with strong plastic hardware are much better on small dogs than the heavier collars with metal hardware.

With a large, strong dog, you do need the extra strength metal hardware provides on a collar. A large dog can easily exert several hundred pounds of pressure when lunging after something. Using a collar with strong metal hardware will give you more peace of mind in this case.

Larger dogs aren't bothered by the extra weight of collars made with metal D-Rings. They won't notice the difference. You, however, will have greater confidence knowing your dog is secure.

Plastic and metal hardware both have their place. Both work very well for what they are intended. Both work very well on dog collars, depending on the size of the dog.