There’s quite an extensive checklist of necessary items for a new dog. You need everything from the bowls and the food to the bed and the leash. All dogs require daily exercise, sometimes multiple times a day, so having a leash that’s comfortable for you both is an important decision. Finding a leash big enough for a large pup is particularly crucial. But this can also be time-consuming work, particularly if you’re not a fan of shopping.
That’s why we found the best leashes out there and created reviews of 10 of the best for large dogs. We look at the xx of each one, and the included buyer’s guide should give you further insight into making the right purchase.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Prima Pets Dual Handle Dog Leash
Made with durable, weatherproof nylon
Reflective stitching for nighttime visibility
Dual handles lined in neoprene for comfort
Check Price
Best Value
Frisco Solid Dog Leash
Light and comfortable to use
Attaches with nickel-coated bolt snap
Available in two lengths and four colors
Check Price
Premium Choice
Mendota Products Confetti Dog Leash
Waterproof yet machine washable
Tanned leather snap to adjust the collar size
Multi-filament, braided rope is pliable and soft
Check Price
Leashboss Padded Short Dog Leash
Handle padded with neoprene
Short leash keeps your dog close to you
Heavy-duty clasp swivels with your dog
Check Price
Frisco Patterned Dog Leash
Easy-to-hold handle
Nickel-coated bolt snap
Durable nylon with colorful ribbon sewn in
Check Price
The 10 Best Dog Leashes for Large Dogs
The best overall dog leash for large dogs is the Prima Pets Dual Handle Reflective Dog Leash. It’s available in either red or black and 4 or 6 feet in length. It has two handles so you can keep your dog close by, and they are lined with neoprene for your added comfort. The handles allow for either a long lead or a short lead for crowds and strong pullers. It has reflective stitching for nighttime walking visibility and is made with durable, weather-resistant nylon.
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black or red
Lengths: 4 or 6 feet
Width: 1 inch
Style: Dual handle, Bolt snap
Check Price on Chewy
The main flaw with this leash is that it might be prone to fraying along the sides after a while.
Pros
Available in black or red and in 4 or 6 feet
Dual handles lined in neoprene for comfort
Long lead for regular walks and short lead for pullers or crowds
Made with durable, weatherproof nylon
Reflective stitching for nighttime visibility
Cons
Edges might fray
The best dog leash for large dogs for the money is the Frisco Solid Dog Leash. It’s well-priced and available in either 4 or 6 feet long and in black, red, blue, or pink. It’s made with durable, woven nylon that uses an Ultra-Weld seal for extra strength. It attaches to the collar with a nickel-coated bolt-snap, and it’s a nice, light leash that is comfortable to use.
Available in black or red and in 4 or 6 feet
Dual handles lined in neoprene for comfort
Long lead for regular walks and short lead for pullers or crowds
Made with durable, weatherproof nylon
Reflective stitching for nighttime visibility
- Available in black or red and in 4 or 6 feet
- Dual handles lined in neoprene for comfort
- Long lead for regular walks and short lead for pullers or crowds
- Made with durable, weatherproof nylon
- Reflective stitching for nighttime visibility
Edges might fray
- Edges might fray
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black, red, pink, or blue
Lengths: 4 or 6 feet
Width: 1 inch
Style: Standard, bolt snap
One problem with this leash is that you might find the material to be a bit thin and slippery, so it might be prone to slipping out of your hand if you’re not careful. Also, if your dog enjoys chewing on the leash, they might chew right through it.
Pros
Inexpensive
Available in two lengths and four colors
Made with durable, woven nylon
Attaches with nickel-coated bolt snap
Light and comfortable to use
Cons
Material can be thin and slippery
Might not stand up to a chewer
Mendota Products Large Confetti Dog Leash is our premium choice pick because it’s made with durable polypropylene rope and comes in 4 or 6 feet and a bunch of different colors and patterns. The rope is multi-filament and braided, so it’s quite pliable and comfortable for you to hold. It’s waterproof yet machine washable and has tanned leather snaps to lock in the collar diameter. It is suitable for dogs 50 to 250 pounds.
