Lupine Pet: The New Hampshire Story Behind Lupine Dog Collars
Lupine Pet began with one handmade dog collar in Conway, New Hampshire, in 1990. Here is its story, its Even if Chewed guarantee, and how to pick its collars, leashes and harnesses by dog size.
In short
- Lupine Pet is a pet gear maker in Conway, New Hampshire, whose first colourful dog collar was made by hand in 1990; the company incorporated in 1991.
- Its Even if Chewed guarantee, in the brand's own terms, is a one-time replacement of an original purchase damaged during normal pet activities, chewing accidents included.
- Pick the webbing width by dog size: 1/2 inch for puppies and small dogs up to about 20 pounds, 3/4 inch for the widest range of dogs, 1 inch for medium and larger dogs.
- The pattern on the Originals line is woven into the webbing rather than printed or sewn on, so it is part of the strap itself.
- A martingale collar suits walks and training but should never stay on an unattended dog; a cat safety collar has a breakaway buckle.
Lupine Pet (written LupinePet by the brand) is a maker of dog collars, leashes and harnesses in Conway, New Hampshire. Its first colourful collar was made by hand in 1990, the company incorporated in 1991, and every collar, leash and harness is covered by its Even if Chewed guarantee.
That is the short answer. The longer one is a small mountain workshop that has stayed put for more than three decades, a guarantee with a cheeky name, and a range so wide it can feel like a paint chart. Below you will find the story in the brand's own terms, then a friendly guide to choosing the right width, length and style for your dog.
Who makes Lupine dog collars, and where?
Lupine dog collars are made by a team in Conway, New Hampshire, in the heart of the White Mountains. The brand credits three founders, Scott, Valerie and Dave, and says they have insisted on building the highest quality gear since that first handmade collar in 1990.
The workshop, the brand says, has stayed right where it started. More than 35 years on, the team has grown to over 40 people, and Lupine gear now turns up in all 50 states and in more than a dozen countries. It is a lovely example of a pet brand that grew up without moving out of its hometown.
What makes Lupine collars and leashes different?
Lupine says its gear takes inspiration from the durable components found in climbing and hiking gear, and that every item is made by hand. In the product details you will see the same building blocks again and again:
- Jacquard woven nylon. On the Originals designs the pattern is woven into the webbing, never printed or sewn on, so the colour is part of the strap rather than a layer on top.
- Bar-tack stitching. Dense, tight rows of stitches where the strap meets the hardware, the spots that take the most tug.
- Welded D-rings. A ring with no open seam for the leash to clip onto.
- A custom side-release buckle on adjustable collars and harnesses, and a breakaway buckle on the cat safety collars.
There is also an Eco collection woven from recycled plastic bottles. The brand describes the bottles being melted, purified and extruded into thread, which is then woven into a soft yet strong strap with a rich texture. It looks a little like heathered fabric and feels lovely in the hand.
The Eco collection
Woven from thread made of recycled plastic bottles.
What does the Lupine Even if Chewed guarantee cover?
In the brand's own terms, GUARANTEED (Even if Chewed) means a one-time replacement of any LupinePet collar, leash or pet gear from your original purchase that was accidentally damaged during normal pet activities, chewing accidents included. Lupine is honest that no fabric is chew-proof; the guarantee is there for the day a puppy finds the leash before you do.
The brand also lists what it does not cover: lost or outgrown items, normal wear and tear (including fading that still works fine), items that are simply dirty, damage done on purpose or by repeated activity, custom embroidered pieces, and items already replaced once. Requests go to the brand itself with two clear photos of the damage, and it asks you to keep the item until a replacement is approved. Because the details are Lupine's to set, read its current terms before you rely on them.
Which Lupine collar width fits my dog?
Choose the width by your dog's size first, then the length range by measuring the neck. The product details give a simple rule of thumb for the three widths:
| Width | Who it suits (brand guidance) | Example size ranges |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | Puppies and small dogs up to about 20 lb; also the cat safety collars | 8-12 in, 10-16 in |
| 3/4 inch | The widest range of dogs, from terriers to sporting breeds | 9-14 in, 13-22 in, 15-25 in |
| 1 inch | Medium and larger dogs | 12-20 in, 16-28 in, 26-31 in |
To measure, wrap a soft tape around the middle of your dog's neck where the collar sits, then pick a range that puts that number near the middle rather than at either end. That leaves room to loosen or snug it as a puppy grows or a winter coat thickens. You should be able to slide two fingers under a flat collar comfortably. Our guide to types of dog collars walks through every style if you are unsure what you need.
Small dogs and puppies
1/2 and 3/4 inch widths for little necks.
Medium and large dogs
Woven patterns in 3/4 and 1 inch widths.
Reflective collars for early and late walks
Reflective webbing in three size ranges, up to an extra large.
Is a Lupine martingale collar right for my dog?
A martingale suits a dog whose head is narrower than its neck, or any dog that can back out of a flat collar. The brand calls it a limited-slip collar for walking and training: it slips on over the head, and a second small loop draws the collar gently snug when the leash goes tight, then relaxes again.
Lupine is clear that a martingale should not be left on an unattended or unleashed dog. Treat it as walk-time gear and switch back to a flat collar with ID at home.
Martingale collars by size
Small 10-14 inch up to large 19-27 inch.
Which Lupine leash length should I choose?
