I still remember the first time I took my dog out in a snowstorm—my hands were freezing, the leash turned stiff like a cable, and I could barely keep my grip with gloves on. That’s when I realized not every leash is made for winter walks.
After testing a bunch over the years, I finally found a few that actually work in snowy weather. If you’re like me and walk your dog through icy sidewalks or dark winter mornings, you need something durable, visible, and easy to handle—especially a good padded handle dog leash. In this guide, I’ll share the best dog leashes for snowy weather that have personally kept my pup safe and me sane during cold, slippery walks..
| Quick LookI’ve tested a bunch of leashes in the snow, but only a few stood out. The BAAPET 5FT Reflective Leash, TUG 360° Heavy Duty Retractable, and Mighty Paw Rope Leash gave me solid grip and visibility during icy walks. For more control, I also liked the iYoShop Dual Handle Leash and the waterproof Fida Retractable Leash—great picks for snowy weather. |
Comparison Table: Best Dog Leashes for Snowy Weather
1.Country Brook Design – Snowy Pines Dog Leash (6 Foot, 1 Inch Wide)
I grabbed this leash mainly for its wintery vibe—and I’ve got to say, it’s more than just festive. The Snowy Pines print looks incredible against my dog’s dark coat, and it holds up well in wet, slushy conditions. At 6 feet long and 1 inch wide, it gives my pup enough room to roam without feeling out of control. The hardware feels tough, and the box stitching gives it a rugged edge I wasn’t expecting from a holiday-themed leash.
Features
- 6-foot length, 1-inch wide—great for medium to large dogs
- Made with durable 100% polyester
- High-quality snap hook with solid grip
- Heavy-duty box stitching for added strength
- Bright Snowy Pines print with icy blue and white tones
What Works?
The winter-themed design really stands out, even on foggy snowy mornings. The polyester holds strong even when it gets soaked. I also felt confident thanks to the sturdy snap hook and tough stitching.
What Doesn’t Work?
It doesn’t have reflective stitching, so it’s not ideal for nighttime snow walks. The grip isn’t padded, so wearing gloves is a must in the cold. It’s also not a good match for dogs who pull hard—it lacks the extra control you’d get from a dog leash for pullers.
Who Should Buy This?
If you want a winter leash that’s stylish, simple, and sturdy for casual walks, this is a solid pick. It’s perfect for medium to large dogs and festive enough for holiday photos. Just don’t count on it for dark or high-traffic routes.
2.Dog Leash Landscape Snowy Mountains – 6ft x 1in
I grabbed this leash mainly for the design—but it actually held up better than I expected in the snow. At 6 feet long and a full inch wide, it gave me solid control, even when my dog pulled hard through icy trails. The colors are vivid and haven’t faded, even after a few wet winter walks. It’s made from high-density polyester and feels tougher than most printed leashes I’ve used. Plus, the handcrafted touch (yep, made in the USA) really stands out.
Features
- 6 feet long, 1.0 inch wide
- High-density polyester construction
- Metal hardware
- Fade-resistant printing
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Officially licensed by Buckle-Down
- Matching collars available
What works?
The thick polyester doesn’t stiffen up in the cold. The print stayed bold after snow, slush, and some rough use. I liked the 6ft length—it gave my dog room to explore without losing control.
What doesn’t work?
It’s not reflective, so night walks feel a little risky. The handle isn’t padded, which can get uncomfortable on longer snowy hikes. If your dog’s a serious puller, you might want something with more grip texture.
Who should buy this?
If you want a leash that looks great and handles casual snowy walks, this is a win. I’d recommend it for medium to large dogs that don’t tug too much. Style-first dog owners will love how it pops against the snow—and if you’re looking for more all-round options, check out my guide to the best dog leash picks for every size and breed.
3.Carhartt Pet Durable Nylon Webbing Leash (Large)
I’ve walked my dog with this Carhartt leash through snow, slush, and ice—and it’s held up like a champ. The rugged 1-inch-wide nylon webbing doesn’t freeze or fray, even in -5°C weather. The trigger-claw clasp is a small but genius touch—super easy to use with thick gloves on. Visibility is solid too, thanks to the reflective triple-needle stitching that actually shows up in low light. It’s one of the few leashes I trust for early morning or snowy night walks.
Features
- Length: 6 feet
- Width: 1 inch (Large size)
- Rugged nylon flat-webbing construction
- Reflective triple-needle stitching
- Duck weave for added strength
- Trigger-claw clasp (glove-friendly)
- Adjustable slotted D-ring for tethering
What Works?
The trigger-claw clasp really surprised me—it’s easy to open even with thick gloves. The 6-foot length gives my dog enough room to move while still staying in control on icy paths. And the reflective stitching genuinely helps when we’re out before sunrise.
What Doesn’t Work?
It’s not padded, so if your dog pulls hard, the grip can feel rough after 30+ minutes. I also found the D-ring a bit clunky when adjusting quickly mid-walk. And while the build is tough, it’s heavier than most leashes I’ve used.
Who Should Buy This?
If you walk a medium to large dog (50–90 lbs) in cold or snowy conditions, this leash is a beast. It’s perfect for folks who wear gloves and need something tough, reflective, and simple to clip fast. Great pick if you want a leash that feels built like winter gear—just like the ones I featured in my best heavy duty dog leash picks for 2025..
