Types Of Dog Show Leads and How To Use Them
What type of lead should I use to show my dog?
There are many different types of dog show leads available and knowing which one will best suit your breed as well as your own dog is a hard decision to make. Leads do have different uses. A show lead used correctly, can enhance your dog's movement, shoulder placement, neck shape and head shape. The colour of the lead should also be taken into consideration.
It may help to ask someone who already shows your breed what type of lead they use. You can ask at your local ringcraft class for suggestions. You can also look on YouTube for videos of your breed being shown to see what leads they use.
Sometimes you have to try a few different types to find the one that works best for you and your dog.
Dog Show leads can be expensive, especially leather leads. Getting the correct size is sometimes hard as you don't want your dog to slip out of the lead if it is too big or not get it over their head if its too small. If you can, go to a Dog Show that has trade stands, (usually the champ shows) the stall holders are very helpful and let you try different size leads on your dog.
Below are a some of the different types of leads.
*The below images are from the Dragon Leads website, who kindly gave me permission to use them. Dragon Leads is a Norfolk based company.
Click on the Dragon Leads image to go to their website.
Types of Show Lead
Rolled Leather Half Check Show Set
Rolled Leather Half Check Show Set
Rolled Leather Half Check Show set is an 'all in one' lead. Very smart, hard wearing lead. However the leather will take a while to soften. Rolled leather makes it strong and suitable for most sized breeds (not for giant breeds).
Para Cord Half Check Show Set
Rolled Leather Half Check Show Set
Polypropylene knitted cord webbing, is lightweight yet strong. This lead comes in different thicknesses so suitable for most size breeds. Although probably not for giant breeds. This is a nice lead for the handler to hold as its is soft.
Adjustable Half Check Show Set
This half check show lead has an adjustable collar section. These are ideal for puppy leads as they can be adjusted as your puppy grows. This is a nice lead for the handler to hold as its is soft.
Nylon Webbing Slip Lead
Rolled Leather Slip Lead
The slip lead comes in different thicknesses. Most used for Gundog breeds as this can be easily laid across the shoulders when the dog is standing.
Please watch the below video on the correct way in which to put on a slip lead.
Rolled Leather Slip Lead
Rolled Leather Slip Lead
Rolled Leather Slip Lead
Roller Leather Slip lead. Most used for Gundog breeds as this can be easily laid across the shoulders when the dog is standing. This leather does take a while to soften.
Please watch the below video on the correct way in which to put on a slip lead.
Snake Chain
Rolled Leather Slip Lead
Rolled Leather Slip Lead
Snake Chains are a type of Check Chain, however the links are much closer together, meaning less hair can get caught in the chain. Available in different lengths, and thicknesses. This would be used with a Trigger Lead.
Please watch the below video on the correct way in which to put on a chain.
Loop Lead
Leather Loop Lead with Kindness
The Loop lead is designed to hold in place. The fastening is pulled down tight behind the dogs ears and it stays there. Ideal for dogs with long coats as the lead does not move.
Leather Loop Lead with Kindness
Leather Loop Lead with Kindness
This Loop Lead has a 'Kindness' section. This is a thicker section of the lead which goes on the dogs throat. This is idea if you have a dog that pulls or a puppy in training as it give a little more support.
Leather Trigger Leads
Leather Trigger Leads
The Trigger lead comes in different colours, thicknesses, lengths and with different colour clips. These would be used with a chain.
Lead Colour
These two pictures show the same dog being shown on different colour leather slip leads. As this is a Pointer (Gundog Group) the lead is placed over the dogs shoulders, while the end of the lead is still in the hand on the handler. As this dog is mainly white, the white lead is hardly noticeable and does not effect the appearance of the dog. Whereas the black lead is very noticeable and may draw the judges eye away from the shape of the dog.
Thank you to Shania Bircham for the use of these photos
Lead Placement
These two images are of the same Dalmatian. The picture on the left shows the lead higher up the neck (just behind the ears). This makes the dog's neck look neater, showing the full length and flow to the dog's neck. The image on the right, has the lead half way down the neck. This has caused some bumps in the neck and gives the illusion that the dog's neck is shorter.
Dog is shown on a Snake Chain and Trigger lead.