There are a lot of options out there, all varying in size, material, clip options, price, and more. My buying guide will help you narrow down your selection and give you the important factors to consider when you’re buying a dog harness.
Let’s look at my picks for the best dog harnesses on the market.
Best Dog Harnesses
1. EXPAWLORER Best No-Pull Dog Harness
The first harness on the list is this extremely stylish and comfortable one from EXPAWLORER. This harness comes in several different colors and five different sizes, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your dog.
This is an extremely durable harness made of scratch-resistant Oxford material as the outer layer and features a lightweight buckle with a large load capacity which means that it is going to last you for many years to come.
Plus, the material is soft and slides on easily, making it a snap to slip on and off your dog.
Features
There are also a number of safety features included with this harness. The nylon webbing material includes 3M reflective tape so that your dog can be seen at night easily, as well as a sturdy handle so that you can attach a seatbelt if you take your pet in your car with you.
It is also really comfortable on your pet with sponge padding on the chest and belly to prevent chafing and there are two different attachment points for your leash including the V-ring on the back and another directly at the center of your dog’s chest.
Why you should buy
So many harnesses out there are often one or the other when it comes to comfort and durability. It is pretty rare to find a harness that is both extremely comfortable for your dog, but made up of materials that are going to last.
After you measure your dog’s girth and figure out exactly what size harness you need, you can choose from between extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large.
The harness also comes in black, green and orange. Black may be the most stylish, but oranges definitely the easiest to see; so you will have to choose which color you prefer.
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2. Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness
Next, the Pawaboo dog safety harness is the next harness on the list, and this one definitely has a few advantages even among the cream of the crop listings here in this guide.
Features
The first thing that you need to know about this harness is that it comes in four different sizes including small, medium, large and extra-large.
This harness features a safety strap with a seatbelt end attached so that you can keep your dog secured with a seatbelt while you are driving.
This ensures that you are able to drive safely because your dog cannot climb over the front seats and try to get in your lap or distract you at the wrong moment.
Why you should buy
This is also really well constructed safety harness, featuring a premium stainless steel snap hook and 100 percent polyester Oxford fabric.
It is lightweight and soft, and you can easily slip it on and off.
Wide sponge padding is added at the chest plate and other contact points to provide your dog with the maximum amount of comfort as well.
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3. Expawlorer Big Dog Soft Reflective No Pull Harness
From Expawlorer, this soft, reflective harness is terrific for all kinds of breeds. There are several sizes available and nearly a dozen different colors to choose from.
This particular no pull-harness is made to work in a vehicle. It improves driver safety by reducing the chance that a pet will distract them with a comfortable harness that can work with restraints.
Features
This harness is constructed of high-quality fabric, and it is durable and lightweight, as well as soft. The thick padding on the underside where the harness is in contact with your dog’s skin will make it really comfortable to wear.
It features a heavy-duty D-ring where you can attach your leash. It also has a reflective strap to make sure that drivers can see your dog at night.
There are three different sizes that you can choose from, including small, medium and large, and they should be sufficient for most of the breeds except for the very small ones.
There are also several different colors to choose from, and this is one of the most attractive harnesses on the market.
Why you should buy
There is also a really handy and sturdy handle on the back that allows you to carry the harness around when you are not using on your dog, or when you need to take control of your dog if they are trying to run away or encounter another dog that they do not like.
This handle will help you to get them into the car better. The bottom line is that this is just a really well-designed harness made out of sturdy materials and still looks great to boot.
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4. Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Adjustable Dog Harness
Blueberry makes a really great harness. Blueberry dog harnesses gain recognition from veterinarians, dog breeders and all kinds of experts all across the country.
One of the things that make this such a great harness is how many options are available for customization.
Features
If you are going to get a dog harness, then you might as well make it your own and fit it to you and your dog’s unique style.
With colors like royal blue, dark orchid, Florence orange, medium turquoise, neon green, emerald and French pink, there are plenty of choices to choose from.
There are also three different sizes that you can get including the 16.5 to 21.5 inch chest girth which is considered the small, the medium which is 20 inches to 26 inches or the large which is 26 inches to 39 inches.
