This Fake Chain Leash Gets Laughs, But Should You Buy It?
Author Byline: By David Miller / Last updated on August 15, 2025
The Article Body
Introduction
A few months ago, a small, scruffy, and impossibly charming terrier mix named Pip came into my life. He’s got the personality of a dog ten times his size, packed into a tiny 8-pound frame. While browsing online for the usual new-puppy essentials, I stumbled upon this: a leash designed to look like a massive, heavy iron chain. The image of little Pip “hauling” this comically large chain on our neighborhood walks was just too funny to ignore. But as the initial laugh faded, a practical question took over: Is this just a piece of junk that will snap the second a squirrel runs by, or is it a genuinely clever product that’s both funny and functional? I had to find out.
This Fake Chain Leash Gets Laughs, But Should You Buy It?
My honest review of the Kawagogo fake chain dog leash. Is this funny plastic leash a safe and hilarious gag gift, or just a cheap prop? Read my test.
The Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
It’s a surprisingly well-made novelty leash that absolutely delivers on the laughs. If you're looking for a fun gag gift or costume prop that’s also functional for casual walks with a small, non-pulling dog, this is a fantastic and affordable buy.
Our Rating Breakdown
- Humor/Novelty Factor: 9.5/10 (It's a guaranteed head-turner and conversation starter.)
- Build Quality (for its purpose): 7/10 (The molded plastic is much sturdier than expected, though the clasp is standard.)
- Safety & Security: 6/10 (Perfectly fine for small, calm dogs, but absolutely not for pullers or training.)
- Value for Money: 8.5/10 (For the price, the joy and laughter it brings are an excellent return on investment.)
Overall Score: 7.8/10✨✨✨✨✨✨
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Primary Material: Molded Plastic
- Leash Length: 47 inches (approx. 4 feet)
- Item Weight: Incredibly light, under 5 ounces
- Included in Box: Fake chain leash, basic adjustable puppy collar
- Intended For: Small dogs (Chihuahua, Papillon, Yorkie), cats, and puppies
Unboxing and First Impressions
The leash arrived in a standard Amazon mailer, and picking it up felt… weird. It was ridiculously light, which makes sense, but it still messes with your brain. I was honestly expecting the kind of cheap, brittle plastic you’d find in a Halloween store—the kind that feels like it would shatter if you looked at it wrong.
I was pleasantly surprised. The "chain links" are not individual pieces connected together; it's one continuous piece of molded plastic, which means there are fewer weak points. The black finish has a slight sheen to mimic metal, and while it won't fool anyone up close, it looks surprisingly convincing from a few feet away. The handle is a simple loop of the same material, and the metal clasp is your standard-issue, lightweight swivel hook. It’s not a premium piece of hardware, but it felt secure enough for its intended user: Pip.
Putting It to the Test: Real-World Performance
The real test, of course, wasn't about strength, but about the experience. I swapped out Pip's regular collar for the included one (it's basic but it works) and hooked on the chain. The sight of my tiny terrier standing proudly next to his "heavy-duty" chain was immediately hilarious.
We set off on our usual walk around the block. The first person we passed, a neighbor walking her majestic Golden Retriever, did a complete double-take, squinted, and then burst out laughing. "Oh my god, is he training for the World's Strongest Dog competition?" she joked. That was all the validation I needed. Mission accomplished.
On a practical level, it performed perfectly fine. Pip isn't a puller, which is crucial here. The leash is so light he didn't even notice it, and the clasp held securely for our entire 20-minute stroll. I gave it a few firm, intentional tugs to see if the links would strain or the clasp would give, and it held firm. Now, I would not trust this in a high-stakes situation like a busy street or with a dog that lunges. This is a "quiet-neighborhood-walk-and-goofing-around-in-the-park" leash, not a "serious-business" leash.
What Real Users Love (The Pros)
- Genuinely Hilarious and Unique: This is the #1 reason to buy it, and it delivers. It's a fantastic ice-breaker and a guaranteed way to bring a smile to people's faces.
- Why this matters to you: It turns a mundane daily chore into a fun, interactive experience. I got more friendly comments on one walk than I have in the last month.
- Surprisingly Sturdy Construction: The single-mold design is much more durable than I anticipated for a novelty item.
