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Small dogs come with big personalities. That’s why we love them so much! But sometimes, they’re a lot to handle on leash. That’s where small dog harnesses can help.
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
Available in a wide range of colors and styles, this harness is made of soft, lightweight mesh fabric, so it’s very comfortable for a small dog to wear.
Vets and trainers often recommend harnesses for small dogs, who can injure themselves straining against a collar. A harness reduces strain on your dog’s neck by distributing pressure over a larger area of their body. Plus, they can be more secure than collars, which some small dogs slip. Harnesses keep them safe and secure.
If your little dog pulls on walks, slips out of their collar, or simply needs a stylish walking aid, it’s time to get a harness.
Measure Your Dog
Start by getting accurate measurements of your dog’s chest, neck, and back (our measuring guide can help). Fit is important for your dog’s comfort and safety—a harness should fit your dog comfortably, without putting pressure on their throat and neck. Keep in mind that different harnesses require different measurements for a proper fit.
On our YouTube video, Amber and Olive show you just how measuring works in real life:
The Best Small Dog Harnesses for 2020
Ready to check out the top small dog harnesses? After combing online reviews and considering our own experience with harnesses, we’re ready to recommend the best.
Best Basic Dog Harness
The Puppia Soft Dog Harness is a bestseller for a reason. Its soft, lightweight mesh is super comfortable for your small dog. The material is durable and easy to clean, so it can handle a muddy winter walk. Best of all, it comes in tons of bright colors and patterns for the fashionable dog on the go.
Why we like it:
- Soft material won’t rub or irritate your small dog’s delicate underarm skin
- Webbed material distributes tension evenly across chest
- When measured correctly, the snug-but-comfortable fit ensures small dogs can’t back out of the harness. It’s ideal for Chihuahuas.
See our review of this harness for large breed dogs in our article, “We Review the 15 Best Dog Harnesses for Every Kind of Dog.”
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
Available in a wide range of colors and styles, this harness is made of soft, lightweight mesh fabric, so it’s very comfortable for a small dog to wear.
Best Choke-Free Harness
If you have a small brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed like a pug or Boston terrier, you know how important it is to keep their airways healthy. The Gooby Choke-Free Step-In Mesh dog harness was designed to eliminate stress on dogs’ necks. Its X-shaped frame ensures force is evenly distributed across the chest, so your small dog will be able to breathe easily on walks.
Why we like it:
- “Step-in style” is easy to put on and take off quickly
- Soft mesh and suede trim keep your dog comfortable
- Four adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit
Gooby Choke-Free Step-In Mesh Dog Harness
Ideal for flat-faced breeds, this harness was designed to eliminate any pressure on a dog’s neck so that they can breathe easily while wearing it.
Best Step-In Harness
For pups reluctant to put their heads through a neck opening, the Bark Appeal Mesh Step-In Harness offers a convenient alternative: They can simply step in and you’ll wrap and buckle it for a safe, secure fit. This uncomplicated lightweight vest is designed to avoid any pressure on your dog’s neck.
Why we like it:
- Convenient step-in style
- Choice of 10 solid colors, plus camouflage print
- Simple buckle fastening
Bark Appeal Mesh Step-In Harness
This lightweight harness is made with soft mesh material and has a step-in design so you don’t have to put it over your dog’s head.
Best Basic Nylon Harness
Like to keep it simple when it comes to your small dog harness? This strong nylon number from Pawtitas comes in several vibrant colors and has a practical, no-fuss style. Plus, it’s reflective, so it’ll keep you and your dog visible on nighttime walks.
Why we like it:
- Ergonomically designed for good fit and comfort
- Extra-small size fits dogs as small as five pounds
- Two stainless steel D-rings for secure leash attachment
Pawtitas Nylon Step-In Dog Harness
This step-in harness offers a simple but effective design and comes in several vibrant color options.
Best No-Pull Dog Harness
The PetSafe Easy Walk dog harness is a lifesaver for small dogs who tend to pull on their leash. This harness fits across their chest and gently steers them to the side when they pull, which reduces and can even eventually end leash-pulling. It’s the perfect choice for pups who can’t wear collars.
Why we like it:
- Quick-snap buckles make it easy to put on and take off
- Differently colored straps help you align the harness correctly every time
- Fits across the chest, so there’s no pressure on your dog’s neck
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
For dogs who pull while walking on a leash, this harness will gently correct this behavior and reduce pulling by steering them to the side.
Fashionable Small Harnesses
Looking for fashion and function? This playful number has you covered! The Pawmigo reversible harness features breathable, machine-washable fabric and cute prints for your small-but-mighty beast. More importantly, it’s comfortable and safe, with a sturdy D-ring for secure leash attachment.
Why we like it:
- Evenly distributes pressure across the chest for stress-free walks
- Velcro at neck and girth for an adjustable fit
- Comes with an adorable matching leash
Pawmigo Reversible Dog Harness
Show off your dog’s personality with this playful and reversible harness that features cute aliens on one side and a starry sky print on the other.
Bonus Fashion Pick
We could not resist the Cupcake denim dog harness, complete with pocket, ruffles, rhinestones, and embroidered cupcake. This all-cotton vest with velcro closures is a special-occasion harness for your special small dog.
Why we like it:
- Sturdy D-ring on the front
- Wide range of sizes, down to XXS
- Sometimes you just want to dress up and go out on the town
Cupcake Denim Dog Harness
This stylish all-cotton harness is decked out with rhinestones and ruffles to make a statement.
Best Sling Harness
Small dogs have different needs as they age, and some older dogs need extra support. If your pup has arthritis or an injury to their rear legs, a sling will help you walk them in comfort. The smallest size of the GingerLead Dog Support and Rehabilitation Harness is ideal for Dachshunds with back injuries or Chihuahuas with luxating patellas.
Why we like it:
- Padded belly sling is comfortable and aids in mobility and balance for senior, disabled, or injured dogs
- Attached leash clips to additional chest harness (not included) or collar for extra support
- Neoprene handle and long leash make it easy and comfortable for you to support your dog from a standing position
GingerLead Dog Support and Rehabilitation Harness
Does your dog have arthritis or an injury to their rear legs? This sling harness provides extra support to help a dog walk more easily.
Best Adventure Harness
Do you have a “big dog in a small body?” The Hurtta Weekend Warrior Eco Dog Harness is ideal for outdoor adventures with your pint-sized explorer. It’s tough on the outside, and a breathable mesh liner on the inside protects your active dog from chafing.
Why we like it:
- Small sizes for little dogs who like big adventures
- 3M reflector piping increases your safety at night
- Waterproof fabric stands up to wet weather
Hurtta Weekend Warrior Eco Dog Harness
This durable and waterproof harness is ideal for weekend warriors and dogs who love to explore the outdoors.
Best Wet-Weather Small Dog Harness
Live in a rainy climate? Have a pup who takes to puddles and lakes like a duck? You will appreciate this quick-drying lightweight harness. The Ruffwear Hi and Light Dog Harness can stand up to water and other outdoor adventures. For you, we recommend a raincoat.
Why we like it:
- Low-bulk and low-profile
- Fits even the tiniest dogs, with sizes XXXS, XXS, XS, and S options
- Reflective trim enhances safety
Ruffwear Hi and Light Dog Harness
If you live in a rainy climate, the quick-drying and lightweight design of this Ruffwear harness is a major plus.
