Alaskan Malamutes are a strong and stubborn breed. If they decide they want to sniff something while out on a walk, you will have trouble pulling them away until they decide they’re ready. It can also mean you find yourself suddenly pulled off in random directions!
Trust us when we say that owning an Alaskan Malamute requires a strong leash that can withstand frequent strain, but which is best, and how do you choose?
We’re here to help you find the best leash for Alaskan Malamutes with our recommendations that have kept our Malamutes safe and secure through even the strongest pulling.
Contents
Our Top Pick
You can find our top pick below if you’re in a hurry.
Frisco Traffic Leash with Padded Handles & Poop Bag Dispenser
- Two Walking Settings To Address Pulling
- Poop Bag Carrier
- Padded Grip
We love this leash from Frisco because it has all the features you need from a leash. It has two padded handles, which are not only comfortable but allow you to switch between regular walking and a no-pull setting, ideal for Mals.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Leash For An Alaskan Malamute
Before we jump into the top 5 picks, it’s essential to know what factors go into choosing the right leash for a Mal.
Many people assume you can use any leash, but you do need to consider a few things to succeed with a leash for a powerful breed like the Alaskan Malamute.
Durability & Strength
Malamutes are incredibly powerful – they were initially used (and still are in certain places) to pull heavy sled loads for miles over rough terrain.
When a Malamute pulls, you better hope your leash can handle the force that will go through it, so choosing a leash that can handle this kind of pressure is important.
If you opt for a leash designed for smaller dogs, there’s a good chance your Mal will snap it in half in no time, which can put them in danger.
Don’t worry, though; we’ve looked at each leash’s weight limits to ensure they’re safe for Mals.
Retractable Or Not?
Retractable leashes are pretty controversial.
They can be ideal for smaller dogs who don’t like to pull much or don’t have a high prey drive, but they are not a good choice for Malamutes.
Malamutes love to pull by nature, so if they are given extra space from a retractable leash, they will use it. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it does make it much harder to control them if they are further away from you.
Retractable leashes are also not as strong, which isn’t what we’re looking for with a Malamute leash.
Functionality
The last thing to consider is functionality.
This is a personal choice, but I’ve always preferred leashes with extra features like more comfortable handles and adjustable lengths. There’s no problem with a simple leash, but having additional functionality doesn’t hurt if it’s something that you will make use of.
Our Top 5 Picks For The Best Alaskan Malamute Leashes
Now that we know what to look for in a leash for an Alaskan Malamute let’s look at our top 5 picks.
1. Frisco Traffic Leash With PAdded Handles & Poop Bag Dispenser
Frisco Traffic Leash with Padded Handles & Poop Bag Dispenser
- Two Walking Settings To Address Pulling
- Poop Bag Carrier
- Padded Grip
Our top pick is this traffic leash by Fresco.
It does everything that you need from a leash for an Alaskan Malamute. It has two lengths that help with regular walking or keeping them closer to address any pulling problems, and it has comfortable handles that are easy to grip if your Mal does decide to pull.
It has a poop bag attachment which is super handy; I can’t count the number of times I’ve left the door for a walk and forgot poop bags, so this removes that possibility.
2. Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash by Max and Neo
- D-Ring to attach accessories
- Available in several colors
- Adjustable Lengths
- Can wear over time
The Double Handle Reflective Dog Leash by Max and Neo is not only extremely useful but also supports a very good cause. For every leash Max and Neo sell, they donate one to a dog rescue, meaning your purchase will directly support other needy dogs.
The leash has two handles: one at the end, as is typically expected, and one further down the leash, closer to where it attaches to your Malamute’s collar or harness.
This provides added control in situations where your Malamute may become stressed or agitated, such as walking past other dogs or walking them in a crowded area.
Available in many bright colors, the leash is also highly reflective, making it perfect for those who prefer to walk in the dark. While there are no specified weight limits, the stitching and dimensions of the leash are similar to those that withstand up to 150 lbs, and they specify that it is suitable for the ‘largest of dog breeds.’
3. Frisco Outdoor Running Hands-Free Dog Leash
Frisco Outdoor Running Hands-Free Dog Leash
- Hands-free, perfect for running with your Mal
- Keychain attachment to hold your items while you run
- Several color options
- Requires a lot of experience and trust
It wouldn’t be a roundup of the best leashes for an Alaskan Malamute without a hands-free option for running with your Mal.
Malamutes love to run, and it’s a great way to tire them out and get some exercise for yourself as well.
Our top pick for this is the Frisco outdoor running hands-free leash. It’s strong enough for Malamutes and fits any person with ease.
You need to be experienced with running with your Mal before you try this out, though, as you could get pulled all over the place if you don’t know what you’re doing.
4. OmniPEt Chain Dog Leash
OmniPet Chain Dog Leash with Leather Handle
- Very Strong
- Doesn't Allow For Chewing
- Can be harsh if you aren't experienced with chain leashes
Not everyone likes to use chain leashes, and that’s completely fine.
They do have their place, though, especially if your Mal is prone to chewing their leashes like many of them tend to be!
Chain leashes have this benefit and are very strong, making them great for correcting any pulling that your Malamute might be doing while walking.
5. PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
PetSafe Nylon Dog Leash
- Most affordable option
- Durable nylon with lots of color options
- No attachments or other features
- Only one length
The last leash on the list is the most straightforward and most affordable.
If you’re looking for a durable replacement for your current leash or need to buy a few leashes and want to keep costs down, this PetSafe nylon leash is an ideal option.
It might not be the most fancy leash in the world, and it does only come in one length, but it will do the job. There are quite a few color options if that’s important to you.
In Summary
Using our recommendations, we hope you will find the best dog leash for your Alaskan Malamute that suits your needs.
We’ve tried to include a type of leash suited for every need you might have, from a basic nylon leash with no functionality to running leashes and more.
Don’t forget to check out our picks for the best harnesses and collars for Alaskan Malamutes to complement a leash.
