Best Reflective Dog Collars of 2026
The best reflective dog collars for increased visibility and safety during walks and runs in the dark
Our top picks for the best reflective dog collars, tested across nighttime walks, dawn trail runs, and wet conditions
September 25th, 2026
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Dogs—especially dark-colored ones—can be difficult to see at night or in the early mornings before the sun rises. If you frequently run, walk, or hike with your dog at dawn or dusk, making sure your pup is visible can prevent traffic accidents or losing your dog on the trail.
A reflective dog collar is the most passive and reliable visibility solution. It works without charging, without batteries, and without remembering to turn it on. Reflective dog collars often feature integrated reflective stitching, webbing, or attached strips of reflective fabric, but can also be made mostly of a reflective material. Reflective material “lights up” in the dark when light shines on it, so headlights, headlamps, or overhead street lights will all make your dog more visible in low light.
As a certified professional dog trainer and dog sport instructor, I’ve tested basically every collar on this list (and pretty much every collar on the market over the last few years). I’m a stickler for dog gear that is functional and keeps your dog safe, so I tested all these options on my own two dogs—Miso, a 6-year-old Border Collie Mix, and Dashi, a 3-year-old Rough Collie.
I fitted each collar on both of my tester dogs and used them across real conditions—nighttime walks, dawn and dusk trail runs, wet weather, and muddy trail use. I evaluated reflectivity under car headlights, street lights, and headlamps in complete darkness at varying distances, to see how far away each collar was visible from. I also checked hardware durability, waterproof performance, comfort over extended wear, and how well the collar held up with repeated use.
Most of these reflective collars were tested for our guide on best dog collars, and some have been ones I’ve personally used over the last few years. Many of these picks have been in my testing rotation for up to 1-2 years.
Top pick: The best overall reflective dog collar. At $43, our overall best collar pick is the Orvis Personalized Reflective Dog Collar, which is made mostly of reflective material and was by far the most visible from the furthest away in our testing. We also love that it’s customizable with your dog’s name and your phone number—details that can also be seen from a distance away in case your dog ever gets lost.
Other reflective dog collars on this list are also worth looking at if you have different use cases, like running, hiking, or if you need a martingale option for an escape artist dog. Read more below for our best reflective dog collar picks.
Comparison table
| REFLECTIVE COLLAR | TREELINE AWARD | MSRP | NECK SIZES | WIDTH | MATERIAL | REFLECTIVE FEATURE | CLOSURE HARDWARE | WATERPROOF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orvis Personalized Reflective Dog Collar | Best overall Read why |
$43 | 10-25 in | 5/8, 1 in | Webbing | Fully reflective | Plastic side-release buckle | No |
| Ruffwear Ridgeline Collar | Best for hiking Read why |
$50 | 11-26 in | 3/4, 1 in | Webbing | Stitching | Plastic w/ magnetic closure | Yes |
| Non-stop dogwear Rock collar 3.0 | Best for running Read why |
$33 | 10.6-25.6 in | 1 3/8-1 3/4 in | Webbing w/ HexiVent | Piping | None | No |
| Ruffwear Web Reaction Martingale Dog Collar | Best martingale Read why |
$30 | 11-26 in | 3/4, 1 in | Webbing | Stitching | Plastic side-release buckle | No |
| Ruffwear Crag Collar | $35 | 11-26 in | 1 in | Webbing | Stitching | Plastic side-release buckle | No |
The winners
Best overall reflective dog collar: Orvis Personalized Reflective Dog Collar
Price: $43
Sizes available: S (10-13”), M (13-17”), L (17-20”), XL (20-25”)
Width: ⅝” for small, 1” for all other sizes
Material: UV- and moisture-resistant webbing with reflective band, sonic-welded seams
Reflective type: Fully reflective
Hardware: Plastic side-release buckle
D-ring: Steel D-ring
Waterproof: No
Washable?: Hand wash only
ID tag attachment: D-ring
What we liked: Customizable with dog’s name and owner’s phone number; highly visible reflective band; super durable with sonic-welded seams
What we didn't like: Takes a while to dry when it gets wet; some of the reflective material may wear off with repeated strong abrasion
The Orvis Personalized Reflective Dog Collar was easily the most visible on nighttime walks of our testing pool. It features the most reflective material surface area of any of the collars on this list, and was the most visible in complete darkness with a headlamp from 0.03 miles away, and under streetlights with a headlamp from 0.5 miles away. The large amount of reflective material helped this option shine the brightest.
