Best dog harnesses in 2022

Contents

Many dog ​​owners are very worried about the fact that the usual collar can harm their beloved pet, so they choose a harness for walking. But how not to make a mistake in choosing?

The harness differs from the collar in that it does not cover the dog’s neck, but its chest – in front of and under the front paws. The leash is attached to the top of the withers, so the dog does not experience any discomfort when the leash is pulled. 

Most often, harnesses are used by owners of dogs of small breeds, since it seems that the necks of the Toy or Chihuahua are so thin that they can be damaged by a strong jerk. In fact, of course, this is not the case, and the collar as a measure of gentle impact on the dog and a way to maintain constant tactile contact with the owner is invaluable, especially at the stages of teaching the dog to walk near and not pull on the leash. But there are situations when you can not do without a harness. And first of all, this, of course, concerns dog breeds, whose main advantage is beautiful wool: Spitz, Chow Chow, etc. But here the question arises: how to choose the right harness so that it is reliable and comfortable for the dog.

Editor’s Choice 

Harness Darell Eva XS, neck circumference 19 – 27 cm, orange

This model is always popular among owners of both dogs and cats. After all, it is made of genuine leather, very soft, and due to the wide chest strap it does not press anywhere. A big plus of this model are metal rings on both sides to the lock, which makes the harness very reliable. At the same time, the convenient design makes it easy to take it off and put it on without frightening or injuring the animal. 

Your pet will no doubt like this harness, because natural material cannot be replaced by any, even the most modern synthetics. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog Cat
Sizesmall
Materialleather
Neck circumference19 – 27 cm
Bust24 – 32 cm
ColorOrange
Additional Informationuniversal, quick release, size adjustable

Advantages and disadvantages

Natural material, carabiner rings on both sides of the lock, suitable for both dogs and cats, durable, inexpensive
No leash included, size slightly smaller than stated
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Top 9 best harnesses for dogs in 2022 according to KP

1. Harness HUNTER Ecco Sport Vario Rapid S, neck circumference 30 – 45 cm, red

A fairly budget option for a high-quality nylon harness. Its size allows you to use this model not only for miniature, but also for medium-sized dogs. The harness is made in elegant colors (red and blue to choose from), has strong straps and a design that is convenient for the animal, thanks to which it does not interfere with the dog when walking and running, and therefore it is easy to teach a puppy to it. If necessary, the length of the straps can be adjusted, which is especially convenient if the dog is still growing. The accessories are made of metal and durable plastic. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog Cat
Sizesmall, medium
Materialnylon
Neck circumference30 – 45 cm
Bust33 – 54 cm
Colorred, blue
Additional Informationthe size can be adjusted by means of special runners

Advantages and disadvantages

Inexpensive, beautiful, adjustable size
One ring for the carabiner, you need to deal with the design
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2. Harness Ferplast Agila Fluo 4 yellow

Stylish, beautiful, comfortable – it’s all about this harness. Its nylon straps are equipped with a special foam lining to make the dog feel as comfortable as possible in it. The size can be adjusted so that the harness does not press or sag, and the design is made in such a way that it can be easily removed and put on, while walking does not slip off the dog. 

Due to the special comfort, such a harness can also be used for cats, and it is suitable even for such massive breeds as the British or Maine Coons. 

The mechanism and materials are strong and reliable, so the product will last a long time and pay for its money. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog Cat
Sizesmall, medium
Materialnylon
Bust44 – 52 cm
Coloryellow, orange, pink, blue
Additional Informationadjustable, fittings materials

Advantages and disadvantages

Easy to put on and take off, soft, durable, beautiful
High price, no leash included
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3. Harness TRIXIE Soft S fuchsia 

If the comfort of your pet is in the first place for you, then such a harness is a great solution, because it is made in such a way as to be as comfortable as possible for your four-legged friend. Wide belts, more like a vest, lined with foam rubber, will soften any tension and jerks, which is so important for miniature dogs and cats, especially those that are just learning to walk on a leash. 

