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Selecting the right dog leash for a large breed can be a daunting task. Leashes for big dogs require more durable construction, features that help to limit pulling, and designs that are comfortable for both pet parent and pup—which isn’t always easy to find.
The best big-dog leashes combine durable nylon, rope, or leather with reflective materials, a bungee to help reduce strain from pullers, and 360-degree clips to prevent tangling and wrist strain.
To help you find the right leash for your pup, we’ve consulted the experts and tracked down the best heavy-duty leashes for everyday strolls, training, adventuring, walking multiple large dogs, and even car rides.
Best Basic Leash: Chai’s Choice Polyester Padded Reflective Leash
While certain dog breed, including Huskies, Malamutes, and Boxers, are well-known for their tendency to pull, the size alone of other dog breeds can make even lighter pulling problematic. For this reason, Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench of Gentle Dog Trainers highlights that strong and durable leashes are the best options for withstanding that extra force.
This is the top all-around choice for an everyday big-dog leash. It’s available in two different lengths and features nylon webbing and 3M reflective material for nighttime visibility. Many pet trainers recommend the traditional six-foot lead, which is the standard option for the Chai’s Choice Lead.
A six-foot lead provides a good balance between control and freedom. The Duraflex snap attachment has a heavy-duty load capacity to help you keep your big dog under control. And, best for pet parents, the handle comes with ergonomic mesh padding.
Key Features:
- Available in two different lengths
- Features 3M reflective material
- Uses a Duraflex snap with heavy-duty capacity
- Features ergonomic mesh padding in the handle
Best For Shock-Absorption: SparklyPets Heavy-Duty Rope Leash for Large Dogs
This colorful and thick nylon rope leash is designed for big, powerful dogs. The sturdy metallic hook and leather joints are durable and strong, and the handle is reinforced for comfort. Plus, it comes with a detachable, shock-absorbing bungee to ease pulling. It’s a versatile training leash especially made for large dogs.
While having a leash that helps with pulling is useful, Dr. Dench, who is also a certified trainer, emphasizes that a good leash is only part of the equation. Regular exercise and training that emphasizes and rewards good walking habits are also necessities, particularly for larger dogs. Leashes like the Sparkly Dog that use a combination of bungee and rope can help dogs to experience some freedom while walking, but also reinforce good walking habits.
Key Features:
- Made from nylon and designed for powerful dogs
- Includes detachable bungee to help absorb shock
- Handle designed for comfort
- Available in multiple colors
Best Two-Handle Model: Padded Two Handle 6-Foot Primal Pet Gear Leash
This double-handle dog leash is a great option if you walk in high-traffic areas and need a little bit of extra control. The standard handle is six feet long, but this can be substantially shortened if you opt to use the closer handle. This design can be especially helpful for larger and more powerful dogs. This Primal Pet Gear leash features two padded handles and reflective stitching for nighttime visibility. This leash is durable, with 2.8-millimeter thick and 1-inch wide tightly webbed nylon.
Key Features:
- Features a standard six-foot length with two padded handles
- Uses reflective stitching for maximum visibility
- Two handles help in high-traffic areas
- Durable design for large dogs
Best Waterproof Dog Leash: Nimble Waterproof Dog Leash Lead
The Nimble leash is waterproof, odor resistant, and easy to clean. The straps are soft and durable and are designed to hold up to 700 pounds of pull force. This leash is incredibly versatile and can be used for hikes, beach walks and swims, training, and just about all outdoor play. Best of all, the slick material resists dirt and sand, so you won’t bring the beach (or the post-beach mildew smell) with you. It’s available in multiple colors and sizes, ranging from 5 feet to 50 feet.
While the traditional leash length is six feet, longer leashes can be ideal for specific activities. According to Dr. Sabrina Kong of We Love Doodles, these longer leash options can be great for open spaces because they give your dog more freedom to explore.
Key Features:
- Waterproof and durable
- Versatile for lots of outdoor activities
- Dirt and odor resistant
- Size range from 5 to 50 feet
- Durable metal clip
Best Reflective Dog Leash: Joytale Double-Sided Reflective Dog Leash
This double-sided reflective leash features reflective stitching on both sides for increased visibility. The handle has soft cushion padding to protect your hands if you have a large dog or a pup who is prone to pulling. This leash also features an extra D-ring so pet parents can conveniently clip their poop bag holder to the leash. The Joytale comes in the standard six-foot length and uses 1-inch nylon, which is ideal for larger dogs. The metal clasp also features a 360º swivel to prevent tangling. Lastly, this leash is available in lots of colors.
