Dog Collar Charms: My Experience with MiaMilo Collars and Charms

Do you love a little bling? How about your dog? Eye-catching dog collar charms never go out of style, but when it comes to picking out accessories for your pup, the standard pet store offerings can feel more than a little limited. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for the pet parent in your life or trying to step up your pup’s style, there aren’t many options out there for a truly personalized, picture-worthy collar. MiaMilo realized there was a need for fashionable, chic, bespoke dog accessories, and they’re looking to meet it.

MiaMilo’s personalized styles include luxurious leather goods that feature unique, mix-and-match collar charms for dogs of all sizes. But, is it worth the price? I gave their DesignStudio a spin to refresh my dog’s wardrobe and put their products to the test. What I got was a fashion-forward dog collar for Cooper that totally suits my (and his) style!

So, without further ado, here’s my complete and honest MiaMilo pet collars review! From the design experience to real-world wear, we’ll cover it all.

What Is MiaMilo?

Designed and tested in Germany, MiaMilo runs a global operation that offers shipping around the world. Each product is made-to-order based on customer specifications.

MiaMilo’s pet accessories are designed to stand out as products that are proudly a cut above the rest. The collars, leashes, and charms boast a premium, luxury feel, with classic, modern, and fashion-forward designs to suit a wide range of tastes. Pet owners can choose from a wide range of charms that capture their four-legged friend’s unique spirit — or just make them smile! As MiaMilo puts it, you can create “the Pandora experience for your pup.”

Of course, this bespoke experience comes at a cost. The collars and leashes are a bit pricier than the average products you’ll find in a typical pet store, but they’re not unreasonable for what you’re getting in return.

Collar sizes range from XS (which fits 9.4-11 in. necks) to XXL (which fits 25.6-27.2 in.). They come in a range of stylish, pre-designed options that are available in sets or as standalone accessories.  

A Closer Look at MiaMilo Dog Collar and Charms

Before you drop your hard-earned dollars on a fancy new collar, you need all the facts. Let’s break it down.

Design & Aesthetic Appeal

MiaMilo’s collars are chic statement pieces that seamlessly combine form and function. Every style can be customized to your liking, but you can also design your own collar, leash, and even keychain from scratch for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. So, that’s exactly what I did! 

The collars come in two distinct styles: Luxe and Luxe Pure. Luxe Pure has a more minimalist appeal, while the Luxe comes with anywhere from 4 to 10 charms, depending on the size. These bits of bling can easily be swapped out or rearranged, so you can switch up your dog’s “jewelry” as often as you please.

Customization & Charm Options

The customization process is what really sets MiaMilo apart. Their design tool is sleek, intuitive, and easy to use, so you can create the personalized collar of your dreams down to the last detail.

I had a great time playing around with different colors and combinations, from the color of the stitches to the individual charms and their placement. You can choose the color of the base leather, the top band, and even the top stitching. There are 27 color options, meaning thousands of possible combinations, and that’s before you even get to the charms.

I ended up going with the “Stormy Sea” blue for the top leather because it reminded me of the first collar I got for Cooper the day we brought him home from the shelter. I picked “Oak Barrel” as the base since I thought it was a lovely warm contrast, and the stitching is “Sudan Brown.”

The digital mock-up changes as you make your selections, and you can manipulate the sample for a better view. You can zoom in, zoom out, and rotate the mock-up to get a look from every angle. 

Once you’re done with colors, it’s time to move on to the dog collar charms.

MiaMilo has tons of unique pet charms to choose from. They come in different styles, from skulls to flowers to shiny gemstones. There are dozens of charms to choose from, all sorted by theme.

You can easily obsess over the exact placement of each charm, but luckily, you don’t have to. Once you receive your bling, you can switch out charms using the mini screwdriver that comes with the collar.

The digital sample was perfect for helping me pick charms. It’s great to have a visual representation of how large the charms were, since there is some size variation between different styles. 

Keep in mind that the number of charms you get to pick will depend on the size of the collar. Of course, you can always order extra if, like me, you find it hard to pick your favorites! I ended up choosing different charms that had a personal meaning to Cooper and I.

I loved the fox charm because it’s a favorite animal of mine and I loved the style, plus all the dog-themed ones like the “puppy love” heart and the yin-yang felt really appropriate. Overall, I went for a good variety with a balance of natural themes and dog-centered pieces. But the fox was absolutely a favorite and I’ve already gotten some compliments on it. I think it’s super unique and stands out. The others I liked because they are quirky, fun, and unique takes on classic icons/symbols.

Customer Experience

Here you can see the final mock-up of Cooper’s custom collar I designed, plus the finished product, modeled by Cooper himself!

As you can see, it looks nearly identical to the mock-up. I was a little worried about the colors not being true-to-life, but they are about as spot-on as you can get. I was really impressed with how similar the digital sample was to the real deal.

Since each collar is made-to-order, don’t expect it to show up on your doorstep the next day. I waited about two weeks for my set to arrive after placing the order, which frankly isn’t bad for a bespoke product.

The packaging was sleek and well-organized. Definitely photo-ready and designed for a proper unboxing experience. It was like opening a thoughtfully packed present.

