Updated: 3 days ago
Welcome to the ultimate doggy catwalk, where we’ve sniffed out, tugged, and thoroughly tested the best dog leads and collars the UK has to offer!
Whether your pup is a country gent in stylish tweed, a city slicker rocking designer leather, needs waterproof Biothane for off lead adventures, or just wants to look fabulous at the park, we’ve got you covered.
We know the struggle: a short lead keeps your dog close in busy places (great for dodging toddlers and navigating roads and paths), but might turn your walk into a competitive tug-of-war if your dog spots a squirrel.
That’s why we’ve put every collar and lead through their paces, measuring up comfort, style, and practicality, so you don’t have to.
Tired of feeling like your dog is walking you? For paw‑some hints and tricks to stopping your dog pulling on lead, check out what the clever folks at Dogs Trust have to say!
Every product on this list has been tested and ultimately approved by our four-legged and two-legged experts. So grab a cuppa, scroll on, and get ready to discover the collars and leads that’ll have your dog strutting their stuff in style!
⏰ UPDATED : Jan 2026 We've updated our review to include both Dog Copenhagen as our top pick for everyday walks and EzyDog as our top pick for small breeds. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5. Best for Small Breeds - EzyDog
Let me introduce you to Stocky & Dee, the Edinburgh-based charmers of the dog accessory world. Think traditional, handmade dog collars and leads that scream quality without shouting.
Over the years, we’ve been proud parents to three of their collar and lead sets (yes, we’re basically collectors now), and every single time, the craftsmanship and that luxe, cosy vibe have knocked our socks off.
Their dog collars are knitted from soft merino wool and cotton, backed with plush velvet, and reinforced with tough polypro webbing inside. Translation? They look stunning, feel like a cuddle around your dog’s neck, and are tougher than your average squirrel when it comes to wear and tear.
Dogs are even messy but these beauties are machine washable, so keeping them fresh and fabulous is super easy.
After a couple of years of near-daily use, we've found that the knitted fabric started to fray a bit—but honestly, that’s a small price to pay for years of style and durability.
Stocky & Dee are always mixing things up with new colour combos. With 7 collar sizes and options for classic leads or trendy rope leads, there’s a perfect match for every furry friend.
The leads come in a standard 1.2 or 1.5m length but if you prefer a longer lead you can request 2m leads at an extra cost.
Matching bow ties. Yep, you heard me. Because nothing says “I’m fancy” quite like a bow tie on your dog. Seriously adorable and the ultimate finishing touch for any occasion.
So, if you want your pup to rock a look that’s both timeless and totally snuggly, Stocky & Dee is where it’s at.
If you're looking for a collar suitable for post-surgery or after injury, we take a closer look at your options including inflatable, soft e-collars and traditional cones.
Ever wanted to stroll into the park and have the other dog parents whisper, “Where did they get that lead?” Welcome to the Oscar & Hooch Signature Range—where practicality meets style.
Let’s talk about the training lead. This isn’t just a lead—it’s the Swiss Army knife of dog walking. Double-ended triggers? Check. Extra rings? Check. The ability to adjust the 2m lead in seconds like you’re some kind of dog-walking ninja? Absolutely.
Whether you need to keep your pup glued to your side in a busy café or want to give them room to show off their “loose lead” strut, this lead has your back.
Bonus: in testing we found attaching your dog to the pub garden table is now so easy, you’ll wonder how you ever managed a pint before.
The suedette material is soft and the lead forms a natural handle loop that feels just right in your hand, plus the metal hardware is solid—no cheap plastic clips waiting to betray you mid-walk.
Mix and match ? Their range of coordinating dog collars are available in traditional or snap buckle and come in 6 different sizes. Oscar & Hooch also stock coordinating poo bag holders and harnesses.
Oscar & Hooch don’t mess around: everything’s handcrafted in Somerset, using stain-repellent, vegan-friendly materials.
The secret sauce? A strong nylon webbing core, making these leads and collars tough enough for even the wildest adventures.
Want to upgrade your daily walks with something that’s as stylish as it is sensible? Oscar & Hooch is a total winner. Your dog will look fabulous, you’ll feel like a pro, and your walks might just become the highlight of your day (or at least your dog’s).
And if you want to get even more out of your new training lead, don’t forget to check out Oscar & Hooch’s expert guide for pro tips.
For 15% OFF when you spend £60 or more,
use discount code KSYUCJQR at checkout
We’ve got a little confession… We were late to the BullyBillows fan club. Honestly, we thought it was just for Bully breeds and didn’t give it another glance. Big mistake. Huge. Turns out, BullyBillows isn’t just for the beefy pups, it’s for every dog who deserves top-tier gear with serious style.
