- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
They say good things come in small packages, and Chihuahuas are a perfect example! These firecracker pups are an adorable combination of personality and spunk. However, toy breeds like Chis are vulnerable to trachea collapse, which a regular collar and leash could exacerbate. For that reason, harnesses are often a safer choice for walks since they don’t put pressure on the neck. But a Chihuahua’s small size can make finding properly fitting harnesses difficult.
To learn how to find a harness to suit a small Chi’s big needs, we spoke with two professional dog trainers. With their insight into this pint-sized breed, we’ve rounded up six of the best Chihuahua harnesses for your pup’s next day out on the town.
Best Overall: Puppia Soft Dog Harness
“Puppia harnesses work well for Chis,” says Ali Smith, a professional dog trainer and founder of Rebarkable. She adds that the Y-shaped design is what Chihuahuas need, as it offers the most freedom of movement on walks.
The material is made of soft, breathable mesh to keep your dog cool and comfortable without digging into their skin. It’s also water-resistant for rainy walks and trips to the beach or lake. The extra-small size can fit Chihuahuas as small as three pounds, and the adjustable straps ensure you get a perfect fit.
What we like:
- X-small size ideal for Chihuahuas
- Adjustable chest belt to create an escape-proof fit
- Y-shaped design allows unrestricted mobility
- Soft, mesh material to ensure comfort
Best for Escape Artists: Gooby Escape Free Easy Fit Harness
“Often, dogs escape when one area of the harness isn’t as snug as the rest,” explains Nicole Ellis, certified professional dog trainer and Rover Dog People Panelist. If your pup has a habit of wriggling out of their harness, she suggests one that’s fully adjustable to keep them secure on a leash.
Gooby’s harnesses are meant for small dogs, and this harness was specifically made with tiny escape artists in mind. It works by tightening around your Chi’s body when they try to back out of it. Once they stop trying to escape, it releases the grip.
Padded foam shoulders offer a comfortable fit, and a step-in design makes it easy to put on. The all-weather resistant neoprene body also holds up well to all the big adventures with your small dog.
What we like:
- Comes in x-small and small sizes for Chis
- Gentle but effective escape-free design
- Durable leash ring to keep your lead secure
- Sliding size tab on top for a custom fit
Best for Pullers: Eagloo No-Pull Harness
“If you have a puller, clipping your leash in the back will cause the dreaded ‘opposition reflex’ to kick in,” says Ellis. “This natural reflex causes a dog to want to push against any pressure he feels pulling him in the opposite direction.” To help get around this, Ellis suggests looking for harnesses that offer a front leash attachment, like the Eagloo no-pull harness.
This vest-style harness has just the right amount of cushioned support in the chest and back to protect your Chi from leash pressure without drowning them in padding. Along with the leash attachment in the front, there’s a durable ring in the back to toggle between training and casual sniffy walks. The top handle adds a nice touch, letting you control your Chi in certain situations without having to pick them up.
What we like:
- Extra-small size for tiny but mighty pullers
- Two leash attachments with one in front
- Padded support against leash pressure
- Handle on back
Best for Puppies: EcoBark Teacup Dog Harness
Chihuahuas already need super small harnesses. So, finding a properly fitting harness for Chi puppies can present an extra challenge. Luckily, these harnesses by EcoBark are specially designed for the tiniest dogs. The smallest option fits pups that weigh as little as two pounds!
Three layers of padding help to keep your pup comfy on walks, while the mesh material lets their skin and fur breathe. Plus, the harnesses come in over 30 stylish colors, so your Chihuahua can express their fabulous style from the very beginning.
What we like:
- Extra small sizes for the tiniest pups
- No pull, no choke design
- Double-layered mesh fabric for softness and durability
- Made with recycled materials
Best for Night Walks: Pawtitas Extra-Small Reflective Harness
If you and your Chi prefer to walk in the dark when it’s quieter, you’ll need a reflective harness for visibility. This option by Pawtitas features reflective material that bounces back ambient light even in low-light conditions. The extra-small size works well for most Chihuahuas, and the step-in design helps prevent neck injuries by staying clear of the windpipe. An added perk? This harness is made from recycled plastic bottles, offering an eco-friendly choice for your walking gear.
What we like:
- Available in an extra-small size
- Made from eco-friendly materials
- Step-in design, so you don’t have to put it on over your Chi’s head
- Reflective materials that work even in low-light conditions
Best for Service & Support: Albcorp Service Dog Vest Harness
Chihuahuas might not be the first breed that comes to mind when you think of service dogs. But handlers can train this intelligent, affectionate, and loyal breed to perform specific tasks like alerting an oncoming anxiety attack or performing deep pressure therapy. Plus, their portable size makes them easy to bring along in public where their human might need them most.
If you have a service Chi (or even just a family pet in training), this vest harness is designed for tinier breeds and comes in extra-small sizes. The adjustable belly strap and lightweight padding maximize your dog’s comfort while on duty. The “service dog” patches will also let everyone know your Chihuahua’s role, and you can remove them when your dog is off the clock.
What we like:
- Available in extra-small sizes
- Padded vest style for comfort and support
- Option to add training patches
- Lightweight design that won’t weigh a working Chi down
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 interviews with veterinary experts, including Rover’s Dog People Panel. We prioritized size, fit, comfort, and quality. 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.