7 Best Dog Leashes For All Sizes, Preferences And Walking Styles

Forbes

10-04-2025

Picking out pet gear isn't always exciting, but choosing a dog leash that is ideal for your pup can genuinely change your everyday life. The best dog leashes are ones that you can trust—and actually don't mind holding—so you can have fewer worries about safety, less stress during busy walks and more time to enjoy being out with your dog. After consulting trusted pet experts and using most of these leashes with our own dogs for months or even years, our top pick for most dog owners is the Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash. It has just the right mix of durability and thoughtful design, including a second handle that helps you keep close control in busy spots.
Every dog—and every human—is different, of course. So if you love running with your pup, for instance, a hands-free choice like the Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Waist Leash might suit your lifestyle better. Or if aesthetics matter to you just as much as function, The Foggy Dog Marine Rope Leash offers exceptional quality with a stylish touch. No matter which leash you choose, it should hit a few key points to justify the investment. 'A high-quality leash should be strong, reliable and comfortable in your hands,' says Malaysia Speaks, owner and founder of Paw Time Favorite Pet Sitting. 'Look for durable stitching, a secure clip and a material that won't easily fray or snap. Comfort matters too, especially if you're walking more than once a day.'
With this in mind, we've rounded up the best options to make everyday walks safer and more enjoyable—whether you're working with a puppy on a long line or looking to treat yourself (and your dog) to something a little more luxurious. And once you've found your perfect leash, be sure to check out our top picks for other essentials, like the best dog beds and dog food delivery services.
Material: Nylon | Length: 6 feet or 4 feet | Colors: 7, including red, black and blue
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The Max and Neo Double Handle Dog Leash has become our favorite for everyday use because it's clearly designed with real dog-walking in mind. Unlike most basic leashes, this one has two padded neoprene handles—one at the leash's end for typical walking, and another placed closer to your dog. This second handle is especially useful on crowded sidewalks, crossing busy streets or whenever another dog gets a little too close.
Made from durable nylon that's still soft enough to hold comfortably, the leash feels strong and sturdy without being stiff. I've used this leash for months on daily walks and the padded handles stay comfortable even during longer outings, which really makes a difference in preventing sore hands compared to thinner leashes. Reflective stitching runs along the entire leash, which can help you and your dog stay visible during evening or early-morning walks. And a well-placed D-ring near the top handle lets you clip on poop bag holders or other accessories easily.
One more detail we love: Max and Neo donates one leash to a dog rescue for every leash sold, directly supporting shelter pups.
Material: Nylon | Length: 6 feet or 4 feet, in 2 widths | Colors: 14, including black, brown, green, gray and pink
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The Joytale Reflective Dog Leash is a good choice if you need something dependable without spending much. It's made from nylon that feels sturdy enough for everyday walks, and the padded handle is comfortable to hold, even when your dog gets excited and pulls ahead. The reflective stitching shows up well under streetlights or headlights, which is a nice extra if you're using it at night. We also love that this leash comes in two widths to better match different dog sizes—and the long list of color options makes it easy to pick something you actually like looking at. It's not as heavy-duty as some of our more premium picks, but for travel, daycare or a growing puppy who's still learning leash manners, it's an easy one to keep in rotation.
Material: Nylon and bungee | Length: 4 feet (extends to 5 feet with bungee) | Colors: 7, including gray, purple, gray/green and gray/blue
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I've used the Tuff Mutt Hands-Free Leash daily for months, usually while walking two large-breed dogs at once. One is a calm walker; the other is a puppy who's still learning and gets excited easily. I tried more expensive, better-known hands-free leashes before this one, but this was the clear winner for me because of the belt clip. It slides across the adjustable waistband from hip to hip, which made it much easier for my dog to move naturally, whether she's switching sides to sniff something new or getting out of the other dog's way. This was a feature most other hands-free leashes either didn't have or didn't do well.
It's also lightweight and comfortable enough to wear while running. And while my dog isn't a big puller, she once tried to bolt after a groundhog and the shock-absorbing bungee softened the jolt without yanking me off balance. I also like having two handles built into the leash itself, so I can quickly regain control if I need to, either close to my waist or near her collar.
Material: Full-grain leather with sheepskin-lined handle | Length: 6 feet | Colors: 2, brown/tan and black/tan
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If you prefer leather, this is one of the best options out there. While most of the trainers and vets I spoke with recommended nylon or rope, some people swear by the feel and durability of a good leather leash. The Soft Touch Collars Braided Leash feels noticeably softer and more comfortable than most other leather options. The sheepskin-lined handle is designed to help prevent the rubbing and stiffness that you might experience with typical leather, and the integrated traffic handle provides an easy way to keep your dog close in busy spots. It's handmade from full-grain leather and finished with solid brass hardware that's lacquered to resist rust, so it should hold up well, as long as you're willing to take care of it.
Material: Double-braided nylon | Length: 5 feet, in standard and petite sizes | Colors: 15, including flax, powder blue, orchid and goldenrod
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The first thing I noticed about the Foggy Dog Marine Rope Leash was how soft it felt in my hand. It's smoother and more comfortable than any nylon or standard rope leash I've ever used, and never snags or develops rough spots like most leashes tend to do. I've dragged it through snow, mud and rain, and aside from a few small scuffs on the hardware, it still looks, works and feels like new. This leash has a little more weight in your hand compared to lighter nylon options, but I personally love how solid and durable it feels.