- Why this matters to you: You can be confident it won't fall apart on the first use. It feels like a product, not a disposable toy.
- Extremely Lightweight: The leash adds virtually no weight, making it comfortable for even the smallest of pets.
- Why this matters to you: Your dog or cat won't be burdened by a heavy leash, ensuring their comfort and safety.
Common Complaints & Potential Deal-Breakers (The Cons)
- Absolutely NOT for Pullers or Larger Dogs: The plastic links and basic clasp are not designed to withstand significant force.
- Why this matters to you: Safety first. If your dog is a squirrel-chaser or weighs more than about 15-20 pounds, do not rely on this leash for security. It's a prop, not a restraint tool.
- The "Iron" Illusion Breaks Up Close: While it looks great from a distance, anyone holding it will immediately know it's plastic.
- Why this matters to you: Manage your expectations. This is for the visual gag, not for fooling a metallurgist.
- Included Collar is Very Basic: It's a nice-to-have, but it's a simple, thin nylon collar.
- Why this matters to you: For peace of mind, you'll probably want to use your pet's own sturdy, well-fitting collar and just clip this leash to it.
Is It Built to Last? Durability and Long-Term Value
This is a key question for any product, even a gag one. Is this a one-time-use joke or something you can enjoy for a while? My verdict is that it offers excellent long-term value for a novelty item. The molded plastic design means the chain links themselves are unlikely to ever break from normal use. The potential failure points are the same as any leash: the metal clasp or the point where it connects to the plastic.
Compared to a real (and tiny) metal chain, this is far superior. It won't rust, it's silent, and it's infinitely lighter. It won't last as long as a high-quality, woven nylon leash from a brand like Ruffwear, but that's not its purpose. For occasional walks, pet parades, Halloween costumes, or just getting a laugh, this leash should easily last for years.
Best Alternatives (The Competition)
The "competition" here isn't another leash, but another way to be funny or unique.
- "Funny Saying" Nylon Leash: A more traditional leash with a humorous phrase printed on it (e.g., "Tiny But Mighty," "Security").
- Brightly-Colored Rope Leash: Less about humor and more about style. Leashes from brands like Wild One or Found My Animal offer a pop of color and a more fashionable, durable alternative.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Kawagogo Fake Chain | "Funny Saying" Nylon Leash |
|---|---|---|
| Humor Type | Visual Gag / Slapstick | Witty / Text-Based |
| Primary Material | Molded Plastic | Woven Nylon |
| Best Use Case | Costume, photos, walks | Everyday use, subtle humor |
| Durability | Good (for novelty use) | Excellent (for all dogs) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is the plastic chain leash actually strong enough for a dog?
It is strong enough for very small dogs (under 15 lbs) that do not pull. It is not designed for restraint or training. Think of it as a functional prop. - What size dog is this leash best for?
It's ideal for toy and miniature breeds like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkies, Papillons, and even cats that are leash-trained. - Does it feel heavy for the dog?
Not at all. It is incredibly lightweight, and your pet will likely not even notice the difference from a standard thin leash. - Can I use my own collar with this leash?
Yes, and I recommend it. While it comes with a basic collar, using your own trusted, properly-fitted collar is always the safest option. - How realistic does the chain look?
From about 10 feet away, the illusion is very effective and funny. When you hold it in your hand, it's clearly identifiable as plastic. - Can I use this for my cat?
Absolutely! If your cat is comfortable on a leash and harness, this would be a hilarious and perfectly safe option for them.
Final Thoughts & Recommendation
Remember my initial goal? I wanted to see if this leash was more than just a cheap online joke—if it could bring a little extra fun to my daily walks with Pip. It absolutely did. It sparked conversations, made strangers smile, and perfectly matched my little dog's outsized personality, all without feeling flimsy or unsafe for our casual strolls.
If you understand what this product is—a brilliant, functional prop designed for laughs—you will love it. It's not trying to be the most secure, tactical dog leash on the market. It's trying to be the funniest, and it succeeds beautifully. For small dog owners with a sense of humor or anyone looking for the perfect gag gift for a pet lover, this gets my enthusiastic recommendation.
Call to Action
Ready to bring some laughter to your daily walks? You can check the latest price and see more photos on Amazon.
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