Leather Types, Descriptions and Colors

Leather Types and Colors

If you would like more in depth information about the variety of leathers that can be produced by varying the tanning procedure, you should probably visit our Leather Tutorial. Careful craftsmanship combined with a proper leather choice will insure a finished product appropriate for its application. It is important to understand that not all leathers, even of the same type, are created equal. The quality of any leather depends on everything from the nutrition, health and age of the animal from which the hide comes to the care and expertise of the tanner. We would never dream of accepting our leathers "no questions asked" from the tanneries with whom we do business but, rather, we ask lots of questions. A quality hide can be totally ruined by an inept or unconscientious tanner. We seek only the best and will accept only the best leathers from American and Australian tanning masters. The latigo leathers, bridle leathers and harness leathers most local and on-line pet stores and resellers source to their customers are the far inferior leathers imported from India or Pakistan and, in short, those simply are not good enough. We want to provide to you the types of leathers that, once you hold them in your hand, you would prefer not to put them down.

The leather tannages pictured on this page are those most common and appropriate for our dog and horse tack and motorcycle gear. If you have any questions, please be sure to let us know. We're always glad to provide information.

Top Grain Latigo Leather

Premium Wicket & Craig Harness Leather

Ultra Soft Bull Hide

Premium English Bridle Leather

Top GrainLatigo Leather

Whereas most leashes, collars, and other dog equipment you will find in the pet stores that is made from a latigo leather are either mushy (how's that for a technical term) and too stretchy or else stiff as a board and tough as an old boot, we guarantee you will love our top grain latigo leather. We hand select every hide of latigo we use and pick only those with the best body and snap, proper oil content and silky texture. Our latigo is tanned using two complimentary processes for an excellent end product. First, the hide is vegetable tanned for tightness and strength; then it is retanned using oil to give it softness, a great touch and just the right snap. We're not kidding when we tell you that one of our clients, upon receiving her black latigo leash said, "My gosh, I want to sleep with it!".

first Row: Black, Dark Brown, Burgundy

Second Row: Burgundy, Hot Pink

Third Row: Red, White

Premium Wicket and Craig Harness Leather

Wicket and Craig tannery offers some of the finest quality harness leather produced anywhere. We offer all four colors of harness leather the tannery produces. This leather is a meaty substantial leather that is soft, pliable and very kind to the hand. It has great body, minimal stretch, cleans and conditions beautifully, is strong and durable and performs well in most environments.

We offer the Wicket and Craig harness leather in black, buck brown, burgundy and russet in 11-13 ounce weight.

Ultra Soft Bullhide Leather

This very strong, high tensile strength moderate weight leather is so soft you won't believe it. The bull hides, like the latigo leather, are tanned using a dual process but it is done a bit differently. It is first vegetable tanned for toughness and strength. It is then retanned using chromium salts, the same process that gives garment leather and upholstery leather its terrific softness. It is also the chromium tanning that allows the tannery to produce the bright vivid colors. These hides are beautiful, ultra soft, strong, durable and weather resistent. Once you have a piece made of this leather, you'll want more!

Black, Brown, Buckskin, Burgundy, Cream, Navy, Purple, Red, Teal, Turquoise