BullyBillows nails that sweet spot between strength, durability, and stunning design, all wrapped in a rainbow of drool-worthy colours. And the best part? Their gear fits almost every dog, from pocket-sized pooches to gentle giants like our gorgeous tester Chilli.
But what really blew us away is how smart their engineering is. These guys team up with Nottingham Trent University to design, prototype, and test every single collar, harness, and lead. They think about everything, paw pressure, stride length, movement, so your dog’s gear isn’t just stylish, it’s scientifically sound.
Take the Combat Collar, for example. This beast of a collar is a world-first: triple-stitched nylon, a super-secure 4mm Aluminium Alloy D-ring, and a slick quick-release clip that’s as tough as it looks.
Whether you’re strolling through the park or working alongside police or military dogs, this thing means business.
And for pups who prefer something a little lighter, the ‘Lighter’ Combat Collar trims about 100g off the original, so same strength, less bulk. Win-win.
Then there’s the matching lead, and trust us, it’s just as impressive. The entire thing (yes, not just the handle) is padded and it’s been pressure-tested to handle hundreds of pounds of pull. In testing we found the lead super comfortable to hold.
Plus, the anti-tangle mechanism and the collars integral handle are pure genius. We think their collar and lead combo is ideal for rescue or reactive dogs as it gives you that extra assurance on dog walks.
And that lead clip? It’s giving rock climbing gear vibes, sleek, secure, and satisfying to snap on. The collection is available in a range of colours, patterns and widths to suit your dog. Plus new to their range for 2026 is a LED Light Up collar for those late night walks.
Oh! one last thing we nearly forgot to mention, you can customise their gear with your dog's name or add a warning e.g. 'Reactive' or 'Give me Space'.
Our verdict: With BullyBillows, you’re not just buying a collar or a lead, you’re investing in strength, and seriously clever design. Your dog’s going to love it, and honestly, so will you.
You might be interested ...... we feature BullyBillows Hurricane Anti-Pull harness in our popular article exploring the best dog harnesses in the UK.
Dog Copenhagen is a Danish brand designing dog gear that's calm, clever and quietly good looking.
Their range includes harnesses, collars, leads, treat bags and bowls and everything feels well thought through rather than over designed.
We tested the Urban Rope Leash (lead) alongside the Urban Explorer Collar.
Let’s start with the rope lead. It comes in ten colours and we chose Mocca a rich chocolate brown that feels classic and forgiving of muddy paws.
The first thing I noticed was the weight or rather the lack of it. At 160cm it is a standard length but it feels wonderfully light which I loved, as I often sling it across my body during off-lead wanderings.
The lead is made from durable polyester rope with a beautifully braided finish in coordinating colours. The handle is padded plush and pleasant to hold even when enthusiasm exceeds manners!
It also features a lightweight aluminium carabiner with a locking option so once it is clipped on you can twist the cover and relax knowing it is not going anywhere unless your dog learns locksmith skills.
There is reflective trim for dusk and dark adventures and the lead comes in two thicknesses 8mm and 11mm both at the same 160cm length so you can choose the size that suits your dog.
You can team their Urban Rope Leash with a collar or harness. We chose the Urban Explorer Collar in the same Mocca shade because matching matters and it is a very good brown.
When it first arrived we thought it looked a little over complicated. A few wears later and we realised it was not complicated at all just cleverly considered. One of those designs that makes sense once you actually use it.
It has two layers. The fabric collar has a wider, padded and breathable inner layer that sits comfortably around your dog’s neck. It feels soft light and satisfyingly squidgy which means it's kind to fur and skin with no rubbing or grumbling.
It's both stain and water resistant, but can be hand washed or machine washed at 30 °C to keep it fresh.
Instead of a traditional buckle it uses a plastic quick release clasp which we much prefer for speedy on and off moments especially when excitement levels are high.
There are also aluminium double D rings for attaching the lead which feel very solid and secure.
One of our favourite thoughtful touches is the separate attachment point for your dog’s ID tag. This means no constant clinking or banging as the tag and lead fight for attention which is a small detail but a very welcome one.
Like the lead it is finished with reflective trim for low light walks and late night last trips.
Our verdict: Sensible stylish and smart, Dog Copenhagen really have thought of everything.
EzyDog is a veteran when it comes to dog gear, known for rugged, reliable, and ridiculously well-made collars and leads.
Since whipping up the world’s first shock‑absorbing leash on the Australian Gold Coast back in 1995, they’ve been keeping pups and their humans happy, safe, and stylish on walks worldwide.
So why do we reckon EzyDog nails it for small breeds?
It all starts with their signature EzyDog Webbing. Tough, tested, and feather-light in the Lite version, it’s the backbone of their small-dog range.
