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A friend recently gave me an extra BioThane dog leash she had when I adopted Sitka. I had seen them all over Instagram, but didn’t really get what the big deal was over these leashes.
I get it now.
For someone like me who gets outside year round, no matter the weather, I love the durability and ease maintenance that comes with BioThane leashes. I can run in the mud, rain, go for a snowshoe or let them drag along the sandy shore. A quick rinse in a puddle or swipe of a towel and they look like new again.
With so many artisans making hand-crafted BioThane dog leashes on Etsy, it can be overwhelming to sort through all of the products. This list includes my favorite designers with leashes available in a variety of styles.
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What is BioThane?
BioThane is a trademarked product made by BioThane Coated Webbing Corp in North Ridgeville, Ohio. The polyester webbing is made from TPU or PVC and has the look and feel of leather, without the maintenance.
The material makes it more durable, waterproof, stink proof, and easy to clean. It can be sewn, welded, or heated, just the same as leather. Best of all, it comes in a variety of fun colors.
Widely used and beloved by equestrians, BioThane is the strongest material available on the market for dog leashes. The material is soft and pliable and doesn’t chafe, since it doesn’t absorb water or sweat. And, it will never mold.
Under normal use, the product won’t get tacky or sticky over time.
What is Beta BioThane?
Beta BioThane is just a different coating class of traditional BioThane. It is the closest material to leather available.
Why BioThane is Better Than Leather
BioThane can last a long, long time. With regular cleaning, it will continue to look new over decades. The material will outlast leather and nylon and is virtually indestructible when your pup decides to turn their leash into a chew toy.
As a bonus, BioThane is vegan, so if you want the look and feel of leather, BioThane is the way to go.
Cleaning is a Breeze
Dog leashes get really gross. Think of all the things your dog rolls in:
- Mud
- Sand
- Dead things
- Seaweed
- Poop
- Snow
If it’s repulsive, your dog will probably roll in it. Since leather and nylon are absorbent, it will take in all that muck and begin to stink over time.
To clean leather and nylon, you need to use specific cleaning materials that won’t damage the material and that will efficiently get the stench out. BioThane just requires a swipe of a cloth or soap and water if it’s really dirty.
In a pinch, puddles work to rinse of mud or sand. You can even stick it in the top rack of your dishwasher and it will come out looking just like new.
BioThane Comes in a Variety of Colors
Leather generally limits you to a few colors, mostly black and brown, but BioThane comes in just about any color you could imagine, including glow in the dark for late evening and early morning walks or runs.
Unlike leather and nylon leashes, the color will not fade over time, even after years of use.
Holds up to Cold Weather
Compared to leather, BioThane holds up in extremely cold weather. It won’t crack or harden like leather will. It can withstand temperatures as low as -56°F before breaking down.
Durability
Dog leashes may seem like a dime a dozen, but investing in a high quality leash that will last the lifetime of your dog and beyond means more money in your pocket, and less waste generated.
Since nylon and leather leashes stain, fray, and break more readily than BioThane, you’ll end up having to replace them at some point.
Picking the Perfect BioThane Leash
Dog leashes come in a variety of styles and leash attachment options that serve different purposes. This list includes several examples of each style so you and your dog can enjoy your adventures in a way that works best for you.
Leash Styles Explained
Traditional Leash: This is a basic, everyday dog leash that ranges in length from 4′ to 6′. It generally includes a looped handle at the end for gripping.
Slip Lead: Used for training leash pressure during walks, slip lead leashes secure around a dog’s neck to act as a sort of collar. A stay slides up and down the leash to ensure a secure fit around your dog’s neck to keep the leash in the correct location.
Long Lines: Long lines are great training tools for new puppies or older adopted dogs. They come in a variety of lengths, usually ranging from 10′ to 50′. Use a long lead when training recall, performing nosework or tracking, take it to the beach or on the trail to let your dog roam further than on a traditional leash.
Traffic Handle: These are short loops that attach directly to your dog’s collar. They are great for allowing quick restraint of your dog on trail if they are off leash or for city walking in a busy area, like at a farmers’ market.
Couplers: If you have two dogs, but want to manage just one leash, a coupler is the way to go. They come either in a traditional leash length and with a coupler attached at the handle, or in shorter lengths that attach to the end of any leash.
