Discover the Best Harness for Your Adult Dog or Puppy

Find the Perfect Dog Harness for Your Pup

By Breed By Size

Dog harnesses come in various designs, materials, thickness of straps, and have different levels of breathability. The expert DogGear team of vets, dog lovers, researchers, medical doctors, and professional dog handlers have dedicated hundred of hours to determine the right ones for you and your dog to feel comfortable and enjoy an active life together.

If you are new to the DogGear site, we like you to confirm your dog’s weight to help find the optimal harness for your dog.

Categorizing the dog harnesses by size helps you save time and money. Small dogs are up first. If your dog is a medium or large dog then feel free to skip down to the section below. We do encourage those new to dog harnesses to take our quiz, which will take you just about 1 minute. The quiz helps us find the best products for your dog.

Take the Best Dog Harness Quiz

To Find the best dog Harness, select to begin by breed or by size

By Breed By Size

Best Harness for Small Dogs

Our top picks by your dog’s needs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Expert Choice

Rabbitgoo

  • No-Pull Pet Harness

Price Check

The Scoop

The easy on, easy off design of this harness involves no hassle so your pup will be ready to go in no time. Adjustable side straps allow you to achieve the perfect fit for your dog.

Pros and cons

Designed to evenly distribute body weight and prevent pulling and choking, this harness will allow your pup to walk in freedom and comfort. Breathable, yet sturdy material offers the utmost comfort and durability. We really like the flexibility that the two metal leash attachment points on this harness provide; one on the back and one on the chest. Thanks to reflective materials, your pup will be visible at night. On the downside, the leash attachment points can fray easily.

Contender

JUXZH

  • Soft Front Dog Harness

Price Check

The Scoop

The ergonomic design offers ultimate comfort and it’s easy to put on and take off.

Pros and cons

We like this harness because it is made of durable, lightweight Oxford material, and it features a Duraflex buckle for increased security. This harness comes in a wide range of bright colors and is designed to fit dogs that have a chest size of 17 to 22 inches.The chest is lined with soft sponge padding. Our DogGear team likes the nylon webbing on this harness, which features reflective materials for increased visibility. We also like how lightweight this harness is. On the downside, it can be difficult to get this harness on.

Bargain

PetSafe

  • Easy Walk Harness

Price Check

The Scoop

This dog harness from PetSafe is designed to fit small dogs perfectly. It is completely adjustable so that you can easily achieve the perfect fit for your pup’s unique shape and size.

Pros and cons

The front attachment for the leash allows you to keep your dog at your side for increased security and prevents choking. This harness is available in several different colors. We like the simple design and durable construction of this harness. We also like that it’s backed by a perfect fit guarantee. There were some struggles with putting it on, though, which is something to bear in mind.

*Read on to learn about our favorite medium-sized dog harnesses.

Best Harness for Medium Dogs

Our top picks by your dog’s needs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Expert Choice

Chai's

  • Best Outdoor Adventure Dog Harness

Price Check

The Scoop

This harness is functional, durable, and stylish. The exterior layer is constructed of scratch-proof Oxford, so the harness can easily stand up to wear and tear.

Pros and cons

The Duraflex buckles are lightweight and easy to operate, and the harness as a whole is ergonomically designed with lightweight mesh for breathability and padding on the chest and belly. The 3M reflective stitching allows for increased visibility in the dark. We love that the size of this harness can be adjusted to fit the unique shape of every pup. We also like that it offers two attachment points for a leash: one on the back and one on the chest. On the downside, it can be a challenge to adjust the size.

Contender

Rabbitgoo Dog Harness

  • No-Pull Pet Harness Adjustable Outdoor Pet Vest

Price Check

The Scoop

The easy on and off design of this harness will reduce the hassle so that you and your pup can really enjoy walk time.

Pros and cons

Thanks to the adjustable slide straps, you can customize the size of this harness to fit your dog’s unique shape. The team of experts at DogGear like the lightweight, breathable material this harness is constructed from. We also like that it evenly distributes weight to effectively reduce pulling and choking. One con to note, however, is that the material isn’t as durable as we expected it to be.

Bargain

Voyager

  • No Pull Step-in Mesh Dog Harness

Price Check

The Scoop

The step-in design of this harness makes it easy to put on and take off.

Pros and cons

The mesh fabric of this harness is both breathable and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about the durability being damaged by moisture. A Velcro closure and metal D-rings allow for ultimate security. Our team really likes the simplicity of this vest. It goes on and off with ease, and an added bonus is that the material is weather resistant. But, the harness can cause choking issues, especially when used with small dogs, so do make sure that you only use this harness on a medium sized dog.

*Last, and certainly not least, the DogGear team did not forget about large dog harnesses!

Best Harness for Large Dogs

Our top picks by your dog’s needs

The Scoop

Pros and cons

Expert Choice

Ruffwear

  • Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness for Dogs

Price Check

The Scoop

If your large dog has a tendency to pull, then this is the harness for you. Two attachment points for the leash will allow you to have better control over your pup.

Pros and cons

This harness's aluminum attachment rings, which are reinforced with webbing, allow for a sturdy connection. And, since it can slip right over your pup’s head, getting it on and taking it offer are a cinch. We love the padding on the belly and chest areas, as it offers comfort for long walks and for pups that tend to pull. The durable material is lightweight, breathable, and will last a long time. We also like the built-in pocket that can be used to store tags so your pooch can walk without a collar. It can take some adjustment to get it to fit your dog properly, which is something to be aware of.

