Collars, cut to the dog wearing them.

Very little is needed. Wipe with a barely damp cloth, let it dry away from direct heat, and work in a small amount of neutral leather balm two or three times a year. The patina that develops is the point — resist the urge to polish it away.

A rain-soaked walk or a swim will not harm it. Dry it naturally rather than on a radiator, which is what actually cracks leather. Prolonged saltwater exposure will dull the finish faster, so rinse after a beach day.

Run a soft tape around the base of the neck, where the collar naturally sits, and add two fingers’ width of room. Note that measurement in centimetres at checkout and we cut to it. If you are between sizes we size up, because the leather firms slightly as it is burnished.

Add your dog’s name and a contact number at checkout and we hand-engrave the brass plate before the collar is assembled. Up to 14 characters on the top line and 16 on the second. Engraved pieces take an extra two days.

Solid brass develops a warm darker tone with handling, which most owners come to prefer. If you want the original brightness back, a soft cloth and a little brass polish restores it in a minute.