Classic Leather Dog Lead

LEATHER

We use premium Italian full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather, selected for its strength, durability and natural beauty. Full-grain leather retains the natural character of the hide, so subtle markings and variations are part of what makes each piece unique.

Our leather is dyed through with non-toxic water-based dyes. With use, it will soften and develop a rich, individual patina while retaining the strength needed for everyday wear.

HARDWARE

Our hardware is made from quality brass and chosen for strength, durability and timeless style.

Natural brass will gradually develop a warm patina and may sometimes arrive with light tarnishing, particularly after travelling in close contact with leather. This is completely normal and can easily be polished to restore its shine.

Our silver hardware is nickel-plated brass, which retains its bright finish for longer than natural brass. Our black hardware is brass with a durable PVD coating for a smooth black finish.

Hardware is securely fitted using solid brass rivets, finished to complement your chosen hardware.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

Every Kinfolk Leather piece is individually made and finished by hand in our New Zealand workshop. Leather is carefully cut, edged and burnished, with close attention paid to both durability and a smooth, comfortable finish.

Because we work with natural leather and traditional hand-finishing techniques, subtle variations and occasional tooling marks are part of the character of a handmade product rather than signs of mass production.

Where a personalised nameplate is added, each letter and number is individually hand-stamped. Small variations in spacing and depth are a natural part of this process and make every piece unique.

The best lead length depends on both your dog's size and your own height.

80–90cm (approx. 3ft) – A shorter lead for close control. Often suits larger or taller dogs, strong pullers, heel work and busy areas.

100–120cm (approx. 3½–4ft) – A versatile everyday length that suits many dogs and handlers, offering a little more freedom while remaining easy to manage.

5ft (150cm) – Offers more freedom and is particularly useful for smaller or short-legged dogs, or taller handlers.

6ft (180cm) – Extra length for relaxed walks, loose-lead walking or dogs that benefit from more freedom.

Tip: Taller handlers and shorter dogs will generally be more comfortable with a longer lead, while a shorter lead provides more close control.

See the Dog Lead Length Guide in the image gallery for a visual comparison.

LONG LINES

For training and exploring, our long lines are available in 3m, 5m, 7.5m, 10m and 15m lengths.

3m – A manageable step up from a standard walking lead, providing extra freedom while keeping your dog relatively close.

5m – A versatile choice for recall training and everyday exploring, with a good balance of freedom and manageability.

7.5m – A useful middle ground when you want more room to explore without the additional bulk of a 10m or 15m line.

10m – Provides plenty of freedom for recall training, sniffing and exploring larger open spaces.

15m – Best suited to situations where maximum range is useful, such as recall training, tracking and large open spaces. The additional length also means more lead to manage and carry.

When choosing a long line, consider both the amount of freedom you want to give your dog and how much line you are comfortable handling. Longer lines also become heavier, particularly in wider BioThane®.

WIDTH

Choose from three widths:

½" (12 mm) - a lightweight option suited to smaller dogs.

¾" (19 mm) - a versatile choice for most small to medium dogs.

1" (25 mm) - a wider, more substantial option suited to larger dogs or anyone who prefers a broader lead in the hand.

LENGTH

Available in 80 cm or 100 cm.

80 cm keeps your dog closer and can be a good choice for walking in busier areas.

100 cm is our most popular length and gives your dog a little more freedom while remaining practical for everyday walking.

If you're unsure, measure from your dog's collar or harness attachment point to your hand to get an idea of where each length will sit.

COLOUR

Choose from our range of Italian vegetable-tanned leather colours. The leather is approximately 2.8–3 mm thick, with natural variations in grain and character.

HARDWARE

Choose from natural brass, silver (nickel-plated brass) or black (PVD-coated brass) hardware.

NAMEPLATE

An optional hand-stamped nameplate can be securely riveted to your lead, keeping your contact details permanently attached should the lead ever be misplaced.

Our standard placement is just below the rivets at the handle, but if you'd prefer it positioned elsewhere, simply let us know.

Small Nameplate - 50 × 9.5 mm
Suitable for ½" and ¾" leads. Up to 2 lines of information in 2.5 mm text.

Large Nameplate - 70 × 16 mm
Suitable for ¾" and 1" leads. Up to 3 lines of information in 3 mm text.

LEATHER CARE

Vegetable-tanned leather will naturally soften and develop a rich patina with use. To keep your lead looking and feeling its best:

- Avoid prolonged soaking or leaving the leather wet.

- If your lead gets wet, wipe away excess moisture and allow it to dry naturally at room temperature. Keep it away from direct heat.

- Wipe away dirt with a soft, damp cloth and allow the leather to dry before applying any conditioner.

- Condition occasionally with a quality leather balm to help keep the leather supple. A little goes a long way.

- Avoid frequent exposure to salt water. If the lead does get wet with sea water, wipe it down with a clean damp cloth afterwards and allow it to dry thoroughly.

HARDWARE CARE

Natural brass will gradually develop a darker patina with use. This is normal and can be left to age naturally or polished if you prefer a brighter finish.

Silver and black finishes require little maintenance. Wipe hardware clean with a soft damp cloth and dry after exposure to water, salt or dirt.

As with any dog lead, check the leather, rivets and hardware regularly for signs of wear, particularly if your dog pulls strongly or the lead is frequently exposed to water.

SUITABLE FOR

Everyday walks, training and general use with dogs of most sizes. Choose the width to suit your dog - ½" for smaller dogs, ¾" for many small to medium dogs, and 1" for larger dogs or where a more substantial lead is preferred.

NOT DESIGNED FOR

This lead is designed to be used with your dog under supervision. It is not intended as a tie-out or for leaving a dog tethered unattended. If you need to secure your dog for extended periods, we recommend using equipment specifically designed for that purpose.

Dogs that chew their leads may also damage leather, so this may not be the best choice for dogs prone to lead chewing.

As a general rule, wider leather provides greater strength. If you're unsure which width is appropriate for your dog, please contact us and we're happy to help.

All of our collars and leads are handmade in our own workshop, which means we can repair, resize, or refresh them at any time. When you’re ready for a new look, we can replace the strap and reuse your existing hardware - giving your custom piece a new lease on life.

Strap Replacement Service

We believe in our products and stand by the quality of craftsmanship and materials in each one. See our Customer Satisfaction Promise for more information.