Are Biothane Leashes the Best Waterproof Dog Leashes?

Whether your dog wears a collar or a harness, the leash is the one piece of gear every dog owner relies on every day. It needs to perform in all weather, feel good in the hand, and hold up over time.

At Alpîne Leather Goods, we’ve made leather leashes, nylon leashes, and rope leashes over the years. As longtime dog owners and makers, we’ve found that Biothane stands apart — it’s a true game changer for everyday use. 

Biothane combines the flexibility and feel of leather with significantly greater strength and weather resistance. It remains soft in the hand, even in cold temperatures, and does not crack, stretch, or break down with repeated exposure to water. 

Unlike traditional materials, Biothane does not absorb moisture. Mud, salt, and dirt rinse off easily with soap and water, making it especially well-suited for active dogs and outdoor use. 

Biothane is available in a wide range of rich, saturated colors that retain their vibrancy over time. The color is built into the material itself, rather than applied as a surface finish, so it won’t fade or wear away with normal use.

Go ahead and let your dog drag it through the mud!  Biothane leashes are designed for real life — easy to clean, quick to dry, and ready to be used again the next day.

Of course, material is only part of the equation. The durability of a leash also depends on the quality of its hardware and construction — details that are often overlooked. 

Not all leash snaps perform the same, especially under load. 

Over the years, we’ve tested many types of hardware, including trigger (scissor) snaps. While they’re popular for their appearance, we’ve seen firsthand how they can be forced open under certain angles of pull. 

After a customer took the time to show us exactly how this can happen, we made a clear decision: we no longer use trigger snaps on any of our dog leashes. Instead, we rely on heavy-duty solid brass bolt snaps. Their enclosed spring mechanism is far less likely to release unintentionally, even when a leash twists, pulls, or is put under sudden pressure.

It’s a detail most people don’t notice at first — but it’s one that matters every time you clip in and head out the door.

So yes — when properly made, Biothane leashes are among the best waterproof dog leashes available. They outperform leather, nylon, and rope in wet conditions because they do not absorb moisture, remain flexible in cold weather, and are exceptionally strong and easy to clean.

At Alpîne Leather Goods, we make Biothane leashes to withstand the rigors of everyday use, because the moments you share with your dog deserve gear you can trust. Our goal is simple: to make the best leashes we can, so nothing gets in the way of your time together.

FAQs ✅

Are Biothane leashes really waterproof?
Yes. Biothane does not absorb water, unlike leather or nylon, making it fully waterproof and quick to dry.

Do Biothane leashes get stiff in cold weather?
High-quality Beta Biothane remains flexible even in cold temperatures, making it comfortable year-round.

Are Biothane leashes safe for strong dogs?
When paired with appropriate width and high-quality hardware, Biothane leashes are exceptionally strong and reliable.

How do you clean a Biothane leash?
Simply rinse with water or wash with mild soap (Dawn works really well!) and water. No special conditioning required.