How to Choose the Right Leash for Your Dog's Size

A leash that is perfect for a Chihuahua can be useless for a Labrador, and the other way round. Size affects how much force your dog can put on the leash, how much the hardware weighs on their neck, and how much freedom is safe to give.

Here is a simple way to choose.

Step 1: Know your dog's weight and pulling style

Weight matters more than height. A compact, muscular 15 kg dog can pull harder than a lanky 20 kg one. Ask yourself:

• How much does my dog weigh?
• Does my dog walk calmly, pull steadily, or lunge suddenly?
• Is my dog still learning to walk on a leash?

A dog that lunges can briefly put several times its body weight onto the leash, so always choose gear rated comfortably above your dog's weight.

Step 2: Pick the leash type

Small dogs (under 10 kg / 22 lb)

Think Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus.

• Go light. Heavy clips and thick leads weigh on a small dog's neck. Light hardware helps small dogs keep walking happily.
• A retractable leash works well for calm small dogs, giving them room to sniff while you keep a steady pace.
• Use a harness. Small breeds can have delicate necks and windpipes.

Medium dogs (10 to 25 kg / 22 to 55 lb)

Think Beagles, Corgis, Shibas, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies.

• Most leash types work, depending on training.
• A retractable leash is fine for leash-trained dogs in parks and quiet streets. Lock it short near roads. See our guide to using a retractable leash safely.
• Consider a bungee cord if your dog chases things. It softens the jolt for both of you.

Large dogs (over 25 kg / 55 lb)

Think Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, German Shepherds.

• Check the weight rating carefully. Many retractable leashes stop at around 30 kg.
• A fixed leash with a padded handle is often the safer daily choice, especially for strong pullers.
• A front-clip or well-fitted harness helps with pulling.

Step 3: Choose the length

Situation	Suggested length
City streets, crossings, vet visits	1 to 1.5 m, or lock a retractable short
Neighbourhood walks	1.5 to 2 m
Parks and open fields	Up to 3 m on a retractable, or a long line for recall training

Step 4: Get the harness size right

Measure around the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind the front legs, and compare with the size chart. You should be able to slide two fingers under any strap. If your dog is between sizes, go up and adjust.

Our leashes, by dog size

The UFO Leash Gen 3 is designed for dogs up to 30 kg (66 lb), which covers most small and medium breeds. The Air weighs just 232 g, and the trigger brake and three lock lengths make it easy to switch from "stay close" to "go explore". For small dogs, the light build means less weight on the end of the lead.

For dogs over 30 kg, we recommend a sturdy fixed leash instead of a retractable one, ours included.

Pair the leash with our four-point walk harness, available in sizes S to XXL, or pick up the UFO Gen 3 Complete Walk Kit, where you choose the harness size and get the leash, two bungee cords and a poop bag holder in one box.

Written by the moestar team.