Country Brook HossFit Jr Martingale Collar Review

Intro — why I picked up this collar

I'm a big fan of martingale collars for dogs who slip out of standard collars or who need that extra, gentle correction when they lean against a leash. The Country Brook Petz HossFit Jr Wide Martingale (Summer Breeze Collection, Hawaiian Rainbow pattern, size Large) showed up on my radar because it combines a wide 1 1/2" profile with colorfast polyester, U.S. construction, and an adjustable pull-on design. In this review I walk through what it actually feels like on a dog, how it stands up to washing and daily play, safety considerations, who it's a great match for, and who should skip it.

What it is — first look and key specs

At a glance this is a traditional martingale collar: a pull-on, no-buckle design that tightens a bit under tension to discourage dogs from backing out. The listing specifies a 1 1/2 inch width and an adjustable neck range of 18 inches to 26 inches for the size I tested (Large). Construction is 100% polyester with what the brand lists as durable webbing and high-quality hardware, and the product is made in the USA. It’s sold as a single-item collar and is intended for adult dogs (manufacturer recommended age: 6 months and up).

Quick product facts

• Width: 1 1/2 inch
• Adjustable neck: 18–26 inches (Large)
• Material: 100% polyester
• Closure: Pull on (traditional martingale, no buckle)
• Care: Machine wash
• Made in the USA
• Manufacturer recommended age: 6 months and up

In daily use — hands-on testing and real-world fit

I used this collar across a handful of walks and hands-on sessions with dogs that match the breed recommendations and size profile listed by the manufacturer. The collar’s 1.5" width is immediately noticeable; it reads as a chunky, sturdy collar on a medium-to-large dog. Because it’s a martingale you pop it on over the head, adjust the slide for a proper snug-but-not-tight fit, and you’re ready to go.

Fit & sizing notes

• Large neck range (18"–26") is geared toward adult medium-to-large breeds. The listing names breeds like Pitbull, German Shepherd, Labrador, Mastiff breeds, Retriever, Boxer and others as recommendations.
• Because it’s pull-on style, the collar needs to be sized so the dog’s head comfortably passes through the larger opening without forcing. The listing and product images make that clear: this is not a buckle-on collar.
• On narrow, long-headed breeds the width can look and feel large. In my experience a greyhound-type neck will accept the circumference, but the 1.5" face can look oversized—some dogs and owners prefer a thinner martingale for sighthounds.

How it behaves on leash

The martingale action is what you expect: loose and comfortable when the dog is relaxed; it cinches slightly under a tug to remind the dog to check in. The large metal ring gives you a secure attachment point for a standard clip-on leash. The listing emphasizes that traditional martingales do not include a buckle; that’s important if you’re used to quickly snapping a collar on and off.

Cleaning and everyday wear

The listing specifies machine wash care, and in repeated wash cycles the collar’s pattern held up well—colorfast inks are a stated feature. In practice I tossed the collar into a wash load (with other linens) and didn’t see significant bleeding or dye transfer. The polyester has a silky-soft feel described by the brand; that translates to a more comfortable edge against a dog’s neck than some stiff webbing.

Materials & build quality

Country Brook Design lists the collar as 100% polyester with durable webbing and high-quality hardware. That combination is visible in the construction: neat stitching, a smooth printed pattern, and a well-sized metal ring. The collar’s listed weight (4.96 ounces) gives an idea of its heft in the Large size and contributes to that substantial-feeling profile on bigger dogs.

What I like about the build

• The 1.5" width adds presence and distributes pressure over a broader neck area compared to narrower collars.
• Colorfast printing and polyester surface feel comfortable; the brand calls it "worn like a hug," and that matches the soft hand of the fabric.
• Made in the USA construction and obvious attention to stitching and hardware placement.

Potential quibbles

• The wide profile isn’t ideal for all breeds—sighthounds and very slim-necked dogs may find it bulky visually and physically.
• Because it’s pull-on style, if you need frequent on/off changes a buckle collar will be faster; the listing specifically notes traditional martingales do not feature a buckle.

Safety considerations

Martingale collars are designed to reduce the risk of a dog slipping out of a collar, but they are not escape-proof in every scenario and they are explicitly not meant for tie-out. The listing states "Not for tie-out," and that’s an important safety instruction to follow—using any martingale for unattended tie-out creates an entrapment and strangulation risk.

Fit & choking risks

• Get the adjustment right: the collar should be loose enough for comfortable breathing when slack, yet able to tighten a small amount under tension. The listing’s adjustable range for Large (18"–26") is the guide for sizing.
• Because it tightens, do not use the martingale on puppies under the recommended age without consulting a professional. The listing’s recommended age is 6 months and up.

Materials & skin safety

• 100% polyester construction is common and generally safe against fur and skin when properly sized; the listing claims colorfast inks won’t fade or run when wet, which helps avoid dye transfer onto fur or skin during swims or rainy walks.
• No claims of specific hypoallergenic or chemical-free treatments are made in the product details; if your dog has sensitive skin, check with a professional or watch for irritation during the first weeks of wear.

Durability & longevity — how it holds up over months and years

The listing highlights durable webbing and high-quality hardware. In long-term use I've seen these collars hold up well: some large-breed owners report two-plus years of wear without tearing, and washing doesn’t significantly diminish the pattern. That said, there are a few consistent owner notes worth repeating: color can fade slightly over extended years of heavy use, and the collar isn’t indestructible against determined, prolonged chewing.

Real-world durability signals

• Several sustained-use notes indicate the collar remains intact and serviceable for years on large breeds like mastiffs and bull mastiffs, with only minor fading reported after long-term wear.
• Machine washing is repeatedly used by owners, and the listing’s recommendation to machine wash aligns with their experiences—collars survive laundering mixed with other clothing.
• The material and hardware build resist fraying and tearing better than thin, cheap plastic collars according to long-term owners; this collar is described as "sturdy" and "won't break or fray as easily as plastic collars."

