You'll see the term "PU leather" on many dog collars. Here's what it means so you can decide whether it suits you.
What is PU leather?
PU stands for polyurethane. PU leather, sometimes called synthetic or vegan leather, is a man-made material designed to look and feel like leather. It isn't made from animal hide.
How it differs from animal leather
- Source: PU leather is synthetic. Animal leather comes from hide.
- Look: It can look very similar, and manufacturers can make it in a wide range of colours and finishes.
- Feel: Feel varies by product. Different collars use different constructions, so it's worth reading the description.
- Care: Care instructions vary, so check any guidance that comes with your collar.
Why some owners choose it
- They prefer to avoid animal-derived materials.
- They like the wide colour range.
- They want the look of leather in a synthetic material.
Things to consider
Every material has trade-offs. Synthetic materials behave differently from natural ones over time and with use, and the quality of a PU product depends on how it's made. Look at the product description, and don't assume all "leather-look" collars are the same.
What ours are made from
To be clear about what you're buying: our Heritage collar is described as PU leather with alloy hardware, and our Terra collar is a blend of PU leather and nylon. Neither is animal leather. The product page for each collar lists the materials.
Reading a product description carefully
Materials terms can be confusing. A few pointers:
- "PU leather" or "vegan leather" means a synthetic material.
- "Leather-look" or "faux leather" also means synthetic.
- "Genuine leather" refers to animal hide, and it's a different material.
- "Blend" means more than one material is used, such as PU with nylon.
If a description isn't clear about what a product is made from, treat that as a warning sign and ask the seller.
Things to compare between collars
- What each layer is made from. The outer material, any lining and the hardware can all differ.
- Padding and lining. Some collars have a soft lining for comfort.
- Hardware. Look at the buckle and D-ring materials and how they're attached.
- Care instructions. These vary by material.
- Fit and adjustability. Check the size range against your dog's neck.
Frequently asked questions
Is PU leather the same as animal leather?
No. It's a man-made material designed to look similar.
Does PU leather feel like animal leather?
It can look and feel similar, but there are differences that vary between products.
Is PU leather suitable for wet weather?
Follow the care advice for your collar and dry it after it gets wet. See how to clean a PU leather dog collar.
Can my dog be allergic to a collar material?
Some dogs have sensitive skin. If you notice redness or scratching, take the collar off and ask your vet.
How do I find out what my collar is made from?
Read the product page, and see the materials on each of our product pages for the Heritage and Terra ranges.
Choosing between them
Think about how you'll use the collar, the colours you like, and how much you'd like the collar to look like traditional leather. Browse the Heritage collars and Terra collars and read each product description.
