Walk This Way: Our Review of the UK's Best Dog Collars & Leads

photograph : stocky & dee

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 classic tweed, a city slicker rocking bold patterns, 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!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Top Picks: Best Dog Collar and Lead Sets

1. Best Overall Set - Stocky & Dee

2. Best Dog Training Set - Oscar & Hooch

3. Best Leather Set - Baker & Bray

4. Best Waterproof Set - Mountain Paws

5. Most Instagrammable Set - Cocopup

Our Guide to Measuring Your Dog’s Neck for a Collar

Our Top Picks: Best Dog Collar and Lead Sets

1. Best Overall Set

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photograph : stocky & dee

Stocky & Dee

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.

Life’s messy, and dogs are even messier. But guess what? These beauties are machine washable, so keeping them fresh and fabulous is super easy.

photograph: smartbark

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.

View on Stocky & Dee

2. Best Training Set

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photograph: oscar & hooch

Oscar & Hooch

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.

photograph: smartbark

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.

View on Oscar & Hooch

3. Best Leather Set

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photograph: baker & bray

Baker & Bray

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.

photograph: smartbark

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.

View on Baker and Bray

4. Best Waterproof Set

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photograph: smartbark

Mountain Paws

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.

photograph: smartbark

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.

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.

View on Mountain Paws

View on Amazon

5. Most Instagrammable

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photograph: cocopup

CocoPup

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.

photograph: smartbark

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.

View on Cocopup

GPS Trackers are amazing little gadgets that fasten to your dog's collar and give you peace of mind if your dog tend to run off. We round-up and test the best - Best GPS Trackers for Dogs 2025 : Tested & Reviewed

Our Guide to Measuring Your Dog’s Neck for a Collar

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!