Selecting the right harness for your German Shepherd dog, you’ll need to ensure that it’s the right size, provides comfort, and fits your dog’s activity level. The best harnesses should provide your canine pal with the security and safety it needs while giving you better control at the same time. This extensive buyer’s guide takes you through the top picks in the market and will lead you to the best option for your dog and your needs.
Below are the 15 best dog harnesses for German Shepherds that you’re sure to love!
Different Types of Harnesses for Your German Shepherd
There are various kinds of harnesses available for your German Shepherd which have all been designed to cater to your specific preferences and needs. Understanding the different kinds of harnesses you can choose from will help you make the best choice for these strong dogs. Some of the best dog harnesses for German Shepherds will include the following:
- No-Pull Harnesses – These will often be made from durable nylon material, and are designed to help with training and reduce pulling. This harness’s benefits include improved durability, a comfortable fit, and provides extra control, making it ideal for German Shepherd owners.
- Front-Clip Harnesses – These come with a clip at the front of the harness, allowing handlers to control their dog from the front rather than the back. As such, they’re a great option for pups that love to pull — this dog harness can quickly redirect a dog’s attention with just a gentle tug of the leash.
- Back-Clip Harnesses – This harness comes with a clip at the back, letting the handler control their pooch from the back. The back-clip harness is often used in dog shows to get better control of their German Shepherd puppy.
- Dual Clip Harnesses – As its name suggests, this harness comes with two clips — one at the front and one at the back. They are a good option for owners who wish to keep their pup’s attention while getting better control over their energetic dogs.
- Tactical Dog Harness – Designed for dogs in law enforcement and the military, these harnesses are typically made with canvas or heavy-duty nylon. They come with a few metal attachment points, providing improved training capabilities and more control.
Important Features to Look for in the Best Dog Harnesses
There are a few things that you’ll need to look for if you want the perfect harness for your big dog.
- Durable Materials: Check that the harness is made from durable materials that can handle the energy and strength of German Shepherds. You may also want to consider harnesses made from breathable materials to prevent overheating.
- Fit and Adjustability: Check that the harness has adjustable straps to ensure that it offers the best fit for your pooch. It should also provide a snug fit around your dog’s chest, and throughout your dog’s body shape without any discomfort.
- Padding and Comfort: A comfortable harness should have soft padding to prevent chafing and rubbing against your dog’s skin.
- Reflective Strips: This is an important feature to have whenever you walk your pup around low-light conditions. Reflective stitching also helps to enhance visibility to ensure that others on the street can see your pup.
- Leash Attachment Points: Look for a harness that has a front clip attachment point to discourage pulling and to improve your training sessions. A back clip will provide you with maximum control while providing the best position for a leash.
- Ease of Use: A high-quality harness will be easy to wear and take off, and will have quick-release buckles to allow for easy adjustment.
The Best German Shepherd Harnesses
Here are the best heavy-duty harnesses for large dogs that you can use on casual walks, and for dog training that can handle your German Shepherd’s strength and energy.
1. Puppia Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Soft padding for better comfort
- D-ring leash attachment with quick-release belt
- Made from polyester and cotton
- Lightweight and durable
The Puppia Dog Harness is a quick and easy-to-use collar that provides the ultimate comfort for a big dog. Featuring a lightweight mesh for both function and convenience, this harness also comes with an adjustable quick-release chest belt and a bigger opening to provide comfort for your dog’s neck. With a practical design, this walking harness can give your dog the style and comfort it needs for daily walks.
2. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Evenly distributes pressure around the chest
- Made with breathable mesh for use during any season
- Features reflective material for evening strolls
- With D-rings and hook-and-loop fasteners
With the Voyager Step-in Air Dog Harness, your pup can enjoy walks all day long in any weather! This secure harness specializes in evenly distributing the pressure from your dog’s chest to the rest of the body to prevent stains and stress as it walks. Made from breathable mesh materials along with two reflective bands, your pooch will be safe and comfortable as it walks the streets during the early morning and in the evenings.
3. Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Made to provide the perfect fit for working dogs
- Features breathable Eco-Tex liner for everyday use
- Sturdy construction and water-repellent outer shell
- Glow-in-the-dark side labels which are also removable
Designed specifically for the needs of rescue dogs and service dogs, the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness offers great value. Made with Eco-Tex for breathability and comfort, it won’t harm the skin while its break-resistant and freeze-proof buckles can withstand all kinds of weather. Its design also allows for complete freedom of movement, so your pooch can explore and run as much as it wants.
4. SlowTon Car Safety Dog Harness with Seat Belt
Highlights:
- Car harness with an added seat belt for added road safety
- Can be used as an everyday harness with a leash
- Fully adjustable to provide your pooch with security and comfort
- Made from a breathable double mesh fabric to keep dogs cool
With the SlowTon Dog Car Harness and Safety Seat Belt, your dog is sure to love road trips as much as you do! It can be adjusted to keep your pup secure while laying down, helping it stay safe and preventing it from roaming around your car. The seat belt is also made from high-quality and durable elastic that can protect your furry friend as you drive.
5. Kurgo Journey Air Polyester Reflective No Pull Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Low price compared to other harnesses of the same quality
- Comfortable harness that’s ideal for walking, hiking, and running
- Padded chest plate for less strain
- The leash can be used at the front or back of the harness
The Kurgo Journey Air Dog Harness is available in different colors and is made from breathable materials to support active dogs. Its V-neck design, along with its padded chest plate provides support for less strain on the back and to provide more control for their handlers. This reflective dog harness also comes with an attachment at the front of the harness and has four points of adjustment to give your German Shepherd the perfect fit.
6. Pawtitas Nylon Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Has an easy-to-wear and comfortable design
- Comes with a steel leash ring and durable belt buckle
- Available in different sizes to provide the right fit for dogs of all breeds
- Also available in various colors to express your dog’s personality
With the Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness, you can always walk in style and comfort, whether you go to a park or through the streets. Its thick neoprene padding provides the ultimate comfort and its reflective strip will make it safer for your pet to wander around in low-light conditions for better visibility. Because of its step-through design, it’s so easy to put on through your pup’s front legs, so you can get out the door quickly.
7. HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness
Highlights:
- No-choke harness is great for elderly dogs and hard pullers
- Wide design helps to distribute pressure to give more comfort
- Made with 100% polyester
- The D-ring firmly attaches and allows for completely free movements
The HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness offers great functionality through its no-choke design, making it a good choice for energetic pets and senior dogs that need a gentle option. These no-pull dog harnesses also come with a built-in handle that will help to keep your dog close whenever needed, while helping it traverse rougher terrain. Its cleverly designed D-ring also gives your pup freedom of motion while at the same time giving you complete control.
8. Gooby Comfort X Mesh Step-In Back Clip Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Patented design helps to evenly distribute weight
- Varied sizes ensure comfort for dogs of any size
- Comes in six stylish colors for dogs
- Made from lightweight mesh so it can be worn for many hours
With the Comfort X Step-In Dog Harness, you can combine style, comfort, and safety — everything you need has been put into one high-quality harness. It comes with a patented X-frame design and four adjustment points, focusing your dog’s weight around the chest so that nothing tugs on his neck. Finally, it’s made from a light and breathable fabric that will give comfort on top of the safety and security this harness already provides.
9. Industrial Puppy Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Reflective Vest Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Comes with reflective patches and straps to help keep your canine visible and safe
- Meets travel requirements for your working pup
- Made of durable and comfortable padded mesh
- The harness features a belly buckle and control handle
The Industrial Puppy Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Reflective Dog Harness can help your therapy dog stay safe while looking professional and stylish. It’s made with reinforced, double-stitched nylon to withstand even the most active dogs at work. Moreover, the quick-release buckle will let you put the handle on top to regain control over your dog when needed.
