What Is Biothane?

Luxury pet wear meets practical design for dogs who love the great outdoors.

At M&G, we’ve always believed that dog accessories should be as beautiful as they are functional. For years, our handmade dog collars and leads have been crafted using the finest vegetable tanned leather — a traditional material loved for its character, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.

But if you share your life with a dog, you’ll know one thing for certain: dogs rarely stay pristine for long.

Whether it’s muddy woodland walks, sea swims, rainy field adventures, or enthusiastic puddle jumping, dogs put their accessories through a lot. That’s exactly why we introduced Biothane into our collection — a modern, durable alternative that delivers luxury styling with unbeatable practicality.

In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what Biothane is, why we use it for selected handmade dog accessories, and how it compares to our signature vegetable tanned leather.

What Is Biothane?

Biothane is a coated webbing material originally developed for equestrian and outdoor use. 

Production Process

Official Biothane from the USA manufacturer starts with a woven polyester webbing, they heat and bond a liquid TPU layer onto the webbing using rollers, this creates a uniform, sealed surface.

After coating, the material cures, which fixes colour and flexibility. You won't find any colour bleed on your dogs coat from biothane!

The result is a material that combines the appearance and flexibility of leather with the weatherproof performance modern dog owners need.

Unlike standard nylon dog collars or synthetic pet products, Biothane feels soft and premium in the hand while remaining exceptionally tough. It’s waterproof, odour-resistant, easy to clean, and designed to handle demanding outdoor conditions.

For active dogs and owners who want low-maintenance luxury pet wear, it’s become a game changer.

Why We Introduced Biothane at Mackenzie & George

At Mackenzie & George, every design decision begins with functionality. We create handmade dog accessories made in the UK that are built not just to look beautiful, but to genuinely improve daily life with dogs.

Our traditional vegetable tanned leather remains at the heart of our brand. It’s elegant, heritage-led, and develops a rich patina over time that many customers adore.

However, leather - even the highest quality leather that we use, - has natural limitations when exposed repeatedly to water, mud, and rough outdoor conditions.

Biothane allows us to offer an alternative for customers who want:

• Waterproof dog collars and leads
• Easy-clean dog accessories
• Durable luxury pet wear for active dogs
• Stylish accessories for muddy walks and adventures
• Long-lasting materials that maintain their appearance

In short, it gives dog owners another option that suits a different lifestyle.

Because sometimes dogs are… well, dogs.

Biothane vs Vegetable Tanned Leather

Both materials are premium in their own right, but they excel in different situations.

Here’s how they compare:

Our vegetable tanned cartridge collars are always a stunning choice, but doesn't provide the weatherproof nature of Biothane.

Why Biothane Works So Well for Dogs

Dogs live enthusiastically. They dive into lakes without warning, roll in questionable smells, and somehow find mud even in dry weather.

That’s where Biothane truly shines.

Waterproof Performance

One of the biggest advantages of Biothane dog accessories is complete waterproofing. Unlike leather, which naturally absorbs water, Biothane repels moisture entirely.

That means:

• No soggy collars
• No lingering damp smell
• No stiffening after wet walks
• No waiting for accessories to dry

For dogs who swim regularly or love rainy countryside adventures, this is invaluable.

Easy to Clean

Luxury pet wear should fit seamlessly into real life.

After a muddy walk, Biothane collars and leads can simply be wiped clean with warm water and a cloth. There’s no specialist treatment required and no lengthy drying process.

For busy dog owners, that ease matters.

Our customers often tell us they love having a collar that still looks polished after a weekend in the woods.

Exceptional Strength and Durability

Biothane is incredibly strong for its weight (453kg tested break strength per inch width). Originally designed for demanding outdoor and equestrian applications, it handles pulling, rough play, and frequent use exceptionally well.

Combined with our solid brass hardware and handmade craftsmanship, it creates dog accessories designed to last for years.