This harness is ideal for dogs of small breeds: Toy, Chihuahua, Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier and others. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog Cat
Sizesmall
Materialnylon
Bust33 – 50 cm
Additional Informationsuitable for dogs weighing no more than 8 kg, color pink (fuchsia), red, turquoise

Advantages and disadvantages

Comfortable, beautiful, with a soft lining
High price, one carabiner ring, no leash included
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4. Ferplast Ergocomfort P XL brace, neck circumference 64 – 74 cm, series

Contrary to popular belief, large dogs are also driven on harnesses, especially when their luxurious fur collar is a matter of pride. What can we say about sledding breeds, which are often harnessed to sleds in order to ride with a breeze over the first snow. 

This harness is suitable for large dogs, and even if it has to tow a passenger, it will not cause any discomfort to a four-legged friend, because all the straps are equipped with soft foam padding, while they are the widest on the chest, so pulling a sled for your husky or malamute will be fun and not at all difficult. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog
Sizea large
Materialnylon
Neck circumference64 – 74 cm
Bust82 – 92 cm
Additional Informationadjustable, padded, gray

Advantages and disadvantages

Suitable for large dogs, there is a soft lining, wide on the chest, the size is adjustable
High price, one leash ring
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5. Harness Ferplast Easy colors XS, neck circumference 33 – 46 cm, purple/black

Great option for small dogs. The harness is strong, beautiful, easy to put on and does not press the dog. At the same time, the carabiner of the leash clings to two rings, which will not allow the harness to spontaneously unfasten, even if the lock breaks for some reason. 

The size of the harness is adjustable, so it is suitable for very tiny dogs or cats, as well as for larger pets. At the same time, such a harness is relatively inexpensive. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog Cat
Sizesmall, medium
Materialnylon
Neck circumference33 – 46,5 cm
Bust33 – 46,5 cm
Additional Informationadjustable, black with pink

Advantages and disadvantages

Inexpensive, durable, two rings for a carabiner
Sometimes moves to the side, no leash included
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6. Harness TRIXIE Premium Touring ML caramel

Such a harness is ideal for a medium-sized dog, but at the same time massive: sharpei, Staffordshire terrier, pit bull, etc. Its straps are so wide and soft (they contain foam lining) that the dog will feel as comfortable as possible in such a harness. comfortable – she will neither press nor rub anything. 

The design of the harness assumes maximum reliability, so it is also suitable for very strong and active dogs. It will also serve perfectly if you decide to harness your dog to the sled. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog
Sizemedium, large
Materialnylon
Bust50 – 90 cm
Additional Informationadjustable, padded and reinforced chest, color

Advantages and disadvantages

Suitable for large dogs, comfortable, does not rub, beautiful
High price, one carabiner ring
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7. Harness Usond No. 0 (ША-100) green

Tarpaulin is a material that has long earned the special love of dog lovers. Canvas leashes and collars are always popular for their incredible strength, reliability and low price. 

This harness is also made of tarpaulin and is designed for fairly large dogs of the size of the Staffordshire Terrier. A wide reinforced chest strap allows you to use this harness not only as a walking harness, but also as a riding harness, and reliable buckles and leather stitching will not allow the harness to either unfasten or tear. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog
Sizemedium, large
Materialtarpaulin
Bustup to 90 cm
Additional Informationreinforced chest, metal fittings, color green

Advantages and disadvantages

Low price, reliable, durable fasteners, can be used as a riding
The size is not adjustable, you need to measure
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8. Nylon harness with chest (size M) neck 60 – 70 cm, chest 70 – 90 cm, fast with blocking, police camouflage

A chic harness that absolutely everyone will love. Wide soft straps with a reinforced chest, reliable rings, protection (blocking) from unfastening and reflective elements – all this will make the harness of this model simply irreplaceable. It can be used both for regular walks and for towing heavy things, and it is also suitable for disabled dogs with problems of the musculoskeletal system: with the help of a special handle, the owner can support the dog, helping it to stay on its feet. The same pen helps a lot in the situation when the owner needs to keep the dog next to him, for example, if the pet shows excessive excitability at the sight of other dogs. 

The harness is suitable for large breed dogs: German Shepherds, Dobermans, Huskies, etc. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog
Sizemedium, large
Materialnylon
Neck circumference60 – 70 cm
Bust70 – 90 cm
Additional Informationreinforced chest strap, fixing rings, handle, color

Advantages and disadvantages

Relatively low price, universal, protection against unfastening, handle, soft belts
Slightly smaller than stated size
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9. Harness dude with lining XS red

The case when for little money you can buy a very high quality product. This harness will be a real find for a medium-sized dog. The straps are arranged in such a way that the dog does not feel any discomfort – they are wide, with a soft lining, and even if your four-legged friend likes to pull on the leash, he will never suffocate in such a comfortable “harness”. 