10. Blueberry Pet Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Comes with adjustable straps for a good strap no matter the dog’s size
- Two separate vests allow for weight distribution and pull control
- Made from lightweight mesh, oxford materials, and polyester
- Comes with a durable steel D-ring that helps to secure a leash
Security, style, and comfort now come together through this Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Multi-Colored Stripe Padded Dog Harness. This mesh harness is completely comfortable for all dog breeds and protects them at night through an Oxford outer layer with reflective stripes. Finally, the durable D-ring allows for secure leash attachment — even the most accomplished escape artists won’t be able to get away from this harness!
11. EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness
Highlights:
- Car harness provides superior safety during travels
- The Mag-Lok Instant Fit system allows quick on and off from your dog’s head
- Comes with seat belt webbing, aluminum alloy, and Crosslink technology
- Designed with an ergonomic and contoured molded chest plate
No matter where you go, you can drive in confidence with the EzyDog Drive Dog Car Harness. Engineered using high-quality materials and certified for quality and safety, this car harness has passed numerous crash tests. For superior handling and ease of use, its Mag-Lok Instant Fit closure means that you only need to fit your pup once so you can just snap and go!
12. K9 Explorer Reflective Adjustable Padded Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Neoprene padding for a comfortable and snug fit
- The step-in harness makes it easy to take off and put on
- Comes in six different colors you can choose from
- Made from quality materials
These dog harnesses by K9 Explorer will let your pooch tag along to all your adventures — this step-in and the padded harness has been designed with reflective stitching that can provide safety at night time. It’s also compatible with the K9 Explorer leash, allowing your pup to run, stroll, and trot wherever you may be, knowing that your partner is safely by your side. With six exciting colors to choose from, you’ll be able to find the best design for your dog.
13. Comfort Soft Sport Wrap Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Made from a breathable mesh pad that helps to keep your dog cool
- Can be adjusted for a range of sizes for comfort and security
- Comes in a step-in style that can be easily worn
- Added reinforcement with dual D-rings for large dogs
Through this Adjustable Dog Harness, your furbaby can keep cool and comfortable during long walks and wild adventures. Offering a great alternative to the traditional design of nylon harnesses, this harness offers a mesh chest pad for breathability while its bright colors complement your pup’s active lifestyle. Its dual metal D-rings will give you full control and have been reinforced for medium and large-size dogs.
14. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Made with 3M reflective material for nighttime visibility
- Has a built-in handle at the top of the harness for easier and safer road trips
- Comes in 9 vibrant colors and come in many sizes
- Belly straps and a padded chest can keep your pup comfortable
With Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness, you can keep your pup safe and secure while giving your dog a stylish and eye-catching look. It helps to remove the pressure from your dog’s neck and distribute it to the rest of the body while its reflective piping allows your pup to stay visible in dark areas. Car rides will also be more manageable — simply attach the leash to the O-ring to stop dog pulls from happening, or use a seat belt over the built-in handle.
15. OneTigris Tactical Vest Nylon Front Clip Dog Harness
Highlights:
- Versatile and durable tactical harness that features a heavy-duty nylon
- Fully adjustable chest and neck straps for a secure fit
- Features a control loop and a crisscross strap for storage
- You can customize this harness with badges and patches
Give your pup the adventure it seeks with the OneTigris Tactical Service Vest Dog Harness, which will keep it comfortable and safe. Known for its versatility and durability, this heavy-duty nylon harness provides lightweight and water-resistant comfort during every outing. It also comes with fully adjustable chest and neck straps that will provide a secure and snug fit, while fastener-style panels on each side will let you attach all the badges and patches your dog can proudly wear.
Find the Best Dog Harnesses for German Shepherds
While German Shepherds are the most trainable and loyal dogs, they also possess strength that many owners may not be able to control. As such, dog collars may not be enough to work with, so be sure to find a compatible harness that will help you control your German Shepherd at all times. It’s a good idea to consider the options above to ensure that your pup will grow up with proper training and an even distribution of pressure throughout their walks and adventures.
