Considering recent worldwide shipping and manufacturing backlogs with some items stretching out months at a time, many hunters with smaller or younger dogs are left wondering what their options are. Here are some of the FAQs we get when customers inquire about the full-sized T5 and TT15 collar vs. the T5 and TT15 mini:

Q: "If TT15 minis are unavailable, is the full-size collar an option for my dog?"

A: Tentatively, yes. It would heavily depend on the size and breed of your dog.

Q: "What's the difference between the mini and the full-size collars?

A: Several different specifications differ from mini to full-size:

Size

The collar's mass (not weight) could be an issue for a smaller dog. Measuring 3.5"x 1.75”x 1.85" (LxWxH), a good rule of thumb is that the battery box on a full-sized TT15/T5 is slightly larger than the screen on an Alpha 100. If your dog would look silly wearing it, it's probably a better idea to go with the mini, as it may hinder movement.

Weight

If you feel your dog's neck could support 10 oz. (.62 lbs), weight shouldn't be an issue.

Battery life

This is a big one. Any Garmin collar is designed to last all day (at least around 12 hours at a 2.5 second update rate without going into Rescue Mode), but if your dog tends to stay out longer, this can become an issue. To compensate, Garmin introduced "Sleep Mode" to the mini collars. Simply go to the dog's info page and select "Sleep Mode" to stop transmitting GPS location to conserve battery. As long as you are within COMMS range, the collar can be turned back on remotely, and begin transmitting the dog's position again.

Distance

Officially, Garmin claims these collars get less distance than their full-sized counterparts. However extensive field testing by Double U and customers have proven this to be false. TT15 minis can track just as far as full-sized collars.

Q: "I run beagles. Can I get away with using a full-sized collar?"

A: Beagle owners may want to steer away from the full-sized dog collars unless they want a very frustrated hunting partner. At 10 oz. (with collar) the full-size TT15's battery box is more massive and tends to knock against the knees of the smaller hound, not to mention adding the extra weight and longer antenna to tote around the field. In addition, many beagle hunters chase game in the snow, such as rabbits. An already bulky battery box will encumber your beagle as it is, and may make him next to immobile in several inches of snow, especially when he needs to remain light on his feet in order to pursue smaller prey.

Depending on your dog's size and your hunting style, you may be able to interchange between TT15s and TT15 minis seamlessly. During the 2021 holiday season, we will be doing our best to keep inventory status on Garmin items updated. You can check our link here for the most current info on our supply.