Why Width Matters in a Leather Leash
When you're shopping for a Soft Hide leather leash, the width is the main decision point. A wider leash gives you more grip and control for strong or large dogs, while a narrower one stays lighter and more flexible for everyday walks. K9pro offers three distinct options: a 16mm (5/8") leash, a 25mm (1") leash, and a 3/4" traffic leash. Each serves a different purpose, and picking the right one depends on your dog's size, your training goals, and how you plan to use the leash.
Leash Width Options at a Glance
- Soft Hide Leather Leash 16mm (5/8"): 16mm (5/8") width, available in 120cm (4ft) and 180cm (6ft) lengths. Made from soft hide leather with solid brass hardware, hand stitched and rivetted. This is the lightest option, suitable for medium dogs or handlers who prefer a narrower grip. The extra thickness keeps it easy to hold without slipping.
Soft Hide Leather Leash 16mm (5/8") - Soft Hide Leather Leash 25mm (1"): 25mm (1") width, available in 120cm (4ft) and 180cm (6ft) lengths. Described as a super heavy duty leash ideal for large, strong dogs, including security and police work. The widest option gives maximum control and durability for powerful dogs. It's noticeably thicker and more substantial in the hand.
Soft Hide Leather Leash 25mm (1") - Soft Hide Leather TRAFFIC Leash 3/4" x 17": 3/4" x 17" traffic leash, hand stitched and rivetted with solid brass hardware. Designed to keep the dog close to the handler. A short, fixed-length leash for close-quarters control. Great for training, handling reactive dogs, or situations where you need minimal freedom.
16mm (5/8") vs 25mm (1"): Which One Fits Your Dog?
The 16mm (5/8") Soft Hide leather leash is a versatile everyday choice. The leather is noticeably thicker than standard leashes, which makes it easy to hold and unlikely to slip through your hands. It comes in 4ft and 6ft lengths, so you can pick the reach you need for walks or basic training. The manufacturer notes that the Premium Series is stronger, but this leash won't break under normal use.
The 25mm (1") Soft Hide leash is built for heavy duty work. It's specifically recommended for large, strong dogs and can handle high-end activities like bite work training, security, or police K9 use. The extra width distributes pressure across your hand, reducing fatigue during long sessions. If you have a dog that pulls hard or you need maximum control, this is the width to choose.
Both widths use the same soft hide leather from cold-weather regions, giving them a thick, supple feel that only improves with use. The 25mm is simply more substantial. If you're unsure, consider your dog's weight and pulling force: the 16mm works well for most medium to large dogs, while the 25mm is the safer pick for powerful breeds or working dogs.
When to Choose the Traffic Leash
The Soft Hide leather traffic leash is a 3/4" wide, 17" long leash designed to keep your dog close to your side. It's not a full-length walking leash; it's a tool for situations where you need maximum control with minimal slack. Handlers in police, security, dog training, and kennel work often use traffic leashes for managing reactive or lunging dogs, or for close-quarters obedience work.
Because it's short, you won't have the same freedom of movement as a 4ft or 6ft leash. That's the trade-off: you gain control but lose range. If your main need is everyday walks or casual training, a longer leash in 16mm or 25mm will be more practical. But if you regularly work in tight spaces or need to keep a strong dog right beside you, the traffic leash is worth adding to your gear.
Length Options and Practical Use
Both the 16mm and 25mm leashes come in 120cm (4ft) and 180cm (6ft) lengths. The 4ft length gives you closer control, similar to a traffic leash but with a bit more reach. It's a good middle ground for urban walks or training sessions where you want the dog nearby. The 6ft length offers more freedom for the dog to explore during walks or for exercises that require a bit of distance.
The traffic leash is only available in one fixed length (17"), so it's not a substitute for a full-length leash. Think of it as a specialized tool for specific training scenarios, not your everyday walking leash.
What About the Premium Series?
The product records mention that the Premium Series leather leashes are considered stronger than the Soft Hide line. If maximum strength is your absolute priority, you might also look at the Premium options. However, the Soft Hide leashes are described as unlikely to break even with strong dogs, and many handlers prefer their softer, more supple feel right out of the box. The choice between Soft Hide and Premium comes down to whether you value initial softness or ultimate tensile strength.
