Best Leather Dog Leashes: 5 Luxurious & Sturdy Options

The leash and collar you select for your dog are two of the most important tools you will have as a pet parent. In many places, you are required by law to use them whenever your dog is outside.

The number of options available on the market today can be incredibly overwhelming, and unfortunately for us, it’s not as easy as picking the cutest, cheapest option that fits. Since leather leashes are a common choice, we’ve selected five of the best on the market today, and will help you learn how to choose the right one for your dog.

**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Choosing the Right Leash for Your Dog

Your leash is easily one of the most important training tools you’ll ever use with your dog. You can find them in a variety of sizes, lengths, and materials, but even the world’s best leash will not be effective unless your pup is properly trained.

If untrained, the leash cannot be a substitute for your relationship and control through positive reinforcement. Your leash is necessary to keep her safe and teaching him the manners he needs to be out in public interacting with other people and dogs.

Rubber leashes are not as common as some of the others, and perhaps with good reason. Mostly, they bounce with each step encourages pulling - a behavior you want to discourage. Correcting improper behavior with a rubber leash is also more difficult.

Nylon leashes are common because they are inexpensive, strong, and available in nearly every color. If your dog is strong and notorious for pulling, this is not a good option for you because of leash burn.

But, if your dog is a puppy and you’re just starting leash training, it can be a good choice because it’s lightweight. If you want to take your dog swimming, opt for something other than nylon.

Nylon leashes become slippery and harder to maintain control of once in the water.

Chain Leashes are another affordable choice, but we don’t really like them for a number of reasons. Chains are hard on the hands. Plus, if the leash ever gets stuck in your dog’s mouth, it could easily take out a tooth.

If she is a strong dog and the chain ever gets wrapped around your finger - one good pull or two, and you could break your finger! The chain doesn’t have any give - so this is yet another reason we don’t recommend it. If you do decide to use it, go for a heavyweight option.

Cotton Leashes are not as easy to find, but are a good option because the soft material is easy on your hands, and has a decent amount of give. Though there’s the risk of rope burn, this is an excellent choice for dogs in water.

Retractable Leashes are an iffy choice. They pose a hazard simply because they give an extra length of roaming room, but if the plastic end of the device malfunctions and doesn’t allow you to “reel in” your dog when you need to, there’s danger posed to you, other people, your dog, and other dogs within reach of the leash.

Plus, if she sees something and runs and the leash doesn’t retract, you’re left with a pretty nasty rope burn.

Quick Soundbite from Ceasar on Curing Your Dog's Leash Issues

What About Leash Length?

The length of the leash is an important consideration, as well. A four-foot length works well in city areas, because it gives your dog enough room to explore and do his business, while keeping him fairly close to you.

A six-foot length works well in suburban areas because it provides a bit more room to play. Longer leads are available to assist with “come” or “stay” training, and to allow for free play in large open areas.

Shorter leashes are also available, as “traffic leashes”. These are typically only about one foot in length, and designed to help you and your dog navigate through crowded areas. Since these encourage pulling, save them for use only when needed, rather than every day.

Don’t neglect your collar choice. Slip collars are best for correcting behavior during walks. Pack lead collars keep the slip collar at the top of the top of the neck, so they work will if the slip collar is problematic for you.

Harnesses should only be used if you want the dog to pull you. Consider adding reflective tape to your pup’s collar if you want increased nighttime visibility.

Why Use a Leather Leash?

Leather is our favorite material - and we use it with our dog. Why? It’s one of the strongest materials available today - even horse’s saddles are made with it. It softens with time, so it’s gentle on your hands.

As it becomes worn with use, there is a natural amount of give. We use a six foot lead with our pup to provide ample room for walking around, but still placing a limit on the distance he can roam.

It’s a good idea to have different leashes on hand for different situations. If you’re taking your dog on a walk in the park, a retractable leash with a long lead may be a better idea, because he has more room to move freely.

Just make sure if you use this option, you choose a high quality product, and walk in a safe area because of the issues that can arise with a retractable leash. For situations where you need to keep her close, the leather leash is a good quality option.

Here Are some Great Leather Dog Leashes You Might Want to Try...

This heavy duty leather leash is both law enforcement and military grade professional training equipment. Backed by the full 1-year product warranty, you know you dog’s getting a top quality product that you can count on.

However, if dog chews the leash, the warranty is void, so make sure to store it where he can’t reach it. With six feet of length, you have plenty of room to move, but can keep her close when necessary.

The leash is 7/8’’ wide, keeping it small and sleek, but still giving it the strength you need to support your dog, even if he is a larger dog. Compared to others on the market, this is a wider and heavier leash option.

To keep it in good shape, regularly apply milk oil, or some other kind of leather dressing.

Mighty Paw Traffic Leather Lead for Large Dogs

This leash is not designed for everyday use, because the 14’’ length qualifies it as a traffic lead. It’s good to have on hand if you plan on taking your dog through any crowded areas where you need to keep him really close, but not the ideal choice for daily walks.

The lead is extra-strong and able to hold 850+ lbs of force tension which is very important if your pup is a tough puller. It is made of very durable natural material and reinforced with an aviation aluminum carabin to last for years. Nonetheless, the leash is very soft and comfortable in your hands.

This leash is made to accommodate large dogs, as walking a small dog though crowded areas usually means you can carry them.

To keep it in the best possible shape, clean it regularly to remove oils, maintain softness, and maintain pliability.

Beirui Leather Dog Leash

This leash is another handmade Amish leash, using high quality law enforcement/military grade leather. It’s a double braided brown/brass leash, so it’s a great choice for someone who’s looking for a bit of style with their leash.

The double braids aren’t just for aesthetics either - as they also provide the leash with some extra flexibility. At 6 feet long with 3/4’’ width, it’s a heavy, durable leather leash, backed by a lifetime warranty - the same warranty as the other Punk Hollow leash we reviewed above.

As long as your dog doesn’t chew it to pieces, and you take care of it properly, you’re covered for up to 12 years, or for the life of the dog.

If she maneuvers and accidently unclips the clasp on other leashes, the swivel fastener on this color will eliminate the possibility of that happening.

Leerburg’s Latigo Leather Dog Leash

Another handmade Amish leash (we’re starting to see a trend here!), this uses soft Latigo leather, and an Italian bronze snap closure for extra strength and durability. At 6 feet long and 3/4’’ thick, this is a heavy duty leash that can support the weight of large dogs.

Don’t panic if the leash feels a little stiff at first, even compared to other leather leashes you may have used in the past.

It will become more pliable over time with regular use and proper care. Unlike the Punk Hollow leashes, this one does not seem to be backed by a lifetime warranty. With the quality construction, however, it could easily last a lifetime.

Redline K9 Premium Soft Leather Dog Leash

This handmade Amish leash uses soft leather, to help it feel more pliable from day one. At 3/8’’ wide, it’s a bit thinner than the others we’ve reviewed, but still provides heavy duty support for your dog.

Available in three feet, four feet, and six feet configurations, you are free to choose the length that works best for you and your pet.

The closure is made from high quality brass to ensure it will withstand the weight of your pet and match the lifetime quality of the leather. To improve grip and elasticity, you can treat the leash with some leather sealant, but this is not necessary for use.

It does not appear as though this leash is backed by a lifetime warranty, but due to the durable nature of leather, with regular maintenance, the leash could easily outlive her.

More Leather Dog Leashes

Images credits: Amazon.com , Chewy.com, Photo Stocks.