Why you should buy
The material is soft and durable, with brightly colored nylon in whichever style you choose, with heavy-duty buckles and D-ring fasteners to attach your leash.
It is made to last for a very long time, as well as made to be comfortable on your dog.
You do want to fit these carefully, because they do not stretch so you don’t want to leave your dog unattended very long while they are in the harness.
5. URPOWER Dog Leash Harness Adjustable & Durable Leash Set
URPOWER is a well-known brand when it comes to dog products, and it is definitely one of the top brands when it comes to harnesses.
Features
This dog harness from URPOWER has extremely heavy-duty construction. These harnesses are made from a combination of denim and thick nylon, making it almost indestructible.
These harnesses are not just strong; they are also comfortable for your pet. The material is soft and they are sized perfectly as to distribute weight evenly.
It reduces chafing because the straps are all soft textures with no hard edges and the buckles are located on the outside so that they do not irritate your dog’s skin. They also do not lie on sensitive areas of your dog’s body like the armpits, and the design is so advanced that your dog will not want to pull very much on it anyway.
Why you should buy
It gives you comfort and control all at the same time, and there is even orange nylon stitching that adds to the total overall strength.
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6. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is made with the highest quality materials, built and designed for your pup’s comfort. The vest is made from soft to the touch fabric that is still sturdy. Adjustable buckles make the harness a perfect fit for any breed of dog.
- Material is a high quality Oxford fabric
- Comes in sizes from small to extra large dogs
- Four adjustable straps make putting vest on and off easy
7. Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
The Voyager Dog Harness is made with an easy step in design for a quick and hassle free tack up before walks. The vest comes in sizes for any breed of dog, from extra small to extra large. The wide variety of colors give the owner their choice of style for their pup.
- Heavy duty mesh is made for any weather conditions
- The fabric has two reflective bands for safer walks
- Three safety features guarantee your pup’s comfort
8. EcoBark Classic Dog Harness
The EcoBark Classic Dog Harness is specially designed to offer comfort and protection for your pup while walking. The fabric is the highest quality mesh and the straps are made from recycled bottles. The fabric is anti rub for longer walks or for every day wearing.
- No pulling or choking risk with this design
- Vest is double padded for extra comfort
- Mesh is breathable and great for any weather
9. BABYLTRL Dog Harness
The BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness is designed to keep your dog right where you want them on walks. The fabric used is soft to the touch while being sturdy enough to withstand even the strongest and the vest is designed to stop pulling.
- Vest is adjustable to best fit your dog
- Comes in four sizes and six colors for your choice
- Adjustable vest is easy to put on and take off
10. Copatchy Dog Harness
The Copatchy Dog Harness is made from the highest quality of fabric to ensure durability. The reflective additions give you more safety on night walks. The handle on the back offers better control during training or in crowds.
- Comes in a variety of sizes for all dog breeds
- Vest is adjustable for a closer fit
- The vest is comfortable with sponge filling
11. RUFFWEAR – Dog Harness
The RUFFWEAR – Dog Harness is designed to eliminate pulling completely while offering your dog the most comfort. The fabric is of the highest quality, soft to the touch and sturdy. Your dog can wear this harness all day with no rubbing.
- Comes in five sizes and six colors for variety
- Harness is light weight and durable
- Reflective trim is great for safer night walks
12. PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness
The PoyPet Dog Harness is designed for your pup’s comfort while you train them. The no pull design is perfect for those just starting training pups, specialised to prevent choking.The vest is padded for your pup’s comfort while on walks.
- Comes in various sizes to fit any breed of dog
- Harness is lined with reflective material for safer walks
- Handle on back is great for extra control
13. Voyager Dog Vest Harness
The Voyager Dog Vest Harness is made with your dog’s comfort in mind as well as your walking needs. The inside of the vest is lined with a plush coating to keep warm and stop painful rubbing. The vest is available in a variety of sizes for any breed.
