How to Choose a Strong, Safe Dog Collar and Dog Lead That Lasts

When choosing a dog collar or lead, hardware is often overlooked in favour of colour, fabric or overall design. However, the quality of the fittings can play an important role in durability, comfort and how well an accessory performs over time.

At LISH London, solid brass fittings are used across many collections due to their strength, longevity and timeless appearance.

Strength and Durability

Dog collars and leads experience constant movement and daily wear, making durable hardware especially important. Solid brass is known for its strength and reliability, helping fittings maintain their structure with regular use.

Additionally, unlike some plated or lower quality metals, solid brass is naturally resistant to rust. This can help fittings remain more reliable over time, particularly for dogs regularly exposed to rain, damp conditions or outdoor walks.

The durability of brass is one of the reasons it has long been used in traditional saddlery and equestrian craftsmanship. Because saddlery hardware is subjected to constant movement, tension and outdoor conditions, materials must remain dependable over years of regular use. Solid brass continues to be valued for its combination of strength and corrosion resistance, making it well suited to pet accessories designed for daily wear.

quality tweed and Italian leather designer dog collar by LISH London petwear

Why Brass Instead of Other Metals?

Many dog accessories use plated metals or lightweight alloys, which can gradually lose their finish as the surface coating wears away. Unlike plated hardware, solid brass is the same material throughout rather than relying on a thin surface coating. This allows the hardware to maintain its appearance and performance over time without relying on a finish that can wear away.

At LISH London, solid brass fittings are lacquered to help preserve their lustre, maintaining a polished appearance while protecting the finish during everyday use. Although often overlooked, hardware is one of the components that helps determine how well a collar performs over years of regular use.

Luxury green leather dog lead shown in a playful, sporty scene with classic green tennis gear

Why Material Quality Matters

While leather and fabric often receive the most attention, the quality of the hardware can have a significant impact on the durability of a collar. Well-made fittings help maintain the collar's structure while withstanding regular movement and daily wear.

At LISH London, solid brass remains an important part of each collection because it combines practicality with traditional craftsmanship. Paired with vegetable-tanned leather and heritage fabrics, it helps create accessories designed to remain both reliable and beautiful through years of everyday use.

Luxury red dog collar made in England with Italian Leather by premium British dog accessory Brand LISH with solid brass dog tag attached

What Our Customers Say

"My JR Terrier hates wearing collars but this has been a lifesaver for us. We tried everything but the Lish collars are just so comfortable that we don't have a problem now.
I wouldn't buy anything else for her or my other dogs. Beautifully made with soft leather, safe fasteners and fantastic colouring. Well done and thank you Lish!" Dog Mom Lin

A Note From Us:
We share our blogs to help fellow dog owners make informed decisions, but they shouldn't replace professional veterinary advice. If you're ever worried about your dog, please speak to your vet. While we take care to ensure the information we publish is accurate, LISH London cannot guarantee that all information remains current or applicable to every individual situation. - LISH London

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