This harness is suitable for Jack Russell Terrier, Spaniel, Beagle, Small Poodle, etc. The special handle will help to keep especially active dogs in place. Sizes are adjustable so you can adjust the length of the straps to fit your dog. 

Main characteristics

A typeharness
Animaldog
Sizesmall, medium
Materialnylon
Bust48 – 56 cm
Additional Informationsoft lining, reinforced chest strap, there is a special handle, color red, blue, black.

Advantages and disadvantages

Reliable, convenient, adjustable, inexpensive, multifunctional
Not suitable for very small dogs, leash not included
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How to choose a dog harness 

As you can see, the choice of harnesses today is huge, but how to choose the one that best suits your dog? 

Firstly, of course, the choice will depend on what the harness is for. Most often they are purchased for walking, but you may also need a harness if you have a sled dog or a guide dog. 

Secondly, the size of the dog matters. The length of the straps is usually adjustable, but up to a certain limit, so it is important to read the coverage of the chest and neck on the label so that the “harness” does not press, but does not hang on the pet, because otherwise the dog can simply break out of the harness and run away. 

Thirdly, the breed also matters. So for short-haired and hairless dogs, harnesses with a soft lining are better suited, which will not rub against delicate skin. 

If you live in the south, then in the hot summer you should not use vests or harnesses with very wide straps – the dogs will be very hot in them, especially considering that most harnesses are made of nylon.

It is also worth considering the nature of your dog. If she tends to pull on the leash, then pay special attention to the strength of the fasteners.

As for the convenience for the owner, it is better to choose a harness design that can be easily and quickly put on the dog.

Popular questions and answers 

For questions about choosing harnesses for dogs, we spoke with pet store owner Irina Khokhlova.

Which is better: harness or collar?

It is not necessary to accustom a dog to a harness from childhood – the correct control over a pet is carried out only with the help of a collar. And only when the dog has fully adapted to the collar, it is possible to wear a harness, because the dog gets used to pulling in it. 

 

Harnesses were invented for sled dogs. Their task was to pull some kind of load or pull the owner out from somewhere if it was a rescue dog.

Which dogs are more suitable for a harness, and for which a collar?

All dogs belong to different types: by coat, by size. For example, Pomeranians or, say, Chow Chows are categorically not recommended to spoil their luxurious fur coat, so the collar is contraindicated for them, and the harness must be chosen from a special material that does not spoil the coat. Because with the wrong choice, tangles and bald spots will begin to appear.

What is more suitable for a guide dog: a harness or a collar?

Harness. And on such harnesses there are always reflective elements, so that at night you can see first of all the guide dog, and then the person she leads. 

Are there harnesses for large dogs?

For large dogs, it is still worth buying collars. But there are a number of companies that produce fairly high-quality harnesses for large breeds. Their accessories are made of very durable plastic, which even a very heavy dog ​​will not be able to break under any circumstances.

What to look for when choosing a harness?

It is very important that there are two metal rings on the clasp for which the leash is attached – in this case, even if the plastic lock is somehow unfastened, the harness will remain on the leash and the dog will not run away.

We also asked a number of questions about harnesses veterinarian, zoo engineer Anastasia Kalinina.

What harnesses are suitable for small dog breeds?

For small dogs, neoprene harnesses with fastex fasteners are convenient – they do not damage the coat, do not rub, are well regulated, and do not become stiff if the dog gets caught in the rain. Leatherette harnesses with narrow straps and weak buckles and rings are not suitable. Do not get carried away with rhinestones that a dog can swallow.

What harnesses are suitable for long-haired dog breeds?

For long-haired Chow-Chow dogs, special harnesses are produced, consisting of two round-section belt loops or flat narrow stitched straps. Such harnesses do not crumple the luxurious coat of these dogs.

Which dogs are better suited for harnesses than collars?

Harnesses are recommended for brachycephalic dogs of decorative breeds: pugs, Japanese chins, Pekingese, as they have problems with the larynx.

 

For medical reasons, it is recommended to walk dogs on a harness with a cough, with problems with the eyes, after a stroke, with neck injuries, and so on.

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