What’s so Great About Biothane(TM)?

What is that leather-looking stuff, anyway?

Any gear offered by Levitt Leads that has the “leather look” is actually Biothane(TM).  I prefer using Biothane over leather in my designs because it offers a lot of the same high-end appearance, while maintaining my standards of strength and safety through consistent tensile strength.  In horses, we use leather as a breakaway material, to free a horse before they become a danger to themselves or others.  With that in mind, I cannot in good conscience use leather to create safety gear, when some dog owners have dogs that can pull like a small horse, and in most cases we don’t want dog gear to break away.  Biothane is made by Biothane, USA, out of a polyester webbing coated in a high quality PVC.  This creates a tensile strength of around 1,000lbs per inch width.

Benefits of Biothane:

      1. Durability

Biothane is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear, making it long-lasting and able to withstand rough handling. It doesn’t fray like webbing or leather and is resistant to stretching, ensuring the pet gear maintains its shape and functionality over time.  Leather paint will scratch off, revealing the brown leather beneath.  The thick PVC coating is dyed before application, so it will never come off.

      2. Waterproof and Easy to Clean

One of the best features of Biothane is that it is waterproof, so it won’t get soggy like webbing or leather. This makes it ideal for adventurous pups, especially pups who love a good pond. It can be easily wiped clean with a cloth and some dish soap, keeping it hygienic and looking new with minimal effort.

      3. Comfortable for Pets

While Biothane is durable, it’s also flexible and soft to the touch. This makes it more comfortable for pets to wear, whether it’s a collar or a harness. It won’t irritate the skin and does not harbor bacteria, making it a great choice for dogs with sensitive skin.

      4. Lightweight

Despite its strength, Biothane is relatively lightweight compared to other materials like leather. This makes it suitable for all types of pets, including small dogs, as it won’t weigh them down.  Its weight also doesn’t change when wet.

      5. Non-toxic and Safe

Biothane is made from safe, non-toxic materials, ensuring it’s safe for pets, even if they chew on it or lick it. It doesn’t handle being chewed very well, and you should avoid chewing for the sake of the gear, but either way it won’t hurt your pet.

      6. Weather and UV Resistance

Biothane is resistant to both UV light and extreme weather conditions, such as intense heat or cold. This makes it an excellent choice for pets that spend time outdoors or in varying climates, as it won’t fade, crack, or degrade from sun exposure.  Nylon, on the other hand, will start to fade before it’s even sold, if displayed too close to a window.

      7. Variety of Styles and Colors

Biothane comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, including reflective versions. This allows pet owners to choose options that suit their style while ensuring high visibility in low light with reflective Biothane products.  At the end of this post I outline our 4 types of Biothane gear.

      8. Eco-Friendly

Some Biothane products are made using eco-friendly processes, and the material itself is designed to last, reducing waste over time. It also does not require the same chemical treatments as leather, which can be more harmful to the environment.

      9. Minimal Maintenance

Unlike leather, Biothane does not require regular conditioning, polishing, or special care. It’s low-maintenance, which is a major advantage for busy pet owners who want a no-fuss material.  To keep your Biothane gear in tip-top shape, just wash it down with some dish soap every month or so, as a build-up of skin cells and oils can prematurely age the PVC.

      10. Affordable

While Biothane is more expensive than some basic materials like nylon, it offers a better balance of durability and cost compared to high-quality leather, making it a good middle-ground option for pet owners.

These qualities make Biothane a standout material for pet gear, offering a combination of strength, comfort, ease of care, and aesthetic appeal.

Downsides of Biothane

      1. Chewing is its kryptonite.

Due to the waterproof design and soft PVC coating, Biothane loses it’s flawless appearance and waterproofness if chewed.  It is recommended to start a puppy on a webbing leash and invest in Biothane only once the leash biting has been trained out of them.  For goats (which will always nibble) or for a tougher finish, I recommend the Granite Collar (https://levittleads.com/product/the-granite) which is made out of the same unbelievably tough type of Biothane that are used to make draft horse pull harnesses.

      2. Patterns are fun and the UVP Collection is pricey.

I wish that wasn’t the case, but UVP Biothane is very expensive and very difficult to acquire right now.  If more companies start to offer it and prices go down, I will adjust our prices accordingly.  I always want folks to be able to afford their dream gear.  Until then, our webbing gear has amazing patterns and is very affordable.  It is made out of polyester, rather than nylon, so it has remarkable longevity as well.

Categories of Biothane Offered at Levitt Leads:  

      1. The Adventure Series 

The Adventure Series gear is our most basic, affordable gear.  This gear leans into the waterproof nature of Biothane and preserves that by creating simple, mostly single-color designs that are not edge-stitched to preserve the perfect cleanability.

      2. The Elite Essentials Series 

The Elite Essentials gear is the higher end gear.  These designs lean into the leather look with edge-stitching and classic color combinations that create a sleek, timeless, leather appearance and an amazing hand feel.  Even with the edge stitching, these pieces are still highly cleanable and almost completely waterproof.  I have these on my personal dogs and have washed them numerous times with no sign of water damage or thread fraying.

      3. Artisan Biothane 

These are the ornate collars.  These range on the pricier side but are that way because a skilled human spent hours handcrafting each detail to the highest standards.  They may or may not be edge-stitched, so please refer to the product photos, and if you would like something done differently, please feel free to email a request to levittleadsandtethers@gmail.com and we will try our best to create your dream collar.

      4. The UVP Collection 

This is gear made with Biothane that has been UV printed with exquisite designs that are exceptionally durable.  These usually are edge-stitched to give the imagery some dimension, but if you want maximum waterproofness, feel free to email levittleadsandtethers@gmail.com to inquire about leaving off the stitching.