Walking your pet is so much easier when you have the right equipment. The proper collar or harness paired with a great leash makes walking safer, more convenient, less stressful and definitely more fun! There are so many leash choices on the market today, it can be a little overwhelming. How do you know which leash is right for you and your furry friend? For and indepth article check out dog leashes for small dogs, but in a nutshell, what you really want to look for is durability, strength, quality, and weight. Weight is especially important if you’ve got tiny guys like my Toy Poodles; you don’t want a leash pulling on their collar or harness because it’s too heavy. I’ve put together a list of the best leashes for tiny dogs based on personal experience, recommendations from family and friends, TONS of research, and great product reviews. I know you and your furry family will be happy with any of these choices! (This post contains affiliate links. When you buy via these links, I may earn a commission at no cost to you).
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1. Wagging Tailz miniZ Camo Leads
Key Features
- Designed specifically for toy breeds and small puppies
- Lightweight
- Quick dry Neoprene material
- Comfortable handle
- Swivel clip
- Comes in several super cute camo colors
- Designed to match Camo miniZ Collars
- Length 47″
- Width 0.39″
- Weight 0.012 oz
As far as dog leashes for small dogs go, this is one of the lightest I’ve found. This Australian small business brand was established with your small pup in mind. Catering to dog parents with small dogs and puppies, this company creates high-quality eye-catching leashes, collars, and ID bands. I’ve reached out to them several times with questions and their customer service has always been excellent. I bought the orange and pink camo design and it’s so cute. I really like this leash; it is extremely lightweight yet seems durable so far (I’ve only had this leash for about 2 months now). Leash clip is tiny, and I thought that might be a problem for larger hands, but had my boyfriend try clipping it and he had no problem. If only Wagging Tailz made harnesses…….
2. Jelly Pet Standard Dog Leash
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Durable BioThane material
- Lightweight and flexible
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Swivel clip
- Comes in a variety of vibrant colors
- Designed to match Jelly Pet Collars
- Length 6′
- Width 3/8″
- Weight 2.5 oz
Jelly Pet makes some great dog leashes for small dogs. I love my Jelly Pet leash. It is incredibly lightweight, but yet very strong. My Poodles weigh almost nothing, so even when they pull, they don’t really pull, if you know what I mean. So, for you pet parents that have larger guys, I clipped my leash to a fence and pulled as hard as I could. My Jelly Pet leash maintained its shape and did not snap in two (I think I actually heard my leash laugh and say, “is that all you got?”). BioThane material is super- strong yet lightweight and can withstand just about any adventure you and your pup decide to take on. This leash is waterproof and can easily be wiped clean, meaning no accumulation of dirt, grime, bacteria, or smelly odors. I love all the vibrant color choices Jelly Pet offers.
3. Jelly Pet Multipurpose Dog Leash
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Durable BioThane material
- Lightweight and flexible
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Swivel clip
- Comes in a variety of vibrant colors
- Designed to match Jelly Pet Collars
- Multifunctional – several leashes in one
- Length 6′
- Width 3/8″
- Weight 4.1 oz
Made from the same great material as Jelly Pet’s Standard Dog Leash. I am all about getting my money’s worth with a product that does multiple jobs well. I love that this leash can be adjusted and used as a slip leash, hands-free leash, two dog leash, or shortened to 3′ for crowded areas and busy streets.
4. Coastal Pet 2 Dog Walker Tangle-Free Adjustable Leash
Key Features
- Durable nylon
- Ability to clip accessory (like poop bags) near handle
- Swivel clips
- Length 4′ (each leash)
- Width 5/8″
- Weight 5.4 oz
The ability to adjust this leash comes in handy if you are walking one smaller and one larger dog. Coastal Pet Products has been designing highly rated leashes and collars for over 50 years. They stand by the quality of their products and their customer service is great. One of the heavier leashes featured here, however the leash is designed to spread that weight between 2 dogs.
5. EzyDog Zero Shock Lite Leash
Key Features
- Comfortable and soft handle grip
- Bungee leash absorbs pulling reducing strain on your pup and you
- Reflective stitching
- Ability to clip accessory (like poop bags) near handle
- Quick-grab handle helps you shorten leash quickly
- Swivel clip
- Specifically designed for dogs under 26lbs
- Length 6′
- Width 1/2″
- Weight 3 oz
EzyDog makes a wide range of high-quality dog products. If your dog is a puller or has frequent “squirrel moments”, this may be the leash for you! The bungee is designed to cushion and reduce the pressure on you and your dog from those quick jolts. What makes this leash unique is that it is made specifically for smaller dogs; most bungee leashes are heavier and not suitable for our little guys. That being said, it was a bit of overkill for my 6lb Toy Poodle, Fred. He just doesn’t have enough weight behind his pulling to appreciate how well this bungee technology works, but I still love my leash. EzyDog also makes a line of harnesses and collars that go great with this leash.
