Retractable Dog Leads with Style: Meet 26 Bars & a Band
Toffee in his matching Greenday Harness & Leash
Yippee! I can run and play! When our pups are strutting their stuff on retractable dog leads, don’t you think they might be feeling this way? When I use one with Sophie, it’s nice having that flexibility, allowing her to run out a bit when it’s safe. She seems to love it; gets all excited. In my dogged (haha!) search through the aisles of Global Pet Expo last month for great products to share with you, there was a brand with a very catchy name and some fresh-looking designs that really caught my eye.
The Bling Collar
Sounding more like an indie rock band than a pet company, 26 Bars & a Band is about fun meeting function. They have the most diverse selection of high quality, whimsical, pop-culture-influenced retractable leads and covers. If you have your own vision, or a picture of your pet you adore, they can do that, too. When I say high quality, I mean that they use the most durable parts for their retractable leashes, tough nylon, a one-button brake system, with a no-slip, comfortable rubber handle. They are so confident about them, they offer a 36-month warranty on all of the Avant Garde models. Those are the ones I have highlighted here. But the thing that really enticed me, is they also make matching harness vests. And they are sooo cute! Owners/married partners, Mike and Sandi Kaneko, took me through their product line and I was impressed! Seems I’m not the only one.
Since launching the company out of their California garage in 2004 (a big 10th anniversary this year!), 26 Bars & a Band has captured the imagination of customers all over the world. Mike is the USC business grad who went to work in the finance industry for a decade. Sandi is the design merchandise grad from FIDM Fashion Institute, who went to work as a stylist in the entertainment industry. They met at Mike’s job, had lunch and have been inseparable ever since.
There’s the capsule about 26 Bars, but we want more! So I asked Mike some questions inquiring minds might want to know…
BaS: First of all, how did you get that name?!
26BB: The first product was the Bling Collar. This is something we still carry. Basically, you can customize your pet’s collar by spelling out any name on it. There are 26 letters in the alphabet, hence the “26” in our name. The “bars” are a reference to the metallic letters and charms that slide onto the collar. It is also a homage to our cat that passed away around that time. His name was “Snackbar.” The “band” is the collar. There, you have it!
Couture Princess
Harness & Lead Set
BaS: Love that! I also love the fabrics, patterns you’ve created. Does Sandi do all the designing and choose all of the fabrics?
26BB: Yes, she does all of the designing and selects the materials herself.
BaS: Sandi, where do you get your inspiration from? I notice some designs that reflect pop culture.
26BB: I draw inspiration from fashion, furniture and product design, and most recently, my kids. For example, the “Sprout” pattern is a nod to designer Orla Kiely’s work, while the Union Jack design of :British Invasion: (also called “London Calling”) came about after traveling to London. When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I designed “My Heart Races” and “On Cloud 9,” which features soft pastels and child-like cartoon drawings. Inspiration is all around us and it’s great to be able to translate prints and patterns I love and apply them to pet products, offering dog owners designs that match their lifestyle.
BaS: Where are your designs made; in the US or overseas?
26BB: All of our designs are made right here in California. It’s important to us that a bit of our personality is injected into each and every design, so all product design is done by us.
BaS: The harnesses feel really nice, substantial. And I love the belted design. What materials are they made from?
26BB: The Avant Garde harnesses are made of a light, water-resistant polyester.
BaS: Love the Avant Garde recycle program, too, where people can turn in their old or worn leash cases and you donate $10 for each one to the Center for Biological Diversity. How did you come to choose this particular non-profit to work with?
26BB: We have worked with them in the past on other ventures. Their mission is to ensure all species have a future. Their passion not only extends to animals and other living creatures, but also to the environment. The well-being of animals is important to us based on what we do, but the world and the longevity of all creatures is something that we need if we are to sustain the existence of this planet. They do this strategically by using science, legal means, and social media. We think they are a very smart and organized non-profit company and we are honored to work with them.
London Calling Dog Harness & Lead Set
BaS: What is Meet Matte?
26BB: Meet Matte is the phrase we used to introduce our matte collection of retractable leashes. There are four styles, and they have a smooth matte finish. It’s definitely a nice change of pace for what you typically find on a retractable dog leash.
BaS: You also license those funky cool Paul Frank products for dogs. What made you choose Paul Frank?
26BB: Sandi has been a fan of Paul Frank for many years. She always admired their use of color and the quirkiness of their characters. When the idea came up for us license a brand, Paul Frank was at the top of our wish list. Fortunately, for us, both companies had a like mindset and had similar goals in trying to bring the characters designed by them into the pet world. The partnership has been very successful.
BaS: Do you have any new designs coming out?
26BB: We are planning on introducing more Paul Frank apparel items in 2014. Nothing has been finalized yet but things are being planned as we speak.
Paul Frank bed
Paul Frank Leash & Tag
Here are the features of the 26 Bars & a Band Avant Garde retractable leashes:
- all belt nylon leash
- sturdy metal buckle
- ergonomic handle
- 36 month warranty
- 2 sizes available
- 3 styles to choose from
Where to buy 26 Bars & a Band leads and matching harnesses: Petco
Which is your favorite? Is your dog more a London Calling rocker or a Couture Princess? Tell me in the Comments below.
(Disclosure: I am an affiliate of Petco and Petsmart. Please go to our Disclaimer & Disclosure page on this site for more information. Thank you!)
Some other styles (all patterns come with matching leashes):
Fifth Avenue Harness
Sherlock Harness
Death Star Harness