- Designed to keep all pressure from pulling off the dog’s neck
- Harness is step in for easy on the go walks
- Comes in a variety of colors for your personal choice
14. ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
The ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness is made to be the highest quality of harness for working dogs but can be used for everyday walks as well. The military grade fabric is sturdy and weather resistant. The vets comes in all sizes for any breed of dog you have.
- The front leash clip is excellent for no pull training
- Fabric is tough while still being gentle on your pup’s fur
- Custom fitted allows the perfect fit to your dog
15. Bolux Dog Harness
The Bolux Dog Harness is made from the best materials to ensure your dog’s comfort and safety while on walks. The vest comes in a variety of sizes for any dog breed with a selection of colors for aesthetic. The design guarantees that all pressure will be evenly distributed.
- Fabric has reflective additions for safer walks
- Adjustable vest allows for easy take off and put on
- Leash connector on back for better control
16. juxzh Soft Front Dog Harness
The juxzh Dog Harness is a no pull harness designed for your dog’s comfort and your training needs. The vest is made from the sturdiest materials while still being comfortable for your dog. The harness comes in all sizes for any breed and a variety of colors for your choice.
- Fabric is reflective to make night walks safer
- Made from a combo of nylon and mesh fabric
- Two leash attachment hooks for variety in training
17. WINSEE Dog Harness
The WINSEE Dog Harness comes with its own collar and best combo for your pup. Both collar and vest are adjustable to best fit your pooch. The set is made from the highest quality fabrics to ensure no rubbings on your dog.
- The harness has a no pull design to resist choking
- Vest comes in any size of dog breed
- Fabric is sturdy Oxford and reflective for safer walks
18. noxgear Harness
The noxgear Harness is specially made for your dog’s comfort and safety with the highest quality fabric. Night walks have never been safer, the harness is both reflective and contains LED fiber optics interwoven. The harness comes in any size for whatever breed of dog you have.
- The LED fiber optics are usb rechargeable
- The vest is adjustable to better fit your pooch
- The fabric is light weight while still being rainproof
19. Eagloo Dog Harness
The Eagloo Dog Harness’s no pull design is made specifically for even the worst pullers. The soft fabric is comfortable for your pup while still being sturdy. The vest comes in any size of dog breed for your convenience.
- The vest is adjustable to better fit to your dog
- The material of the vest is breathable and comfy
- Reflective trimming adds security for night walks
20. PUPTECK No Pull Dog Harness
The PUPTECK Dog Harness is both comfortable and sturdy for your dog’s enjoyment on walks. The harness is made from the highest quality of nylon for durability. The easy step in design makes getting ready a snap even for the most excitable pup.
- Reflective fabric makes night walks safer
- Comes in sizes small to large to fit most breeds
- The straps are adjustable for a closer fit to your pooch
21. Didog Dog Vest Harness
The Didog Dog Vest Harness is made with your dog’s comfort in mind. The fabric is soft to the touch while still remaining sturdy enough to be worn on walks. The inside is padded with a flannel fabric for added comfort and warmth.
- The harness is escape proof for your houdini
- Reflective fabric allows for safer night walks
- Harness is easy to put on and take off on the go
22. Downtown Pet Supply Dog Harness
The Downtown Pet Supply Dog Harness comes in a large variety of sizes and colors for the owner’s choosing. The vest is designed to evenly distribute pulling pressure across the chest. The step in design allows for easy putting on and taking off.
- Soft mesh is both sturdy and breathable
- Fabric is soft to the touch and stops painful rubbing
- Additional padding in the vest guarantees comfort for long wearing
23. BARKBAY No Pull Dog Harness
The BARKBAY Dog Harness is made from the hardiest materials while still being comfortable enough for your pup. The fabric, on top of being good quality, is highly reflective for safer night walks. The double clip makes training easier, giving you multiple leash positions.
- Hand is made for easy control of your pooch
- Comes in sizes small to extra large
- Easy to take off and put on your pup
24. WONDERPUP Soft Mesh Dog Harness
The WONDERPUP Dog Harness is made from the softest and highest quality materials while still being reasonably priced. The vest is padded to add more protecting against uncomfortable rubbing. The harness comes in four sizes and ten colors for your choosing.