Inexpensive
Available in two lengths and four colors
Made with durable, woven nylon
Attaches with nickel-coated bolt snap
Light and comfortable to use
- Inexpensive
- Available in two lengths and four colors
- Made with durable, woven nylon
- Attaches with nickel-coated bolt snap
- Light and comfortable to use
Material can be thin and slippery
Might not stand up to a chewer
- Material can be thin and slippery
- Might not stand up to a chewer
Material: Polypropylene rope
Colors: Black, purple, dark pink, light green, yellow, or blue
Lengths: 4 or 6 feet
Width: .5 inch
Style: Slip lead
On the negative side, this leash is pricier than many others. Also, the length of the leash that’s advertised includes the collar part that slips around the neck. This means the 6-foot leash, for example, will be closer to 5 feet.
Pros
Made with durable polypropylene rope
Available in two sizes and seven colors
Multi-filament, braided rope is pliable and soft
Waterproof yet machine washable
Tanned leather snap to adjust the collar size
Cons
Expensive
Shorter than expected
The Leashboss Padded Handle Short Dog Leash is designed to better control a large dog that tends to pull on the leash. The handle is padded with neoprene, making for a comfortable grip, and the short leash enables you keep your dog close to your side in situations when you need more control. It also works well for training purposes. The metal clasp is sturdy and swivels when your dog moves around.
Made with durable polypropylene rope
Available in two sizes and seven colors
Multi-filament, braided rope is pliable and soft
Waterproof yet machine washable
Tanned leather snap to adjust the collar size
- Made with durable polypropylene rope
- Available in two sizes and seven colors
- Multi-filament, braided rope is pliable and soft
- Waterproof yet machine washable
- Tanned leather snap to adjust the collar size
Expensive
Shorter than expected
- Expensive
- Shorter than expected
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black
Lengths: 1 or 1.5 feet
Width: 1 inch
Style: Standard, bolt snap
The only problem with this leash is that while it is designed to be a short leash, it might be a little too short for some breeds.
Pros
Works for large dogs that pull on the leash
Handle padded with neoprene
Short leash keeps your dog close to you
Heavy-duty clasp swivels with your dog
Cons
Might be too short for some breeds
- Frisco Patterned Dog Leash
Check Latest Price
Material: Nylon
Colors: Pink/Teal or lime/blue
Lengths: 4 or 6 feet
Width: 1 inch
Style: Standard, bolt snap
Frisco’s Patterned Dog Leash comes in 4- and 6-foot lengths and two colors: teal with pink polka dots and blue with lime polka dots. It’s durable nylon with a colorful ribbon sewn onto it, so it will make a fashion statement whenever you walk your dog. It has an easy-to-hold handle, and the bolt snap is nickel-coated and easy to attach to the collar.
Works for large dogs that pull on the leash
Handle padded with neoprene
Short leash keeps your dog close to you
Heavy-duty clasp swivels with your dog
- Works for large dogs that pull on the leash
- Handle padded with neoprene
- Short leash keeps your dog close to you
- Heavy-duty clasp swivels with your dog
Might be too short for some breeds
- Might be too short for some breeds
Check Latest Price
Material: Nylon
Colors: Pink/Teal or lime/blue
Lengths: 4 or 6 feet
Width: 1 inch
Style: Standard, bolt snap
However, the grip isn’t quite as soft as you might think, so if your dog is a puller, it might not be comfortable. Plus, if your dog tends to chew things, the leash might not hold up.
Pros
Comes in two lengths and two colors
Durable nylon with colorful ribbon sewn in
Easy-to-hold handle
Nickel-coated bolt snap
Cons
Handle might not be comfortable if your dog is a puller
Might not withstand a chewer
The Mendota Products Large Solid Dog Leash comes in two lengths and 11 colors. It has a soft yet durable rope that’s easy on the hands and is pliable, so it can be easily rolled up for storage. The splices are oil-tanned, so it is an attractive and sturdy leash. It’s machine-washable and is waterproof, so you can walk in the snow and rain without fear.
