A fascinating collection of dog collars spanning back to the 15th century, the display at Leeds Castle reveals that collars were not just worn for looks or details of ownership, but for protection as well. The earliest collar in the collection is made of iron and was fitted for a Spanish mastiff to keep its neck safe from wolves and bears.
Dog collars followed the style of the times in which they were made, with the Baroque period producing more ornate designs while 16th century Germany studded theirs with iron spikes. Collars throughout time have been made from a variety of materials, including gold, tires, and even beads.
Leeds Castle now holds 130 collars that are rare, and the collection continues to grow as more are purchased or donated.