Orvis Personalized Reflective Dog Collar
This collar has maximum reflective coverage—the full circumference of the collar reflects rather than just a single strip or a few inches of reflective stitching. It also allows you to embroider your dog’s name and your phone number on it, which can be seen at a distance in the dark. This may help notify you of any sightings if your dog ever gets lost but can’t be caught.
I’ve been using this flat buckle collar as my dog Miso’s daily wear for over a year. It’s a little worse for wear in areas where I’ve durability tested it by rubbing it on asphalt, but otherwise remains in great condition. The reflective material does wear off a bit if subjected to repeated extreme abrasion like my durability tests, but it’s not enough that you wouldn’t still be able to see your dog and take advantage of the reflective feature.
It’s also dirt resistant despite the light color of the reflective band, and it doesn’t get dirty quite as easily as other webbing collars. However, you can only hand-wash it, and it takes forever to dry when wet. It’s definitely not the best option for dogs who swim frequently or for dogs who can’t seem to come inside without getting covered in mud.
It also features a strong steel D-ring and a sturdy plastic side buckle. Based on the reflectivity performance alone though, this is by far the best reflective dog collar for nighttime, dawn, or dusk.
Best reflective hiking collar for dogs: Ruffwear Ridgeline Collar
Price: $50
Sizes available: 11-14”, 14-20”, 20-26”
Width: 3/4 - 1" (depending on size)
Material: Reflective silicone-dipped polyester webbing
Reflective Type: Integrated reflective webbing
Hardware: Fidlock magnetic self-aligning buckle
D-ring: aluminum V-ring
Waterproof: Yes
Washable?: Hand wash; air dry
ID tag attachment: Separate ID tag attachment point with silicone tag silencer
What we liked: Fidlock magnetic buckle is simple to clip and unclip and can be used with one hand; reflective stitching built into webbing; lightweight but strong
What we didn't like: Only comes in one color (black)
If you regularly hike with your dog and need a durable, lightweight, comfortable reflective collar, the Ruffwear Ridgeline checks all the boxes.
Made of silicone-dipped polyester webbing with integrated reflective stitching, this collar is flexible and comfortable for dogs to wear on long hikes, but is also strong and durable enough that it won’t snag or break down if you’re regularly hiking in rough terrain (or have a dog who’s hard on their gear).
Ruffwear Ridgeline Collar
The Ruffwear Ridgeline Collar—our pick for the best reflective hiking collar for dogs
The integrated reflective stitching is surprisingly visible for an option that’s not fully made of reflective material. Many collars made fully of reflective materials often get scratched or the reflectivity can begin to rub off over time. Since this collar has integrated reflective threads, you’re less likely to experience that kind of breakdown with years of use.
During testing, this collar was the third most visible in complete darkness with a headlamp from 0.03 miles (about 158 feet) away, and under streetlights with a headlamp from 0.05 miles (about 264 feet) away.
The self-aligning Fidlock buckle is also a big bonus. It secures into place with a magnet so when you bring one side near the other, it snaps into place by itself. It also has a quick release tab that you can pull with one hand, and the whole collar will come off.
This collar is easy to put on or remove, even if you’re holding trekking poles, wearing gloves, or managing other dogs. Even though it’s easy to put on and take off, it’s still secure, and doesn’t come undone with dogs who pull. The magnetic closure stays firmly in place unless the release tab is actively pulled away from the collar.
The Ridgeline boasts a strong aluminum D-ring leash attachment point, a separate ID tag connection point, and a silicone tag “silencer” if you don’t want to hear your dog’s tags rattling while you hike.
This collar is as durable as most tactical collars that are often recommended for hiking dogs, but it’s lightweight and less bulky. It’s also waterproof, and I found the webbing to be more flexible and comfortable than the Ruffwear Web Reaction, so it moves with your dog as they explore the trails.
