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Bernese Mountain Dogs are gentle giants: lovable, sweet, and just a bit stubborn. Despite being wonderful companions, their big size and even bigger personalities can make them a lot to handle on a leash. The best Bernese Mountain dog harnesses will channel that energy and keep your dog safe and secure on walks.
You’ll also want a harness with plenty of support that doesn’t restrict movement or add pressure to joints, as this breed is prone to musculoskeletal issues such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.
For more about the needs of this sweet-natured breed, we consulted Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench, a veterinary surgeon and writer for Gentle Dog Trainers. Read on if you’re looking for the best Bernese Mountain Dog harness for your teddy bear of a dog. We’ve curated an excellent list of options.
Best Tactical: OneTigris Tactical Fire Watcher Dog Harness Vest
Durable and comfortable, tactical harnesses are ideal for large dogs like Berners since their ergonomic shape offers handlers more control while also keeping their big breed safe.
This model by OneTigris has a lot of qualities that you’d want in a tactical harness. The 1000D nylon construction is tough and water- and dirt-resistant. Mesh lining provides good airflow for thick Berner coats, and four heavy-duty buckles keep your dog secure.
To help you manage walking your powerhouse pup, this harness includes two stainless steel D-rings and a grab handle in the back. The vest design, however, won’t restrict your dog’s movement, as Dr. Dench recommends.
To add some flair, the loop panels let you attach a patch in case you want to show your Berner is in training. OneTigris also sells attachable saddlebag pouches so your dog can carry their gear and goodies on adventures. Since Bernese Mountain Dogs were bred for pack and pulling, they should have no problem carrying a few accoutrements on their walks.
Available in large and extra-large, this harness includes a one-year warranty. Pet parents note that the sizing tends to run big, so you may want to adjust accordingly.
Key Features:
- Available in large and X-large
- Strong nylon harness with breathable mesh lining
- Four buckles, two leash attachments, and a handle for safety and security
- Option to add patches and pouches
- Comes with a one-year satisfaction guarantee
To Consider:
- Sizing tends to run big
Best Padded: Ruffwear Front Range Harness (Verified Review)
According to Dr. Dench, the natural working gait of a Bernese Mountain Dog is a slow and steady trot. Still, this breed has a powerful drive, and due to their size, a padded harness can help protect them during all their antics, regardless of their speed.
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness has an airy mesh lining and wide foam-padded straps to prevent chafing. Pet parents like that it’s easy to put on and has front and back leash attachments. However, it’s worth noting the front loop is fabric and might not be secure enough for heavy pullers.
Like the OneTigris tactical harness above, the Front Range tends to run big, but four adjustment points can help you find the right fit. In our testing, we found this harness to be a versatile option for all types of outings, from neighborhood walks to more vigorous hikes.
Key Features:
- Available in a large/X-large size
- Padded but tough construction
- Easy side release buckles and four points of adjustment
- Reflective trim for visibility
To Consider:
- Front loop may not be ideal for extreme pullers
- Sizes run big
Best for Escape Artists: Ruffwear Web Master (Verified Review)
Let’s face it. Sometimes stubbornness gets the best of your Bernese Mountain Dog, which can lead to some Houdini-like qualities. If your best friend doubles as an escape artist, consider this additional harness by Ruffwear. Five adjustment points ensure a secure fit, while two belly straps help prevent your dog from backing out of the harness. The two leash attachment points are also on the top, so you can add a second lead for reinforcement.
Like the Front Range above, the Web Master has thickly padded foam throughout, so it won’t irritate your Bernese Mountain Dog’s skin (one possible cause of why your Berner is ducking out). Our testers, however, found this harness to be quite hot during warmer months, which could pose an issue for a Berner’s long, heavy coat. For a lighter option with the same longer, two-belly strap design, Ruffwear’s Flagline Harness offers a solid alternative.
Key Features:
- Available in large/X-large
- Extra waist strap for security
- Two leash attachments on top
- Five adjustment points for a custom fit
To Consider:
- Thick material is hot in warm weather
Best for Pullers: HDP Big Dog No-Pull Harness
Many Berners prefer to plod along next to their human, but if you do have a powerful walker on your hands, this harness has a wide chest strap that deters pulling without putting pressure on the neck. The back piece is thickly padded and features a D-ring in the center to help evenly distribute any leash pressure if your dog tugs ahead. The bonus handle also comes in clutch when you need to keep your Berner close, like maneuvering your gentle giant through crowded situations.
Key Features:
- Available in large to XXL sizes
- No-choke design perfect for hard pullers
- Center D-ring attachment on the back
- Wide, padded back piece for comfort
To Consider:
- Only the top is padded
- Some reviewers report that the harness slides around
Best Lightweight: Rover Gear Better Walk™ No-Pull Harness
When using a harness, pet parents will want to watch out for overheating during walks. Bernese Mountain Dogs have thick double coats that can make them more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Plus, thick harnesses can mat and tangle Berner coats—which is another reason a more minimalist design can be helpful.
Rover Gear’s Better Walk™ No-Pull Harness has lightweight nylon webbing straps that offer plenty of airflow to keep your Berner cool. The extra padding on the belly straps also helps to prevent matting and chaffing, which commonly occur under the arms. Pet parents like how easy the harness is to put on, too, with built-in tags that tell you exactly where the belly and back should go.
Despite its slim profile, it still has a front-facing D-ring to help gently redirect pullers, plus a back D-ring for more casual, sniffy outings.
Key Features:
- Includes large and X-large sizes
- Lightweight nylon webbing
- Breathable belly padding
- Instructional tags on straps
To Consider:
- Not as much padding as some other choices on our list
Best for Puppies: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness
Berner puppies need a comfortable and well-fitted harness to help them adapt to wearing gear for the first time. This nylon harness features soft cushioned padding and four adjustable slide straps to accommodate your pup’s growing frame.
The Y-shape design also helps protect your puppy while they learn to walk nicely on a leash, evenly distributing pressure from any pulling. This harness is relatively affordable, too, so you won’t break the bank if your Berner puppy destroys it with their sharp chompers or quickly moves up to a bigger size.
Key Features:
- Available in five sizes
- An affordable option for puppies
- Soft, cushioned, and comfortable
- Adjustable slide straps for growing pups
- Handle on back
To Consider:
- Runs small, so better suited for Berner pups than adults
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and an interview with a veterinary expert. We prioritized durability, adjustability, comfort, and size. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
