Dog lovers with a collecting disposition are wagging their tails in glee at the prospect of the major collection of dog collars coming up for auction at Bonhams annual dog art sale in New York on February 12.

Assembled over the years by an American collector, the 70-odd examples of canine neckwear competes in terms of quantity and historical importance with the world's one and only Dog Collar Museum, housed at Leeds Castle in Kent. The catalogue can be viewed online . At the functional end of the spectrum comes a German iron collar fitted with sharp spikes, designed to protect the throats of sheepdogs from wolf attack. Dating from the 16th century, it is the earliest example in the collection, and could be yours for an estimated £1,500 to £2,500.

For those who prefer pampering their pets, the lot comprising five leather collars which once adorned the

necks of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's five pugs is an absolute must. One comes complete with a tag declaring “I belong to the Duke of Windsor”, while others are inscribed with names (£1,000 to £2,000). Perhaps you would prefer the Victorian leather and silver engraved collar in the Baroque style at £3,500.

“It's nice that this collection is representative of all the different types of collar over the years,” says Charlie O'Brien, Bonhams's London specialist. And that includes those that are “not very politically correct”. Take the example made for a French bulldog,

and fitted with a badger bristle ruff: “The bristle is designed

to tickle the dog's ears,” Mr O'Brien explains. “So that he keeps them alert.”

The most poignant examples are the two American Second World War leather collars worn by dogs trained to carry encoded messages through enemy territory. They will be sold together at £500 to £700.

Mr O'Brien admits it's been difficult arriving at estimates: “Although there aren't many collectors in this field, the ones we have are pretty determined.”

The total pre-sale estimate for the Bonhams collection is a modest £50,000. If a dog fight begins among the bidders, it could go much, much higher.