6. Coastal Pet Single-Ply Dog Leash
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Affordable
- Durable nylon
- Swivel clip
- Several solid color options available
- Extremely lightweight
- Length 6′
- Width 3/8″
- Weight 1.58 oz
No-frills, super affordable leash. I have several of these stashed in various places-trunk, pet bag, glove compartment. I like that this one is specifically made for small dogs. Coastal also makes collars to pair with this leash. This is an American company that has been making quality pet products for years.
7. Mendota Pet Snap Leash
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Solid core roping with real leather accents
- Soft “broken in feel” grip
- Waterproof
- Machine washable
- Lots of patterns and vibrant colors to choose from
- Length 4′ (6′ also available)
- Width 3/8″
- Weight 3 oz
Mendota Pet is known for its highly rated high-quality pet products. I love my Mendota leash. It’s really sturdy (not that my 7lb Toy Poodles are too rough on leashes) yet lightweight. The leash grip is soft and comfortable with an almost satiny feel. The swivel clip is a little big (which might actually be better for arthritic hands), but still lightweight enough that it doesn’t pull my Poodle’s harness. If you prefer collars, then pair this leash with Mendota’s Double Braid Collar or Durasoft Imitation Leather Collar for a very put together look.
8. Leather Brothers Braided Leather Twist Lead
Key Features
- Made in the USA
- Finest Latigo leather
- Soft comfortable grip
- Swivel clip
- Beautiful braided design
- Length 4′ (6′ also available)
- Width 3/8″
- Weight 3.3 oz
Leather Brothers has been making high-quality leather pet products for almost 50 years and this leash is one of their most popular styles. Leather is strong and durable, yet flexible and supple, and with the proper care this leash will last for years. Pair this leash with a leather collar for a classy, sophisticated look.
9. Alvalley Braided Leather Snap Lead
Key Features
- Handcrafted by leather artisans
- Super thin with baby snap
- Soft comfortable grip
- Swivel clip
- Several patterns and colors to choose from
- Extremely lightweight yet durable
- Length 4′ (6′ also available)
- Width 1/8″
- Weight 16 grams (0.92 oz)
Alvalley specializes in dog show quality leashes and collars handcrafted in South America. I like that this leash was designed specifically with our small dogs in mind. These leashes are pricey but durable and may be the last leash you buy for a very long time. Leather is strong and durable, yet flexible and supple and with the proper care this leash will last for years. Pair this leash with one of their leather collars for a classy, sophisticated look.
10. iYoShop Hands Free Dog Leash (Medium)
Key Features
- Leash clips to included belt for hands free walking or jogging
- Bungee style leash absorbs jolts from leash pullers
- Durable nylon material
- Removable zipper pouch for storage
- Secure belt buckle with extra safety lock
- Soft comfortable handle grips
- Quick-grab handles help you shorten leash quickly
- Several colors to choose from
- Swivel clips
- Reflective stitching
- Specifically made for small dogs 8-25lbs
- Length 68″ max
- Width 3/4″
- Weight 4.27 oz (leash only)
This leash has tons of great reviews, so I decided to give it a try. The medium is designed for small dogs, and like the EzyDog leash, the bungee didn’t do much of anything for my little guys (who are all under 8lbs). So, I borrowed a neighbor’s dog (thank you Buddy) that weighs about 15lbs. This leash is tough, durable, and very well made. The belt wasn’t going anywhere once I clicked the buckle, it even has a lock on the buckle and an extra D-ring to clip your leash to. This thing is secure, which I guess is a good thing so your dog can’t break free. Not such a good thing if your dog runs faster than you do. Luckily the leash also has 2 quick-grab handles that are within easy reach. I like the attached pouch, it’s really convenient storage and I’m at an age that I don’t care who sees me wearing a fanny pack. It’s a little tight but I can get my phone, keys, and a roll of poop bags in.
11. BAAPET 2 Pack 5/6′ Dog Leash
Key Features
- Nylon rope material
- Collapsible water bowl included
- Poopbags and dispenser included
- Soft comfortable handle grip
- Several great colors to choose from
- Swivel clip
- Reflective stitching
- Specifically made for small dogs 0-18lbs
- Length 60″
- Width 1/3″
- Weight 3.35 oz (leash only)
This leash also has tons of great reviews so I decided to give it a try. I opted for the combo pack, but you can also purchase just the single leash. It is the exact same leash. The handle is very comfortable and the leash itself is sturdy enough for my tiny Poodles, but unsure how long the leash would last walking a pup twice their size daily, especially if your pup is a puller. It’s a little heavy for Fred (6lbs) but Charlie (7.9lbs) does just fine with it. I love that it comes with poop bags, dispenser, and collapsible water bowl, and it is so affordable. I think the combo pack would make a great inexpensive gift for new puppy or small dog parents.
Conclusion
Finding the best leashes for tiny dogs can be overwhelming, especially with so many leash choices available. For our little guys it’s so important to get a lightweight yet durable leash. A leash shouldn’t weigh down your dog’s collar or harness adding undue pressure to your tiny pup. The leashes listed here are lightweight, durable, and highly recommended. What has been your experience looking for a tiny dog leash? Do you have a favorite leash you use for your small guys? I’d love to hear your questions or comments.