Caninus began in 2001 when my two shared rescued pit bull mixes, Budgie and Basil, became the singers of the first dog-fronted band of the same name. After making records and even becoming favorites on the Howard Stern Show, they inspired me to create a small collar company rooted in the same DIY spirit.

I spent over 15 years involved in animal rescue, volunteering at shelters, fostering dogs, and photographing pets for adoption. I also played in hardcore bands like Indecision and Most Precious Blood, carrying the same independent mindset into every collar we make.

Over time our pack has grown and changed. We have said goodbye to Budgie, Basil, Tex, and Gizmo, but their memory is part of everything we do. Today we live in Orange, CA with our rescues Spanky, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Lulu, a Chihuahua pit bull mix, and Chili, a Chihuahua mix who rules the roost. Every collar is a tribute to the rescue dogs who started it all, and we encourage adoption because shelter dogs make the best companions.

All collars are manufactured by us, made to order, in Orange, CA. Nothing comes off a factory line. We use heavy duty nylon and polypropylene webbing, welded metal hardware, and strong buckles for comfort and safety. Depending on the design, some collars are covered in 100% cotton fabric, others are printed on polyester webbing and the rest use high quality nylon webbing, giving each one a unique look and feel.  

Because every collar is crafted by hand, pattern placement may vary, which makes each product one of a kind. They are built to last, but we recommend checking for wear over time since collars are used every day.

Rachel brings the rescue spirit and DIY roots that started Caninus. Derek wears many hats around here too. He handles everything from buying and photography to the day-to-day creative work that keeps the shop running.

Before Caninus, Derek spent years in music and entertainment. Back in the 1990s he booked shows at the Hanover House in Meriden, CT, including Staind’s final club show before their first big tour. He later got into filmmaking, editing, and audio engineering, which explains why he always has a creative project going.

In 2020 Derek shifted all his energy into Caninus. He and Rachel now run the brand together as a small, family business. Every collar that leaves our shop has their hands on it, along with the love of the dogs who inspired it all.