Autumn Walks, Muddy Paws and the Colours We're Loving This Season

Autumn is here, and with it comes everything we secretly love about dog walking — the crunch of leaves underfoot, the low golden light, and yes, the mud. Glorious, unavoidable, character-building mud. The good news is that your dog can look absolutely stunning through all of it, because the right collar does two things at once: it turns heads on the trail and it survives the season.

The Colours of the Season

Autumn has a palette all of its own, and this year we are leaning into it fully. The season calls for depth and richness — deep berry purples, burnt oranges, wine reds and moody greys that feel completely at home against a backdrop of fallen leaves and misty mornings. And then there are the tones that feel almost purpose-built for woodland walks: petrol blue, dark green, dark brown and light brown. These are grounded, earthy shades with a quiet confidence to them — the kind of colours that look even better when the light drops low and golden in the afternoon.

Purple is always a strong autumn choice. It sits beautifully against the russet and amber of the season, whether your dog is bounding through fallen leaves or trotting along a muddy towpath. Orange is bold and unapologetic — the colour of autumn itself — and it photographs brilliantly in natural light. The new petrol blue and dark green tones have a richness that feels almost jewel-like in the cooler months, while dark and light brown bring a classic, heritage warmth that never goes out of style.

The beauty of building your dog's collar wardrobe around seasonal colours is that it does not have to be complicated. One collar in a deep, saturated autumn tone can completely transform a walk — and with the right material, it will look just as good on day fifty as it did on day one.

Style for the Season

Autumn calls for collars with a bit of character. Beaded styles in rich, layered colour combinations bring a boho, artisan quality that suits the season perfectly — think the kind of collar that looks like it belongs on a dog who takes long walks through ancient woodland and then curls up by a fire. Sparkle and iridescent finishes catch the low autumn light in a way that feels genuinely magical, and ombré colour gradients — moving from deep to light or warm to cool — echo the natural tonal shifts of the season itself.

For a more structured, graphic look, collars with studded or spiked detailing in gunmetal or brass hardware feel very autumn. The hardware tones complement the season's palette naturally, and the bolder silhouette suits the drama of the season. Wider collar widths make more of a statement and work particularly well on medium to large breeds, giving the collar real presence on the dog.

If your style leans more understated, matte finishes in neutral tones — grey, tan, beige — are quietly perfect for autumn. They work with everything, photograph beautifully in natural light, and have a timeless quality that carries well beyond the season.

Built for Rain and Mud

Autumn is not just about looking good — it is about holding up. And this is where material choice really matters.

BioThane is the undisputed champion of wet weather dog walking. It is a coated webbing material that is fully waterproof, completely odour-resistant and extraordinarily durable. When your dog charges through a puddle, a muddy field or a rain-soaked hedgerow, a BioThane collar simply does not care. Wipe it clean with a cloth, or submerge it in water entirely — it dries instantly, holds its shape, and comes up looking exactly as it did before. There is no stiffening, no cracking, no lingering wet-dog smell embedded in the material. The hardware on a quality BioThane collar — solid brass or stainless steel — will not rust or tarnish even after a full season of wet walks. This is a collar built to last years, not months.

Beaded collars are a different proposition, but no less practical for everyday autumn walking. Strung on strong steel cord with a secure ring clasp, they are more robust than they might look. When they need a freshen up after a muddy walk, simply rinse them under the tap. The beads do not absorb water or odour, so they dry quickly and come up looking as good as new. They are not designed for swimming or full submersion, but for the realities of autumn walks — rain, mud, damp grass — they handle it all with ease.

The key with any collar in autumn and winter is to check it regularly. Wet conditions can accelerate wear on clasps and closures, so it is worth inspecting the hardware every few weeks and replacing the collar if anything feels loose or compromised. A well-maintained collar is a safe collar.

A Note on Fit for Autumn

As the weather turns, many dogs start wearing thicker coats, jumpers or snoods on their walks — which means it is worth checking your dog's collar fit at the start of the season. The two-finger rule still applies: you should be able to slide two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck. If the fit feels snug with a winter layer underneath, it is time to size up. A collar that is too tight is uncomfortable and potentially unsafe; one that is too loose risks slipping off entirely.

Shop the Season

Autumn is one of our favourite times of year to style a dog, and we have got the collars to prove it. Whether you are after something waterproof and built for the worst the season can throw at it, richly coloured and beaded for a more artisan look, or a little bit of both — there is a JOOLS LONDON collar for every walk this season.