Whether you’re an experienced dog owner or a newbie in the field, I’d like to address the most common questions about leather products for dogs to make your decision-making process when choosing the right collars and leashes a bit easier. So today, we’ll be focusing on leather.
Leather collars & leashes can be great long lasting option.
What is more durable – stitches or rivets?
Leather products secured with rivets are very stable, which is why they are used, for example, in saddle making. However, since leather is a natural material, the area around the rivets may stretch a little over time. Therefore, for dog owners with dogs who has a tendency to pull on the leash, a leash with stitching is a more suitable option. If your four-legged friend is more active and spontaneous, we recommend choosing leather products with stitching. However, whether riveted or stitched, leather products withstand strength better and last longer with occasional maintenance.
Is leather more durable than fabric?
Leather collars and leashes are particularly popular due to their durability. Please note that no material is indestructible. Dogs are capable of immense force, which is why strong and durable materials like cowhide leather is a better choice than fabric alternatives.
How to choose the right width for a collar and leash?
In addition to the material’s durability, it’s also essential for the collar to fit around the dog’s neck without causing discomfort. This can be achieved by choosing the right width to distribute pressure evenly. It’s important to note that a collar that’s too wide is always better than one that’s too narrow, but don’t forget to consider your dog’s size. Small dogs will wear thin and lightweight collars, and vice versa, which makes sense. The same applies to leashes: although they are subjected to tremendous pressure, they should be able to withstand it without breaking. While large dogs will benefit from a wider leash with robust hardware, smaller dogs will do fine with a narrower and lighter model.
As a general recommendation, a leather leash should be at least 1.5 cm wide for dogs weighing more than 15 kg. While a collar should be at least 1.5 cm wide for dogs weighing more than 10 kg, those dogs weighing more than 28 kg should have a collar with a width of at least 2 cm.
Your dogs, along with their collars and leashes, are – of course – unique, and if they obey very well, it’s entirely up to you what collar you choose. Even narrower products can be worn daily. The most important thing is that the product is made of high-quality materials.
Is leather a suitable material for pullers?
Why not? The elasticity of the material is one of the common and natural aging processes of leather, and when subjected to extreme pulling pressure, it’s understandable that it may slightly stretch over time. Regular maintenance can help keep your products stronger and more durable. If you didn’t care for leather products at all, they could become porous over time with a tendency to crack. Please note that this applies to all leather products, such as collars, harnesses, and leashes.
Are dogs allowed to swim with leather collars?
Certain types of leather are very resilient and can withstand the presence of water well, while others are adversely affected by contact with water. Oiled leather is one of those that withstand water well if your dog decides to jump into the water. More sensitive types, such as suede leather, should, on the other hand, be protected from contact with water. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that if the leather is frequently soaked, it tends to darken and dry out. Therefore, leather collars and harnesses are not recommended for regular, intensive swimming. In such cases, materials like Biothane, fabric, or rope are better choices. For leather products – the more they get wet, the more care they need.
Because sometimes our four-legged friends make their own decisions, nothing happens if the leather gets wet. Just make sure the products are thoroughly dried afterward.
How to dry leather products?
Leather should not be dried on top of heating unit or in direct sunlight under any circumstances. All moisture would evaporate quickly, and the leather would dry out. We recommend drying leather collars, harnesses, and leashes on a flat surface at room temperature for at least one day. After complete drying, we recommend treating the leather with oil or balm.
How to remove stains and dirt from leather?
Stains, like mud, should always be dry before you start removing them. You can use a soft brush for this case. If the stain persists, a combination of water and mild leather soap should do the work. However, avoid excessive soaking and rubbing.
What is patina?
As mentioned earlier, leather products have their own character, which is expressed with wear over time; this process is called Patina. Patina is the aging process of leather, which is relatively unpredictable but occurs very subtly and naturally. It manifests as a change in color and texture, making each piece unique.
Patina does not mean that your gear is in bad condition but reflects many beautiful experiences with your four-legged friends.