Comes in two lengths and two colors
Durable nylon with colorful ribbon sewn in
Easy-to-hold handle
Nickel-coated bolt snap
- Comes in two lengths and two colors
- Durable nylon with colorful ribbon sewn in
- Easy-to-hold handle
- Nickel-coated bolt snap
Handle might not be comfortable if your dog is a puller
Might not withstand a chewer
- Handle might not be comfortable if your dog is a puller
- Might not withstand a chewer
Material: Polypropylene rope
Colors: Black, tan, dark brown, blue, kelly green, dark green, white, red, orange, purple, or pink
Lengths: 4 or 6 feet
Width: .5 inch
Style: Slip lead
Unfortunately, this leash is expensive, and it doesn’t always work for dogs that tend to pull.
Pros
Available in two lengths and 11 colors
Durable and soft
Can be easily rolled up for storage
Oil-tanned leather splices
Machine washable and waterproof
Cons
Somewhat expensive
Doesn’t always work for pulling
Harness Lead’s No Pull Dog Harness is a combination of harness and leash. It tightens around the torso when your dog pulls and relaxes when the pulling stops. It’s a double-braided nylon rope leash that is a soft texture, and it’s machine washable. It’s gentle on the hands and has rubber stops that can keep the harness in place when you adjust the size.
Available in two lengths and 11 colors
Durable and soft
Can be easily rolled up for storage
Oil-tanned leather splices
Machine washable and waterproof
- Available in two lengths and 11 colors
- Durable and soft
- Can be easily rolled up for storage
- Oil-tanned leather splices
- Machine washable and waterproof
Somewhat expensive
Doesn’t always work for pulling
- Somewhat expensive
- Doesn’t always work for pulling
Material: Polyester
Colors: Black
Lengths: 6 feet
Width: 7/16 inches
Style: Slip lead
The issues with this leash are that it might not work if you have a determined puller, and it isn’t always effective for hyper dogs.
Pros
Combination of harness and leash
Harness tightens when dog pulls and relaxes when they stop
Machine-washable, double-braided nylon rope
Gentle on the hands
Rubber stops help adjust the size
Cons
Doesn’t always work for pulling
Not as effective on hyper dogs
The Wigzi Dual Doggie Dog Leash is great if you need to walk two dogs. Due to the coupler that can automatically separate the leashes, it’s designed not to get tangled. It has an ergonomic handle and is filled with a squishy gel, so it’s comfortable to hold. The leads are durable and have reflective stripes so you can walk your dog at night safely.
Combination of harness and leash
Harness tightens when dog pulls and relaxes when they stop
Machine-washable, double-braided nylon rope
Gentle on the hands
Rubber stops help adjust the size
- Combination of harness and leash
- Harness tightens when dog pulls and relaxes when they stop
- Machine-washable, double-braided nylon rope
- Gentle on the hands
- Rubber stops help adjust the size
Doesn’t always work for pulling
Not as effective on hyper dogs
- Doesn’t always work for pulling
- Not as effective on hyper dogs
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black
Lengths: 4.5 feet
Width: .5 feet
Style: Double lead
The issues with this leash are that it works better if both of your dogs are relatively well behaved, and you can’t adjust the length on the leads because of the handle.
Pros
Great for walking two dogs
Won’t tangle
Ergonomic handle with gel for a comfy hold
Leashes have reflective stripes for safety
Cons
Works better for well-behaved dogs
Can’t adjust the length of the leads
Halti’s Training Dog Lead is an adaptable leash. It has a double-ended design so you can walk one or two dogs, it wraps one end around your waist for hands-free walking, and it makes for easy tethering. The multiple D rings enable you to adjust the length of the leash to be shorter or longer, and it’s effective for training or just going on walks.
Great for walking two dogs
Won’t tangle
Ergonomic handle with gel for a comfy hold
Leashes have reflective stripes for safety
- Great for walking two dogs
- Won’t tangle
- Ergonomic handle with gel for a comfy hold
- Leashes have reflective stripes for safety
Works better for well-behaved dogs
Can’t adjust the length of the leads
- Works better for well-behaved dogs
- Can’t adjust the length of the leads
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black
Lengths: 6.56 feet
Width: .98 inches
Style: Standard, bolt snap
However, this leash will work best if you purchase a separate harness. Also, it’s a bit lightweight, and some dogs can chew through it easily, and the material itself is on the slippery and stretchy side. This won’t work well for pullers.
