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Lively charmers in a small package, Shih Tzus are typically affectionate and outgoing dogs who enjoy spending time with their pet parents on walks. Harnesses are good walking tools to avoid putting pressure on this toy breed’s delicate neck—but it can be challenging to pinpoint one that offers the right fit.
And finding the right fit is particularly crucial for these diminutive dogs, since not every harness will be a good match for a Shih Tzu’s small physique, vulnerable throat, and long hair. We spoke to Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM and veterinary consultant at WeLoveDoodles, for advice on how to select a harness for a Shih Tzu.
Before you dive in, make sure to measure your Shih Tzu so you can get the most out of product size charts, which tend to be more reliable when you’re working with neck and chest measurements than weight ranges.
Best for Shih Tzu Puppies: Puppia Soft Vest Harness
According to Dr. Kong, the ideal Shih Tzu harness is adjustable, lightweight, and comfortable. “A harness with padding can help prevent pressure points and provide extra comfort,” she told Rover.
Made of soft and breathable air mesh fabric, the Puppia vest-style harness is popular with lots of small breeds, but especially puppies and first-time harness wearers. The padded vest is easy to put on, and the hook-and-loop closures together with a buckle and two D-rings keep the harness securely in place to prevent chafing.
The Puppia isn’t as tough or escape-proof as some harnesses, but it’s hard to beat in the comfort department, which makes it a good place to start a brand-new Shih Tzu on their first outdoor adventures.
What we like about it:
- Soft mesh material
- Adjustable Velcro back strap
- Step-in style
Available sizes: X-Small to XX-Large
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Discover on PetcoBest No-Choke Harness: EcoBark Control Dog Harness
This lightweight dog harness is made of recycled materials and features a no-choke design to prevent injury to your dog’s neck—something the Shih Tzu breed is especially susceptible to due to the compact structure of their face and throat. The mesh fabric is also lightweight and breathable, so it won’t overheat your short-faced friend.
It’s a little more adjustable than your standard vest harness, since the torso straps can be shortened or lengthened with buckles—but if you have Houdini pup or a puller, consider a fully adjustable model for their comfort and safety.
What we like about it:
- Doesn’t put pressure on a dog’s throat
- Over-the-head style
- 19 colors to choose from
Available sizes: XS to XXL
Find on AmazonBest for Pullers: Rover Gear Better Walk
Vest-style harnesses don’t work for all little pups, especially pullers. For Shih Tzus who tug on leash, we like the Rover Gear Better Walk. A front D-ring helps train and deter pullers by gently guiding them to the side when they tug, and a back D-ring gives you the option for more playful, sniffy outings. Best of all, the padded Y-shape design avoids putting pressure on a puller’s neck—or matting fluffy fur over time.
Especially nice are the labeled back and belly straps, which make this easy to get on a wiggly pup.
What we like about it:
- Front ring for no-pull training, back ring for more casual strolls
- Clear visual cues for an accurate fit and buckles that minimizing twisting
- Padded Y-shape design avoids putting pressure on neck
- Four adjustment points for a tailored fit
Available sizes: X-Small to X-Large
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Best Harness for Car Trips: Pawaboo Dog Safety Vest Harness
This popular chest-plate harness is a versatile option for frequent car travelers: It has a seatbelt attachment that can keep your pet safely tethered in the car, or it can be attached to a regular leash for walks. It’s a strong option to keep your Shih Tzu comfortable on the road, and it’s especially popular with long-haired breeds.
If car travel is your goal, note that not all car buckles are compatible with this harness, so check the “product description” section to make sure your vehicle isn’t one of the exceptions.
What we like about it:
- 7 colors
- Over-the-head style
- Made of durable polyester material
- Compatible with most car buckles
Available sizes: S to XL
Find on AmazonBest Harness for Night Visibility: Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness
If you spend a lot of time outdoors with your dog—or you enjoy walking early in the morning or late at night, when visibility isn’t the best—consider a safety harness that features bright colors, light-reflective material, and glow-in-the-dark stitching.
This harness also includes four adjustable straps and a handle to gently bring your pet under control, like when they get super excited meeting another dog. The two-ring locations on the back and chest make walking your Shih Tzu in this harness very easy, and the fabric is durable nylon material with soft padded panels to ensure your pup’s comfort.
What we like about it:
- Easy to adjust for a great fit
- Padded with soft cushioning
- Two leash attachment points
Available sizes: X-Small to X-Large
Find on AmazonBest for Avoiding Matting: CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Harness
Rolled leather is one of the most popular choices for long-haired breeds prone to matting or tangling. Since Shih Tzus have long, fine hair, their coats are especially susceptible to damage from a chafing harness. This step-in harness is a nice way to help keep their mane silky smooth, since it’s constructed of soft rolled leather that keeps tangles to a minimum.
It’s worth noting, though, that this isn’t the sturdiest option for escape artists—so Houdini pups should try more standard Y-shaped harnesses with padded straps.
What we like about it:
- Comes with a matching leather leash
- Easy to take on and off
- 10 color options
Available sizes: XS to S
Find on Amazon Discover on ChewyHow We Chose the Best Shih Tzu 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 padding to prevent chafing and matting and designs that take pressure off a Shih Tzu’s vulnerable neck. 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.