The 7 Best Small Dog Harnesses for Pint-Sized Walkers

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Small dogs often come with big personalities—so even if they can’t pull you over, they can still be a handful on leash, especially while they’re learning the ropes. Harnesses are more secure than a collar and reduce strain on your dog’s neck by distributing pressure differently over their body when pulling happens.

According to animal behaviorist Kait Hembree, VTS, a behaviorist and head of training at GoodPup, a harness is especially important for small dogs. “Small dogs are anatomically different from large dogs. Their leg bones are shorter; their snouts are smaller, which highly influences brachycephalic breeds. And with thinner tracheas, damage from leash pulling when on collars is a high risk,” she says.

To help you choose the best harnesses for your small dog, we compiled a list of the best options on the pet market, combined with Hembree’s insight.

Best Harness to Avoid Chafing: Puppia Soft Dog Harness

Small dogs need a harness that properly fits their pint-sized frames. However, finding the right size can be challenging if you have a tiny pup. To ensure you have the correct size, Hembree says to check that you can fit two fingers between the straps. “The straps should not fold or crease behind the front legs or armpits, and the front straps across the chest should sit above the humerus or shoulder joint,” she adds.

Available in both an extra-small and small, this harness is a bestseller for a reason. Its soft, lightweight mesh is super comfortable for your small dog, helping to prevent skin irritation. The material is also durable and easy to clean, handling rainy and muddy walks. Best of all, it comes in tons of bright colors and patterns for the fashionable dog on the move.

While it’s not for pullers (it only comes with a back clip), it is a fantastic go-to for many pet parents.

Why we like it:

• Soft material won’t rub underarm skin
• Webbed material distributes tension evenly across chest
• Secures snuggly to fit small dogs
• Comes in a small and extra-small size

Best Budget Harness: Copatchy No-Pull Reflective Harness

This harness clips at the front and around the belly with a back leash ring. It sits a little higher above the front legs than some harnesses, so if you’ve had issues with other options that interfere with your small dog’s gait, this could be an optimal choice. The affordable price point is also appealing, especially if your dog still has room to grow and you know you’ll have to size up later on.

Why we like it:

• Breathable mesh material stays cool
• Clip-in design doesn’t go over your pet’s head
• Handle on the back
• Affordable price point
• Available in extra-small sizes

Best for Flat-Faced Breeds: Gooby Comfort X Harness

Gooby specializes in small dog harnesses, catering to tinier frames in their size lineups. This X-shaped harness is particularly ideal for Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Frenchies. It distributes pressure evenly across the chest instead of the neck, ensuring small dogs can easily breathe on walks.

The polyester mesh is also very lightweight and a cinch to put on. Quickly pop it over your pup’s head and clip it around their torso. Done and done!

Why we like it:

• X-shape won’t restrict breathing
• One buckle makes it easy to put on quickly
• Soft mesh straps and suede trim
• Two adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit

Best Step-In Harness: PetSafe 3-in-1 Harness

If your pup doesn’t love having a harness over his head, a step-in harness can make things less stressful for you both.

PetSafe has several different harness styles for small dogs. (We have another one below.) But we like this step-in version for the flexibility it provides. In fact, it’s one of the harnesses Hembree recommends using to teach your dog loose-leash walking skills, since you can attach the lead to the front to curb pulling. Along with the front clip, this harness has a back attachment point and an included tether for car rides.

And, if chafing under your dog’s armpits is an issue with other harness styles, this could be another one to try out.

What we like:

• Step-in style for dogs who dislike having a harness over their head
• Padded reflective straps
• Five adjustment points
• Front and back leash ring
• Loop on top can be used as a handle if needed

Best for Pullers: PetSafe Easy Walk Deluxe Harness (Verified Review)

As mentioned above, Hembree is a fan of front-clip harnesses for training dogs to walk nicely on a leash. “The use of a front-clip harness can play a huge role in preventing and even deterring pulling behavior,” she says.

This PetSafe harness is designed for small dogs who pull, fitting across their chest so you can gently steer them to the side when they put tension on the leash. In our testing, we loved how this no-pull harness prioritized the utmost comfort, with the Deluxe version adding neoprene padding to the straps to prevent chafing.

Note that H-shape harnesses like this one need a good fit to ensure they don’t restrict your dog’s movement; make sure the chest strap sits above your dog’s shoulders, and ask your vet for help if you’re not sure.

Why we like it:

• Quick-snap buckles
• Different colored straps help you align the harness correctly
• Fits across the chest, so there’s no pressure on your dog’s neck
• Padded straps add comfort and feature reflective details
• Comes in several small-dog sizes

Best for Senior Dogs: Gingerlead Dog Sling Support Harness

Small dogs have different needs as they age, and some breeds need extra support. If your pup has arthritis or a rear-leg injury, a sling harness can help them walk more comfortably. The smallest size of this harness is ideal for Dachshunds with back injuries or Chihuahuas with luxating patellas.

We especially like the padded belly sling that gives golden seniors and injured dogs mobility and balance. The attached leash can clip to an additional chest harness (not included) for extra support.

Why we like it:

• Padded belly sling aids in mobility and balance
• Ideal for senior, disabled, or injured dogs
• Attached leash clips to additional chest harness (not included)
• Neoprene handle and long leash add support

Best for Outdoor Adventures: Ruffwear Hi & Light Harness (Verified Review)

Do you and your tiny pup love big adventures? Hembree says harnesses with strong and breathable fabric are best for outdoor excursions. 

Ruffwear is known for their durable and practical gear that caters to hiking, swimming, and outdoor fun. We tested this one ourselves and loved how easy it was to customize the perfect fit, ideal for smaller dogs who typically get swallowed by hiking harnesses. It’s lightweight, breathable, and comes in several small sizes. (It’s important to note that Ruffwear harnesses tend to run big, so you may want to size down on this one.)

Why we like it:

• Low-bulk and low-profile
• Easily adjustable for the perfect fit
• Lightweight and breathable
• Includes four adjustment points and two leash attachments
• Stash pocket stores extra poop bags or ID tags

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 harnesses that address small dogs’ unique needs 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.

Further Reading

• How To Pick a Harness for Your Dog’s Walking Style
• How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness, Clothes, and Costumes
• The Best Dog Harnesses for Shih Tzus
• The Best Dog Harnesses for Pomeranians