Best reflective dog collar for running: Non-stop dogwear Rock Collar 3.0
Price: $33
Sizes available: 2XS 10.6-12.6” (sold out at time of writing), XS 12.2-14.2”, S 13.8-15.7”, M 15.4-17.7”, L 17.3-19.7”, XL 18.9-21.7”, 2XL 20.9-23.6”, 3XL 22.8-25.6”
Width: 1 ¼” for 2XS and S, 1 ½” for M, 1 ¾” L-3XL
Material: Hexivent, hypalon reinforcement, nylon webbing, and 3M reflective piping
Reflective Type: Reflective strip around circumference of collar
Hardware: No hardware
D-ring: Aluminum D-ring
Waterproof: No, but quick-drying
Washable?: Hand wash only
ID tag attachment: D-ring
What we liked: Comes in eight different sizes; easy on and off design; very breathable; quick drying
What we didn't like: Can’t be adjusted, but Non-stop does have an adjustable version available
My go-to collar for runs with my dogs has been the Non-stop dogwear Rock Collar 3.0 for years. It’s a limited slip/martingale collar that slips over your dog’s head and is made of the same breathable, 3-layer HexiVent mesh material as the brand’s Rock Long Harness (more info on that in our guide to the best dog harnesses).
Non-stop dogwear Rock Collar 3.0
The Non-stop Dogwear Rock 3.0 collar — our pick for the best reflective running collar for dogs
The material this collar is made of has one layer of honeycomb mesh, one layer of soft foam with ventilation holes, and a thin, breathing mesh. This makes it a great pick for summer adventures, warmer climates, and activities—like running—where your dog generates a lot of body heat.
The reflective strip on the Rock Collar goes all the way around the collar, and was surprisingly bright during testing. It’s clear this is a high-quality, high-visibility strip integrated into this collar, not just an iron-on reflective strip. This collar was the second most visible on the list from 0.03 miles away (about 158 feet) in complete darkness with a headlamp. It was also the second most visible from 0.05 miles (about 264 feet) away under streetlights with a headlamp.
Note that if your dog pulls at all while running, attaching a leash to a well-fitted body harness is a safer, more orthopedically-friendly choice. The Rock 3.0 collar is best suited to dogs who don’t pull and run close to their owners while on leash, or do a lot of off-leash trail running.
Since my dogs normally run off-leash, I use this collar with a packable leash like the Mendota Pet Snap Leash. This way, I can leash my dog from the car to the trailhead, then toss the leash in my running pack or pocket when we get going.
If you’re running early in the morning or in the evening with your dog, it’s doubly safe to make yourself visible to traffic and other runners/hikers by wearing some reflective running gear, too.
Best reflective martingale collar: Ruffwear Web Reaction Martingale Dog Collar
Price: $30
Sizes available: 11-14”, 14-17”, 17-20”, 20-23”, 23-26”
Width: ¾” for 11-14”, 1” for all other sizes
Material: polyester webbing (17% recycled) and nylon webbing
Reflective type: Reflective Tubelok webbing
Hardware: ITW Nexus Airloc side-release buckle
D-ring: Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring
Waterproof: No
Washable?: Hand wash only
ID tag attachment: Separate ID tag attachment point with silicone tag silencer
What we liked: Webbing with reflective threads sewn in; separate collar attachment point, silicone tag silencer; around 2.5 inches of limited cinch martingale; durable
What we didn't like: Doesn’t come in sizes small enough for extra small breeds
If you have a dog who can slip out of a standard flat collar (escape artist dogs, or breeds with lean heads like greyhounds, salukis, whippets, collies, or any of the Belgian breeds), a martingale collar is the safest option. The Ruffwear Web Reaction collar is easily the best reflective martingale collar I’ve tested, and maintains durability and visibility in a design that’s still fairly comfortable for the dog.
Ruffwear Web Reaction Martingale Dog Collar
Martingale collars, also known as limited slip collars, tighten a set amount when the dog pulls on the leash or tries to back out of it. This Ruffwear pick had a 2.5-inch martingale loop on the medium size, which isn’t so much that it can be strongly aversive when used, but is enough to keep your dog in their collar if measured correctly.
