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They may have a reputation for being gentle giants, but Great Danes can be a lot to handle on a leash. This breed has a tall, muscular frame and a delightful enthusiasm for life—all of which contribute to a powerful walker with a “sometimes” habit of lunging at squirrels (it happens). Finding a Great Dane harness that fits the breed’s enormous size and matches its strength can be tough.
A good harness for this colossal breed gives you sufficient control during walks, balanced with comfort for both you and your dog. We’ve asked two veterinarians what parents of Great Danes should prioritize when choosing a harness for their pup. With their helpful feedback, we found seven high-performing Great Dane harnesses sturdy and big enough to handle all that dog.
Best Overall: Blue-9 Balance Harness
Finding a harness for a larger dog can be tricky—and Great Danes are about as big as they come. According to Dr. Cheri Honnas, DVM, a veterinary advisor for Bone Voyage Dog Rescue, a tailored fit is key. “Taking accurate measurements and choosing a harness designed specifically for larger breeds will be your best bet,” she tells Rover. Harnesses should be snug, without sagging or squeezing your dog.
Designed to fit dogs of all sizes, the Blue-9 Balance harness allows for a remarkable six points of adjustment, which is more than most. Sliders along the straps allow for easy customization. The large size also fits dogs with a chest girth of up to 43.5 inches.
With Great Danes, the harness durability is crucial. “It must be sturdy enough to handle their strength. Think heavy-duty, metal D-rings and robust nylon straps,” says Dr. Emma Fulton, DVM, a veterinary advisor for Whisker Witty. The Blue-9 Balance harness sports all these details in a solid design with two leash clips for even more control.
Features we like:
- Nylon is soft yet durable
- Y-front design allows for a full range of motion
- Front and back leash attachments
- Contrasting back strap for easy on-off
- Neck buckle is ideal for dogs with larger heads
To consider:
- Not a cheap option
Best to Avoid Chafing: Ruffwear Front Range (Verified Review)
Dr. Honnas reminds us that Great Danes have delicate skin. To avoid painful friction, soft and padded harnesses that fit well are ideal. Dr. Fulton adds that harnesses that are either too tight or too loose can cause discomfort or even injuries.
This popular Ruffwear harness features foam padded straps across the chest and belly. These straps are soft against your Great Dane’s skin and distribute pressure evenly for comfortable wear. In our testing, we found the Front Range lightweight yet durable enough for powerful walkers. Four points of adjustment give your giant dog the perfect fit, allowing for freedom of movement and reducing the risk of chafing.
Features we like:
- Designed for extended wear
- Easy to put on and take off
- ID pockets for storing your dog’s tags
- Reflective material
To consider:
- Front leash connection is made with reinforced webbing, not metal
Best for Leash Reactivity: 2 Hounds Freedom Harness
Danes are known for their inquisitive nature and excitement for life—a combination that can lead to lunging at distractions, like squirrels. “This trait is not uncommon in Great Danes, and given their size, it underscores the importance of a well-suited harness,” Dr. Fulton points out.
The Freedom harness does a good job of restraining dogs who might react or lunge while walking. For more control, you can connect the included double-ended leash at the front and the back. Four points of adjustability allow for a secure fit. And a martingale loop keeps reactive dogs from slipping out and chasing after whatever has caught their attention.
Features we like:
- Stainless steel hardware
- Heavy duty nylon
- Swiss velvet lining prevents chafing
- Made in the U.S.
To consider:
- Leash handle is not padded, which some reviewers find uncomfortable
Best for Great Dane Puppies: PetSafe Easy Walk (Verified Review)
A good puppy harness for Great Danes will be durable and easy to wear. In our testing, we found the PetSafe Easy Walk to be lightweight, with a minimal belt design that doesn’t weigh down eager pups. Plus, the no-pull front clip is ideal for training your enthusiastic puppy to walk politely.
This harness adjusts easily as your Great Dane grows into their towering adult size. There’s also a martingale loop to keep curious puppies from getting loose. And it’s easy to get on wriggling pups, with different colored straps and only one buckle required for outfitting your pooch.
Note that the H-strap configuration is meant primarily for training; once your pup has mastered loose-leash walking, consider switching to a Y-strap for everyday outings.
Features we like:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Easy to put on and take off
- Fully adjustable
- The largest size (XL) fits dogs with a girth of up to 49 inches
To consider:
- While it’s comfy, the straps are not padded
- No back-clip attachment
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on PetSafe Find on Petco
Best for Great Dane Seniors: Ruffwear Web Master (Verified Review)
Older Great Danes stand to benefit from a harness that’s gentle on their aging limbs and promotes unhindered movement. Unfortunately, this breed is prone to hip dysplasia, a risk that heightens with age. “A well-fitting harness can provide the necessary support to alleviate strain on their hips while walking,” says Dr. Honnas.
The Ruffwear Web Master does a good job of this. This lightweight Ruffwear harness has foam-padded straps and a lift and assist handle that we found especially helpful in lifting dogs over obstacles. The well-placed straps won’t hinder your Great Dane’s movement, and multiple adjustment points give your senior dog a good fit and allow freedom of movement.
Features we like:
- Back handle is padded and reinforced
- Doesn’t hinder movement
- 5 convenient points of adjustment
- Designated areas for patches
To consider:
- This thick harness can be hot during warmer months
Best for Hiking: Carhartt Training Dog Harness
Does your Dane have a drive for adventure? From the same brand bringing you weather-proof clothing and hunting apparel, this Carhartt training harness is designed for rugged outdoor treks. It may not be 100% waterproof, but the nylon canvas has a water-repellent coating. Plus, durable nylon webbing with duck canvas weave and metal D-rings add to the strength of this harness, which should last for many outdoor excursions.
Features we like:
- Holds up well to water and mud
- Edge binding prevents fraying
- Reflective stitching
- Neoprene padding
To consider:
- Not 100% waterproof
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco
Best for Pullers: Halti Opti-Fit Head Collar
True, they’re not halters in the traditional sense. But head collars are sometimes recommended for Great Danes who pull. Bear in mind, though, that there’s definitely a learning curve to these. But when used correctly and with proper training, Dr. Fulton tells us they can be a real lifesaver.
The Halti Opti-Fit operates similarly to a horse harness (and let’s face it, horses aren’t that much bigger than your Great Dane). This innovative tool prevents pulling by gently steering your dog in the right direction. The adjustable noseband and cheek straps allow it to fit most dogs who struggle to fit standard-sized headcollars. For extra security, a safety link is provided to connect the Halti to your dog’s regular collar.
Features we like:
- Strong but lightweight webbing
- Padded noseband
- Reflective cheek straps
- Affordable option
To consider:
- Require a period of desensitization and training
- Some dogs won’t tolerate them
How We Chose
The harnesses featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with two veterinarians. We prioritized harnesses that were durable, highly adjustable, and soft against a Great Dane’s skin. 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.
