Dog Collar and Lead Colours: What do they mean?

Have you ever been walking your dog and seen another dog with a brightly-coloured lead or collar? Brightly-coloured leads, collars and harnesses can be a warning or signal for other dog owners, so you’ll know if the dog in question has special requirements when it comes to being outside or socialising with other dogs and people. 

In this article, we’ll go into the meanings of the colour-coded dog collars and leads, so you’ll know what’s up whenever you see a bright colour on another pooch.

What’s the story behind different dog collar colours? 

The movement to use different collar colours as a signal to others began in Australia in 2009, when dog trainer Terry Ryan tied a yellow ribbon around his untrained or nervous dogs to indicate that they needed more space. Since then it has spread all over the world as an unofficial code between dog owners, through initiatives such as The Yellow Dog Project.

In the UK and in other countries, the colours and their meanings have expanded. Now many dog owners, adopters, trainers and rescue organisations follow this unofficial dog collar code to send a signal to other people and dog owners they meet. 

The meaning of different dog collar colours 

Let’s go into the meanings of different colours of dog collar and leads, so you’re fully in the know next time you’re out on a dog walk.

What does a red dog collar mean?

Similar to the original yellow collar, if you see a dog wearing a red collar, it usually means you should keep back, as this particular dog needs extra space. They may be anxious or show aggression when approached, be nervous around strangers, have health issues, or they just don’t particularly enjoy being petted or fussed over.

What does an orange dog collar mean? 

An orange dog collar usually means ‘I’m ok with people, but not dogs.’ While this dog is comfortable around people and won’t mind if they’re petted, they aren’t dog-friendly. This can happen if a dog hasn’t been socialised with other dogs, only people; or if they’ve had potential trauma or bad experiences with other dogs. Be sure to hold your dog back or put them on a lead around an orange-collared dog so they don’t feel threatened.

What does a green dog collar mean?

Green dog collars mean ‘Go ahead!’ This dog is social and happy to meet new dogs and people. These collars aren’t that common, however a dog might wear a green collar to differentiate them between nervous dogs in the same group.

What does a purple dog collar mean? 

A purple dog collar means ‘Please do not feed me’. This could be a dog who has allergies or intolerances, and is therefore on a specific diet, such as grain-free, dairy-free or a raw-food diet. Their owner may be managing their weight, or they might have a health disorder such as pancreatitis or diabetes that needs specialist food and careful management. In any case, the owner wants to keep a close eye on what their dog eats, so can’t take the risk of new friends or strangers sneaking them any treats or scraps.

What does a bright yellow dog collar mean? 

A yellow collar often means that the dog is nervous and needs space (as was the original use of the dog colour-coding), and yellow is still widely used in this way in the UK. But a bright yellow dog collar can also be an indicator that this dog is up for adoption. They might be out on a walk with their foster parents or the staff at the adoption centre, or their potential new parents may be walking them before officially adopting them. You can chat to the dog walker to ask more about them, if you’re interested.

Make sure to check with the owner which meaning the collar is referring to, and always approach with caution. 

What does a pale yellow dog collar mean? 

A pale yellow collar or lead means this dog is anxious. It’s important to give an anxious dog lots of space, don’t let your dog go up to them unless the owner says it’s ok, and avoid any sudden movements around them. Sometimes the colour is combined with words such as ‘Nervous Dog’, ‘Stay Back’, ‘Do Not Touch’. 

What does a white dog collar mean?

White dog collars and leads are the signal for sensory disabilities; so this could be a deaf or hard of hearing dog, or a blind dog. This warning is for other dog owners and passers-by to give the dog space, and definitely don’t reach out and touch the dog without permission (you should always ask permission to touch a new dog, regardless). These dogs are likely to fright easily with one or more of their senses lessened.

What does a blue dog collar or lead mean?

Blue dog collars are often used to identify a service dog or a service dog in training. They often wear harnesses which identify them as a service dog. Generally, it means you should avoid interactions with this dog, as they are working for their owner or in the middle of being trained. If you aren’t sure, it’s fine to ask the dog owner before interacting with them. 

Is there a law around dog collar colours? 

No, there isn’t any UK law or expectations around the colours of dog collars and leads - the colour-coding has just come to have widespread meaning as more and more dog owners have adopted it. Because of this, it’s best to always ask the owner if you aren’t sure whether their dog’s bright collar means something or not. Or, you can just give that dog space, to be safe, and continue with your walk. 

What is a legal requirement is to have your dog chipped with their most up-to-date information; and an identification collar is always useful, so that their name and phone number is easily accessible to others if they get lost. 

Other uses of colour coding for dogs 

It’s not just collars that can be used for colour-coding. Dogs can have a full lead and harness in the bright colour, too - or sometimes the harness or collar will be stitched with words such as ‘Nervous Dog’, ‘Stay Back’ or ‘Service Dog in Training’, or similar. Some dog owners use bandanas or scarves in the signal colour, just to make it extra clear that the colour is being worn for a purpose. 

Etiquette around dogs with colour-coded collars

Most colour-coded dog collars and leads have the overall meaning that you should be cautious around this particular pooch, and give them extra space. Here are some ways to keep good etiquette around dogs with special requirements.

• Hold your dog back if they’re on a lead and allow this colour-collared dog room to pass. 

• If your dog is off the lead and you spot a dog with a coloured collar, you should call them clearly and directly to return to you. It’s important to have them trained in strong call-back skills for this, however, luring them with some healthy dog treats can always help things along. 

• If you’re approaching the owner of a colour-collared dog, as well as holding your dog back, let them know the temperament of your dog (this way, they can decide what action to take with their own dog). 

• Never reach out and touch a dog with a colour-coded collar. All dogs prefer to see you and sniff your hand before being touched or petted, this is a universal rule of dog-petting! However, a dog with a coloured collar needs even more space to feel comfortable (this might not apply to a dog with a green collar, but it’s polite to ask first anyway).

• Ask the owner if you can interact with their dog - this applies to all dogs, as colour-coded collars aren’t obligatory and you can never really know how a dog will behave. If they have a ‘Nervous dog’ collar (or a red or yellow collar), then it’s best to not attempt this at all and politely pass by. 

Does my dog need a colour-coded collar? 

It’s up to you whether you think wearing a colour-coded collar will be helpful for your dog and others around you. If your dog is old, has sensory disabilities, is an anxious or nervous dog, has health issues or has special dietary requirements, it could put your mind at ease to display these messages to any new dogs or people that you may come across day-to-day. 

Otherwise, you can always be vocal and have conversations with other dog owners about your particular pooch. This communication is good practice as a dog parent, and an important way of allowing your dog to socialise in a safe way that keeps everyone happy and comfortable.

Always have a pocketful of treats handy to keep your pooch’s attention on a dog walk! Pooch & Mutt Probiotic Meaty Treats come in a range of tasty flavours, are grain-free and made with delicious whole ingredients. They also include a dose of probiotics to promote a balanced doggy diet and a healthy gut.