This collar features two rows of integrated reflective stitching that are next to each other. The Ruffwear Crag collar also features two rows of reflective stitching, but had one on the top and one on the bottom, which was less visible during testing.
The Web Reaction Martingale collar was the fourth most visible from 0.03 miles (about 158 feet) away in complete darkness with a headlamp, and from 0.05 miles (about 264 feet) away under street lights with a headlamp.
Other reflective dog collars we tested
Ruffwear Crag Dog Collar
Price: $35
Sizes available: 11-14”, 14-20”, 20-26”
Width: ¾" in 11–14" size; 1" in larger sizes
Material: polyester jacquard webbing (18% recycled)
Reflective type: Reflective border stitching on top and bottom
Hardware: ITW Nexus Airloc side-release buckle
D-ring: anodized 6061-T6 aluminum V-ring
Waterproof: No
Washable?: Hand wash only
ID tag attachment: Separate ID tag attachment point with silicone tag silencer
What we liked: Comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns; new patterns and colors are often released each season; sturdy aluminum V ring; flexible webbing that’s softer than the Ruffwear Web Reaction collar
What we didn't like: Thin reflective stitching doesn’t make it as visible as other options; Not as durable as other Ruffwear collars on this list; Doesn’t come in sizes small enough for extra small breeds
The Crag Collar is one of Ruffwear’s best selling collars, and it comes in a variety of fun, nature-themed colors and patterns. The brand also frequently releases new seasonal patterns, so folks looking for a collar that’s more design-forward may enjoy the vibrant colorways.
However, the reflective visibility of this collar is limited—it features thin reflective stitching on the top and bottom of the collar that was the least visible of the options on this list. The Ruffwear Web Reaction collar also features two rows of reflective stitching, but they’re paired together in a thicker strip, which makes it slightly more visible.
Ruffwear Crag Dog Collar
Price: $32
Sizes available: S (11-15”), M (13-18”), L (16.5–25”)
Width: ¾” in S, 1” in M and L
Material: Polypropylene, polyester rope
Reflective type: 4 strands of interwoven reflective tape
Hardware: Plastic side-release buckle
D-ring: Nickel-plated, steel D-ring
Waterproof: No
Washable?: Hand wash only
ID tag attachment: D-ring
What we liked: Flexible and comfortable; doesn’t get very dirty; comes in multiple fun colors; third most reflective on the list
What we didn't like: We prefer a single-piece design rather than a split design; doesn’t have a specific use case
The Wilderdog Reflective Collar is a great pick—it just doesn’t serve a specific use case like our winners do. It was similarly reflective and visible as the Ruffwear Ridgeline Collar (third in the pack). It’s flexible and comfortable for dogs to wear for long periods of time, and doesn’t seem to get quite as dirty as webbing options. I wish that the rope was all one big piece, as the split design seems like it could get stuck on brush/other hazards more easily than a one-piece collar design.
This collar just wasn’t quite as reflective as our top pick, and didn’t have as much of an outdoor-focused design as some other options on this list. However, if you’re looking specifically for a reflective rope collar, this is a great choice.
Wilderdog Rope Reflective Collar
What to look for in reflective dog collars
Reflective coverage and material type
There are a few different types of reflective collars: full reflective options, collars with integrated stitching or reflective webbing woven in, and collars with reflective strips. A collar that’s fully reflective is the most visible.
Integrated reflective stitching usually offers the least amount of actual visibility, but there are options with reflective stitching over a majority of the collar (like the Ruffwear Ridgeline) that are actually quite visible in low-light conditions. Relatedly, integrated reflective webbing can be hit or miss, and depends on the amount of reflective webbing and how thick it is.
Reflective strips, stitching, and integrated webbing often allow for the most design options, as full-reflective collars leave little room for fun patterns if they’re largely made of reflective material.
Some collars also feature applied reflective tape or strips, which can peel or degrade with washing and abrasion.
Material and durability
Nylon, polyester webbing, and coated webbing (biothane) are all material options for reflective dog collars. Nylon and polyester webbing are the most common options, and are typically flexible, comfortable, budget-friendly, and solidly durable. The main downside is that they’re often not waterproof, and can get quite dirty and muddy with regular use. They also often need to be hand washed.