Add in their clever Shock Absorbing Technology, and you’ve got a lead that takes the jolt out of sudden pulls while keeping your pup comfy and your arms intact.
We tried out the Friday Collective range, which comes in denim and corduroy, choosing the Double Up Collar in black denim with the matching Zero Shock Lead (Lite).
Not a denim fan? No problem the same collar and lead are also available in plain webbing colours or even a camo pattern.
The Zero Shock Lead Lite is built for dogs under 12kg. At just 62g thanks to its 13mm narrow webbing, it’s the lightest lead in our review and doesn’t skimp on durability.
The shock absorber really is the star, stretching to soften any sudden lunges and making walks far more comfortable for both dog and human.
Style-wise, the dark denim is full of personality: red metal rivets, a brown neoprene-padded handle, and rose gold double D rings on the collar that perfectly echo the oversized stitching.
The only tiny gripe? The quick-release buckle is a touch snug, not quite as slick to undo as Dog Copenhagen’s, but it’s a minor blip in an otherwise brilliant design.
The lead is a neat 120cm, ideal for pint-sized pups, and both the Zero Shock Lead and Double Up Collar come in bigger sizes too, so medium and large breeds aren’t left out of the fun.
Oh! and we nearly forgot to mention EzyDog have a range of coordinating harnesses.
At Smart Bark, we love to champion small businesses with big ideas, and Rocky's Pet Products is paws down a winner. Created by Antonia, this brand brings crafting to the world of doggy accessories.
Rocky's Pet Products offers a delightful range of dog lead and collar crafting kits. There is something truly special about making a collar and lead just for your own pup. Personalised, playful, and perfect as a thoughtful gift for any dog lover.
The kits come in a rainbow of colours, and you can even craft matching collars and friendship bracelets, absolutely adorable and seriously stylish.
We tested the braided dog lead kit and loved it. Everything you need comes in the pack. Beginners can pick it up easily, thanks to a clear YouTube tutorial, but it's worth mentioning that there are no written instructions included.
Once you master the braiding technique, progress is speedy. The whole project could be completed in 2-3 hours, or you can tackle it in shorter bursts (just mark your place so you don’t lose your groove).
The process is a little repetitive, so seasoned crafters might fancy a more challenging project. It would, however, make a fantastic crafting adventure for older children.
The final lead is strong, sturdy, and surprisingly substantial. Made from recycled high quality recycled cotton cord. The clasp made from recyclable zinc alloy is robust, though perhaps a touch large for tiny breeds. The lead has just enough stretch to act as a clever shock absorber for pullers.
The 1.2 m leads and collars are available separately in a range of 5 stunning colours to suit every style.
That's about it, save for the fact that Rocky's Pet Products recommend their kits for dogs up to 20 kilograms, so small to medium dogs only.
If you think Baker & Bray is just about their award-winning dog beds, think again—they also serve up a capsule collection of leather dog leads and collars that are as eco-friendly as they are swanky.
So, what makes Baker & Bray worth a spot on your dog’s catwalk? For starters, their collars and leads aren’t just any old leather—they’re crafted from by-product leather rescued from local farms, meaning your pup’s style is saving the planet one walk at a time.
Unlike most “eco-leather” that’s part plastic and part marketing, their leather is 100% biodegradable and free from those pesky chemicals that stick around longer than your dog’s muddy pawprints.
They even keep things local by making everything in a factory with in-house tanneries, cutting out the carbon footprint from shipping leather all over the world.
The result? Collars and leads dyed with natural colours, finished with nickel rust-proof hardware, and built to survive everything from a Sunday stroll to an attempted squirrel chase.
We opted for the yellow—because if you’re going sustainable, you might as well go bold too.
Yes, in testing we have to admit that the leather starts out a bit stiff, but give it a couple of weeks and it’ll soften up like your dog at treat time.
Collars come in 5 sizes and 2 widths, matching leads are a neat 1.1m x 25mm, and you get to pick from a rainbow of seven stunning colours.
So, if you want your dog to look sharp, feel good, and leave nothing behind but pawprints, Baker & Bray is the way to go.
If your dog is the type who thinks every puddle is an Olympic swimming pool, or insists that “mud” and “perfume” are the same thing, then a waterproof collar and lead is a total game-changer.
After a walk, it’s literally a case of wipe, done. No soggy smells hanging around the hallway, no waiting for it to dry before next walkies.
Just because it’s tough doesn’t mean it has to look dull. Mountain Paws have nailed it with their waterproof range, which comes in bold blue, green, and orange with a modern, wavy design that feels fresh, bright and totally fun. It’s easily one of the best-looking waterproof sets we’ve seen.
