Best Dog Tags 2026 Part 2: Materials, Sizes & 2026 Dog Tag Trends

Now that you understand what must legally appear on a dog tag, Part 2 explores the practical side: choosing the right material, size, and design. From active dogs to puppies and sensitive-skin breeds, this guide helps you pick the most functional and stylish tag for your dog.

Types of Dog Tags in 2026

Classic Stainless Steel Dog Tags

Stainless steel dog tags are still the go-to in 2026. They’re:

· Rustresistant, hard to bend, and great for everyday wear

· Perfect if you want deep engraved pet tags that stay readable for years
If you already use a tough nylon collar (like the ones in our [best nylon dog collars guide](http://www.minardipets.com/news/b

Choosing the Best Dog Tags for Your Dog

How to choose dog tag material

Pick material based on daily wear, climate, and how “rough” your dog is:

· Stainless steel pet tags – Best allround choice. Strong, rustproof, budgetfriendly, and ideal for deep engraved pet tags that stay readable for years.

· Brass dog tags – Classic look and easy to engrave, but they tarnish faster and can mark light fur.

· Plated / coated tags – Look nice at first, but the coating can chip; I only use these as “fashion” tags, not the main ID.

· Biothane dog collar tags – Light, waterproof, flexible, great for beach and rainheavy regions.

· Silicone / silent dog tags – Great as noisefree pet tags, but make sure the engraving is deep or printed in a highcontrast color.

If you’re also choosing a new collar, it’s worth checking how different materials feel and last; this guide on nylon vs leather dog collars is a good starting point.

Dog tag size for small dogs vs large breeds

Match tag size to neck size and weight:

· Small dogs / puppies (under ~10 kg)

· Light, mini tags to avoid neck strain

· Round or small boneshape, 20–25 mm wide

· 2–3 lines of text max so it stays readable

· Medium to large breeds

· Standard or large tags, 30–38 mm wide

· Heavier tags are fine; they actually sit better on the chest

· 3–5 lines of text possible, front and back engraving

Rule: The tag should be big enough to read at arm’s length, but not so big it hits your dog’s legs when they walk.

Dog tags for active and adventure dogs

For hiking, running, and beach dogs, prioritize toughness and security:

· Stainless steel or thick aluminum for durability

· Deep engraved dog tags instead of shallow laser marking

· Slideon dog tag that threads onto the collar to avoid snagging on branches

· Waterproof or waterproof dog ID tags for swimming and rainy climates

· Pair with a strong collar that won’t stretch or break when wet (see again: nylon vs leather).

If your dog does a lot of chewing and tugging, avoid thin dangling tags and flimsy split rings.

Dog tags for allergyprone or sensitive skin dogs

If your dog gets rashes around the neck:

· Choose hypoallergenic dog tags – highquality stainless steel or titanium

· Avoid cheap metal mixes and lowgrade plated tags

· Use a collar with a soft backing (neoprene, padded nylon, or lined leather)

· Go for slideon tags that sit flat and move less on the skin

· Check the fur/skin weekly; any green/black staining or redness means you should switch materials fast

Durability, scratch resistance, and noise level

Focus on how the tag will age in real life:

· Durability & scratch resistance

· Thick stainless steel > brass > aluminum > thin plated tags

· Deep engraving stays readable after years of scraping on floors and rocks

· Noise level

· For quiet homes or apartment living, use silent dog tags (silicone, rubberedge, or slideon tags)

· Tag silencers or rubber rims cut the “jingle” without hiding information

· For multiple tags (ID, rabies, license), stack them carefully to prevent constant clanging

If your dog is skittish or you work from home, a quiet setup will make life easier for everyone.

Matching dog tag shape to your dog’s collar and lifestyle

Shape isn’t just about looks; it affects comfort and safety:

· Bone and paw shapes – Classic and cute dog tags; good for everyday use.

· Round and oval tags – Less likely to catch on things; ideal for very active dogs.

· Slideon rectangular tags – Best choice for heavy pullers, working dogs, and offleash adventures.

· Slim vertical tags – Great for small collars and minimalist setups.

Quick rules:

· Narrow collar → smaller or vertical tag

· Wide or padded collar → standard or large tag

· Heavy outdoor use → slideon or lowprofile dog collar tags that don’t dangle or twist constantly.

Dog tag styles and trends 2026

In 2026, dog tags are doing two jobs at once: pet safety ID tags first, style statement second. Personalized dog ID tags now range from super minimal to loud and funny, so you can match your dog’s tag to their personality and your own taste.

Cute dog tags & aesthetic dog tags

If you want something that looks good in every photo and on every walk, go for cute dog tags with clean engraving and soft colors. Popular options:

· Pastel enamel + stainless steel pet tags

· Simple shapes with tiny icons (moon, flower, smiley)

· Neutral-toned tags that match modern collars, winter coats, and even stylish dog harnesses

They’re still custom engraved dog tags, just with a softer, more aesthetic look.

Bone, heart, star & paw print dog tags

Classic shapes are still big in 2026 because they’re easy to read and instantly look “pet ID”:

· Bone dog tags – best for everyday use, lots of space for phone numbers

· Heart tags – great for small, cute breeds or “spoiled baby” vibes

· Star tags – fun for confident, active dogs

· Paw print tags – playful and friendly, perfect for social dogs

These are ideal if you want dog name tags with phone number that still feel fun.

Emoji & meme dog tags

If you want your dog to be the park comedian, funny dog tags are trending:

· “Call my mom, she’s lost”

· “Free kisses”

· “I know I’m extra”

· Emoji faces, poop emojis, or meme phrases

Just make sure the essential info (name + phone) is still big and clear. Humor is great, but lost dog prevention comes first.

Minimalist & modern dog tag designs

Minimalist dog tags are huge for people who like clean design and hate clutter:

· Simple round, rectangle, or bar tags

· All text, no graphics

· Black engraving on matte steel, black, or gunmetal

· Often paired with silent dog tags or rubber silencers

These modern custom pet ID tags look good on sleek collars, GPS collars, and biothane gear.

Luxury gold-plated & gemstone dog tags

Luxury dog tags are now a real thing for people who want their dog’s gear to match their own:

· Gold-plated or rose-gold stainless steel

· Small gemstone or crystal accents

· Deep engraved pet tags so text stays readable longer

They’re great for special-occasion collars or city dogs that don’t roughhouse as much. Make sure they’re still durable dog tags, not just pretty.

Matching owner & dog tag sets

Matching sets are trending for couples, families, and content creators:

· Matching engravings (dog’s name on one, your name on the other)

· Coordinates of home or a special place

· Matching icons (bone on dog tag, mini bone on keychain)

These sets work well as gifts and content-friendly accessories while still functioning as pet safety ID tags.

Personalized front & back engraving ideas

Use both sides of the tag smartly. Some front and back engraving ideas:

Front:

· Dog’s name (big and clear)

· Short note: “I’m friendly”, “I’m deaf”, or “Service dog”

Back:

· Main phone number + backup number

· “Microchipped” or “Needs meds”

· City + country for travel dogs

· Short message: “If I’m out alone, I’m lost”

Aim for short, bold lines so even scratched or dirty tags stay readable fast.

Once you know which materials and designs best suit your dog, it’s time to compare real products. In Part 3, we introduce top dog tag recommendations, explain how MinardiPets tags differ, and provide practical buying and order