Even better, The Foggy Dog stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty. When my puppy once chewed the handle of our leash, the company replaced it without hesitation—and even sent a discount for my next order. New colors and patterns are often offered for different seasons, which makes it fun to switch things up.
It's easy to match your existing leash with a new collar if you just want a smaller change, or you can pick up one of its Collar Walk Sets, which comes with a matching collar, leash and waste bag holder. I like having a few different setups depending on the time of year (it's very hard to say no to the brand's holiday offerings). And even though I've added new pieces over the years, my original leash has held up through it all.
Material: Polypropylene/polyester rope with aluminum locking carabiner | Length: 5 feet or 10 feet | Colors: 14, including black and white, camo and lime
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For longer hikes, rough weather and anything that could benefit from a little more heft in a leash, I usually reach for my Wilderdog Big Carabiner Leash. It's built from real climbing rope, so it feels solid in your hand without being stiff, and it's held up through miles of trails, snow, mud and city walks without showing much (if any) wear. I especially like the length of this leash, because it gives my dog a little freedom without feeling too long to manage on narrow trails or crowded sidewalks. Five-foot leashes are surprisingly hard to find, and this one feels like the perfect middle ground between the more common 4- and 6-foot options.
The locking carabiner is big, which makes it easy to clip (even with gloves on) and locks securely so you never have to worry about your pup slipping free. When my dog was a puppy, the size and weight of the carabiner felt a little bulky on her collar, but she grew into it pretty quickly. (If you have a smaller dog, there's also a small carabiner option that's worth checking out.) I like that you can customize the leash setup, too; Wilderdog sells standalone carabiners and has simple tutorials for converting its leashes into waist leashes or hands-free slings, depending on what you need. And this leash is so easy to wash: Simply remove the carabiner, toss the leash in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and hang it up to dry.
Material: Biothane | Length: 15, 20 or 33 feet | Colors: 25, including black, cherry red, hunter green and lemon yellow
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When my dog was a puppy, I needed a long leash that gave her some freedom while still keeping her safe. The Viper Biothane Long Line quickly became my favorite because it let her explore without putting her at risk, whether we were working on recall in an open field or playing fetch at the park.
It's lightweight enough that even the longer lengths are easy to handle, and because it's made of Biothane, it doesn't soak up mud or water the way typical long lines do. After training sessions, I would just wipe it down and it would be ready to go again. I also like that the material stays flexible even in cold weather, which isn't always the case with some cheaper long lines. Just keep in mind this leash is not chew-proof, so it's best suited for supervised training sessions.
At Forbes Vetted, we take pet product recommendations seriously because we're pet parents ourselves. We've reviewed and tested dozens of pet products, from the best automatic litter boxes to the best fresh dog food.
To find the best dog leashes, we researched dozens of popular options across different styles, materials and price points. Some of the leashes on this list have been personally used by our editors for months or years, while others earned a spot thanks to consistent praise from experts and experienced pet parents.
The right leash can make a big difference in how safe, easy and enjoyable your walks are. Here's what to consider when shopping for a dog leash, based on our personal experiences and expert advice.
The first thing to think about is what style of leash makes the most sense for your dog. A simple 5- or 6-foot leash works best for most daily walks, giving just enough freedom without sacrificing control. Long lines (usually 15 feet or longer) are great for working on recall or letting your dog explore in open spaces without the risk of running off. Hands-free leashes are helpful if you like to run or hike with your dog. One thing we don't recommend: retractable leashes. 'Retractable leashes can lead to accidents including broken mechanisms, rope burns, sudden lunges or lack of control,' says Speaks.
Not all leash materials are created equal. Nylon and rope are smart choices for everyday walks because they maintain durability even after getting wet, muddy or pulled on. 'We really like leashes made from nylon or woven rope because they hold up well over time, especially in unpredictable weather,' says Speaks. Leather can also be a good pick if you like the look and feel, but it needs a little more maintenance. And padded handles, like the one on our top pick from Max and Neo, or an option with waterproof coating like Viper's BioThane leash, can make a real difference if you're walking a lot or in all kinds of conditions.
Leash length affects how much control you have and how much freedom your dog gets. 'A 6-foot leash is the best length for everyday walks,' says animal behaviorist and dog trainer Joey Morris. 'A longer leash would make sense if you're doing an activity such as tracking, teaching your dog a 'stay' or working on their recall to come when called. If you are in tight quarters or more congested areas, a shorter leash can make more sense.' Think about where you usually walk, and pick a length that makes it easier to stay connected to your dog; that might be a slightly shorter leash, like our 5-foot recommendation from The Foggy Dog, or a super-long lead, like the one we love from Viper.
Safety comes down to a leash that you can trust every time you clip it on. Look for strong, reliable hardware like a locking carabiner or a sturdy bolt snap. Lightweight clips or flimsy stitching are easy to miss until they fail when you need them most. 'A good leash should have durable stitching, a secure clip and a material that won't easily fray or snap,' says Speaks. A few of the trainers we spoke to only use carabiner-style leashes, like our pick from Wilderdog. 'Leashes with a carabiner that is capable of twisting down to lock are the most reliable because they will not come off,' Morris says. In general, it's smart to check your leash once in a while for any fraying or weakening. Replacing a leash before it wears out is a small step that can help avoid a much bigger problem.