The 5 Best Leather Leashes for Your Classy Canine

Leather lovers listen up: we’ve got just the right variety of leashes you are looking for. From crossbody styles to short training leashes, these picks will outfit your pooch in the leash of your Pinterest dreams.

Leather withstands the test of time as it is long-lasting and always in style, making it our pick for a functional, fashionable leash. Unlike other materials, leather becomes softer as it ages, which means that if you are using it as a handle, it will mold to your hand for a more comfortable, chafe-free experience. Too often, the materials of leashes rub the owner’s hand raw, but with leather leashes, you no longer have this concern. Another plus to leather material is that it does not collect dirt and grime like other materials, making it stay fresh and clean looking for years to come. If you love the look of leather on yourself, we think you’ll like it even more on your pup.

Best Leather Leashes to Consider

Buying a leather leash for your dog is similar to purchasing any kind of leather-based product — you want to ensure the leather is genuine and non-synthetic. After you have done your due diligence with quality assurance, keep in mind what features you are looking for in a leather leash suited to your pet specifically. Leather leashes come in different styles and sizes like any other leash, so you can really get any kind of leash, from crossbody to short to long and even slip lead. Leather comes in nearly any color under the sun these days, so do not let nylon leashes deter you from a leather option.

Leather is the perfect choice for those who want to dyeing their fur or giving them a mohawk haircut. Let’s be real; our dogs are extensions of ourselves, which means we both ought to look our best. What makes leather an even more desirable option is its odor resistance — it maintains that fresh, new leather car seat smell we all know and love. Your pet is adorable, so adorn them in the best.

Mighty Paw Leather Dog Leash

This USA-made leash is 100% genuine brown leather, so you know this product is built to last and get even more beautifully rugged with time. Leather gets better with age as it softens but maintains its strength. So that means guaranteed comfort while still looking cool.

The carabiner clip you will attach to your dog’s collar is as heavy-duty as it gets, given that it is the same material and make as the ones used for rock climbers. Your pooch may not be scaling walls, but it sure can feel like you are when you are running after a loose dog. We also love the D-ring clip that’s intended for any accessories or disposable waste bag holders.

The leash is six feet long and ¾ inches wide and even has an extra padded handle. A Mighty Paw leather dog leash is a win-win: fashionable yet functional.

Pros:

  • 100% genuine leather
  • Suited for all sizes
  • Purchase supports a small business

Cons:

  • May be an enticing chew toy if not kept out of your dog’s reach
  • Not for small dogs

LWBMG Leather Dog Leash

This LWBMG leather leash is for those who want an all-in-one style. It has two copper hooks, two fixed copper rings, and one movable copper ring, so you can change the positioning and styling of the leash to fit your preferences. The crossbody capability of this leash is perfect for running with your dog as you do not have to strain your wrist and can maintain the pace while your dog guides you. Even better is that the adjustable copper ring allows you to make it a short, medium, or long-length leash, so it is suitable for all sizes and breeds. The two copper hooks make it so that you can use the leash for double doggy walks — you just clip their collars to each corresponding copper hook and hold the leash like you would a sled.

Whether you sling this leash over your shoulder or waist, you can count on a hands-free experience which means you can use your hands for other important things, like picking up doggy doo-doo.

Pros:

  • Made from all-natural cowhide
  • Rust-proof copper hooks and rings
  • It can be made into a hands-free, crossbody leash

Cons:

  • May be too thin for some
  • The adjustable loop intended for the crossbody feature does not lock in place

HiCaptain Leather Dog Leash

This thin, six-foot leather leash is perfect for your pint-sized pup. It is simple but sturdy and has a copper clasp that moves 360°, so you do not have to worry about your dog becoming tangled. This leather leash’s long, lean design is lightweight, making it ideal for small dogs who don’t do well being bogged down by their leash’s materials. Leather is beneficial as it softens with age, so you can say goodbye to the rug burns on your hands that other chafe-prone materials cause.

We like this leash for its simplistic but reliable design intended for dogs up to 30 pounds.

Pros:

  • Designed with small dogs in mind
  • 100% genuine leather
  • One-year warranty

Cons:

  • Not suitable for large dogs
  • Cannot be washed with water

FAIRWIN Short Leather Dog Leash

You may be wondering what a shorter 16-inch leash is useful for, so let us explain: when training a larger breed, you want to make sure you are in control, not the canine. That is why a short-handled leash is the best option for leading the dog without having to yank or pull at them with all that extra slack. Busy, traffic-heavy areas can cause your dog to leap forward, pulling the leash and you with them. A short leash such as this one guarantees you can maintain a strong grip the whole time. And ultimately, the stylish braiding at the end of the leash makes it not only practical, but also undeniably pretty.

Pros:

  • Suitable for military-grade training
  • Italian imported leather
  • A good length for owners on the shorter side

Cons:

  • Not intended for walks or runs with your dog
  • Genuine Italian leather may be an irresistible treat for your curious canine so consider enticing them with bully sticks instead

MoSANY Leather Slip Lead Leash

A slip lead leash is for those who want a collar-leash combination that prevents your dog from pulling without putting any strain on their neck. The loop you make into a collar is adjustable, so it should fit around any type of dog’s neck securely and comfortably. What is nice about the design of this slip lead leash in particular is its soft leather that is also thin, so it’s gentle on your hands while conveniently fitting in your pocket. We find this leash to be ideal for training and showing purposes as it sits snuggly around the neck, allowing you to prevent any pulling.

While we specifically linked the five foot by ¾ inch large leash, this product also comes in a small and medium lengths with prices that correspond. If you are training your dog to heel or parading your pooch at a show, this leash has you and your canine covered.

Pros:

  • All-in-one collar and leash
  • Prevents the dog from pulling
  • Slender and lightweight

Cons:

  • Not waterproof
  • May become moldy in humid conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash the leather leash with water?

We advise against washing the leash because leather is not intended to be water-resistant and can become warped or damaged when made wet. Instead, we recommend investing in a leather cleaning brush and spray off of Amazon to ensure your leash lasts.

If you do need to use water on the leash, try to make sure it is a minimal amount, like that on a washcloth. You want to dampen and wipe the surface of the leather but not soak it through.

What are the benefits of a leather leash?

The leather material is much more stylish than a nylon-based leash. The look is sophisticated but understated while still being strong and durable.

Nylon or cloth-based leashes will become ratty and dirty with time, whereas leather is like a fine wine and improves with age, softening into a desirable distressed look.

Are leather leashes strong enough for large dogs?

Yes, leather is a sturdy, durable material that can withstand the pulls of a large dog. However, leather has a distinctive smell and taste that is enticing to dogs, so keep the leash out of reach when you are not using it. Otherwise, it will just become another chew toy. The only time you have to worry about breakage is when your canine’s big chompers get ahold of the leash, then it will likely become damaged or rip. If your dog is chew-happy, consider investing in a vest which acts as a barrier.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, DogTime has served as a leading resource for millions of dog owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every dog and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all the information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pets a breeze.