Choosing the Right Dog Leash
What Length Leash should I get?
When choosing a leash length, make sure to account for your height, your dog’s height, and the space you want in between.
Depending on the height of both the dog and the human, a 2.5 ft (.79 m) leash can create vastly different experience than that of a 5 ft (1.5 m) leash.
Shorter leashes help keep your dog closer in high-traffic zones, like crowded areas, shops, or busy streets. Our shortest leash, the Front Range Short Leash is also helpful in making quick transitions.
Top picks for short dog leashes:
- Front Range® Short Leash (15 in / .38 m)
- Knot-a-Long™ Leash (2.5 ft/.79 m)
Longer leashes offer extra room for your dog to roam or for your legs in full-stride activities like running. And adjustable leashes are great for flexing between different activities and needs.
Top picks for long dog leashes:
- Hitch Hiker™ Leash (adjustable up to 12 ft/3.65 m)
- Switchbak™ Leash (adjustable from 2.5-7 ft/.7-2.1 m)
- Flagline™ Leash (6.5 ft/1.9 m)
- Roamer™ Bungee Leash, Large (7.3-11ft/2.2-3.4 m)
Top picks for mid-length dog leashes:
- Crag™ Leash (adjustable from 3.5-6 ft/1-1.8 m)
- Crag™EX Leash (adjustable from 3.5-6 ft/1-1.8 m)
- Knot-a-Leash™ (5 ft/1.5 m)
- Front Range™ Leash (5 ft/1.5 m)
- Hi & Light™ Leash (4.5 ft/1.4 m)
- Roamer™ Bungee Leash, Medium (5.5-7 ft/1.7-2.1 m)
Which leash connection hardware should I choose?
As you start to dig into our leashes, you'll spot different hardware on certain leashes.
The Crux Clip™ is light, strong, and lockable, and it's our most low-profile leash connection hardware option. The smaller hardware is featured on some of our lighter leashes or wherever minimal bulk would be appreciated. A great option if you're looking for a lockable leash connection.
The Talon Clip™ was originally designed by Ruffwear in response to difficulty in finding reliable bolt-snaps. The Talon Clip's lobster-claw like design is strong, durable, and easy-to-use and can be found on some of our most iconic leashes. It's a great option for a quick clip-and-go connection.
The Carabiner: Our rope leashes feature strength-rated locking carabiners. Carabiners are known in the climbing world for their impressive strength. They're not exactly known for being ultralight, but to accommodate our smaller dog sidekicks, the size small in the Knot-a-Leash™ uses a smaller-sized locking carabiner.
Our Best Leash Options for Hiking, Walking, Running, or Everyday
Looking for a hands-free running leash? The Roamer™ Leash has bungee-like Wavelength™ webbing that absorbs shock, and the Flagline™ Leash is lightweight with some extra length.
Looking for an everyday walking leash? The Front Range™ Leash and Hi & Light™ Leash are both lightweight, strong, and a great mid-range length for everyday use. Bonus: they have matching harnesses and collars.
Looking for a hiking leash? The Crag™ Leash, Crag™ EX Leash and Switchbak™ Leash both have adjustability and versatility – not just in length, but in also using both hand-held and hands-free. They'll adapt to any trail ahead.
Looking for an off-leash leash? The Front Range® Short Leash can be used for quick transitions.
Looking for a long line? The Hitch Hiker™ Leash is adjustable up to 12 ft (3.65 m).