Euro-style Lead: Euro-style dog leads are great multi-purpose leashes. You can adjust the length to suit your needs, quickly tie your dog to a post or around your waist, and more. Most come with 7 to 10 different adjustment options.
Leash Attachment Options
Trigger Pull/Snap Hook: This is the traditional attachment you see on most leashes. To open, you pull down on a trigger with your thumb. I tend to avoid these types of triggers because they tend to become stuck after beach trips and I have trouble opening them when my fingers are cold.
Trigger Snap/Scissor Snap: I much prefer trigger snaps to pulls because the thumb placement is bigger and doesn’t require such dexterity. This is especially helpful when it is cold outside and your fingers are numb. I also find them easier to attach.
Carabiners: The trick with carabiners is to ensure that they are graded for force, rather than for a basic attachment. A weak carabiner will not hold your dog if they lunge or pull with force. I love carabiners for leash attachments because they are easy to put on and take off. They also clip easily to the leash itself if I need to tie my dog around something.
The Best BioThane Leashes Found on Etsy
The Stately Hound Boy Dog BioThane Collar and Leash Set
Price: $62.93
Leash length: 4′ to 6′
Leash width: 5/8″, 3/4″
Collar width: 5/8″, 3/4″, 1″
About: The Stately Hound is a modern lifestyle brand for dogs and their humans. Based out of England, owner Jake is well known for his Instagram account by the same name. He curates images of only the most dapper dogs out there. He works with local artisans to produce a number of dog accessories, including the Boy Dog Collar and Leash Set.
This stylish set comes comes with a stainless steel buckle and D-ring, trigger snap, and contrasting color strap loop. Shoppers can pick from 9 different colors and mix and match for their favorite combination.
SloppyChopsCo 8-Way BioThane Euro Dog Lead
Price: $65.99
Leash length: 7′
Leash width: 5/8″
About: The 8-Way Euro Dog Lead is part of Sloppy Chop’s Denali Collection, designed especially for adventure dogs that love to find the biggest mud puddle or the stinkiest prize to roll in.
The Euro Lead is a multi-functional leash that converts to various forms for different purposes. The leash performs like a regular 7′ dog leash, it can be secured around the waist for hands-free hiking, the length is adjustable by attaching to different d-rings, it converts to a training slip lead, and more.
Hardware comes in gold brass, stainless steel silver, or black powder coated steel, and the attachment is a trigger snap.
Sloppy Chops supports animal rescue by donating a portion of every sale to a non-profit organization.
SloppyChopsCo BioThane Training Tab
Price: $17 – $20
Leash length: 6″, 9″
Leash width: 5/8″
About: Another piece in the Denali Collection, the Training Tabs are designed to act as a security blanket for off-leash work with your dog. It allows your pup to roam around, while giving you the option to quickly grab a hold of your pup if necessary.
The tabs come in two different lengths and styles: straight or looped. The 9″ loop allows for all four fingers to be inserted for a more secure grab. The straight tabs include an O-ring at each end to enable attachment to a leash.
Hardware comes in gold brass, stainless steel silver, or black powder coated steel, and the attachment is a trigger snap.
Moxie Collars Two Tone BioThane Dog Collar and Leash Combo
Price: $25-$35
Leash length: 4′ to 6′
Leash width: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
Collar width: 3/4″, 1″
About: Moxie Collars come in an assortment of customizable colors to create a bright and fun leash.
The collars include a contrasting color strap loop that really makes them pop. The buckle-style collars allow for a snug fit and include a D-ring to secure any extra material. Hardware comes in stainless steel or solid brass, and the attachment is a traditional trigger pull.
You can also opt to get a stainless steel nameplate that slides onto the collar. If jingly tags bother you or your pup, this is a great alternative.
Harbor Hound Co SUMMIT & SEA Collection Waterproof BioThane Long Line
Price: $43.99 – $72.99
Leash length: 10′ to 50′
Leash width: 1/2″
About: All Harbor Hound Co. products are made to order, which means that each product is slightly different.
This long lead is designed to help teach recall, nosework, or use during tracking exercises. It is made to be dragged through mud, water, and sand.
