I used to live in a great old guest house, but no longer. Froze in the winter and died from heat in the summer, very thin walls. But I just love the older houses, would love to build an old looking one someday...win that lotto...
Even if you have a big dog, with pinch collars, you don't have to go with the biggest, thickest ones, and yes, watch how many links you have, some people have too many. And, only use when training, walking, always use a regular collar for play.