- Mesh fabric is soft to the touch and breathable
- Vest is adjustable to each dog’s needs
- Mesh is made from one hundred percent polyester
25. PHOEPET Harness
PHOEPET Harness is available in a variety of sizes to fit any breed of dog, while the color choices give the owner options for aesthetic. The training handle makes walks easier for beginners. The vest is adjustable to better fit any dog.
- Three buckles make taking off and putting on easy
- No pulling or choking hazard with this design
- Two handles with soft and comfortable grips
26. TIANYAO Dog Harness
The TIANYAO Dog Harness is made from the highest quality fabric to ensure the durability of their product. With its reflective striping, the harness is great for night walks. The vest is only available in larger sizes, large or extra large.
- Comes with matching dog collar
- Both harness and collar have extra locking mechanism
- Pulling pressure is evenly distributed across chest
27. WALKTOFINE Dog Harness
The WALKTOFINE Dog Harness is specially designed for your dog’s comfort while on walks. The no pull feature is perfect for beginners, lowering the risk of choking. The vest comes in any size of dog breed for your convenience.
- Mesh on vest is breathable and sweat resistant
- The Oxford fabric is durable and comfortable
- The vest is easily adjustable to better fit your pup
28. CHERPET Puppy Harness and Leash Set
The CHERPET Harness and Leash Set is made for medium or small dog breeds, but would also work for puppies. The full body vest is adjustable to best fit your dog. The material is a soft and breathable mesh for the vest, offering comfort as well as durability.
- Harness fits both cats and dogs
- Halter is designed to be anti pulling or rubbing
- Safety buckle for easy and quick release
29. FIVEWOODY Dog Harness
The FIVEWOODY Dog Harness is made of the highest quality materials to ensure durability for working dogs. The design is lined with reflective trimming to make night walks safer. The handle on the back is great for better control in crowds or training.
- Comes in sizes small to extra large for most breeds
- The vest is easily adjustable for your pup
- Vest is made from military grade nylon
30. Ringloose No Pull Dog Vest Harness
The Ringloose Harness is made to stop pulling and allow for a more enjoyable walk for both you and your pooch. The vest comes in three sizes and four colors for a variety of choices. The handle on the back allows for better crowd control.
- No pull design evenly distributes pressure across chest
- Fabric is a soft mesh for breathability and durability
- The mesh is perfect for any weather
Dog Harness Buying Guide
We will be covering a great deal of information in this buying guide including whether you should choose front-clip or back-clip harnesses, and what the advantages and disadvantages of each are, how to size your dog for a harness and how to choose the size that will perfectly fit your dog, the various types of harnesses that are out there, the styles that are available and a whole lot of other information that all should be taken into consideration when choosing a dog harness.
However, let’s start with understanding why you would need a dog harness in the first place.
Why You Need A Dog Harness
A dog harness offers a safe and effective method for training, controlling walks or making sure that they are secure in a vehicle. Harnesses are also safe when it comes to chaining up your dog. There is far less chance of your dog choking when they are wearing a harness.
Dogs that pull on their leash run the risk of straining or spraining their neck and even causing permanent damage. A harness is a much better idea than a dog leash, because it redistributes the force around the body instead of all being at the neck.
For dogs that are difficult to control, a harness can be a much better solution. A dog harness is also a lot less likely to break or slip off. When you have a collar on your dog, it is possible that he or she will be able to wriggle out of it with a little work.
Front-Clip vs. Back-Clip Harness
Harnesses generally have a clip in one of two places. The harness clip may be on the front right in front of the dog’s chest, or it may be on the back. Either one is fine when it comes to training and getting your dog to behave.
Back-clip harnesses are best for small dogs or dogs that have any sort of respiratory problems or neck injuries. They are also best for older dogs that may have difficulty breathing if their airway were restricted. You want to avoid putting back-clip harnesses on dogs that pull a lot or large dogs that have a lot of strength.
