If you’ve spent any time looking for high quality dog accessories, you’ve likely seen the term "Paracord" pop up. Especially among independent dog accessory makers and small pet shops. At first glance, this material looks like a colorful, intricately braided cord. Cutesy but is it strong enough for your dog? If you have any doubts, keep reading to find out more about paracord. I hope that this article will help you make the right decision for your pet.
Paracord dog collars and leashes usually come in vibrant colors, braided in beautiful knots. They may seem like an accessory for a small dog and that is it. But behind those vibrant patterns lies a material born for the military, tested in the wilderness and trusted by survivalists worldwide. Paracord (parachute cord) was originally created for the United States military during World War II to serve as the suspension lines for parachutes.
When it comes to your dog’s safety and style, not all materials are created equal. Here is why paracord is the gold standard for handcrafted dog collars and why cute braids do not compromise your dog's safety.
1. Incredible Strength-to-Weight Ratio
The "550" in 550 Paracord isn’t just a random number - it stands for minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds (~250 kg). Paracord is composed of a lightweight nylon sheath protecting seven inner triple-twisted strands. This design allows the collar to be strong enough to hold even the most powerful "pullers" and light enough that it won’t weigh down your dog’s neck during long walks.
2. Built for the Elements
As you can imagine, due to its original purpose, paracord is an outdoor powerhouse. Here are some of the properties of paracord that make it a great material for your dog's next collar:
- quick drying - perfect for dogs that love to swim or jump in puddles,
- rot and mildew resistant - because it is synthetic, it won't break down or grow mold when exposed to moisture,
-
UV resistant - the colors stay vibrant longer, even if your dog spends all day basking in the sun.
3. Unmatched Comfort
As you learned already paracord is a pretty tough material, but it’s surprisingly soft to the touch. Once braided, the collar creates a wide, flat surface area that distributes pressure more evenly across your dog's neck than a thin, single strand collar. Another great property of paracord: as your dog wears their collar, the nylon fibers actually "break in" and soften, becoming more comfortable over time while maintaining their structural integrity.
4. Infinite Customization
Leather usually comes in a handful of basic colors. Paracord, however, comes in thousands of shades, patterns and even reflective finishes. Because dog collars made by Wiggly Tails are hand braided, we can mix and match colors to create a look that is as unique as your dog’s personality!
When you choose a paracord collar, you aren't just buying a piece of pet "tech" - you’re investing in a durable, weather-proof material that can handle whatever trail you and your best friend decide to tackle.
0 comments