The 8 Best Heavy-Duty Leashes for Big, Strong & Large Dogs

Last Updated on July 2, 2020 by Casey Williams

There are a lot of different types of leashes for walking your dog, but that doesn’t mean that they are good for any situation. A lot of big pet owners have several styles. You may want a short leash for walking your dog down the sidewalk in town but a longer retractable leash for the dog park or out in the woods on the trail.  No matter what your preference is though, the most important factor is the control you have over your dog. That’s why we like the Mighty Paw Padded Handle Break Away Long Dog Leash or the Houseables extra long heavy duty leash with padded grips. It’s pretty basic, but the padded grips go a long way towards keeping you in command.

While there are leads that can help out with any dog’s behavior, they can only do so much. Some dog breeds, like the pit bull or great dane, tend to pull more than others. If your dog needs some work learning to be walked on a leash then the right leash can help out but you still need to invest some time into training them. Socialization is not something that all dogs get when young. If you have a rescue dog then you should start slow with walks that don’t involve as much excitement. A busy dog park may be a bit too much when you first start to venture beyond the dog fence.

Short walks around the yard or sidewalk are an excellent place to start!

What to Look for in a Heavy Duty Dog Leash

Tough Hardware

A lot of leashes are made with pretty small snaps and swivels. There is also a difference in materials in less expensive leashes. Heavy duty dog leashes need metal that is thick and will hold up to the greater strain that a big dog can put on it even when just walking normally.

Chew-Proof

A bigger dog can chew through a cloth or a thin nylon leash in an amazingly short period of time. If your dog has chewing habits then you should get a chain style leash or woven with heavy-duty nylon. Also, don’t tie your dog to poles or similar using a leash that you are not sure can hold them if they bite it more than a few times.

Range

It can be hard to pull in a dog that is on a really long lead. The alternative is a retractable leash so you can pick and choose length depending on the circumstances. Retractable leashes give dog owners the option to adjust the leash length while walking your dog. You can allow for a long leash when your dog is behaving well and in an isolated area, or change it to a short leash if necessary. A short lead gives you more control and discourages any wandering which can be good if you are around a lot of people. Some leashes offer as much as 16 feet.

Waterproof

If you live in an area where you are going to be out in the rain or weather with your dog a lot then some leashes may offer more water protection than others. Leather dog leashes look good and are sturdy bit occasionally will need oiled or treated with a leather protectant to stay in good condition and resist water.

Is the Leash Really the Problem?

A strong puller is only made stronger by the type of lead you’re using. If your dog requires superhuman strength to corral, consider switching to a harness for greater control. A collar and leash combination is not always the best for some dogs. You have better control over your dog without putting a lot of stress on their neck if you use a harness. Of course, it is very important to make sure a harness fits well. Most are very adjustable so as long as you get one that is in the right size range, you should be able to adjust it so that your dog has a good range of motion without any excessive rubbing or tightness from the harness.

Big Dog, Small Dog

Don’t just think that being concerned about pulling is reserved for dog owners who have larger dog breeds. Pet owners of smaller dogs should also be concerned about pulling. While the smaller dogs may not have the same effect as a big dog as far as you’re concerned, they can still hurt themselves by pulling. As such, you may want to look at investing in a durable dog harness for small dogs rather than something that clips to the dog collar.

8 Best Leashes

These heavy duty dog leashes are great for big, strong pullers and medium-sized dogs.

A lot of leashes are rated for dogs of a certain lb rating. It often pays to go overboard a bit and get a more durable leash. The exception, of course, is if you have a really small dog because some leashes can be large enough to be uncomfortable and heavy for them.

1. Max and Neo Nylon Dog Leash

This heavy duty dog leash made of reflective flexi neon nylon is a great buy. For every leash sold, one is donated to a dog rescue so this is a purchase you can feel good about. You can get this leash in 4 ft or 6 ft length. The 2 mm thick nylon webbing is made durable enough for very large dogs. The hardware looks and feels solid and built to last through a lot of walks.

2. IMK9 Leather Dog Leash

This 6 ft leather leash is perfect for daily walks through towns and parks. If you need a very strong lead then leather has a lot of advantages and it takes some pretty serious chewing to get through it. Since this lead is shorter it keeps your dog close at your side. If you need to tie your dog to something it might be a little too short to meet your needs but then again a lot of places are not okay to do this anyway.