Biothane or coated webbing is another option that’s waterproof and easier to clean, but is stiffer and can be less comfortable than nylon or webbing collars. Biothane and coated webbing are plastic-like materials that can easily be wiped down or washed in the sink, and are good material options for dogs who swim often and get dirty and muddy frequently.
Hardware quality
Consider the quality of the hardware on a reflective dog collar before purchasing. Hardware failures are the most common issue in budget-minded collars, and can be a safety hazard for dogs who are flight risks.
Purchasing a collar (and leash) with durable, preferably strength-tested hardware, is the best way to keep your dog safe around wildlife, busy roads, and other hazards. Buckles that undo themselves, and D-rings that bend are both usability and safety concerns.
Different hardware types feature different strengths and trade-offs.
Plastic side-release buckles: The most lightweight of the options, and are best suited for small dogs.
Metal side-release buckles: May be stronger than some plastic options, but are often easy to get your dog’s hair or skin caught in while buckling.
Mixed-material buckles: Options like Fidlock magnetic buckles are becoming popular in dog gear. These options can often be put on and taken off one handed, thanks to their self-aligning magnetic designs. The downside is that collars with this hardware are often significantly more expensive than collars with simple plastic or metal side-release buckles.
Sizing and fit:
To measure a dog’s neck for a collar, use a soft measuring tape (or a piece of string or a dog leash), and wrap it around the base of your dog’s neck. For a comfortable fit that’s not too tight, aim to fit two fingers under the measuring tape.
If you’re purchasing a slip-on collar that can’t be adjusted or doesn’t have a side-release buckle, note that you should also measure the widest part of your dog’s head to ensure that you can slip their collar over their head without it getting stuck.
Reflective dog collar sizing often varies between brands, so always check your dog’s neck circumference measurement against any brand sizing guides instead of relying on breed or weight recommendations.
Safety considerations:
Consider your dog’s size and strength when choosing a reflective dog collar. Large, strong breeds, like Malamutes or German Shepherds, should be walked on thick, one-inch or thicker collars. Large breeds should not be walked on thin collars designed for smaller dogs, even if the circumference technically fits them. Collars with wider webbing and larger buckles will be more durable and suitable for large, strong dogs.
On the other hand, large, bulky collars can be too heavy for small breeds, and may be uncomfortable. A collar that’s uncomfortable for your dog may demotivate them from walking or training.
Tightness around your dog’s neck is also a safety consideration. Your dog’s collar should be tight enough that they can’t back out of it, but not so tight that it may cause coat damage, pressure sores, or trachea damage (especially if you have a dog who pulls). You should be able to fit two fingers under your dog’s collar—anything tighter may affect how well they can breathe.
A dog who pulls should typically not be walked on a collar alone. Using a head halter or well-fitted body harness designed for pulling are both safer options that are unlikely to cause damage to your dog’s body. Any dog with significant pulling issues should be evaluated by a professional dog trainer.
Reflective vs. light-up dog collars — which does your dog need?
Whether you opt for a reflective or light-up dog collar depends on how much visibility you need and your desired level of convenience.
Reflective collars offer passive visibility, and don’t require batteries or charging. However, light needs to hit them in order for you to be able to see your dog. For example, reflective collars aren’t a great option for you to see your dog in the backyard at night without the use of a flashlight or headlamp. Reflective collars do, however, allow cars with their headlights turned on to see you and your dog from a distance.
Light-up collars offer more active visibility, and allow your dog to be visible in complete darkness regardless of if there are lights shining on them. They often require charging or batteries.
We recommend using both a light-up dog collar and reflective gear in tandem to ensure your dog is as visible and safe as possible when it’s dark out.
Care and maintenance of reflective dog collars
Keep your dog’s collar clean: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning your dog’s collar. Usually, you can hand wash dirty nylon dog collars with dish soap, and biothane options can be wiped clean with a wet cloth. Reflective collars that have GPS devices or lights attached should be cleaned very carefully (do not submerge or use very wet rags) to avoid damaging electronics.
Check hardware and reflective elements: Before heading out on a walk, check that all the buckles, closures, and D-rings on your dog’s collar are in good condition. Any hardware on your dog’s collar that’s not working properly or is broken is a safety concern. Check the reflective webbing or stitching on collars as well (under low-light and with a flashlight) to ensure they’re visible.