Front-clip harnesses are best for dogs that pull on their leash a lot, or dogs that jump or get distracted or try to run up to other dogs when they see them. Most of the time, front-clip harnesses are best for larger dogs too.
The Main Four Types of Dog Harnesses
There are four main types of harnesses that we will be covering here.
Tightening Harness: A tightening harness can give you more control over an unruly dog because it gently tightens up when you pull on it. Tightening harnesses are best for dogs that pull stubbornly, dogs that jump or any dog that you cannot control with a normal harness.
Head Harness: A head harness helps you control the dog by controlling his or her head. The head harness fits around the dog’s muzzle and the entire head. This gives you a lot more control. This type of harness is best for dogs that have had training and respond well to being guided with a leash.
Mobility Harness: The mobility harness is a type of harness that provides a great deal of mobility. It is also known as a dog sling harness. This type of harness is made to fit dogs that have limited mobility.
Vest Harness: A vest harness is basically just like most of the other harnesses listed here except that it covers your dog’s body instead of having straps.
Fitting & Sizing A Dog Harness
It starts with getting the right measurements. For that you are going to need some sort of measuring tape. The best ones to get are the soft weight loss tapes, which usually come in 60 inch length, so that you can wrap them around your dog and see exactly what their girth is.
The girth is the main thing that a dog harness sized on. When you measure the girth, you will be able to determine which size to buy for your dog.
If you take a look at the reviews listed above, you will notice that most of them have sizes listed, and with each size is a minimum and maximum chest girth. That is what you measure on your dog and then you purchase the corresponding size.
If your dog is close, then it is up to you whether you choose one or the other. For example, if the medium size is 21 to 35 inches, and the large size is 35 to 44 inches, you can choose either one of these if your dog is 35 inches. However, they will probably be happier with the looser harness.
Dog Harness Strength & Durability
There are two major factors that determine strength and durability. The first is the material, and the second is the ply of the material.
The material you choose is important. Nylon is the most common materials the dog harnesses are made out of. Most nylon is pretty strong no matter what. In addition, nylon is pretty standard among all dog harnesses.
The ply of the material is also important. Generally, dog harnesses are either one-ply or two-ply. You have probably heard the term applied to toilet paper before, and the principal is the same. One-ply dog harnesses have one layer of material while two-ply harnesses have two layers. Obviously, the dog harnesses with two-ply materials are going to be stronger than the one-ply.
Materials
The material that the best harnesses for dogs are made out of is also important. The two most common ones are nylon and leather.
Nylon is definitely the biggest material used in the construction of dog harnesses, mainly because it is cheaper than leather and offers many of the same benefits.
Nylon dog harnesses are often inexpensive and offered in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Nylon harnesses are also extremely strong and will stand up to a great deal of pulling by your dog, and they will also not suffer from the wear and tear of some of the weaker materials out there.
Leather harnesses can come in a few different shades, and they are as strong as nylon in many cases. However, leather does not stand up to wear and tear quite as well and they certainly do not stand up to the elements like nylon does. It should go without saying that leather dog harnesses are also quite a bit more expensive.
Features to Consider
Let’s take a look at some of the various features of dog harnesses that you need to keep in mind as you are shopping for one.
Reflective Tape
Reflective tape can be a really smart addition on dog harnesses because they allow your dog to be seen at night when you’re out walking.
Waterproofing
Most of the time, nylon dog harnesses are completely waterproof and will dry out in the sun. Leather dog harnesses are not as resilient against water.
Style & Color
Style and color may not be as important as some of the other factors listed here, but there still something that you should consider. If you want to go with the matching leash and collar, then there are certain brands that you want to go with that offer these options. Blueberry is a really good brand when it comes to matching up different accessories like leashes, collars and harnesses.
Price
Finally, price is always a consideration when it comes to purchasing anything for your pet. If you have to spend more for a dog harness that is going to be a great deal more durable, and you know it is going to fit your dog, then you should be willing to spend that money because it will last you for many years to come. You get what you pay for.
Dog Harness Review Conclusion
The bottom line is that there are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to buying a dog harness for your dog. We think our top choice is a great option no matter what dog breed you have.
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