In the world of luxury accessories, the quality of materials is an essential criterion. At MAURICE, we’ve chosen full-grain leather for our collars and accessories for dogs and cats, knowing that it’s a guarantee of durability, aesthetics and comfort for animals. But what distinguishes full-grain leather from other types of leather, and why is it synonymous with excellence? Let’s delve into the world of this noble and renowned material.

Understanding the different types of leather

Before exploring the specifics of full-grain leather, it’s essential to understand the different types of leather available on the market. The origin of leather is the same: an animal hide (mainly bovine from food industry recycling) which undergoes a tanning process to be transformed into a supple, resistant material. However, depending on how it is processed, leather can have very different characteristics.

1. Full-grain leather

Full-grain leather is the noblest and most natural of leathers. It retains the entire outer surface of the hide, called the “grain”, without having undergone any major alteration. This leather often shows natural irregularities, testimony to its authenticity and superior quality. It is prized for its resistance and timeless elegance. Unlike corrected or split leathers, it is neither sanded nor altered, which means it retains all its robustness, suppleness and natural patina that becomes more beautiful with age. This is the noblest leather, often used for high-end products such as bags, shoes, furniture and of course… MAURICE dog and cat luxury accessories.

2. Corrected grain leather

Unlike full-grain leather, corrected grain leather has undergone surface sanding to remove imperfections. This correction is often followed by artificial pigmentation, which can give a uniform appearance, but at the cost of a loss of suppleness and breathability.

3. Split leather

This is the lower part of the hide, obtained by dividing it into several layers. Less resistant and less supple than full-grain leather, it is often treated and coated to imitate the appearance of higher-quality leathers.

4. Reconstituted leather

Made from leather fibers reassembled with binders, this material is a far cry from the nobility of full-grain leather. It is mainly used for mass production and has a limited lifespan.

The advantages of full-grain leather

Incomparable strength

Full-grain leather retains its entire structure, making it more robust than other types of leather. It stands up better to the wear and tear of time, and develops a unique patina that enhances its appearance over the years. A full-grain leather accessory is a long-lasting investment that becomes more beautiful over time.

Natural suppleness and comfort

Unlike treated and coated leathers, full-grain leather remains supple and breathable. At MAURICE, we are committed to offering collars that combine elegance, sturdiness and animal well-being. Full-grain leather adapts perfectly to the morphology of the dog or cat, offering optimal comfort without risk of irritation.

Inimitable aesthetics

Every piece of full-grain leather tells a story. Natural markings and grain variations are part of its charm, testifying to its authenticity. What’s more, it possesses a depth and richness of color that artificial treatments can’t match.

A living material that develops a patina over time

One of the most appreciated characteristics of full-grain leather is its ability to develop a unique patina. With time and use, it acquires a deeper hue and natural shine, reinforcing its exclusive character and refinement.

Why MAURICE chose full-grain leather

At MAURICE, we believe that every dog and cat accessory should meet the highest standards of quality. That’s why we use only full-grain leather, crafted with artisanal know-how.

We have also opted for vegetable tanning for some of our models, a traditional and ancient method that uses plant extracts rather than chemicals. This process gives the leather a natural scent and an incomparable feel, while being more respectful of the environment.

How do I care for full-grain leather?

To preserve the beauty and suppleness of your full-grain leather accessory, a few simple gestures are all you need:

• Clean regularly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust.
• Nourish leather with a special leather balm to keep it supple and prevent it from drying out.
• Protect from excessive humidity, as water can alter its structure. In the event of contact with water, simply leave to dry in the open air, away from a source of direct heat.

By taking these few precautions, your full-grain leather accessory will remain an exceptional item that will stand the test of time with elegance.

Full-grain leather is much more than just a material: it’s a symbol of quality, authenticity and durability. At MAURICE, we’ve made the choice of excellence by offering our four-legged friends full-grain leather accessories that combine comfort and refined aesthetics. This choice is in line with our respect for traditional craftsmanship and our commitment to noble materials. The gift of a MAURICE collar is simply choosing the best for your pet.

Did you know that leather is biodegradable? 

Leather is biodegradable, but this depends on several factors:

1. Type of tanning :

• Vegetable-tanned leather (using natural tannins such as tree bark) is more biodegradable than chrome-tanned leather (treated with chrome salts), which takes longer to decompose.
• Vegetable-tanned leather can biodegrade in a few months to a few years under the right conditions.
• Mineral-tanned leather (chrome, aluminum, etc.) can take several decades to degrade.

2. Treatments and finishes :

• Some leathers are coated with chemicals, varnishes or synthetic pigments, which slow down their biodegradation.
• Leather with a natural finish will degrade faster.

3. Environmental conditions :

• Humidity, oxygen, micro-organisms and temperature influence leather decomposition.
• In a favorable environment, lightly treated leather can biodegrade in 10 to 50 years.

In short, lightly-treated, vegetable-tanned leather is relatively biodegradable, whereas chemically-treated leather can persist much longer.

MAURICE: a brand inspired by our three adorable four-legged creatures

MAURICE is much more than a French brand: it’s a love story, a shared adventure and teamwork between humans and animals, but above all, a tribute to the undying spirit of our French bulldog, dog ambassador and clown, Iggy, and our two cats, Ragoll and Birmancat mixed breed, Pilgrim and Scarlett. 

Thanks to them, we continue to dream, create, have fun together and grow, always in search of what brings the most happiness to those who, like Iggy, Pilgrim and Scarlett, make our lives better  and happier every single day.

Discover our accessories for dogs and cats and dare to adopt the MAURICE style by choosing a French,chic and responsible dog and cat accessory handmade locally.