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 harnesses can help.
Vets and trainers often recommend harnesses for small dogs, who can become injured from straining against a collar. A harness reduces strain on your dog’s neck by dispersing pressure over a larger area of their body. Plus, harnesses can be more secure than collars. Some small dogs slip their collars, but harnesses keep theme 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.
How to shop for a harness for your small dog
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Fit is important when choosing a harness for your small dog. Whether you get a no-pull harness, a walking aid, or something fashionable, the harness should fit your dog comfortably, without putting pressure on their throat and neck. You’ll want to measure the girth around your dog’s chest. Keep a measuring tape on hand, because different harnesses require different measurements for a proper fit. Read our article Your Complete Guide to Dog Harnesses to find out more!
Ready to shop? After combing online reviews and considering our own experience with harnesses, we’re ready to recommend the best harnesses for small dogs.
Best basic small dog harness
The Puppia harness is a best-seller for a reason. Its soft, lightweight mesh is super-comfortable for your small 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 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 an ideal chihuahua harness!
Helpful review: “[My chihuahua] is very tiny and every harness I’ve looked at didn’t seem like it would fit. I’ve also heard of chihuahuas escaping their harnesses, so that was something I kept in mind. This harness is comfortable and easy to put on him…The material is very sturdy but soft enough that he can actually sleep and play around in it.”
Best choke-free harness for small dogs
If you have a small brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like a pug or Boston terrier, you know how important it is to keep their airways healthy. The Gooby Choke-Free Step-In Comfort Dog Harness was designed to eliminate stress on dogs’ necks. Its X 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 fast and easy to put on and take off
- Soft mesh and suede trimming keep your dog comfortable
- Four adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit
Helpful review: “My Boston Terrier has Megaesophogus which causes regurgitation of food eaten hours earlier. It’s a must that I have a harness that falls below the throat while walking him, as this [a higher one] exacerbates his condition. With this ‘Step-in’ harness, it sits low on his chest yet does a good job of holding him back.”‘
Best basic nylon harness for small dogs
Like to keep it simple when it comes to your small dog harness? This strong nylon number from Pawtitas comes in several vibrant colours and has a simple, 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 2.3kg (5 pounds)!
- Two stainless steel D-rings for secure lead attachment
Helpful review: “I have a toy dog and he can get a bit rambunctious when getting ready to go out…this makes putting my dog’s harness on so much easier. [I] still have good control when walking him, but my dog feels freer now and he enjoys his walks a lot more with this harness.”
Best no-pull small dog harness
If your small dog pulls on the lead, the PetSafe Easy Walk harness is a lifesaver. It fits across their chest and gently steers them to the side when they pull, which reduces and even stops lead-pulling. It’s the perfect small-dog harness for pups who can’t wear collars.
Why we like it:
- Quick-snap buckles make it easy to put on and take off
- Differently coloured straps help align harness correctly every time
- Fits across the chest, so there’s no pressure on your dog’s neck
Helpful review: “This is a really good harness if you have problems with your dog tugging and pulling when you walk. I couldn’t believe how my tiny chihuahua used to try to drag me around. This worked great for him.”
Fashionable harness for small dogs
Looking for fashion and function in a toy breed harness? This jaunty striped number has you covered! It features breathable, machine-washable fabric and a cute anchor embellishment. More importantly, it’s comfortable and safe, with a sturdy D-ring for secure lead 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 adorable matching lead
Helpful review: “Fits my two Yorkies, and looks so cute! I bought these as their beach outfits and had so many compliments when out for walks. Love it!”
Best sling harness for small dogs
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-sized GingerLead dog support 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 lead clips to additional chest harness (not included) or collar for extra support
- Neoprene handle and long lead make it easy and comfortable for you to support your dog from a standing position
Helpful review: “This support harness is worth every penny. I purchased the small female harness for our papillon who tore her ACL. This was absolutely necessary to help the poor girl use the bathroom on her own. Highly recommend.”
Best adventure harness for small dogs
Do you have a “big dog in a small body?” This sturdy small dog harness is ideal for outdoor adventures with your pint-sized explorer. It’s tough on the outside, with durable, scratch-resistant material. But on the inside, soft sponge padding and mesh lining keep your dog comfortable. Plus, the attached handle lets you lift your dog quickly when needed.
Why we like it:
- Extra-small and small sizes fit little dogs who like big adventures
- Nylon webbing straps have 3M reflective material for good visibility
- Two lead attachment points: aluminium V-ring on the dog’s back and reinforced webbing on the dog’s chest.
Helpful review: “I’ve been looking for a nicely padded adventure harness for my little chihuahua…I was so glad to come across this one. It works great with our active lifestyle and with her being so tiny. Now when we go hiking I’m able to simply pick her up by the handle when the obstacle is too tall for her.”
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
- We Review the 15 Best Dog Harnesses for Every Kind of Dog
- 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
