If you’ve been shopping for a dog collar lately and keep seeing the word “Biothane,” you’re not alone in wondering what it actually is. Is it plastic? Is it leather? Is it really waterproof, or is that just marketing?
I’ve been working with Biothane for over four years now. I taught myself to make collars and leashes from scratch, tested everything on my own three dogs, and have put this material through more real-world chaos than most product testers ever will. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me when I first discovered it.
So What Actually Is Biothane?
Biothane is a coated webbing material, a polyester core wrapped in a TPU or PVC coating that gives it its signature smooth, flexible feel. It was originally developed for use in harness racing and equestrian sports, where you need something that can handle sweat, water, and serious daily use without breaking down.
At some point, the dog world caught on. And once you understand what it does, it’s hard to go back to anything else.
The name “Biothane” is actually a brand name like Kleenex or Band-Aid, but it’s become the catch-all term for this style of coated webbing. You’ll see similar materials called Beta biothane, coated webbing, or TPU webbing. When you see it on a dog collar, it almost always means the same thing: waterproof, flexible, and incredibly easy to clean.
Not All Biothane Is the Same
Here’s something worth knowing before you shop: “Biothane” is a registered trademark, and the genuine article is manufactured to specific standards. But because the term has become so widely used, you’ll find a lot of products marketed as Biothane that are actually cheaper imitations – lower-grade coated webbing that looks similar but doesn’t perform the same way.
The difference matters. Knockoff versions tend to be thinner, less flexible, and significantly weaker under real load. They can crack, peel, or stretch over time in ways that genuine Biothane simply doesn’t.
Every collar and leash I make uses genuine trademarked Biothane® – the real thing, not a substitute. It’s manufactured in the US. It costs more than the alternatives, and that’s reflected in the price of my collars. But it’s also why a Loki-proof leash is still in perfect condition after four and a half years of dock diving, squirrel chasing, and general chaos.
What Does Biothane Feel Like?
This is the question I get most, because people assume “waterproof” means stiff and plasticky. It doesn’t.
Biothane is soft. Flexible. It moves with your dog rather than against them. I use super heavy Biothane for my collars – it’s thick and substantial, which means it holds its shape beautifully and the hardware sits perfectly – but it’s not heavy or cumbersome, even on a fully blinged out rhinestone collar. When you pick one up, you’re always a little surprised by how comfortable it feels.
It does get slightly slippery when wet, which is worth knowing. But it softens right back up as it dries, and the flexibility doesn’t changes no matter how many times it gets soaked.
Side note here: If your dog has an oily coat, that can impact the biothane. Whenever we see biothane that feels hardened, it’s usually from a dog that has a particularly oily coat. Keeping your dog clean can extend the life of the biothane.
Is Biothane Really Waterproof?
Yes. Genuinely, completely, not-just-a-little waterproof — with one caveat worth knowing.
Biothane® itself doesn’t absorb water. But anywhere the material gets cut — the ends of collars and leashes, the holes punched for buckles — the raw edge is exposed and can allow water to seep in over time if it isn’t sealed.
This is why finishing matters. Every collar and leash I make has painted and sealed ends and buckle holes. It’s an extra step that a lot of makers skip, but it’s the difference between a collar that’s truly waterproof and one that just mostly is.
So when you order from Cora’s Canine Collective, you can be confident it’s as waterproof as a dog collar can be.
My dog Loki has been wearing Biothane since he was a puppy – about four and a half years now. He dock dives. He swims in our pool. He rolls in mud, tears through the woods, and has lunged on his leash more times than I can count chasing squirrels and reacting to other dogs. He’s 50 pounds of pure muscle and enthusiasm, and Biothane has never once failed him.
I regularly walk all three of my dogs (Cora, Loki, and Delilah) on Biothane collars and leashes at the same time. If you know anything about walking three reactive Pitties simultaneously, you know that’s a real stress test. When Loki gets activated, the girls lose their minds. The leashes and collars hold. Every time.
The Thing I Wish Someone Had Told Me Sooner
When I first started making Biothane collars, I knew it was waterproof. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how easy it would be to keep clean.
The first time I washed one of my own collars, I held it under the tap, ran my hands over it, and watched the dirt just… slide off. Like it was nothing. No scrubbing. No soaking. No special cleaner. Just water and your hands.
I was hooked instantly.
I’ve washed collars that came back from muddy trails, pool days, and dock diving practice. They look exactly the same as the day they were made. That’s not an exaggeration – Biothane genuinely does not absorb dirt, odor, or water. There’s nothing for it to hold onto.
For anyone who has ever thrown a fabric collar in the washing machine and pulled it out still smelling like wet dog, this is a revelation.
How Does Biothane Compare to Leather?
Leather has its place, absolutely! I have nothing but respect for the incredible leather craftsmen who consistently create stunning dog collars and leashes. I salivate at all of the beautiful leather collars on the market. But for me personally, a busy dog mom that needs gear that is simple and easy to clean with dogs who swim, plays, trains, gets muddy, gets loved…Biothane is the more practical choice without sacrificing beauty. Check out Loki in his brown Biothane rhinestone collar – unbelievably gorgeous.
Is Biothane Safe for Dogs?
Yes. Biothane is non-toxic and body-safe – it was designed for use directly against skin in equestrian and sporting applications. It won’t irritate your dog’s neck, doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, and doesn’t degrade in ways that could cause problems over time.
As with any collar, you’ll want to check fit regularly and inspect for wear, especially on the hardware. But the material itself is completely safe for everyday wear.
I have heard a couple of stories of dog’s losing their hair with Biothane dog collars so I’d like to address that here. No dog should wear a collar 24/7. Proper fit is also critically important. If the collar is too tight, it will break off the hair as it rubs – that’s not just with biothane, it’s with every collar. So give your dog’s neck some air and breathing space by removing collars whenever it’s safe to do so.
Why I Use Biothane for Every Collar I Make
When I discovered Biothane four and a half years ago, I was looking for something that could keep up with Loki. He was an active, athletic puppy, and standard flat collars just didn’t feel right on him – it was like something was missing. He’s a gorgeous dog and he deserved something that looked as good as he does.
Biothane gave me waterproof and stink-proof and strong and durable. But what kept me obsessed was that it also gave me color. Flexibility. The ability to add rhinestones and vinyl and UV printed patterns and create something genuinely beautiful.
It’s the only material I use because it’s the only material that gives me everything I need to make collars I’m actually proud of.
If you want to see what Biothane looks like in person, the best place to start is our rhinestone collar collection — or if you want to design your own, the Custom Collar Design Studio lets you choose your colors, add your dog’s name, and preview everything before you order.
And if you’re not sure what size to order, our measuring guide walks you through it in about two minutes.
Have questions about Biothane that I didn’t answer here? Send me a message — I genuinely love talking about this stuff. It’s a problem.
– Jenni 🐾