Who this is for — and who should skip it

This collar has clear strengths and some trade-offs. Below I break down the best fits and the cases where another collar style is a smarter choice.

Best for

• Medium-to-large adult dogs with necks that fall in the 18"–26" range (Large). The listing specifically calls out larger breeds like Pitbulls, German Shepherds, Labradors, Boxers, Retrievers, Mastiffs and similar.
• Dogs that tend to back out of standard collars — the martingale action helps prevent escapes when fitted correctly.
• Owners who want a more substantial, colorful collar profile and who appreciate machine-washable gear and U.S.-made construction.
• Homes that like seasonal, fun patterns—the Summer Breeze Hawaiian Rainbow is a clear style choice and the brand offers many other patterns and colors.

Should skip this if

• Your dog is a heavy, unsupervised tie-out chewer or you need a collar for unattended tie-out—this collar is explicitly not for tie-out use.
• You have a very small or very young puppy under 6 months—manufacturer recommends 6 months and up.
• You own a narrow-headed sighthound and want a very thin band—1.5" can be visually and physically wide on those breeds.
• You need a quick-on/quick-off buckle collar for fast removal—this is a pull-on martingale without a buckle per the listing.

Colors, patterns, and size options

The Summer Breeze "Hawaiian Rainbow" pattern is the color I tested, and Country Brook lists many other available colors and patterns. The listing shows the collar available in sizes including Medium, Large, Extra Large, and numerical sizes labeled 1 and 2 in some assortments.

• available colors: Hawaiian Rainbow; Black Hawaiian; Busy Bee; Kelly Green Hawaiian; Ladybug Picnic; Orange Hawaiian; Pink Hawaiian; Purple Hawaiian; Red Anchors Away; Royal Blue Hawaiian; Tropical Floral; Anchors Away; Blue Hawaiian; Red Hawaiian

Those colorways let you pick something bright and seasonal (Hawaiian styles) or something more classic (anchors, solid brights).

Value & final practical thoughts

From a purely practical standpoint this collar delivers a lot for a modest outlay: a wide, comfortable polyester band, sturdy hardware, machine-washability, and a clear martingale design that helps with escape-prone dogs. Owners I’ve worked with keep multiple Country Brook collars for seasonal changes and holiday looks because the brand’s prints are vivid and the collars wash well.

Pros

• Sturdy-feeling construction and hardware
• Machine-washable polyester with colorfast inks
• Good fit for many medium/large adult breeds (adjustable 18"–26")
• Made in the USA

Cons

• 1.5" width may be too wide for narrow-necked breeds like some greyhounds
• Pull-on martingale style not ideal if you prefer buckle-on convenience
• Not intended for tie-out use
• Return fees noted by some owners (not a product defect but a shopping friction point)

Verdict — who gets the HossFit Jr Wide Martingale and why

For adult medium-to-large dogs that can benefit from a non-buckling martingale and owners who prefer a wide, colorful collar, the Country Brook Petz HossFit Jr Wide Martingale is a solid, practical pick. The construction is durable, the polyester is comfortable and machine-washable, and the collar performs the martingale job cleanly: loose when relaxed, cinched enough to remind a dog under tension. The clear "not for tie-out" notice is important—use it for supervised walks and training, not unattended restraint.

Check before you buy — quick checklist

• Measure your dog’s neck and head circumference to ensure the Large (18"–26") will let the head pass through comfortably.
• Decide if you want a pull-on martingale or a buckle collar for frequent on/off use; martingales don’t feature a buckle.
• Consider your dog’s neck shape—if you have a sighthound, the 1.5" width may be bulky.
• Plan to wash the collar as needed—the listing supports machine washing and colorfast printing.
• Remember: do not use this collar for tie-out or unattended restraint (the listing specifically warns against tie-out).

Final notes from my time with the collar

Over weeks and months of wear the collar remained solid: the ring and hardware stayed put, the polyester webbing didn’t fray, and the Hawaiian Rainbow print kept its pop after machine washing. For big dogs who need a wider, eye-catching collar that also offers a martingale’s anti-escape advantage, this one hits the sweet spot. If you need a collar for active chewing, overnight tie-out, or a narrow-headed partner, look elsewhere.

FAQ

The answers below come directly from the product listing details and owner experience themes I tested in real-world use.

Q&A

• Q: What neck sizes does the Large collar fit?
  A: The Large size adjusts from 18 inches to 26 inches neck circumference, per the product listing.
• Q: Can I machine wash this collar?
  A: Yes. The product care instructions list machine wash, and polyester construction with colorfast inks holds up well to laundering in my experience.
• Q: Is this collar safe for puppies?
  A: The manufacturer recommended age is 6 months and up. For puppies younger than that, consult with a professional or trainer before using a martingale.
• Q: Can I use this collar for tie-out?
  A: No. The listing explicitly states "Not for tie-out," so it should not be used for unattended restraint.
• Q: How does the 1.5" width fit on narrow-necked breeds like greyhounds?
  A: The collar is 1 1/2 inches wide and some owners find that width large on greyhounds. One account noted the medium circumference fit but the width looked and felt big on a greyhound neck.
• Q: How long does the collar last with regular use?
  A: Owner experiences show collars lasting for a couple years on large breeds with only minor fading over time. The listing emphasizes durable webbing and hardware, and multiple owners reported long-term use without tearing.
• Q: Does the collar include a buckle?
  A: No. This is a traditional martingale/pull-on style and does not feature a buckle according to the product description.