Make it a Set

Once you design your custom collar, you can complete the set by designing a leash and keychain to match. These have all the same color options as the collar, and the Luxe leash comes with two additional charms.

I also got the Luxe leash and keychain along with the collar, so Cooper and I are rocking the full bespoke set. You can pick the color and charm for the keychain, so of course, I had to match my boy.

I thought the keychain was a really cute touch. Now I can always keep a little piece of him with me!

I designed a Luxe leash to match Cooper’s bespoke collar since I’m not one to turn down extra bling. 

MiaMilo’s leashes come in two sizes: short (4 ft. 3.2 in.) and long (8 ft. 10.3 in.). I opted for the long one since Cooper is an avid explorer; I like giving him a little extra length when he decides to go sniffing off-road so I don’t get roped in. The freedom to easily adjust the length I give him was an unexpected surprise.

The long leash has several D-rings in different spots so I can control the length as needed. It’s long enough to wear across my body while still giving Cooper plenty of slack, and I can clip it shorter when I need him close. It also features one of my favorite details in any quality leash: the clasp rotates a full 360 degrees to avoid twists and tangles while attached to the collar.

Comfort & Fit

From what I can tell, the collar seems as comfortable as it is functional. The charms are embedded in the leather on the inside of the band so they won’t catch on fur or irritate the skin.

Every responsible dog owner knows that proper collar tightness is key. MiaMilo’s collars come in 11 distinct sizes to fit various ranges of neck circumference. 

Because Cooper is part husky, it can be hard to find collars that fit him comfortably. I measured his neck no less than three times before selecting his size, and I appreciate that the collar has a good couple of inches of adjustable length, making it easy to find his perfect fit.

Durability & Materials

All of MiaMilo’s products are made with premium full-grain leather. It’s lightweight, durable, and definitely feels high quality. 

The only downside I’ve found so far is that because it’s made with real leather, it can get scuffed if not treated carefully. Some dog parents will love that worn-in look you get with natural leather, so how you treat it is up to you! Of course, some wear and tear is expected, and I’ve yet to notice any issues that affect the overall appeal of the design. Still, this is something to keep in mind for more active dogs, especially those who like to rough-house.  

The collar’s hardware and charms are made with hypoallergenic materials to boot, which is great because, like many dogs, Cooper has sensitive skin. 

He can also be a puller when he gets excited (we’re working on it!), but thanks to the made-to-measure fit and secure buckle design, I never feel like he’s going to slip or break free, which has happened in the past with some cheaper products. The Luxe leash helps with this since I can secure it around my waist or across my body for added control. 

Are MiaMilo Dog Collars & Collar Charms Safe and Practical?

There’s no denying the collar and leash look great, but do they get the job done? As long as you find the right fit, MiaMilo collars are durable, strong, and made to last. The attached D-ring on the collar is reliably sturdy and secure. The leash is thinner and lighter than the collar, which can make it feel lightweight by comparison, but the stitching is solid. The collar has tested at 262.91kg of pull force, and the leash tested at 276kg. Looking at similar brands, you could say that Mia Milo collars are up to 30% more durable than competing leather collars.

That being said, these collars aren’t ideal for every dog. If your pup is a habitual leash puller, these collars might make for a frustrating walk. Of course, you can always stack them with whatever you typically use to manage pulling if you don’t want to miss out on the fashion element!

If your dog spends a good deal of time outside getting down and dirty, you might need something a little more rugged. While MiaMilo’s collars are tough, they aren’t sports gear. You should also consider removing the collar before letting your dog play with their canine pals to avoid scuffs on the leather. This will also help you steer clear of any potential injuries from some of the more pronounced charms, especially if your dog likes to play rough.

That being said, they are absolutely perfect for a trek on the trails, a walk around the neighborhood, a day at the park, or any other place your dog is safe wearing something a little more upscale. 

Where to Buy & Pricing

MiaMilo Bespoke Collar

As you’ve probably figured out by now, these bespoke collars are only available through MiaMilo’s website. The price of the charms is included with the Luxe collar, but gemstones will run you a little extra. For some extra peace of mind, all MiaMilo products come with a 30-month warranty.

The processing time for each order is between 5 and 7 days. Cooper’s swag arrived via standard FedEx shipping, but this might vary by location. While it does take a little time, I can say it was well worth the wait for a truly one-of-a-kind accessory! 

Final Verdict: Are MiaMilo Dog Collar Charms and Collars Worth It?

If you’re in the market for something eye-catching and fun that looks, feels, and fits your style better than the typical pet store collars, MiaMilo’s got you covered. These are designed to make a statement, but with so many dog collar charms, colors, and combinations to choose from, you can create something bright and bold or craft a collar that’s subtle and chic. 

I expect I’ll see a more worn-in look to Cooper’s collar over time, especially after a good sniffing expedition in the shrubs, but I’ve yet to find a real fault with the design. It’s sturdy, secure, stylish, and best of all: it’s safe. 

MiaMilo’s collars may be a little more expensive than what you’d find on most store shelves, but for a truly one-of-a-kind product and experience, I’d say it’s worth it for anyone looking to spoil their dog (and themselves).

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