Three lengths, and the choice matters far more than most people expect. Ninety centimetres keeps a dog close on a pavement, 120cm is the everyday middle ground, and 150cm gives a dog room to cast about on a verge without you letting go of anything. Picking the wrong length is the single commonest reason a perfectly good lead ends up living in the cupboard.

This is a genuine leather strap with contrast orange stitching running down its length and a looped handle at the end. Leather is worth the money for one reason above all the others: it softens with use rather than wearing out, so a strap that feels stiff on day one has moulded to your hand by the spring. The metal clasp swivels, which stops the lead corkscrewing as a dog turns circles round your legs.

• Genuine leather strap
• Lengths of 90cm, 120cm and 150cm
• Two finishes: brown with flower detail, brown with contrast stitching
• Swivel metal clasp
• Looped handle
• Suited to medium and large dogs

A correction to the maker's copy. That is a different product.

What the options mean. Sold in sizes from 90cm to 150CM — £14.99 to £18.99.

Who it's for: Owners of medium and large dogs who want a lead that outlasts several nylon ones, and who would rather choose their own length than accept a default.