6 Best Retractable Dog Leashes of 2022
Updated: Sep. 29, 2022Give your dog some extra running room without sacrificing control with one of these high-quality retractable leashes.
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Why Use a Retractable Dog Leash?
Good dog owners know the importance of taking their pets out for exercise, but dealing with tangled leashes can be a real drag. A great solution is a retractable dog leash. Retractable dog leashes won’t get tangled, don’t take up a ton of space near your front door, and are less likely to trip up your pup or get wrapped around their legs. They can give your dogs much desired freedom while still allowing you to quickly guide them closer to your side when necessary. Here are some of the best retractable dog leashes pet owners can buy today.
Note: According to PetMD, there is some debate about the safety of retractable dog leashes. Make sure to ask your veterinarian first if a retractable leash is a good choice for your pet.
Best Overall: Flexi New Classic
As its name suggests, the Flexi New Classic is a classic in the retractable dog leash space. It features a comfortable handle and has a durable locking system conveniently located right at the top of the leash. The leash itself extends up to 26-ft. and can support dogs up to 110-lb. It will also hold up to inclement weather, like rain and snow. You could pick any number of positive superlatives to give to the Flexi New Classic — most durable, best bang for your buck, etc. — but simply calling it the best overall sums it up. This leash has more than 4,000 Amazon reviews, 84 percent of which are five-star ratings.
“The build quality is outstanding,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “You could probably run it over with a car and it would be fine. The retraction speed is fast — fast enough so that the leash doesn’t doesn’t end up tangled up in the dogs’ legs.”
Best for Big Dogs: Ruff ‘N Ruffus 360° Retractable Dog Leash
Large dogs have different needs when it comes to leashes. This option by Ruff ‘N Ruffus can handle dogs up to 110-lb. and is designed for durability. A chrome-plated snap hook and extra-tough nylon ribbon mean that this leash is built to handle hard-pulling dogs. This leash also comes with a built-in LED light, a travel bowl, a waste dispenser and 15 waste bags.
“The handle is sturdy yet not heavy, with an easy grip,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “The clip is nice as well. My dog chewed through his old leash and he hasn’t attempted this one yet. It’s nice and long and retracts easily.”
Best for Small Dogs: Fida X-Small Retractable Dog Leash
Like big dogs, small dogs have unique needs, too. This Fida retractable leash supports animals up to 18-lb., which can include dogs, cats or other small domestic animals. The ABS grip is comfortable to hold for long walks and the 360-degree tangle-proof design means less hassle.
One Amazon reviewer writes: “I love that the leash itself is a flat-reflective material, not a rope leash.”
Best Customizable: uDesignUSA Personalized Retractable Dog Leash
UDesignUSA personalized leashes give your pooch a fresh, unique look. You can choose from one of 28 customizable designs that include options like Mickey Mouse, Baby Yoda, Chewbacca and more. In addition to their cool looks, the leash handle is made from sturdy plastic that will hold up over time and the metal hook is designed to attach to any dog collar.
One Amazon reviewer boasts that this leash “works much better than more expensive ones I have bought.”
Best With Flashlight: QQPets Leash with LED Flashlight
It’s imperative you carry a light on you if you walk your dog when it’s dark. The built-in LED flashlight on this QQPet leash means one less thing to hold. It comes in two sizes, one for small dogs (under 44-lb.) and one for large dogs (45-110-lb.) While the flashlight might be what gets you the buy this leash, the comfortable anti-slip grip on its handle might be its best feature.
“This leash is easy, lightweight, the light is bright, and it never gets tangled,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “Also, I dropped it a couple of times and it still works perfectly.”
Best Grip: Wigzi Liquid Filled Gel Handle Dog Leash
This leash by Wigzi can handle any weather conditions, withstand drops up to 10-ft. and its liquid-filled gel handle is guaranteed not to leak. What’s great about this leash is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort for its strong design. The handle is very wide and open, making this a great option for people with large hands. It’s available in five colors.
“The gel handle makes it easier for me to hold on to when walking the dogs on a hot day and my hands start to get sweaty and the dogs are pulling,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “I don’t have to worry about the handle slipping out from between my fingers.”
