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Our Waterproof Straps
Every FULL GRAIN hound lead is made from PVC-coated webbing: a strong woven core sealed inside a waterproof outer coating. Nothing soaks in, so nothing holds mud, salt or smell. We make it in two strap types, and picking the right one is the only real decision you need to make.
The two straps side by side: soft honeycomb on one, thick heavy duty on the other.
Soft strap (honeycomb)
A thinner, more flexible strap with a hexagonal textured surface. It sits softer in the hand, and the texture gives grip when the lead is wet, which a smooth coated strap does not.
Choose it if your dog is small to medium, pulls occasionally rather than constantly, or if you want to wear the lead cross-body. Being lighter, you notice it far less across your shoulder on a long walk.
Heavy duty strap
A thicker, wider, smooth strap. Noticeably more substantial in the hand, and it does not flex as much under load, which is what gives you control when a big dog surges.
Choose it if your dog is large, strong, or a committed puller, or if you simply prefer something solid to hold.
Which strap should you pick?
| Soft strap (honeycomb) | Heavy duty strap | |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Flexible, soft in the hand | Thick and substantial |
| Surface | Hexagonal texture, grippier when wet | Smooth |
| Best for | Small to medium dogs, everyday walks | Large breeds and strong pullers |
| Cross-body wear | Lightest option, best for long walks | Possible, but you feel the weight |
| Care | Wipe clean, rinse the hardware after beach walks | |
Both straps use the same three-glide adjustment, the same leather detailing and the same stainless steel hardware. The only differences are thickness and texture.
Still not sure?
If you are between the two, go heavy duty. A lead that is stronger than you need is only slightly heavier; a lead that is not strong enough is a problem.
- Browse lightweight waterproof dog leads or the lightweight adjustable lead
- Browse heavy duty dog leads or the heavy duty adjustable lead
- Check width and clip size by breed in the size guide
- Read more in our guide on choosing a waterproof dog lead
Dog Lead Size & Length Guide
There are two choices to make when you order: the width of the strap, and the length of the lead. Width is matched to your dog. Length is matched to how you like to walk.
1. Width and clip size — matched to your dog
Pick by weight and pulling strength rather than height. If your dog sits between two sizes, go up.
Lead Size |
Clip Size |
Webbing Width (in/cm) |
Suggested Breeds |
Dog Weight |
Who It’s Best For |
| S | Small | 0.6" / 1.6 cm | Pug, Jack Russell, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Havanese, Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise | 5–12 kg (11–26 lb) |
✔ Ideal for smaller dogs and lighter pullers ✔ Also suits slightly larger but gentle dogs |
| M | Medium | 0.6" / 1.6 cm | Whippet, French Bulldog, Cavalier, Spaniel, Saluki, Corgi, Beagle, Miniature Schnauzer, Cockapoo, Border Terrier | 10–20 kg (22–44 lb) |
✔ Good for compact but stronger dogs ✔ Overlaps with S for strong small dogs ✔ Overlaps with L for lighter large breeds |
| L | Large | 1" / 2.5 cm | Shiba Inu, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Boxer, Husky, Doberman, Weimaraner, Standard Poodle, Belgian Malinois | 18–40 kg+ (40–88 lb+) |
✔ Best for strong pullers ✔ Ideal for larger breeds ✔ Safer option if unsure between M and L |
S
Clip Size: Small
Webbing Width: 0.6" / 1.6 cm
Dog Weight: 5–12 kg (11–26 lb)
Pug, Jack Russell, Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Havanese, Miniature Pinscher, Italian Greyhound, Yorkshire Terrier, Bichon Frise
- Ideal for smaller dogs and lighter pullers
- Also suits slightly larger but gentle dogs
M
Clip Size: Medium
Webbing Width: 0.6" / 1.6 cm
Dog Weight: 10–20 kg (22–44 lb)
Whippet, French Bulldog, Cavalier, Spaniel, Saluki, Corgi, Beagle, Miniature Schnauzer, Cockapoo, Border Terrier
- Good for compact but stronger dogs
- Overlaps with S for strong small dogs
- Overlaps with L for lighter large breeds
L
Clip Size: Large
Webbing Width: 1" / 2.5 cm
Dog Weight: 18–40 kg+ (40–88 lb+)
Shiba Inu, Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Dalmatian, German Shepherd, Boxer, Husky, Doberman, Weimaraner, Standard Poodle, Belgian Malinois
- Best for strong pullers
- Ideal for larger breeds
- Safer option if unsure between M and L
2. Length — matched to how you walk
Every lead adjusts through a 3-glide buckle, so each option covers a range rather than one fixed length. Slide the buckle and the lead holds anywhere within that range — there are no fixed holes to get stuck between.
Short Lead — 100–150 cm (39–59")
Best for: close control, pavements, roadsides and city walks.
The short lead cannot be worn as a sling.
Long Lead — 150–260 cm (59–102")
Best for: training, loose-lead walking, park walks, and wearing hands-free across the body.
The quick rule: if you ever want to wear the lead hands-free, choose the long one. If you mostly walk on pavements and want the dog close, choose the short one.
Where the two ranges meet
The two lengths meet at 150 cm, so they overlap by a single point rather than a stretch. That matters more than it sounds:
- Only the short lead goes below 150 cm, so it is the only option if you want genuinely tight control on a busy road.
- Only the long lead goes above 150 cm, so it is the only option for hands-free wear or giving your dog room to range.
Neither does both. Pick the walk you do most often, not the one you do occasionally.
Wearing the long lead hands-free
Worn across the body, the lead passes over one shoulder and sits diagonally across your back, leaving both hands free. How much lead is left for your dog depends on two things: your own height, and how closely you like your dog to walk. A taller owner, or a dog that ranges wide, uses more of the range.
This is also why the short lead cannot be worn this way. At its longest it is 150 cm, which is enough to reach over the shoulder but not enough to leave usable walking length underneath.
Adjusting on the walk
The 3-glide buckle is designed to be moved one-handed while you are walking, so you can shorten the lead to pass another dog or cross a road, then let it back out. The trigger clip is tangle-free, so the webbing will not twist as the length changes, and the D-ring takes a poo bag holder or a small accessory.
Still not sure?
- Between two widths, choose the larger. A lead stronger than you need is only slightly heavier; one that is not strong enough is a problem.
- Between two lengths, choose long. It covers more situations, and only loses you the very shortest settings.
- Deciding between the soft and heavy duty strap? See our strap guide.
- Still stuck? Get in touch with your dog’s breed and weight and we will tell you what we would pick.
Browse the lightweight waterproof dog leads or the heavy duty dog leads.
- Rated 5 out of 5 starsYesterdayAlways travelling with this lead now
My friends gave me this lead as a gift and I honestly couldn’t be happier! I use the sling option all the time, and it’s also been so handy in rainy weather as it dries really quickly.
NNick - Rated 5 out of 5 stars5 months agoWell made . I love
Well made . I love it
MMMaria M.Verified Buyer - Rated 5 out of 5 stars1 year agoExcellent Quality
Very well made, excellent quality ,highly recommended and would like to thank Ana for her brilliant customer service.
MWMike W. - Rated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoIt's awesome
A beautiful piece of work, Tig our dog knows it's the very best!
RTRaymond T. - Rated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoExcellent lead
Excellent lead perfect for everyday walks. Comfortable to hold (even when pulling) but still really strong and hard-wearing.
LLaurence