Comfort for Dogs

A common misconception is that waterproof materials feel stiff or plastic-like.

High-quality Biothane is surprisingly supple and comfortable. It flexes naturally and sits comfortably against a dog’s neck without rubbing or becoming heavy when wet.

That balance of durability and comfort is one reason we carefully selected it for our collection.

Why We Still Love Vegetable Tanned Leather

While Biothane offers practical advantages, our passion for traditional leather craftsmanship remains unchanged.

Vegetable tanned leather has a character that simply cannot be replicated.

It ages beautifully, softens over time, and develops a rich patina unique to every dog and owner. For customers seeking timeless elegance and heritage craftsmanship, it remains an exceptional choice.

Our leather dog collars and leads are handmade in the UK using carefully sourced materials and traditional techniques that honour British craftsmanship.

Many customers choose leather for:

• Everyday luxury styling
• Smart city walks
• Heritage aesthetics
• Special occasions
• The natural ageing process

It’s not about one material being “better” than the other. It’s about choosing the right accessory for your dog’s lifestyle.

The Best of Both Worlds

Many Mackenzie & George customers actually own both or go for our two tone collars.

A luxury vegetable tanned leather collar for everyday wear and smarter occasions, alongside a practical Biothane lead or collar for muddy adventures, beach days, and countryside walks.

It’s a combination that reflects modern dog ownership perfectly — balancing timeless style with practical functionality.

Our two tone collars give the biothane benefits with a leather look.

Handmade Dog Accessories Made in the UK

Whether crafted from premium leather or durable Biothane, every Mackenzie & George product is designed with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Our dog collections are:

• Handmade in the UK
• Built using premium materials
• Designed for longevity
• Finished with solid brass hardware
• Created with both style and practicality in mind
• Personalised name plate, leather debossing and brass dog tag options.

We believe luxury pet wear should never compromise on function.

After all, dogs don’t stop being adventurous just because their accessories are beautiful.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Dog

If your dog spends weekends swimming, hiking, and charging through muddy fields, Biothane may be the perfect fit.

If you love traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, and timeless style, vegetable tanned leather remains an enduring classic.

And if you’re anything like many of our customers, you may find there’s room for both, or take a look at our two tone collars which have all the biothane benefits with a leather look.

At the end of the day, the best dog accessories are the ones that suit your dog’s personality, your lifestyle, and the adventures you share together.

Because luxury should work in the real world too.

Explore Our Handmade Dog Accessories

Discover our collection of:

• Handmade leather dog collars
• Country dog collars with rifle or cartridge rivets
• Waterproof Biothane dog collars
• Waterproof Biothane dog leads
• Biothane figure of 8 leads for dogs that pull
• Slip leads for dogs that don't!
• Sight hound leather collars
• Sighthound biothane collars
• Double ended multi way 6 in 1 training leads
• Personalised nameplates and dog tags

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Biothane better than leather for dogs?

Biothane is better suited to wet, muddy, and active lifestyles because it’s waterproof and easy to clean. Vegetable tanned leather offers a more traditional luxury appearance and develops character over time. Or you can get the benefits of Biothane and the leather look with our two tone collars.

Do Biothane dog collars smell?

No. One of Biothane’s biggest advantages is that it resists odours and moisture absorption. No more stinky collars.

Are Biothane dog collars durable?

Yes. Biothane is extremely strong, flexible, and designed for demanding outdoor use. So strong, it is often used for horse tack!

Can Biothane crack or peel?

High-quality Biothane is highly durable and resistant to cracking when properly cared for.

Why choose handmade dog accessories made in the UK?

Handmade products often offer superior craftsmanship, higher quality materials, and better longevity compared to mass-produced alternatives. And at Mackenzie & George, you can feel reassured with our guarantee.

Does vegetable tanned leather need maintenance?

Yes. Leather benefits from occasional cleaning and conditioning to maintain its appearance and longevity.