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German Shepherds are known for their large, athletic bodies and high energy. That’s part of what makes them such great service and working dogs. However, finding a German Shepherd harness that can handle all of that muscle power can be a challenge.
When shopping for a harness, pet owners should look for the following:
- Durability
Ideally, a harness will be well made from durable materials. - Features for added control
If you have a dog who’s prone to pulling or gets distracted easily, think about getting a harness with a leash attachment in the front and/or a handle on the back. - A proper fit
Lastly, since sizing for harnesses can vary widely, it’s important to measure your dog (circumference of chest and lower neck) and shop for a harness to fit his specific measurements rather than his weight.
Based on our own research and feedback from online reviewers, we’ve rounded up the seven best German Shepherd harnesses that you can buy in 2021.
1. Friends Forever Dog Harness
For a harness to fit an especially large German Shepherd with a deep chest, look no further than this Friends Forever one.
What we like about it:
- Lightweight straps that are fully adjustable
- Reflective striping lights up the harness in the dark
- An easy-to-grab handle on top of the harness gives owners added control
Available sizes: L-XL
Helpful Review: “I could not find an extra-large harness for my big guy anywhere! After two returns, I decided to look here and the fit is perfect! With room to spare! He’s a 126-pound German Shepherd with long, thick hair. It looks comfortable and has room for him to grow. It helps tremendously with the pulling. This is the best option for us!”
Buy Now on Amazon2. EXPAWLORER Best No-Pull Dog Harness, XL
Available in five different colours, this no-pull style dog harness from Expawlorer is a great option for younger German Shepherds and puppies who are still learning how to walk on a leash.
What we like about it:
- There are two leash attachment rings on this harness—the front one helps to reduce pulling
- It’s made of scratch-resistant, durable Oxford material
- The handle on the back of the harness also doubles as a car seatbelt attachment
One Size Only
Helpful Review: “This is a fantastic harness for our very high-energy, very excitable 5-month, 40-pound German Shepherd. It’s easy to put on her and can easily be adjusted while she’s wearing it. It’s also very durable, which is important because this dog is quickly becoming stronger than me. The absolute best part of this harness is the handle on the top. It has made controlling her so much easier. Whenever we come upon a situation in which she wants to lunge/bark/go totally crazy, I can hold her by the handle and sit with her until she calms down.”
Buy Now on Amazon3. Rabbitgoo No-Pull German Shepherd Harness
This Rabitgoo dog harness is fully-adjustable and has leash attachments on both the chest and back, giving you two different options for walking your German Shepherd.
What we like about it:
- This harness is easy to put on over the head, rather than requiring the dog to step into it
- The straps have soft mesh padding for maximum comfort
- Reflective piping on the harness provides added visibility
- 12 colourful options to choose from
Available sizes: S-XL
Helpful Review: “We recently rescued a very scared German Shepherd who is a very strong girl! She had pulled out of a different harness, so I thought this one would be a better fit. I was right; this harness is very well made and has two locations to hook up the leash. The front hook is great for maintaining control and teaching my pup good walking habits. There’s also a handle on the back that’s easy to grab in case of a runner. It definitely has saved this scared baby from running off and getting hurt!”
Buy Now on Amazon4. YogaDog German Shepherd Harness
Designed for dogs who are strong pullers, this YogaDog harness will make walks easier and more enjoyable with less pulling.
What we like about it:
- The harness contains an extended handle connected to the front chest strap that allows you to keep your dog close by your side as you walk
- Soft padding and elastic material helps to keep it comfortable
- Reflective stitching adds visibility in low-light situations
Available sizes: XL-XXL
Helpful Review: “This harness was just what we needed for our big German Shepherd. Lugar weighs 107 lbs and loves to go for walks. The harness fits perfectly and makes it easier to walk. Having the handle is so convenient for stopping. The padding appears to be very comfortable, and we’ve no problem getting him to wear it. We did not realise how reflective it was until we took the pictures.”
Buy Now on Amazon5. Excellent Elite Spanker Tactical Dog Harness
This tactical-style Excellent Elite Spanker German Shepherd harness is ideal for training, as well as outdoor activities like hiking.
What we like about it:
- Padding on the side of the harness makes it comfortable to wear
- It’s made of water-resistant nylon material and is fully adjustable
- The harness has a handle on the top for the owner to grab, if needed
Available sizes: XS-XL
Helpful Review: “This is a very well-made harness that fits my German Shepherd perfectly. I like the way the attachment point for the leash is further down the dog’s back with one strap around his midsection and another strap around his chest. There’s a third strap which ties the chest and midsection straps together to stabilise the harness and keep the straps from moving too much and rubbing off the hair. I don’t worry about causing any neck damage to my dog at all when he sees a squirrel.”
Buy Now on Amazon6. Pet Love German Shepherd Harness
In addition to the bright red colour which makes your dog more visible while wearing it, this vest-style harness from Pte Love is made from ultra-durable nylon and mesh material.
What we like about it:
- A handle on the back of the harness provides added control
- Durable, scratch-resistant material
- Adjustable straps for a customised fit
- 5 different colours and patterns
Available sizes: XXS-XXL
Helpful Review: “Very pleased with this harness and it fits perfectly on my 10 week old German Shepherd puppy. Arrived quickly and of good quality at a very reasonable price. As pup grows I will use the same supplier for further harnesses.”
Buy Now on Amazon7. Berry Pet Beirui Leather Dog Harness
This Beirui genuine leather harness is a perfect option for a lightweight German Shepherd harness that won’t chafe your pup or restrict his movement as he walks.
Why we like it:
- Multiple holes allow you to adjust the fit of the harness
- Thick straps made from soft, padded leather
- Heavy-duty snaps that are made from metal, not plastic
Available sizes: 30-34in & 33-36in
Helpful Review: “I used to use a different brand of harness for my Shepherd dog because she was getting gear-shy but decided to go with this. Partly because it’s leather and partly because it’s lighter and smaller so it will be great in the summer. I love the quality and have had no problems with it. She doesn’t even seem to realise it’s on half the time.”
Buy Now on AmazonFor a large, strong dog like a German Shepherd, we know you need a comfortable, durable harness to make your walks with your dog enjoyable for you both. We hope this list helped you find the perfect harness for your pup.
Further Reading
Now you’ve got your German Shepherd harness sorted, perhaps you have another dog who’s in need of a new harness for her walkies. Take a look at some of our ultimate harness guides below covering all dogs big and small.