Match the leash width to the collar and the length to the job. Lupine's padded handle leashes come in 6-foot, 4-foot and 2-foot lengths, and the brand's note is simple: shorter leashes keep the dog closer. For a full tour of leash styles, see our glossary of dog leash types.
| Leash | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday padded handle leash | 6 ft | Relaxed neighbourhood walks with a little room to sniff |
| Shorter padded handle leash | 4 ft | Busier sidewalks and dogs still learning to walk close |
| Traffic leash | 2 ft | Crossing streets, crowds and vet waiting rooms |
| Extra-long training lead | 15 or 30 ft | Practising come and stay in open, safe spaces; never a tie-out |
| Training tab | Short grab handle | A supervised dog during off-leash practice |
| Coupler | Splits one leash in two | Walking two small dogs together on regular, non-choke collars |
Everyday padded handle leashes
Woven patterns and solids, from small-pet 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
Training leads, tabs and couplers
Short and long tools for practice and two-dog walks.
Which Lupine harness fits my dog: step-in, Roman or no-pull?
Pick a step-in harness for an easy-going dog that does not mind lifting its paws, a Roman harness for a snug, adjustable fit around chest and girth, and the no-pull harness if you are working on loose-leash walking. Measure the girth, the widest part of the chest just behind the front legs, and choose a range that puts your dog in the middle.
- Step-in harness. Lay it flat, let your dog step in with both front paws, then clip the buckle over the back. The 1/2 inch size suits puppies and small dogs up to about 20 pounds.
- Roman harness. Extra straps make a fuller frame around the chest, with buckles to adjust each part. Lupine describes the 3/4 inch harnesses as suiting terriers through sporting breeds.
- No-pull harness. Lupine is refreshingly frank here: it says the harness does not keep a dog from pulling, it helps you show that pulling is less rewarding than not pulling, and progress depends on how consistent you are.
Wondering where the leash should clip on? Our front clip vs back clip harness guide explains the difference. As with any new gear, introduce it gently, let your dog sniff it first and stay close on the first few walks.
Step-in harnesses
From 10-13 inch girth for tiny dogs up to 24-38 inch.
Roman and adjustable harnesses
More straps, more ways to fine-tune the fit.
For loose-leash practice
The no-pull harness in the Flower Power pattern fits a 26 to 38 inch girth, so it suits medium and larger dogs who are still learning that a slack leash gets them further.
- 1 inch woven webbing with a bold floral pattern
- Brand guidance: a training tool, not a fix on its own
- Pairs with a matching 1 inch leash
Does Lupine make collars for cats?
Yes. The 1/2 inch Cat Safety collars are designed with cats in mind, with a bell and a breakaway buckle built to release under pressure. The D-ring on these collars is for ID tags only, so never clip a leash to it; for a walk, a cat needs a harness.
Breakaway cat collars
1/2 inch wide, 8 to 12 inches, with a bell.
A first Lupine collar for a bigger dog
The 1 inch Jelly Roll collar adjusts from 16 to 28 inches and shows off the woven pattern beautifully. There is a matching 6-foot leash, so the set looks like it belongs together.
- Pattern woven into the webbing
- Bar-tack stitching and a welded D-ring
- Side-release buckle for quick on and off
How do I keep Lupine gear looking good?
Nylon webbing is easy to live with. Rinse off mud after a wet walk, hand wash in mild soapy water when it gets grubby, and let it air dry fully before it goes back on. Check the buckle, stitching and ring every so often; if anything looks worn, swap it out, and if a chewing accident was to blame, the brand's guarantee may apply. You can find more of the brand's range on its brand page any time.
Questions people ask
Where are Lupine dog collars made?
Lupine Pet says its products are built by hand in its workshop in Conway, New Hampshire, in the White Mountains. The workshop has stayed in the same town since the company incorporated in 1991.
What is the Lupine Even if Chewed guarantee?
In the brand's words, it is a one-time replacement of a LupinePet collar, leash or pet gear from your original purchase that was accidentally damaged during normal pet activities, including chewing accidents. It does not cover lost or outgrown items, normal wear, or items already replaced. Requests go to Lupine directly with photos of the damage.
Are Lupine collars chew-proof?
No, and the brand says so plainly: no fabric is chew-proof. The guarantee exists for chewing accidents, so a puppy's slip does not mean buying a new collar.
What size Lupine collar does my dog need?
Measure around the middle of the neck and choose a range that puts that number near the middle. For width, the brand suggests 1/2 inch for puppies and small dogs up to about 20 pounds, 3/4 inch for the widest range of dogs, and 1 inch for medium and larger dogs.
Can a Lupine martingale collar stay on all day?
No. Lupine says the martingale should not be left on an unattended or unleashed dog. Use it for walks and training and switch to a flat collar with ID at home.
Does the Lupine no-pull harness stop pulling?
Lupine says it does not keep a dog from pulling; it helps you teach that pulling is less rewarding. Results depend on consistent practice, and a trainer can help if walks feel hard.
About the numbers
- LupinePet, About us page, read 2026-11-01: first collar hand made in 1990; incorporated 1991; founders Scott, Valerie and Dave; workshop in Conway, New Hampshire; team of over 40; gear in all 50 states and more than a dozen countries; inspired by climbing and hiking gear components
- LupinePet, Guarantee page, read 2026-11-01: GUARANTEED (Even if Chewed): one-time replacement of an original purchase damaged during normal pet activities, with the listed exclusions