You have the option of two different clip sizes: a traditional small trigger pull or a larger trigger snap. Clips are available in Solid Brass Gold, Solid Brass Silver, or Black Powder Coated.
A nice touch are the matching storage keeper strap, which keeps the leash from tangling when not in use. You have the option to choose the color during check out by leaving a note with your order.
Handle options include an O-ring to be attached to a traffic handle (sold separately) or a traditional looped leash handle.
Harbor Hound Co BioThane Leash Coupler
Price: $37.99 – $45.99
Leash length: 12″ to 36″
Leash width: 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″
About: The leash coupler allows you to walk two dogs using the same leash.
Hardware options come in the same finishes as the leash above: Solid Brass Gold, Solid Brass Silver, or Black Powder Coated. The leash attachment is a trigger snap.
An O-ring attached to the end can connect to any leash or to a traffic handle add-on for easier grip and control when necessary.
Mountain Mutt BC 1” BioThane Traffic Leash
Price: $23.48
Leash length: 10″ to 18″
Leash width: 1″
About: This traffic handle is available in just about any color of the rainbow you can imagine. Mountain Mutt, based out of British Columbia designs their products with the “beloved swamp monster, squirrel chaser, hiking compadre, or bush pup” in mind.
The traffic handle is a great accessory for trail or city walking that allows you to keep a close grip on your dog, but still offer a bit of length to give your dog some freedom.
Hardware options come in stainless steel or brass and feature a trigger pull. Option to upgrade to a trigger snap available.
Mountain Mutt BC Multi-leash Hands-free BioThane Leash
Price: $62.60
Leash length: 7′
Leash width: 5/8″
About: The Mountain Mutt hands-free leash is a go-anywhere product that can be used 10 different ways. Each end features a snap that allows for various configurations, including: 7-foot regular leash, 6-foot leash with handle, 3.5-foot traffic leash, cross body leash, waist leash, and more.
Upgrades include two-tone styling and come in a variety of colors.
Hardware options come in stainless steel or brass and feature a trigger pull. Option to upgrade to a trigger snap available.
Get Dirty Dog BioThane Leash with Traffic Handle
Price: $25.82 to $28.95
Leash length: 4′ to 6′
Leash width: 5/8″
About: The Get Dirty leash is the only one on this list that includes a built-in traffic handle. This is a nice feature if you don’t want to have to worry about converting the leash mid-hike or have a dog you need restrain easily without thinking.
Hardware is a lightweight carabiner clip that allows for quick attachment to the dog’s collar.
Get Dirty Dog ⅜” Long Line Beta BioThane
Price: $31.29 to $62.59
Leash length: 10′ to 30′
Leash width: 3/8″, 5/8″
About: Perfect for training your puppy, hiking, beach walks, or tying your dog up at camp, a long lead gives your dog extra range while still keeping them in sight and attached to you.
The Get Dirty Long Line also includes a traffic handle for those times you need to get a quick grip on your pup.
Hardware is a lightweight carabiner clip that allows for quick attachment to the dog’s collar.
Ruff Threads AZ BioThane Double Swivel
Price: $39.00 to $43.00
Leash length: 4′ to 6′
Leash width: 3/8″
Handle width: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″
About: If you have two dogs who like to weave around each other, this is a perfect leash option. The handle is attached to a swivel hardware that prevents dogs from tangling together.
The thick handle is comfortable in the hand and comes in a wide width to ensure a solid grip.
Hardware options come in three finishes: Solid Brass Gold, Solid Brass Silver, or Black Powder Coated. The leash attachment is a trigger pull.
Ruff Threads AZ Biothane Slip lead
Price: $11.00 to $15.00
Leash length: 2′ to 6′
Leash width: 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″
About: The length for the leash is measured end to end, so depending on the size of your dog’s neck, length can vary. A stopper allows you to ensure correct fitting so the leash doesn’t slip down.
Hardware options come in three finishes: Solid Brass Gold, Solid Brass Silver, or Black Powder Coated.
Paul Lijeski
Monday 25th of October 2021
Great article! I learned a lot of new stuff that I will incorporate in my dog walking. Thank you very much! Cheers
Jen Sotolongo
Monday 25th of October 2021
Glad you found it helpful!