How to Spot a Genuine BioThane® Dog Collar (and avoid cheap Imitations)

Your complete guide to choosing the safest, strongest and most reliable waterproof dog collar.

Why This Matters

As waterproof BioThane® dog collars become increasingly popular, so do the number of cheap PVC-coated imitations on the market. While they may look similar online, the difference in strength, comfort and safety is huge.

This guide will help you understand:

• What makes real BioThane unique
• How to tell genuine BioThane from imitation waterproof webbing
• Why cheaper alternatives can be unsafe
• Why choosing a reputable maker matters
• How to confidently pick the best waterproof dog collar for your dog

What Is BioThane®?

BioThane® is a high-performance coated webbing made in the USA, consisting of:

• A densely woven polyester inner webbing
• A durable TPU/PVC protective coating

Together they create a strap that is:

✔ Waterproof
✔ Hypoallergenic
✔ Odour-resistant
✔ Extremely strong
✔ Easy to clean
✔ Soft and flexible
✔ Long-lasting

BioThane is trusted in industries where reliability is essential - including equine tack, medical gear, outdoor equipment and safety products.

Why BioThane Is Copied - But Never Matched

As demand grows, many sellers now offer “waterproof webbing” or “BioThane-style” collars. They may look similar, but they are not BioThane, and the differences matter:

• Lower strength
• Poorer flexibility
• Cheap coating that cracks
• Weaker inner webbing
• Rubber-like texture
• Reduced comfort
• Lower longevity
• Increased risk of failure

Imitations simply cannot match the performance or safety of genuine BioThane.

How to Identify a Genuine BioThane® Dog Collar

Use the guide below to check whether a collar is made from authentic BioThane, or an inferior imitation.

1. Feel & Flexibility

Genuine BioThane:

• Soft and smooth
• Leather-like feel
• Comfortable to handle
• Flexible even in cold weather
• Never sticky or rubbery

Imitation Webbing:

• Rubber-like or tacky
• Overly glossy plastic feel
• Stiff in cold temperatures
• Floppy or overly stretchy in heat

If it feels “cheap” or plasticky, it’s not BioThane.

2. Coating Quality & Finish

Real BioThane:

• Even, consistent coating
• Smooth finish
• No thin patches or rough edges
• Colour stays vibrant

Imitations:

• Patchy or uneven coating
• Rough, sharp or plasticky texture
• Dull colours that fade quickly

Premium material = premium finish.

3. The Inner Webbing Core

BioThane’s strength comes from its finely woven, high-strength inner webbing.

Cheap coated webbings often hide:

• Loose, gappy threads
• Low-quality fibres
• Weak structure

This is why imitation collars can stretch, warp or even snap under tension, a clear safety risk that isn't immediately visible.

4. Smell & Residue

Real BioThane:

• Odour-free
• No chemical smell
• No oily residue

Imitations:

• Strong plastic/chemical scent
• Slight stickiness, oiliness, or film on the surface

Your nose can often tell the difference instantly.

5. Branding Transparency

Reputable makers will ALWAYS say:

“Made with genuine BioThane®.”

If a seller uses vague terms like:

• “Biothane-style”
• “BioThane-like”
• “PVC waterproof collar”
• “Coated webbing collar”
• “Vegan leather waterproof collar”

…it’s not BioThane. But equally don't be afraid to reach out the maker and ask them if this is genuine Biothane webbing.

6. Price Point

If it’s extremely cheap, it’s not BioThane.

Genuine material, tested hardware, and skilled construction all come at a fair - but not bargain-basement price.

7. Long-Term Performance

Real BioThane:

✔ Stays flexible
✔ Keeps its colour
✔ Resists cracking and peeling
✔ Doesn’t absorb smell
✔ Withstands salt water, mud and UV

Imitations:

✖ Crack, peel or stiffen
✖ Become brittle in cold weather
✖ Fade quickly
✖ Absorb odours
✖ Stretch or break

A few months of daily wear usually reveals the truth.

Why Buying From a Trusted Maker Matters

Even genuine BioThane needs to be assembled correctly.

A reputable manufacturer will:

• Use appropriate BioThane widths for size/strength
• Pair the material with high-quality hardware
• Set rivets professionally
• Reinforce high-tension points
• Ensure consistent build quality
• Conduct safety testing

A poorly constructed collar - even if the material is BioThane - can still fail.

Why Trinkety Paws is a trusted Supplier for Genuine BioThane® Dog Collars

When you buy from Trinkety Paws, you are guaranteed:

✔ Authentic USA-made Beta BioThane®

✔ Premium hardware options (brass, stainless steel, aluminium)

✔ Handcrafted construction in our Northamptonshire workshop

✔ Years of expertise working exclusively with BioThane

✔ Safety-tested collars built for real dog life

✔ Custom sizing, colours and hardware options

✔ Friendly, responsive UK customer support

Every collar is made with precision, care and pride - ensuring your dog wears the safest, strongest and most comfortable waterproof collar available.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Choose Genuine, Choose Trinkety Paws

With so many imitations online, knowing how to identify real BioThane has never been more important. Your dog deserves a collar that is:

• Strong
• Safe
• Comfortable
• Waterproof
• Easy to clean
• Hypoallergenic
• Durable
• Made with expertise

A genuine BioThane® collar from Trinkety Paws delivers all of this and more.

If you want to support a small business, the best waterproof dog collar for your dog, made by a trusted British manufacturer, you’re in the right place.