Contender

Rabbitgoo large Dogs

  • No-Pull Pet Harness Adjustable Outdoor Pet

Price Check

The Scoop

You’ll have no trouble getting your large dog into and out of this harness from RabitGoo, thanks to the step-in design.

Pros and cons

The RabbitGoo harness evenly distributes weight to reduce strain, and to prevent choking and pulling. The padded breathable material is durable, lightweight, and will keep your pup comfortable. We like that this harness offers two leash attachment points. The material does irritate some dogs’ skin.

Bargain

EcoBark

  • No Pull & No Choke Design Dog harness

Price Check

The Scoop

For an affordable, comfortable, and durable large dog harness, the EcoBark harness is a great choice.

Pros and cons

This is made of super soft, durable, and recycled materials, making the harness good for your pup and good for the environment. The non-choke design won’t damage your dog’s neck and or throat, and the non-breakaway emergency release clasp offers added security. We love the thoughtful features of this harness, and the affordability. We also like that it comes in a wide range of colors and features padding for maximum comfort. The material isn’t quite as durable as members of our team would have liked.

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DogGear Philosophy

Taking regular walks with your dog is more than just enjoyable; it’s vital for his overall health and well- being. Walks offer much-needed exercise and give your pup the opportunity to explore. Plus, it’s just good pup and parent bonding time.

Learn more about harnesses and how to choose the best one for your dog.

How to Choose the Best Harness for Your Dog

But when you’re taking walks, having control over your pooch is vital. If he pulls, you and your dog could be in for a world of trouble; not to mention the fact that it just makes the whole experience a lot less enjoyable. But, having the right gear, like a harness, can help you rein your furry friend in so that you both can have a safe and pleasant experience. But choosing the right harness can be a bit challenging because there are several different options available.

Below, we highlight the three different types of harnesses and share some important features to consider so you can choose the best one for your dog.

Head Halter

Head halter harnesses resemble the harnesses that are used on horses, and for good reason; they were inspired by the equine tools. This type of harness fits over the nose and neck, allowing you to control your pooch’s head. The theory behind this type of harness is simple: where a dog’s head goes, his body will follow. Head halters provide the most control while walking. They’re an excellent tool for large dogs that pull. A head halter should fit your dog properly, so choose the right size for your pup. It should also be adjustable so that you can get the perfect fit for your pet’s unique shape and size. A high quality harness will be made of durable materials and will feature padding for comfort, and to prevent the straps from moving into your pup’s eyes. The leash attachment should also be securely attached.

No Pull Harnesses

If your dog pulls, but not so aggressively that a head halter harness is necessary, than a no pull harness is a great option. This type of harness fits around the upper body and the leash attaches near the chest. This prevents the dog from pulling with the most powerful part of his body – the chest – by creating tightening sensation if he pulls, thus giving you more control.

Like all harnesses, a no pull harness must fit properly, so make sure you choose the right size. Since all dogs are uniquely shaped and size, look for a harness that can be adjusted so you can achieve the perfect fit. The leash attachment should be firmly affixed to the harness and should be positioned on the chest, not the neck, to prevent choking. High quality harnesses will also feature a second leash attachment on the back, which allows you to use it when you aren’t training during leisurely walks, or once your pup is fully trained and no longer pulls. Of course, you’ll want to select a no pull harness that is made of durable materials so that it stands up to pulling and regular wear and tear. The material should also be breathable and prevent friction to avoid irritating your dog’s skin. Nylon webbing with breathable mesh panels is a great option to consider. Padding on the chest straps is also a great feature, as it improves the comfort for your do. Lastly, you might want to consider a no pull harness that features some type of reflective material that will increase your dog’s visibility during nighttime walks, thereby improving his safety.

Front Clip Harnesses

A front clip harness is another option to consider, especially if your dog pulls. This type of harness works similarly to a no pull harness; they fit around the chest and the leash attachment is positioned on the front instead of the back, like traditional, back clip harnesses. When the clip is situated on the chest, you have more control of your dog, as he will instinctually pull back, away from the pressure, which thereby prevents him from pulling.

If you are thinking about using a front clip harness with your dog, the first thing to consider is the sizing, of course. Make sure that you choose an option that is designed to fit your pup; obviously, if he’s a large breed, you aren’t going to want a small harness. Something that features adjustable straps is also a good idea, as you will be able to achieve the perfect fit for your pet’s unique size and shape. You’ll also want to choose a harness that is made of durable, breathable material that can withstand pulling and normal wear and tear and won’t irritate his skin. Like with a no pull harness, nylon webbing is a great choice. A high quality front clip harness will also feature padded straps to provide greater comfort. Make sure that the clip is situated on his chest and not near his neck to avoid choking and gagging. The clip should also be made out of durable material, such as stainless, and it should be securely affixed to the harness. You also want to look for a harness that is easy to get on and take off; front clip harnesses that feature a step-in design are usually the easiest to use, but what works best for you depends on your dog’s unique personality and needs. Lastly, consider in front clip harness that is brightly colored and has reflective materials for improved visibility and safety.