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Picking out the perfect padded dog harness that won’t chafe your dog’s skin or pull at their coat—especially if it’s long—is no easy feat. Not only do you want to make sure there’s enough padding to minimize rubbing, but the harness must also be sized just right for your dog’s body, preferably with adjustable straps, for a comfortable and secure fit.
We spoke with Dr. Ellen Russell, DVM, MPH, a veterinarian at The Malamute Mom about what to look for in a padded dog harness and how to pick the right one. With her help, we’ve identified eight of our favorites.
Before you dive in, don’t forget to measure your dog’s neck and chest circumference—that’ll give you a much better fit than a weight range. Happy hunting!
The Most Popular Padded Harness: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
With over 150K+ reviews on Amazon alone, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull harness is one of the most popular padded options on the market. It’s made from durable Oxford that can stand up to tugging and adventures but isn’t stiff. Four adjustment points help you get a good fit to avoid chafing in your dog’s armpits, and a front and back D-ring make it versatile for both loose-leash training and more casual hikes and jogs.
The amount of coverage helps keep the harness in place on your dog’s torso—which makes it a popular pick for pups with sensitive skin as well as wiggly dogs, pullers, and escape artists. It isn’t, however, the absolute softest padded option out there; very well-mannered walkers might prefer a softer mesh vest.
What we like about it:
- Evenly distributes pressure to keep your dog comfortable
- Metal leash attachments on both chest and back
- Four fully adjustable straps to ensure a proper fit
- Two side buckles provide extra security
Available sizes: XS to XL
Shop on AmazonThe Best for Small Dogs: EcoBark Rapid Fastener Step-in Padded Dog Harness
“Smaller dogs may need a lightweight, breathable harness with extra padding for support,” says Dr. Russell. Enter the EcoBark, a colorful double-padded step-in dog harness designed to stay put on even the tiniest of pets. The XXXS size can fit dogs as small as 2 to 3 pounds.
The harness’s lightweight mesh material shouldn’t weigh a smaller dog down or hinder their mobility. It also works well to distribute pressure from tiny pullers across the chest instead of the neck area—a vulnerable area for both Chihuahuas and little flat-faced breeds.
A lot of pet parents find these harnesses run small—if your pup lands in limbo on the size chart, consider sizing up.
What we like about it:
- Strong anti-escape choice when correctly sized
- Features anti-rub technology for ultimate comfort
- Has the highest standard of specialized safety buckle
- Environmentally friendly, including recycled straps
Available sizes: XXS to L
Shop on AmazonThe Easiest to Clean: Didog Padded Dog Harness
Is your dog a fan of rolling around in the dirt and mud whenever they get the chance? We’ve been there. While a lot of padded harnesses are spot-clean only, this Didog harness is machine-washable, and its nylon material dries quickly.
Soft fleece pads offer anti-chafing comfort, and front and back D-rings offer versatility for pet parents with pullers. Note the harness’s H-shape front bar and make sure to get a good fit that lands well above your dog’s shoulder joints to avoid restricting their movement.
What we like about it:
- Fleece padding around the edges to prevent chafing
- Reflective stitching for enhanced visibility at night
- Front D-ring helps to eliminate pulling and prevent choking
- Single buckle makes it easy to take on and off
Available sizes: XXS to XL
Shop on AmazonThe Best for Running & Hiking: Mighty Paw Padded No-Pull Dog Harness
With dual leash attachment points, this padded dog harness from Mighty Paw gives you plenty of control over your pup, and its weatherproof materials and non-restrictive design that allows for natural movement make it a strong choice for outdoor activities like hiking and running.
For pet parents with barrel-chested breeds, note that the neck straps here aren’t adjustable, though the torso ones are. If your pup is falling between sizes on the size chart, consider sitting this one out and carrying on down the list.
What we like about it:
- Padded handle on the back for improved control
- An attachment point in the front helps reduce pulling
- Adjustable straps with quick-release buckles
- Vest design helps to distribute pressure evenly
Available sizes: X-Small to X-Large
Find on Chewy Buy Now on AmazonThe Best for Car Rides: Mighty Paw Vehicle Safety Harness with Adjustable Straps
Mighty Paw, a US-based family business, also offers one of the more popular padded dog harnesses for car safety. It clips into your car’s seatbelt buckle with a sturdy carabiner to keep your pup safe in transit, and it can also be used as a regular harness once out of the car.
We like that four tri-glide attachments make it impressively adjustable for a padded harness, and metal hardware offers durability.
What we like about it:
- Works well for a large range of sizes
- Converts to a regular harness
- Reflective stitching for nighttime visibility
- Breathable, lightweight material for maximum comfort
Available sizes: S to XL
Shop on AmazonThe Warmest: Voyager Soft Harness for Pets
Made from a thick, plush suede material, this step-in harness is not just soft; it’s also very warm, making it ideal for walks in cooler weather and short-furred shiverers who need extra protection on chilly days. It comes in a wide variety of colors and materials to suit your pet’s style. Note that like many vest harnesses, it’s not especially adjustable—but the softness of the suede makes any chafing from wiggling a non-issue. It’s a top pick for dogs with sensitive skin and anxious pups.
What we like about it:
- Soft, padded materials for extra comfort
- Numerous security features, including double D-rings
- Available in 14 different colors
- Fits snugly at the chest for comfort and security
Available sizes: XS to XL
Find on AmazonThe Most Durable: KONG Max Harness
According to Dr. Russell, if you have a large dog, it’s especially important to look for a harness with strong buckles, like this one that boasts ultra-durable metal hardware and padded neoprene material. Although it’s pricey, the harness has received a thumbs-up from pet parents who says it study design that can hold up against dogs who like to chew on their harness or who are strong pullers.
It comes from the trusted KONG brand, which makes a number of popular harnesses as well as the iconic rubber puzzle toys.
What we like about it:
- Designed with both front and back leash attachments
- Padded handle for added control
- Fully adjustable straps
- Available in several vibrant colors for extra visibility
Available sizes: S to XL
Shop on AmazonThe Best Padded Harness & Leash Set: AMTOR Dog Harness With Leash
A simple, practical option for small and medium dogs or puppies, this padded harness features breathable mesh material and reflective strips. It also comes with a leash in the same color for a coordinated look. It’s an especially popular choice for small pullers, since it neatly redistributes pressure across their chest instead of their neck. Small breeds who love water (or just take a lot of rainy walks) will appreciate that it dries fast.
What we like about it:
- Step-in design that’s easy to take on and off
- Double D-rings for added security
- 17 colors and patterns to choose from
- Lightweight construction
Available sizes: XXXS to L
Shop on AmazonHow We Chose the Best Padded Dog Harnesses
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. We prioritized comfort, soft materials that prevent chafing, adjustable fit, and durability. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.
