Walking a dog is a lot more fun, not to mention easier, with the right gear. For small dogs, a harness that fits well is key to both their comfort and yours. Using a too-big harness on a small dog means it's possible your pet could wiggle herself out of her harness in the middle of your walk, or when you're not looking. Avoid that scenario by seeking out one of these eight harnesses that are designed specifically to be comfortable and safe for small dogs.
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Fit is important when choosing the best dog harness for your small dog, even if you just want a harness that looks snazzy or blingy. The harness should fit snuggly enough that they can't wiggle themselves out of it, while also being comfortable enough without digging in or putting pressure on their throat or neck. It should have a leash attachment, and not dig into your dog's chest. Other great features are for the pet harness to be machine washable, with the ability to connect it to a seat belt for when you are in the car.When you're shopping for the perfect harness, measure your dog's proportions and compare them with the harness for the proper fit.
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1. Ruffwear Front Range Small Dog Harness
We love the Ruffwear Front Range Harness because it's lightweight, so your dog won't bark about wearing it on those all-day hikes. And it's durable, so you can relax knowing it will make it through as many hikes as you can handle. It's padded across the chest for some additional comfort, and it has four points of adjustment for the perfect fit. There are reflective strips and webbing on it, and a little ID pocket, where you can stash your dog's tags if you don't want to hear the jangling while you walk. One nice thing about this design is that there's nothing around the neck to interfere with the dog collar or ID tags.
2. Juxzh Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness
The Juxzh Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness comfortably hugs your dog across the chest, with clips for the leash on both the chest and the top of the back. There's also a handle on the top, in case you need to, or want to, quickly pick your dog up. This is marketed as a "no-pull" collar, meaning when you're using the dog leash, the harness doesn't "pull" them along because the weight is evenly distributed across the dog's body. Even though it's sturdy and colorful, the harness is made of soft mesh that is also breathable, so your dog should be comfortable wearing it all day long. This style harness, which cross across the chest, is called a vest harness.
3. Ecobark Classic Dog Harness
We like the EcoBark Classic Dog Harness because it's wide across the chest, which dogs agree leads to a more comfortable fit. This one has adjustable straps around both the dog's neck and the chest, so even though it's not "custom-made" for your dog, it fits like it is! In sizes from XS to XXL, so even your large dogs can get in on the action. The medium size is recommended for small dog breeds such as a Dachshund or a pug. Plus, it's got double-padding, breathable mesh, and double stitching for durability.
4. Metric USA Comfort Fits
The Metric USA Comfort Fits harness has two securely locking D-rings, which should work to deter even the most hardened of harness escape artists. The high-tech material is said to be stretchy and comfortable, to give your dogs "hugs" rather than a feeling of being "harnessed." Even though it's high-quality with a lot of coverage (and dual velcro/snap closures), it only weighs a remarkably light 2 ounces. Specifically designed for small and x-small breed dogs like pugs and Chihuahuas, this snug fit harness is not adjustable, so measure your dog to make sure its girth fits the right size you need.
5. Ruffwear Doubleback Harness
Want to take your dog on a hike to a spot where they wouldn't be able to jump up all the way? This is the heavy-duty harness for you. The Ruffback Doubleback harness is a belay harness that is designed to safely and comfortably lift and lower dogs. This design features padded belly support and leg loops, with tie-ins to easily attach ropes or a back clip. Even if you just want to take your dog on a nice and easy walk, this harness can also help with older dogs who have hip, leg, or spine issues, because they can be easily supported in many positions.
6. Puppia Authentic RiteFit Harness
The Puppia Authentic RiteFit harness adjusts around the neck and chest, so you can ensure a comfortable fit. Two D-rings on the back provide two leash attachment points, and the breathable mesh is also water resistant. Because of the design of this soft mesh dog harness, with chest support and large leg loops, it's easy for your pooch to just walk their front legs right into this harness.
7. Gooby Comfort X Step-in Harness
If you're looking for a very customizable fit, the Gooby Comfort X Step-in harness provides four points of adjustment: two neck straps and two chest straps. It's easy for dogs to step into a harness of this design, and the quick-release buckle makes it easy to take off. For dogs that don't like too much fabric rubbing on them, but that still need coverage, this harness fits the bill.
8. Expawlorer Best No-Pull Dog Harness
A front clip ring on the chest is useful if your dog is a puller because the ergonomic design of the Expawlorer Best No-Pull Dog Harness distributes the weight of a leash evenly across the dog's back. This is a fully adjustable harness but it is an over your dog's head-style harness. A handle helps you secure your smaller dog while traveling, along with two leash clip rings for leash access on either the back or the front under the chest. Bright reflective stitching and reflective trim help keep your dog visible even in low light.