4.X XBEN Dog Leash Waterproof – Built for Slushy, Wet Walks
I used this 5FT X XBEN leash during a snowy walk through slush and half-melted ice, and it held up way better than my old nylon one. It didn’t absorb water or get heavy, and wiping it clean with a towel was all it took. The padded handle felt super soft—even when my gloves were soaked. The reflective thread also helped cars see us during early morning walks. For under $20, it’s a solid winter leash for larger breeds.
Features
- 5FT long, 1/3 inch (8mm) thick PVC-coated rope
- Waterproof and odor-resistant
- Reflective stitching for low-light safety
- 360° swivel lockable hook (holds up to 2kN force)
- Soft, padded, quick-dry handle
- Available in multiple lengths and colors (up to 100FT)
What Works?
This leash doesn’t soak up moisture like nylon—it stayed bone dry after a snowy walk. I also loved the 360° swivel hook; it kept the leash from twisting up when my dog got too excited. The handle padding stayed comfy, even when I gripped hard during a tug.
What Doesn’t Work?
The PVC can feel a bit stiff in extreme cold—around -10°C, it took longer to loosen up. The 5FT length might feel short if your dog likes space to roam. And just a heads up: it’s not chew-proof, so keep it away from heavy biters indoors.
Who Should Buy This?
If you walk a medium or large dog in rain, snow, or slush and want something waterproof and easy to clean, this is a great pick. It’s perfect for folks who walk at night and need extra visibility too. You’ll appreciate the grip and no-fuss design if your dog’s a puller—just like I did with my waterproof dog leash during messy winter walks.
5.Buckle-Down Frozen Elsa Dog Leash – 4FT Winter Style Leash
I grabbed this leash mostly for the looks (because yes, I’m that dog parent who loves themed gear), but it surprised me with how tough it actually is. At 4 feet long and 1 inch wide, it gave me solid control on icy paths without getting in my way. The colors? Seriously bright—even after snow, mud, and rain. If you’ve got a soft spot for Disney and want something functional for winter walks, this one’s a solid pick.
Features
- 4 feet long, 1 inch wide (great for short control in snow)
- Made from high-density polyester
- Vibrant Frozen Elsa print stays bold over time
- Officially licensed by Disney
- Strong metal hardware that doesn’t rust
- Handcrafted in the USA
What Works?
I loved how bright and bold the leash stayed, even after a month of cold-weather walks. The 4-foot length gave me more control in slippery spots without tripping over slack. And the clip felt sturdy—no freezing or jamming even in snow.
What Doesn’t Work?
It’s not padded, so I could feel the pressure when my dog pulled hard. The leash isn’t reflective, which made early morning walks feel less visible. Also, 4 feet felt a bit short when my dog wanted space to sniff.
Who Should Buy This?
If you want a short leash that’s winter-friendly and loaded with personality, this one’s for you. It’s perfect for Frozen fans who walk in snowy parks or busy sidewalks. I’d recommend it for small to medium dogs who don’t tug like freight trains—just like the ones I featured in my best leashes for small dogs.
5 Buying Guides for Dog Leashes for Snowy Weather
1. Go for Weather-Resistant Material
I’ve had leashes freeze up mid-walk—literally turned stiff like a rod. For snowy weather, I always look for high-density nylon, polyester, or climbing rope. These materials hold up in -10°C and don’t soak up slush or salt water like cotton does.
2. Prioritize Grip, Especially with Gloves On
When I’m walking with thick gloves, grip is everything. A padded handle makes a massive difference, especially if your dog pulls. I avoid slick rubber or thin handles—they’re just too hard to hold when it’s below freezing.
3. Visibility Matters More in Winter
Most of my winter walks happen early morning or after sunset. I always make sure the leash has reflective stitching or bright colors. One time, a reflective strip literally helped a cyclist avoid us in low light—total lifesaver.
4. Shorter Length = Better Control on Ice
In snowy or icy conditions, I prefer 4 to 6-foot leashes. Anything longer and my dog gets too far ahead. A shorter leash gives me more control if we hit a patch of black ice or need to stop quickly near a road.
5. Watch the Clip Quality—It Freezes Too
Not all clips are winter-proof. I’ve used some that locked up from frost, making it tough to unclip my dog. I stick with stainless steel or rust-resistant zinc alloy clips—they work even after being dragged through snowbanks.
Final Thoughts: Dog Leashes for Snowy Weather
Walking my dog in the snow used to be frustrating—until I found the right leash. After trying so many, I’ve learned that small things like grip, clip quality, and visibility matter a lot. The right leash gives me peace of mind on icy sidewalks and snowy trails. Now, I actually look forward to our winter walks instead of dreading them.
FAQs: Dog Leashes for Snowy Weather
1. What type of leash works best in snow?
In my experience, the best leashes for snow are made from high-density nylon or climbing rope. They don’t freeze, stay flexible in the cold, and dry quickly after walks through slush or snow.
2. How long should a winter dog leash be?
I’ve found that 4 to 6 feet is the sweet spot. Shorter leashes give me better control when the ground’s icy or visibility is low, especially when cars or bikes are nearby.
3. Do I need a reflective leash for snowy weather?
Yes, 100%. I walk early mornings and evenings in winter, and reflective stitching has made a big difference in keeping us visible to drivers. It’s a small feature that adds a lot of safety.
4. Can retractable leashes be used in the snow?
I’ve used retractables in light snow, but I avoid them in icy conditions. The cord can get wet, freeze, or jam, and they don’t give me the control I need when my dog suddenly pulls on a slick sidewalk.