Crafted from soft yet durable silicone, the Mountain Paws lead is completely waterproof and non-absorbent, meaning it won’t soak up smells or grime, and it dries in no time after a wet and muddy walk.
During testing, we found the auto-close metal clip to be impressively sturdy, giving real confidence on walks. The smooth, flexible silicone finish was a pleasant surprise too, lightweight and easy to handle.
It's not the same as a Biothane lead. We found in testing that it feels softer and grips better than Biothane, but may not last as long as it doesn't have a polyester webbing core.
While it may not offer the same cushioned feel as a padded fabric handle on longer treks, that’s the small trade-off for a collar and lead that wipes clean in seconds and stays fresh no matter what.
The lead measures 115 x 2.5cm and best of all, at only 106g, the lead is featherlight so it won’t weigh you down no matter how long the adventure.
Grab the collar as well for the ultimate coordinated look - available in 4 adjustable sizes.
What we didn’t love (but can live with): The only hiccup is if you’re someone who likes to clip your lead around your shoulder/neck while your dog roams off-lead. The lead’s wide design means you have to bend it slightly to fit in the clip. Not a huge deal, but worth knowing.
If this waterproof range isn’t your thing, Mountain Paws have plenty of other options too – from rope leads to shock-absorber styles for enthusiastic pullers.
Our verdict: Great looking lead and collar for active dogs
If your phone has more pictures of your dog than your family, and you’ve ever said “let’s get a selfie!” to your pup, Cocopup is basically your spirit brand. Their accessories are so photogenic, your dog might start demanding their own influencer deal.
But be aware these accessories are for the fashion-forward, not the canine equivalent of a tow truck.
If your dog walks like a dream (or at least doesn’t drag you into traffic), you’re golden. But if you’ve got a four-legged powerlifter, you’ll want to double-check which designs are up to the challenge.
The best part? The range. Whether your vibe is “rodeo chic” or “country gent,” Cocopup has you covered.
I played it safe and went with the Sage Tweed Set—because nothing says “I have my life together” like a dog in tweed.
Honestly, the fabric and stitching are great, but I did wish for a bit less plastic. It’s the only set I’ve tried that didn’t go full metal jacket on the hardware.
The lead is one size fits all - 152 x 2cm, and the collar comes in 4 sizes, so whether your dog is a dainty diva or a chunky monkey, you’re sorted.
If you want to turn your daily dog walk into a runway show, Cocopup is a delight. Just remember: these are accessories for dogs who walk with style, not brute force.
We also cover the Cocopup dog walking bag and their treat pouch, along with a selection of other fantastic picks.
A Cocopup collection is now available in Pets at Home.
If you’re keen to level up your dog walks, we’ve got you covered with fun reads on everything from GPS Trackers and treat pouches to travel bags, portable dog washers, cosy coats, activity trackers, and even innovative pet ID tags.
Step 1: Recruit Your Assistant (AKA The Treat Holder)
Unless your dog is a chill cucumber, you’ll want someone to distract them with treats or belly rubs. You? You’re the official “collar measurer.”
Step 2: Get Your Tools Ready
Grab a soft measuring tape. No tape? Use a piece of string and then measure that with a ruler.
Step 3: Find the Sweet Spot
Locate the thickest part of your dog’s neck, usually right where the collar sits, just above the shoulders. Pro tip: Don’t measure too high or too low unless you want a collar that’s either choking or so loose it's too inviting for your Houdini-level escape artist.
Step 4: Wrap It Up
Gently wrap the tape (or string) around your dog’s neck. Not too tight, slip two fingers between the tape and their neck. This is the “comfy but secure” zone.
Step 5: Note the Number
Read the measurement where the tape meets itself. If you used string, measure the string now. Write it down or shout it out loud like you just won the lottery.
Step 6: Double Check
Measure twice, buy once. Or measure thrice if your dog is a squirmy ninja. Better safe than chasing a runaway collar!
Step 7: Celebrate
Give your dog a treat, a cuddle, or both. You just nailed the collar measuring game like a pro.
Now you’re ready to pick that perfect collar that won’t choke or slip off!
Planning on a staycation ? Take a look at our Guest article by Dog Friendly Cottages, with lots of hints and tips on choosing the right cottage for you and your dog.
We hope this review helps you make an informed decision about your dog's next collar & lead
Happy dog walking from the Smart Bark team!
Claire is the founder of Smart Bark and a lifelong dog lover.
With a 10 year background in retail buying for one of the UK’s major retailers, she brings a keen eye for quality and value to every dog product review.
Claire personally tests every item featured on Smart Bark with her own family dog and her team of dog testers—so you get honest, expert advice (not recycled marketing blurb) from someone who truly understands what works in real life (and what doesn’t).
No gimmicks. Just trusted recommendations backed by experience.