Key Features:
- Reflective stitching on two sides
- Soft cushion handle
- Extra D-ring for poop bags
- 6′ length and 1″-wide nylon
- Anti-tangle 360º metal clasp
Most Comfortable Leash (for Pet Parents): BAAPET Dog Leash with Padded Handles
The BAAPET Dog Leash with Padded Handles is a comfortable leash to hold—and still up to the task of controlling larger dogs. According to Dr. Kong, a strong and durable leash is essential for larger dogs. This leash checks a lot of boxes: it uses 1/2 inch diameter rock climbing rope and a very durable clip hook. The soft and padded handles help pet parents maintain comfortable control of their large dog. As an added feature, this leash also is reflective for increased nighttime visibility. It is available in lengths from four feet to six feet and comes in a variety of colors. This leash can handle active dogs up to 120 pounds.
Key Features:
- Padded handles are comfortable for owners
- Uses 1/2″ diameter rock climbing rope
- Design includes reflective rope
- Comes in multiple lengths and colors
Best Utility Hands-Free Leash: SHINE HAI Hands-Free Leash
This utility hands-free leash is designed for pets and pet parents on the go. This design can accommodate two dogs (up to 75 pounds each) and includes an adjustable belt with utility pouch to hold treats, poop bags, or other accessories. The dual-bungee design allows each leash to stretch up to six feet and helps to absorb shock for the pet parent (a feature that Dr. Kong highlights as great option for walking larger dogs). This hands-free model is ideal for running, walking with a stroller, or hiking, and it also includes reflective stitching for visibility.
Key Features:
- Hands-free design with utility belt
- Each leash stretches up to 6 feet
- Design accommodates one or two dogs
- Includes reflective stitching
To Consider:
- Manufacturers recommended for dogs 75 pounds and under
Best Short Training Lead: SJT Short Training Leash for Dogs
The SJT Short Training Leash for Dogs features a padded handle for pet parents and is available in the right length for your needs (18″ to 48″), making it an ideal choice for training or for crowded areas. The leash features an easy-to-use and rust-resistant bolt snap clip and reflective mountain climbing rope. It is designed for dogs up to 140 pounds.
Key Features:
- Length options make it ideal for training or crowds
- Features reflective mountain climbing rope
- Available in multiple colors
Best Leather Leash: ADITYNA Leather Dog Leash
According to Dr. Dench, leather is a durable and safe option for big dog leashes because this material can hold the strength and weight of a larger dog breed. The ADITYNA Leather Dog Leash for large dogs is available in both a large size (6′ and 3/4″ wide) and an extra-large size (6′ and 1″ wide). It uses quality leather and offers control and durability. This leash was tested on large breed dogs and is reinforced with a 360 degree heavy-duty stainless steel clasp.
Key Features:
- Tested for large breed dogs
- Available in two widths
- Uses quality leather that prevents rope burns
- Uses heavy-duty 360-degree stainless steel clasp
Best Tactical Leash with Seat Belt Adapter: Raipult Heavy Duty Tactical Bungee Dog Leash
The Raipult Heavy Duty Tactical Bungee leash checks a lot of boxes. It offers great control in crowded places, has a bungee for shock absorption, and even has a seat belt buckle to help keep your dog safe during car rides. The second handle allows pet parents options for added control and to keep dogs close in crowded places. This leash also features a heavy duty and quick-release frog clip, with 360-degree spin to prevent tangles. It is designed to control dogs up to 150 pounds (400 pounds of pulling force). It is also available in many colors to match your dog’s style.
Key Features:
- Features two handles for crowded areas
- Bungee lessens force of pulling on owner
- Great for large (150-pound) dogs
- Features seat belt clip
- Uses a quick-release frog clip with 360-degree spin
Best Long Line for Training: Mycicy Long Lead for Training
The Mycicy Long Lead for Training is available in multiple lengths and features a strong metal clasp for attaching to a collar or harness. The long rope lead is made of braided and wear-resistant nylon and comes in various widths to accommodate different sizes and ages. Long leads are good options for training, as the length can simulate a leash-free environment for dogs who are being trained for voice commands or agility. This lead is also available in multiple colors.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple lengths and colors, for multiple breed sizes
- Helps to simulate a leash-free environment for training
- Made of braided and wear-resistant nylon
- Features strong metal clip
Best Double-Dog Leash: Sparkly Pet Double Dog Leash (Verified Review)
This double-dog leash features a lead and leash splitter to help dog owners walk in an organized fashion with two dogs. The all-important no-tangle swivel helps to keep dogs untangled while they walk in tandem. Each leash features second handle and a bungee section to absorb shock while keeping dogs close, as well as an adjustable terminal end. The handle is padded for comfort and features an attachment point for poop bags. Our testers gave this two thumbs and eight paws up.
If you are preparing to walk two dogs at once, Dr. Kong recommends that the dogs are accustomed to each other and to walking on a leash. This will help to prevent frustration and unwanted tangles.
Key Features:
- Features leash splitter with no-tangle swivel
- Padded handle for comfort
- Each lead has a bungee and adjustable terminal end
- Includes attachment for poop bag and carrying case
How We Chose
The big-dog leashes featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary and training experts. We prioritized versatile, durable, and safe products ideal for larger breeds. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.