BioThane Leashes and Long Lines - All About Sizing!

Once you’ve discovered the many benefits of BioThane, you might be ready to invest in one of our custom waterproof Leashes or Long Lines. With so many width and length options, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming—but we’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect fit for you and your dog.

How Our Sizing Works

At High Tail Hikes, we organize our Leashes and Long Lines by size - Small, Medium, and Large. This sizing refers to the width of the BioThane material. Here are our general guidelines: 

• Small: 3/8" wide (recommended for dogs under 30 lbs)

• Medium: 1/2" wide (recommended for dogs 30-60 lbs)

• Large: 3/4" wide (recommended for dogs over 60 lbs)

These recommendations are based on what we believe will feel most comfortable for both the dog and the handler. However, every dog and handler is unique, with different needs and sensitivities, so consider what works best for your specific situation (see below). 

Our three leash width size options

Break Strength - Will My Line Break? 

BioThane is renowned for its durability and strength, even at its narrowest width. With a tested break strength of 1,000 pounds per inch of width, BioThane leashes and long lines are incredibly strong and durable. When using an intact, undamaged BioThane leash, you don’t need to worry about it snapping or breaking—even with the most determined pulling.

Our recommended sizing ranges are based on comfort, not on the break strength of BioThane. However, your dog’s safety is ultimately your responsibility, regardless of the equipment you use. To ensure reliability, regularly inspect your leash, hardware, and other gear. If you’re working with a heavy puller or a reactive dog, or simply want extra security, you may want to size up for peace of mind. Additionally, consider using a Safety Strap or a Waist to Leash Strap as a backup connection point. 

What to Consider When Choosing Your Leash Width

1. How the leash feels to the dog

Just like people, dogs have different preferences and sensitivities when it comes to gear. Some dogs dislike the feeling of any equipment, while others don’t seem to mind at all. For more sensitive dogs, small dogs, or dogs with arthritis or other physical limitations, a thinner, lighter leash may feel more comfortable.

The smaller your dog—or the longer your leash—the more important it is to consider the overall weight of your walking equipment. As a general rule, we recommend choosing the thinnest, lightest line that you feel comfortable handling. A lighter leash is not only easier for you to manage, especially at longer lengths, but also less burdensome for your dog.

Which brings us to…

2. How the leash feels to you. 

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to gear. Some people like the feel of a more substantial leash, while others prefer something lightweight. 

If you're used to conventional leashes—especially bulkier rope, leather, or fabric leashes—our Small (⅜”) and Medium (½”) width leashes might take some getting used to. However, with a little time and practice, we’re confident that most people come to love the feel of a lightweight leash! Personally, I use Small (⅜” width) lines for my own dog and all of my dog walking clients, regardless of size. I find them easy to hold and manage, and far less bulky (especially if I’m handling more than one leash). We work with dozens of dog trainers, and many, if not most, of them prefer working with thinner leashes for their ease of handling.  

Remember that our sizing recommendations are not safety guidelines. A thin BioThane leash is incredibly strong and can withstand hundreds of pounds of force.

If you’re unsure about which width to choose, we suggest sizing down, or opting for a Medium (½”) leash if your dog is between 20 and 60 lbs.

3. How you’ll be using your leash or long line. 

Are you planning to use your leash for everyday walks, as a drag line, or for training where you’ll need to reel it in frequently?

If you're considering a leash longer than 10 feet, keep in mind that longer lines get heavier. For example, at 30 feet, a Large (¾”) leash may feel quite heavy and may become cumbersome to manage. A thinner leash will be lighter and easier to handle, but if you have a large, strong dog that pulls hard, a thinner line might feel uncomfortable in your hands. 

Think about your own size and strength, your dog’s size and strength, and how you intend to use the leash. Also, consider your dog’s training history and any triggers that might cause pulling. If your dog is both large and a strong puller, a Large (¾”) leash is likely the best option for better control and peace of mind. 

Check out our best gear tips for small dogs.

What Length to Choose? 

Choosing the Right Length

Once you've decided on your leash width, the next step is choosing your leash length. We offer custom Leashes and Long Lines in lengths ranging from 4 to 50 feet, and we’re always happy to make a custom length for you!

A standard leash is typically 6 feet long, but longer lines are becoming increasingly popular for their versatility. We are HUGE fans of long leashes! They are an amazing tool that allows you to keep your dog safe while giving them more freedom to sniff, explore their environment, and walk at their own natural pace. Read all about why we love long lines here and here, and our best tips for getting started with one. 

If you're looking for something longer than a standard leash, here are some recommendations:

For neighborhood walks

An 8, 10, or 12 foot Long Line gives your dog a few extra feet of freedom while still being easy to manage. Personally, I love using a 10 foot line for neighborhood walks. It’s easy to shorten when needed but still gives my dog plenty of room to explore and walk at his natural pace! 

For hikes, beach trips, travel, or training

A 15 or 20 foot Long Line is a great choice as an all purpose adventure or training line. It’s versatile for hikes, camping, travel, the beach, river trips, or any other adventure where you want to give your dog extra freedom while still keeping them within a reasonable safe distance. We generally recommend 15 feet for an all purpose “starter” long line. Anything longer than 20 feet will be more challenging to manage and requires some practice. 

Going Long: Lines longer than 20 feet

If you're considering a 30 or 50 foot Long Line, it’s important to ensure your dog has a solid recall. It’s also important that you feel comfortable handling a long line, including maintaining a proper leash grip and managing the line to keep yourself, your dog, and others safe. A line longer than 20 feet can pose safety risks to yourself or others, especially if your dog pulls hard at the end of it. Only choose these lengths if you’re confident in both your dog’s responsiveness and your ability to manage the line. 

All that said, a 30 or 50 ft line can be a good option for some people! If you are at a SniffSpot, an open area without other people or dogs around, or have a large private backyard, and simply want a line to provide a safety back up while giving your dog the feeling of off leash freedom, this may be a great choice! 

Read our best long line safety tips here.

Once You’ve Chosen Your Leash Width and Length: Customizing Your Leash 

Now the fun begins! Once you’ve chosen your leash width and length, you’ll want to choose your preferred hardware type, leash color, and add any desired custom options to your leash! We offer 15+ color options, two hardware options, a variety of custom handle options, and a built in traffic handle option for all of our Custom Leashes and Long Lines. The end result will be a one of a kind, beautiful, durable, handmade custom leash that will be able to withstand any adventure and keep your pup happy and safe for years to come. 

Choosing Colors: Read all about our leash colors or check out our Color Simulator

Customizing Your Leash: learn all about our leash customization options! 

Remember, we’re always happy to help you make your selections. If you’re still stumped, just reach out with some more info about you and your dog and we’d be happy to help!