Pros
Double-ended leash
Can be used for one or two dogs
Hands-free and easy tethering
D rings enable adjusting the length from short to long
Cons
Works best with a harness, purchased separately
Easily chewed through
Material is a bit slippery and stretchy
The Mighty Paw HandleX2 Reflective Dog Leash has two handles, with one farther down than the other so you can keep your dog close to your side in circumstances as needed. The handles are padded with neoprene for comfort, and the farthest one from you is 12 inches from the clasp. It comes in two colors and has reflective stitching for nighttime visibility.
Double-ended leash
Can be used for one or two dogs
Hands-free and easy tethering
D rings enable adjusting the length from short to long
- Double-ended leash
- Can be used for one or two dogs
- Hands-free and easy tethering
- D rings enable adjusting the length from short to long
Works best with a harness, purchased separately
Easily chewed through
Material is a bit slippery and stretchy
- Works best with a harness, purchased separately
- Easily chewed through
- Material is a bit slippery and stretchy
Material: Nylon
Colors: Black and orange or gray and green
Lengths: 6 feet
Width: 1 inch
Style: Dual handle, carabiner
Unfortunately, the clasp might break on some leashes after a while, and the leash can be chewed through by some dogs. Additionally, the surface of the leash itself is rough, so it might hurt your hands if you grab it when your dog needs controlling.
Pros
Two handles that can help you keep your dog closer
Handles padded with neoprene for comfort
Reflective stitching for nighttime walks
Cons
Clasp might break after a while
Leash itself is rough
Can be chewed through
Two handles that can help you keep your dog closer
Handles padded with neoprene for comfort
Reflective stitching for nighttime walks
- Two handles that can help you keep your dog closer
- Handles padded with neoprene for comfort
- Reflective stitching for nighttime walks
Clasp might break after a while
Leash itself is rough
Can be chewed through
- Clasp might break after a while
- Leash itself is rough
- Can be chewed through
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Leash for Large Dogs
Here are a Now that you’ve had a look at some of these leashes, we’ll go over a few considerations that could help you make your leash-buying decision.
Material
Leashes come in a variety of materials, with nylon being among the most common. They can be leather, rope, or other materials that might include reflective stitching. Also, keep in mind washability and whether the leash is weatherproof.
Some leashes have padded handles, which might be necessary if your dog is a puller so you don’t develop blisters or other wounds. Just be aware of your dog and their needs.
If your dog tends to be reactive, the durability, length, and comfort for you holding it are all factors to think about.
Weight and Length
The larger your dog, the heavier the leash should be. Large dogs do best with leashes around 4 to 6 feet long and with a thick material and width. Standard leashes for large dogs tend to be around 1 inch in diameter (unless they’re the rope style).
Type of Leash
If you’re considering a retractable leash, do note that large dogs need wide, heavy leashes and retractable leashes are neither. If you have a calm dog that is not reactive and doesn’t pull, you can give one a try but only at your own risk. Otherwise, go with the standard leash or one that is adjustable.
Extras
Certain leashes have extra features, such as extra D rings that you can hook poop bags onto or reflective stitching for when you take your dog out at night. Some have double handles, so you can walk your dog with a 6-foot or a 1-foot leash, depending on the circumstances. Weigh these decisions carefully because you don’t want to end up with a leash that isn’t great or is poor quality just to get a few extras.
Conclusion
The Prima Pets Dual Handle Reflective Dog Leash is our overall favorite. It has two neoprene-lined handles so you can keep your dog close to you, and it has reflective stitching for nighttime visibility.
The Frisco Solid Dog Leash is well-priced and is available in two lengths and several colors in durable, woven nylon.
Our premium choice is the Mendota Products Large Confetti Dog Leash. It’s made with durable polypropylene rope and is available in two lengths and multiple different colors and patterns.
We hope all these reviews have helped you find a great leash for your large dog. This is an important decision because the leash should keep your dog safe and give you peace of mind during your walks.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
See also:
- 10 Best Hot Spot Treatments for Dogs in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
- 10 Best Dog Brushes for German Shepherds in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks!
- 10 Best Brushes for Pugs in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks
