Some dogs need more than a plain old collar. Whether your dog pulls on the lead, has mobility constraints, or simply needs a more visible walking aid, a harness may be your new best friend.
Harnesses come in a variety of styles and uses. Before buying a dog harness, consider the following:
- Safety and durability. Will it hold up to extensive use? Can you adjust the fit? It’s important that the harness you select can be adjusted in several places, because all dogs are built differently. At minimum you should be able to adjust the harness around the neck and chest.
- Comfort. Is it designed to keep your dog feeling comfy while in use? Does it avoid putting pressure on their throat and neck.
- Cost. Is it affordable? A harness is an investment, so don’t go for the easy bargain. But you should be able to find a good option at a reasonable price.
- Style. Your dog may not care what they look like, and utility should be your primary goal in selecting a harness. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look for something pleasing to the eye!
Whatever kind of dog you have, there’s a harness to suit them! How do we know? The Rover community walks A LOT of dogs.
The harnesses we’ve rounded up here are recommended based on a combination of in-house testing (indicated as verified reviews), well-researched online reviews, and my own experience as a dog owner of two rescue dogs.
The Best Dog Harnesses for Every Kind of Dog
Here are quick links to our top nine picks for the best dog harnesses for every kind of dog.
- Ruffwear Front Range Harness
- Expawlorer Soft Reflective Harness
- Puppia Soft Dog Harness
- Freedom No-Pull Harness
- PetSafe Easy Walk
- SleepyPod ClickIt Terrain
- Noxgear LightHound – Multicolour LED Illuminated, Reflective Dog Harness
- Ruffwear Web Master Secure
- Copatchy Dog Harness with Handle
Read on for dog harness descriptions and reviews, plus a bonus list of extra harnesses we recommend.
Best Everyday Walking Harness: Ruffwear Front Range Harness (Verified Review)
One of two Ruffwear picks on our list, the Front Range is a perfect go-to harness for any dog. It slips over your dog’s neck, and with one sturdy clip, you’re ready to go. The softly padded chest provides comfort and a secure fit, and its rugged materials keep it safe in all weather.
Why we like it:
- Four adjustment points for a customised fit
- Comes in lots of bright colours for visibility and style
- ID pocket lets you slip in tags or a paper note for easy identification.
Verified review: “I loved how durable the harness looked and felt. The padding on the chest plate felt comfortable to the touch, and I think this harness will be gentle on my dog’s skin. I also loved that this harness offers both front and back clips. My dog is not a big puller when she walks, so I’ve never felt the need to look for a front-clip harness—but now that the Ruffwear offers both options, I’ll definitely be trying out both lead positions.”
Shop at AmazonBest Harness for Large Dogs: Expawlorer Soft Reflective Harness
This padded, no-pull harness is great for deep-chested big dog breeds like German shepherds and boxers. Its adjustable straps ensure a good fit, and the metal D-ring lead attachment point is heavy-duty and secure. As a bonus, the Expawlorer harness has a reflective strip across the top for safe walking in low light.
Why we like it:
- Extra-thick straps for comfort and support
- Handle on back offers more control
Most helpful review: “Harness is adjustable so it fits snug around his front legs without pinching…doesn’t restrict movement, keeps him comfortable and provides good control by the owner.”
Shop on AmazonBest Harness for Small Dogs: Puppia Vest Harness
The Puppia harness is a best seller for a reason. Its soft, lightweight mesh is comfortable for your little dog. In addition, the material is durable and easy to clean, so it can handle a muddy winter walk. Best of all, the Puppia harness comes in loads of bright colours and patterns for the fashionable little dog on the go. Sizes run small, so be sure to double-check the size chart and measure your dog before ordering!
Why we like it:
- Soft material won’t rub or irritate your dog’s delicate underarm skin
- Webbed material distributes force evenly across chest
- Adjustable neck straps help ensure small dogs can’t back out of the harness
Verified review: “The large fits my Cavalier King Charles spaniel very well as he has a deep chest. The medium also fit but I didn’t feel it was long enough for him. It’s really nice not having to pull the harness over his face and ears! I prefer this version to the original. He seems very content wearing it for walks and car rides—so much so that he tends to pull a bit while wearing it—he doesn’t pull while wearing other types of harnesses.”
Find on AmazonBest No-Pull Dog Harness: Freedom No-Pull Harness (Verified Review)
For dogs who walk like they’re pulling a wagon, a no-pull dog harness can make all the difference. My dog trainer recommended the Freedom harness, and I agree it’s effective. It may look basic, but its ingenious design with the front clip saved my back (and arms, and everything else) when my dog was at his pulling-est. Online reviewers praise it for its gentle control.
Why we like it:
- Four adjustment points for a safe, comfortable fit
- Dog owners who have reviewed this harness rave over how well it prevents pulling, and how comfortable their dogs are in the harness
- Comes in lots of bright colours
Verified review: “This is sturdy and well made: The straps that go under the belly/into the armpits are soft and velvety. I like that this harness seems pretty inescapable and gives me control when my dog pulls and is reactive. You can clip in the front or back, and it’s easy to figure out which side is which because the straps are different colours.”
Shop at AmazonBest Harness for Flat-Faced Dogs: PetSafe Easy Walk
Pugs, Boston terriers, and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds need harnesses that protect their necks from pressure. Pug enthusiasts love the PetSafe Easy Walk harness because its strong, adjustable straps help distribute pressure evenly across the dog’s chest and belly.
Why we like it:
- Quick-snap buckles provide easy on and take off
- Differently-coloured straps make it easy to put on correctly every time
- Strong, soft nylon is secure and easy to clean
Most helpful review: “I highly recommend them for anyone who has issues with their dog pulling on walks. I would especially suggest this harness to the owners of any of the broad-chested, brachycephalic breeds that shouldn’t be walked with a lead attached to a collar…I could not get over the change in our dogs when we first tried these.
Shop on AmazonBest Walk-to-Car Harness: Sleepypod ClickIt Terrain Safety Harness
Do you drive your dog to the beach or up the hills if you fancy a longer walk? the SleepyPod ClickIt Terrain secured a 5-star rating from the Centre for Pet Safety and it also features a three-point safety restraint to keep your dog’s entire torso secured in the event of a crash. It’s a lightweight harness that is equally suited for everyday walking and is cushioned for safety and comfort. The harness is also available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes but unfortunately it is not suited for greyhounds, whippets, salukis, Afghan hounds or borzois. The Centre for Pet Safety has only tested and certified Sleepypod Clickit Terrain harnesses for dogs between 8-40 kg.
Why we like it:
- 5-star rating from the Centre for Pet Safety
- Available in four sizes
- Cushioned and lightweight
Verified review: “This is a great harness – very strong, fits securely and is much safer for our dog than travelling in the boot. Checked measurements on website and ordered smaller size as instructed which fits really well and is easy to put on. Threading the seatbelt through is tricky but we’re getting better at that. Small price to pay to make sure our dog travels safely. This is a bit more expensive but the quality is excellent and you really can’t compare to cheap flimsy harnesses. I am confident that should I stop suddenly, the force will be distributed as well as possible through the harness and minimising the chance of injury.”
Shop at AmazonBest Harness for Night Walks: Noxgear Multicolour LED Illuminated, Reflective Dog Harness
If you frequently walk your dog in the dark, this light-up LED harness is a must-have. It comes in sizes small to extra large, fitting dogs weighing anywhere from 5 – 50kg. The adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, and the bright, colourful LED lights mean you’ll be seen wherever you walk.
Why we like it:
- Rainproof and machine washable
- Comes in sizes to fit dogs from chihuahuas to labs and anything in between
- The bright, multi-coloured lights will make you visible on even the darkest night (plus, they’re just fun!)
Most helpful review: “After a year of walking both dogs at night in rainy weather it’s hard to imagine walking them without a Lighthound harness. Love the USB port for charging… lots of colour choices and flash rates. We get over a week’s worth of night walks between charges.”
Shop on AmazonBest Heavy-Duty Harness: Ruffwear Web Master Secure
If you have a medium- to large-sized dog who backs out of other harnesses, the Ruffwear Web Master Secure is an option to consider. It’s my personal choice for my dog because the chest and belly straps keep him securely harnessed, while the extra padding keeps him comfortable. Online reviewers praise the safety of this model and say it’s equally useful for active younger dogs and ageing dogs who need a little help.
Why we like it:
- A handle for controlled, balanced lifting
- A customisable fit with adjustable, foam-padded straps
- Two secure lead attachment points
- Reflective trim for visibility
Most helpful review: “With the Web Master Harness, her pulling has stopped completely. The handle on the top of the harness has been great as well. We are able lift her over muddy puddles or hoist her into the car with ease.”
Find on AmazonBest Budget Harness: Copatchy Dog Harness with Handle
This low-cost pick has a lot in common with other harnesses on the list. The spongey padding and breathable mesh are comfortable for your dog, while the strong handles and connection points give you plenty of control. A good bargain is meaningless if the quality isn’t good, but luckily, reviews for this harness are very high. It’s a great all-purpose harness at a very pleasing price!
Why we like it:
- Comes in five different sizes and colours
- Reflective striping makes your dog easier to see in the dark
- No pressure around your dog’s neck
Most helpful review: “Great fit for my Shiba-Lab mix. I love that it’s breathable for long walks and hikes. He is a major puller and it has not ripped or torn from the tension. I also like the reflective pattern on it for night walks, and the handle on the back is wonderful for passing by dogs he wants to bark at, just a quick tug and he’s right back on track. It’s much easier to put on than the step-in harnesses.”
Find on AmazonOther Great Dog Harnesses
In addition to the nine best harnesses above, these are some other well-reviewed harnesses you can buy online today.
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
Step-in harnesses that buckle in the back are great for small dogs who can’t wear a traditional collar or front-attaching harness. This colourful choice from Voyager is made with breathable mesh fabric and super-strong velcro to keep your dog comfy. Plus, it comes in a huge array of colours!
What we like about it:
- Velcro, clip, and D-ring closures work together to provide a custom, secure fit
- Easy to put on and take off
- Reflective striping helps with visibility at night and early morning
Most helpful review: “This harness looks EXACTLY like the ones sold on dachshund specific websites but for nearly 1/3 the price. I get lots of compliments on how cute they look and the fit is perfect. Not a single rash or chafing on either of my pups, even after miles long hikes.”
Shop at AmazonRabbitgoo No-Pull Pet Harness (Verified Review)
If you and your pooch enjoy walking at night, you’ll appreciate the ultra-bright reflective stitching on this versatile harness from Rabbitgoo. With back and front lead attachments, plus a handy back handle for extra control in tight spaces, it gives you lots of options for walking your dog. Please note that this harness is recommended for medium-sized breeds.
What we like about it:
- Comes in four sizes and lots of colours
- Designed to withstand weather all year round
- Four adjustable straps for a custom fit
Verified Rover review: Our reviewer liked the quality, ease of use, and fit of this harness, though found its no-pull claims to be lacklustre when she used it with her puller of a puggle. “Even though it has a chest hook in the front, it does not provide any control over your dog if you hook your lead there.” She found instead that the harness worked better with the D-ring on the back. (There is the option of using two leads, one clipped to the front and one clipped to the back, for extra control).
Shop at AmazonBabyltrl Silver Big Dog Harness
This slick silver harness has a unique triangular design that distributes pressure and makes for easy adjustments to fit your big dog. The locking attachment points are extra-secure for dogs who pull, and there’s a top handle to grab and use when your dog needs extra control or help getting over an obstacle on the trail. Reviewers love the cute dog symbol on the chest, too.
What we like about it:
- Breathable and weather-resistant material
- Appropriate for dogs with large chests
- Front and back D-rings
Most helpful review: “Our golden retriever is 35kg (75lbs) of pure muscle and fur. He’s still a puppy and is sometimes difficult on walks. With this harness, it was easy for me to keep him in line without feeling like I was hurting him or that the harness was going to rip. There is a loop on the chest and the back making it useful to use for walks or to use for training purposes.”
Shop at AmazonPoyPet No Pull Dog Harness
Here’s a bright, no-pull harness that comes in every colour of the rainbow. Get a couple of different colours to match your dog’s mood! But it’s not just fashionable: with quick-snap buckles, two sturdy metal lead attachment points, and a dual elastic construction, it’s comfy and safe for your dog to wear for hours.
What we like about it:
- Chest strap includes a lock for extra security
- Reflective stitching helps with night-time and early morning visibility
- Three adjustable straps for increased comfort and safety
Most helpful review: “This harness is super easy to adjust and put on. I love the cut on the harness around the neck and the fact that the chest piece is short enough so that it doesn’t cut into our pug’s tummy when he sits and lies down. The padded areas on the back and chest of the harness are very comfortable. The harness fits well enough to not slip around when Niele is walking.”
Shop on AmazonEcoBark Soft Double Padded Harness
Looking for a comfy step-in vest harness for your extra small dog? This one is cute and practical, with strong double-layer mesh to keep your pup comfortable. It comes in a variety of sizes and a wide array of colours to match any dog’s personality. And it’s a great deal! Reviewers note how important it is to measure your dog to find the correct fit.
What we like about it:
- Eco-friendly: made from recycled material
- Designed to ensure puppies and small dogs won’t slip out
- Easy to put on with just one buckle and adjustable strap
Most helpful review: “Perfect for my tiny chihuahua girl. She can’t slip out—it’s actually small enough for her. And though it’s a sturdy harness for a spunky and energetic little dog—it’s soft and doesn’t chafe her delicate skin at all.”
Shop on AmazonPAWABOO Dog Safety Vest Harness
This durable, lightweight car harness and seat belt has a broad padded chest plate for extra protection and comfort. The large lead connection loop makes it easy to hook up a lead and take off on a walk, and the included seat belt attachment keeps your dog securely clicked in on the road. It’s a versatile, adjustable harness that goes from walks to rides in the car easily. And reviewers love the low price point for quality materials.
What we like about it:
- Comes in 11 different colours and four sizes
- No pressure around your dog’s neck
- Two chest straps are great for dogs who don’t like to step into a harness
Most helpful review: “Lifesaver! This product is awesome as both a seatbelt as well as just a walking harness. My pup used to be super annoying in the car…always trying to jump from front to backseat, trying to climb in my lap…now he sleeps!”
Shop on AmazonWhy You Should (or Shouldn’t) Use a Harness
Using a harness in addition to a collar makes it easier to manage your dog on a lead. Plus, harnesses have other advantages:
- They offer better control on walks
- They discourage pulling by redirecting your dog
- Harnesses can double as mobility aids for dogs who need a little help getting up and down
- If your dog has a habit of backing out of their collar, a harness can be a literal life-saver
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds sometimes have trouble with collars that put pressure on their necks. A harness helps redistribute pressure and keeps your pug or Frenchie breathing easily.
Despite all the advantages of harnesses, some dogs still do better with a collar. In particular, if your dog loves to pull from the chest, or gets easily tangled in their lead, a flat collar may be just fine. But for many dogs, the right harness can make a world of difference!
Different dogs need different types of harnesses, so don’t worry if it takes a little time to choose the right one. Once you’ve found the perfect harness for your dog, you and your Rover dog walker can look forward to exploring the sights and smells of your street, dog park, and beyond with a happy dog in tow.
Further Reading
For more on different types of harnesses for dogs, and how to use them correctly, check out one of the following posts:
- Your Complete Guide to Dog Harnesses
- Have You Been Walking Your Dog Wrong This Whole Time?
- The Top Dog Car Seats to Keep Your Best Friend Safe
- Tips for the Perfect Loose-Lead Walk
- How to Safely Walk Your Dog at Night
- 18 Dog Walking Accessories to Step Up Your Daily Stroll
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Featured image via Puppia