3. Rosemax Retractable Dog Leash

With a 16 ft fully retractable dog leash, you will be ready for any type of adventure with your pooch. This is a good, heavy duty dog leash for going to the dog park and allowing a little more freedom. This leash is rated for dogs up to 110 lbs so it will work with all but the largest of dogs. Easy to use one click lock button control is convenient and allows for a quick response.

4. Mighty Paw Padded Handle Break Away Long Dog Leash

A dual handle leash is good for when you may need to keep your dog close to you such as when crossing streets or passing someone on a road or trail. This handy two handle design gives you the control and stability you need while still being comfortable for your dog during walk times.

5. EzyDog Zero Shock Absorbing Dog Leash

This is an all-in-one leash that makes it easier to walk larger dogs that pull a bit. Instead of using a choke collar or similar you might be able to use this instead. This leash gives amazing strength and absorbs some of the pull so it is more comfortable for your dog but still gets the point across. No more stressed collars and if you use this with a harness you will likely be able to eliminate the wheezing and huffing and puffing that a determined puller can suffer from.

6. ZippyPaws Climbers Mountain Original Climbing Rope Dog Leash (6 Ft.)

This lead is a heavy duty rope leash made of mountain climbing rope. As long as your dog is not a major chewer or going to be left on this leash unattended if they are, then rope dog leashes are a very strong and affordable option. This is a great backpacking dog leash.  With a 1,000 lb rating, this is one leash that can handle those 120lb and up dogs that can be hard to find accessories for.

7. ZippyPaws Climbers Mountain Original Climbing Rope Dog Leash (4 Ft.) 

This is a short but tough lead. For really giant dogs that get excited this would be a good option. Also as the parent of a really big pooch, it is important to realize that although you know your dog is a big bundle of love, others can be scared of larger dogs or at least very cautious. Keeping your dog close and letting others approach or ask to interact is better and for that this is a great leash to have. The sturdy grip of this short leash is very comfortable in the hand.

8. FlexiGiant Retractable Dog Leash

This giant 26 ft retractable leash is great for taking long walks and allowing a little extra freedom. While this may seem like a lot to pay for a leash, for your money you are getting a lot of quality. The flexi neon color means the leash increases visibility. There are plenty of dog parents that claim this is the best dog leash they have ever had and that it can stand up to a lot of use under all weather conditions.

Things to Consider

Training

While there are leads that can help out with any dog’s behavior, they can only do so much. If your pooch needs some work learning to be walked on a leash then the right leash can help out but you still need to invest some time into training them. Socialization is not something that all dogs get when young. If you have a rescue dog then you should start slow with walks that don’t involve as much excitement. A busy dog park may be a bit too much.

Short walks around the yard within the dog fence or along the sidewalk are an excellent place to start!

Picking the Right Leash

There are a lot of different types of leashes out there but that doesn’t mean that they are good for any situation. A lot of big dog owners have several styles. You may want a short leash for walking down the sidewalk in town but a longer retractable one for the dog park or out in the woods on the trail.  Your dog may also get to the point where they do not need as heavy duty a leash. Sometimes over time the pulling and tugging can get better.

While a hands-free dog leash is a great convenience for avid dog walkers, they may not be right for your pooch who pulls. Unless you have a smaller dog, keep your hands on the wheel at all times and avoid the hands-free dog leash option. Find a leash with an ergonomic handle for optimum comfort. Budget concerned dog owners can look for a strong leash that comes with a money-back guarantee. Rope dog leashes offer a strong dog leash on a budget, while retractable dog leashes with a lock button offer a dog lead with great control. Fortunately, all the heavy duty dog leashes listed here are affordable options to try with your pooch.

Dog Leashes Come and Go

While Scout has tried hard to list some great heavy duty dog leashes for even the most challenging pooches, dog owners should be prepared to go through a few over the years. There is no perfect dog leash out there and if you spend a lot of time with your dog then you guys are going to wear out a few. A lot of the options on our list are affordable enough that it is a good idea to get two so you always have a back-up leash when you need it the most.