OK here's the problem.

I like a martingale style collar (all fabric, double d ring if poss) - he is a 'wire' and this style doesn't damage his coat, also he's not a puller so tends to wear it loose which I like
He's a gundog so I'm looking for an appropriate sporting pattern - fish, ducks (although I've also seen a nice lizard, and some great flags!!)
I need nylon as he's a swimmer - we've had a lovely Earthdog hemp collar but it doesn't handle constant wet/dry and has started to fray

Lupine used to have a very nice trout pattern but it's discontinued (as is Outback and Moose which also would have been ok) and no one has any left, the reminder of their patterns are too garish for my needs.  I've exhausted all the UK stockists I can think of.

I've found a great American company with exactly the sort of designs I was hoping for but they only supply to the trade.  They've directed me to few of their stockists but none are prepared to deliver to a UK address or they don't stock the martingale type!  The company is Preston Ribbons - if you have a look at their Ribbon Catalog you'll see what I mean about the choices.

Do any of you know of an online US pet shop prepared to ship here?  OR can you suggest a different company/brand I could try please?  Thanks

Kitsch Collars
http://www.kitschcollars.co.uk/collar%20range.htm
Beautifully made, i just wish I had the right kind of dog to buy one for!
Fraid they're not 'sporting' designs - maybe too patterned for you?

Otherwise I can only think of Canac who do nylon ones but they are more likely to be half-check.
Or maybe try TRPD pet craft project
http://petcraftproject.proboards.com/index.cgi

i picked up a couple of half check from this company at crufts (snazzy one for show days :) ) seem to remember seeing some martingale style ones there.

http://www.kisi.co.uk/index.php

Jill

how about these http://www.silverpeacock.co.uk/collar_mart.htm My boys wear one as an everyday collar but I do have to replace every year due to the material (they have an orange one from the chinese brocade range at the moment ;) )  Ive been buying collars from here for years, she will make pretty much anything you want from any material you want (you can even send in your own material !) may be worth dropping her an email, ive always found her very helpful :)

Hi dogs a babe

Have been in touch with Lupine in the US and they recommended this supplier - they are not showing martingale - but you never know they may be able to help

http://www.petexpectations.com/brooktroutretired.html

Your boy's sister sends smooches x

Hi Alysce, thanks for the link (and smooches) I'm ahead of you there though - I'm now on their 'retired' list and they are searching on my behalf...

...trying 3 patterns

ClaireyS - how are the ones in your link for swimming?  This sems to be my greatest problem when choosing some of the fabric ones

I know these people do martingale type collars but not sure about the sporting design. Have had one for 2 years and is never taken off not sure if it gets as wet/dry as often as you need it though
http://www.petsbitsonline.co.uk/

>ClaireyS - how are the ones in your link for swimming?  This sems to be my greatest problem when choosing some of the fabric ones

mine probably swim weekly in fresh water and the collars are find, no rust or anything. My dogs are constantly in mud and undergrowth, I was the collars quite regularly in the washing machine and they havent fallen apart.  They currently have the satin/silk type ones but the two lots before that were cotton and they were fine too. 

One thing I would say if you are going for them is go for the nylon martingale section rather than material as the material isnt as strong if they do lunge.  I also have the wide fitting greyhound ones so if you wanted normal width you would have to ask.

I normally get them from www.earthdog.com in the US but found this small business just recieved my collar and delighted friends have ordered too.

http://collarsandwoofs.co.uk/shop/page/1?shop_param=

Have u looked at orvis.  They do lovely webbing martingales.

Oh yes I've seen those - I'm Orvis shopaholic, I keep buying their beds!  It's a patterned collar I'm after this time though, the Orvis ones I've seen are plain

Thanks for all the suggestions, I've now found a company that can supply me what I want from the US but I'm just waiting for delivery prices.  Trouble is I usually get clobbered for the import duty too