Replace your dog’s collar when needed: It may be time to buy a new collar if you notice any ripped or torn webbing or broken hardware. Most collars last multiple years without needing to be replaced, but highly active dogs may need new collars more frequently if they become worn or damaged from frequent outdoor adventures.
FAQ
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Yes, reflective dog collars can make your dog more visible in low-light conditions. Reflective dog collars work by reflecting light that shines on them, so a flashlight, car headlights, or other light is needed to make them visible (they don’t work in complete darkness).
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A reflective collar that’s fully made of reflective material can be seen from up to an eighth of a mile away or more, in certain conditions (i.e.: if car headlights or another bright light shine on it). Options with small amounts of reflective stitching or integrated reflective webbing may be seen from shorter distances, like 100-200 feet.
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No, your dog should not wear a reflective collar (or any collar) all the time. When your dog is unsupervised or is playing with other dogs, remove their collar to reduce choking and other safety risks.
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Whether a reflective dog collar is safe for a dog that pulls has little to do with it being reflective, and more to do with how strong your dog is pulling. If your dog is pulling to the point of choking themselves on any collar, consider using a well-fitted dog harness instead to protect your dog’s trachea. You should also consult a certified professional dog trainer to assist with teaching your dog to walk on a loose leash.
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Use a flexible measuring tape (or a piece of string or a dog leash), and wrap it around the base of your dog’s neck. You should be able to slip two fingers under the measuring tape for an appropriately fitting collar that’s not too tight. Check the measurement, or compare the string/leash length to a straight tape measure to find out your dog’s neck circumference.
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Take your dog’s collar and a flashlight into a closet or dark room at night. Close all doors and windows, and shine your light on it from a few feet away. If the silver reflective material shines back at you brightly, your dog’s collar has good reflectivity.
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Yes, you can use a reflective collar with a GPS tracker. Opt for a GPS tracker that can be attached to a flat buckle collar (like the Tractive Dog 6) and simply attach the device to your dog’s reflective collar.
How we researched and tested
We tested each of the reflective collars on this list in real nighttime conditions.
The collars included in this guide were tested alongside other dog collars, GPS collars, and light-up dog collars. Each collar was tested for multiple months on 2-4 different dogs by a certified professional dog trainer and evaluated for fit, safety, and functionality.
Each collar was fitted on dogs of different sizes and neck circumferences to assess sizing accuracy, fit, and comfort.
Reflectivity was tested in real nighttime conditions and tested with a 1600 lumen camping headlamp (Fenix HM60R V2.0) in complete darkness and under streetlights. Under streetlights with the headlamp, all of the collars were visible from about 0.05 miles (about 264 feet) away, though some were brighter than others. Past this distance, some of the collars often became too small to meaningfully see.
I also tested each collar in complete darkness with the same headlamp, and this test proved that less light on each collar also equals less visibility. Most collars were visible from 0.03 miles (about 158 feet) away during this test, with some being brighter than others.
Hardware strength was tested by pull testing at the D-ring and buckle using a luggage scale that showed the approximate pull force.
The comfort and flexibility of each collar was assessed over extended wear on multiple dog testers, and any skin irritation or coat matting was noted.
Why you should trust us / About the author
Jae Thomas is an e-commerce journalist, editor, and dog trainer based in Colorado. She graduated from the New York University journalism program in 2020, and has written and edited commerce content for publications like Mashable, Apartment Therapy, Bon Appetít, Whole Dog Journal, Chewy, CNN Underscored, and more.
Jae is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed, and teaches agility, rally, and other dog sports at Canine Athletics Training Center in Boulder County. Jae uses her background in dog sports and behavior to test outdoor-focused dog gear focused on fit, comfort, safety, and functionality for dogs and their owners.
Jae shares her life with two dogs: mixed breed Miso, and Rough Collie, Dashi. Jae competes in conformation, agility, rally, herding, barn hunt, scent work, and other sports with her dogs and is a pro at traveling, camping, hiking, and adventuring with canine companions in tow.
Find more of Jae’s reviews and guides here.
