What Is A Dog Collar Match In Pro Wrestling? Its Rules?

In this article, you will learn:

  • What is a dog collar match in pro wrestling?
  • How does a pro wrestler win a dog collar match?
  • What does a dog collar match entail?
  • How did the dog collar match come into existence?
  • How can I differentiate a dog collar match from other match types?

What is a dog collar match in pro wrestling?


In a dog collar match, wrestlers remain joined to each other through leather collars, usually a couple of meters long, to each other’s necks, and for the entire fight.

In most cases, any detachments will lead to a match disqualification.

The chains or ropes connecting opponents are perfectly legal to use during the entire match, and for this reason, sometimes dog collar matches end in a lot of blood.

Dog Collar Match
Dog Collar Match

How does a pro wrestler win a dog collar match?


A dog collar match aims to determine a winner while preventing opponents from escaping. The only way to win a dog collar match or defeat your opponent is through submission or a pinfall.

What does a dog collar match entail?

Wrestlers are allowed to use the chains in their most preferred styles.

Therefore, an opponent can whip another wrestler, wrap the chains around their necks or fists to hit the other wrestler or pass the chain between their opponent’s legs to subdue them.

Brodie Lee facing Cody Rhodes in the first AEW Dog Collar Match
Brodie Lee facing Cody Rhodes in the first AEW Dog Collar Match

How did the dog collar match come into existence?


The first dog collar match on television was the match between Greg Valentine and Roddy Piper. This match happened during the Starrcade event in 1983.

However, before that, there was a recorded dog collar match. This fight was the first of its kind, in 1979, where Killer Brooks went head to head against Johnny Boyd.

A shortlist of the most famous dog collar matches in pro wrestling history

  • Roman Reigns versus Baron Corbin.
  • Raven versus Abyss.
  • Jeff Hardy versus Rey Mysterio.
  • Saturn versus Chris Jericho.
  • CM Punk versus Raven.
  • Eric Johnson versus Fran Jaeger.
  • Shotzi Blackheart versus Dust.
  • Pandora versus D’Arcy Dixon.
  • Buzz Sawyer versus Hacksaw Jim Duggan.
  • Cody versus Mr. Brodie Lee.
Dog Collar Match - Mid South Wrestling in 1984
Dog Collar Match – Mid South Wrestling in 1984


How can I differentiate a dog collar match from other match types?

Strap match


In a strap match, opponents fight while attached to the arms or feet using chains, ropes, or ordinary belts. The heel to heel is an example of a strap match.
Short leashes

Wrestlers are tied together using short ropes or leashes, and the winner emerges through either submission or knockout.

Russian strap matches

This match type is more or the same as a strap match because opponents can fight when chained anywhere but the neck.

Chained fury matches

In chained fury matches, match officials remove all turnbuckle pads on the four-ring corners before the fight.

In this match type, opponents can either get chained around the wrists or the neck.

Texas Bullrope matches


In Texas Bullrope matches, opponents will fight with a cowbell attached to the rope, unlike in a dog collar match, where opponents fight without a cowbell attached to the strap.

Opponents are allowed to use the restraints to choke other wrestlers. However, a wrestler cannot win via submission.

The only way to win a Texas Bullrope match is by touching the top of each turnbuckle at the four-ring corners in subsequent succession or through a pinfall.

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