The Martingale Lead
Proper fit of the neck loop
(Custom sized to your dog's neck)
This, on the right, is what I always thought of when someone said "martingale." It is, in fact, a running martingale -- most commonly used by jumpers & other English style riders.
What does this have in common with the martingale leads I make? Simply, rings attached to leather strips, with leather strips running through them. (Okay, Mr. Obvious, that's enough of that.)
At the left you can see Ruger modeling what I call a swivel martingale lead (more details to follow.) I've always liked martingale leads because the neck loop doesn't tighten around the dog's neck like a slip lead can -- even if the dog pulls. The swivel is also a nice feature for dogs -- like our JRTs -- that are constantly in motion, twisting-up the lead.
If you have a big, calm dog you may not need the swivel feature, so enjoy the regular martingale lead. A nice burgundy / denim one is shown below. The hand loop, lead & martingale loop are all one strip of leather, & the custom-sized neck loop is attached to the martingale loop.
These pictures of Maggie McFly show a proper fitting neck loop. It should be comfortable -- like the dog's collar -- when the neck loop is "closed" (rings touching) around the base of their neck. The dog's neck size is easily measured with a measuring tape.
At right & below: The martingale lead is basically one long strip of latigo with loops at both ends -- a hand loop and a matingale loop.
At 42" long (standard,) it's an ideal length for use at practice and at trials. (Longer & shorter lengths are available.)
Above: Two 42" leads - a regular martingale & a swivel martingale. Note the different looking martingale sections.
The Swivel Martingale
As mentioned above, the Swivel Martingale is a variation of the regular martingale lead. It has a normal hand loop & lead, but is attached to a swivel, which is attached to the martingale loop (see photo at left.)
This black / brass star lead features all brass hardware (swivel, rings & Chicago screw.) Note: brass Chicago screws are smooth-faced, not etched.
The lead pictured above shows the swivel martingale with the optional concho (Chicago screw) at the base of the hand loop. A matching concho is also used on the martingale loop to hold down the ends of the leather strip. This adds strength to the martingale loop, and is included on all swivel martingales (it's not an option.)
Leash-Martingale "Combo" Leads
"Combo" leads, for lack of a better name, are merely leashes attached to a martingale & neck loop. (See photo at right.) Any leash can attach to the martingale, because of the ring attached to the end.
Martingales add approx. 10" to the length of a leash.
The martingale / neck loop combination