Finding the best dog harness can be a tedious process. As dog owners, we’ve been there when you’ve spent too much money on a harness that promises to fit but just doesn’t! We’ve searched high and low to find great harnesses for strong dogs, pullers, car journeys, and for everyday walkies.
Good quality harnesses allow for better control of your dog and they reduce any strain on your pooch’s neck compared to a collar. As you probably know by now, there are so many different types of harnesses on the market. Over-head harnesses are ideal for more chilled-out doggos that will trot alongside you and will sit patiently while you pop the harness on and do up the side clips.
Doesn’t sound like your dog? We’ve got you covered. Broader chest breeds or the pullers amongst our furry friends will benefit more from a harness with a wider chest piece. These will be more supportive and give you more control than a harness with thin straps. You can also check out our guide to the best dog harness for pulling if your pup lunges on walks.
Below you'll find a variety of dog harnesses to suit every breed and need, including ones with lots of padding that are ideal for all-day adventures and reflective harnesses that offer great visibility on those early morning and late night walks. And if you're worried about fitting the harness, check out our great guide that will teach you how to put a dog harness on or how to put a harness on a puppy.
The best dog harnesses 2024
Best overall dog harness
Julius K9 are the most recognisable dog harnesses on the market for a reason. Available in a range of colors and sizes, they’re super durable, with near-unbreakable buckles to keep your dog secure.
Best dog harness for durability
You know a company stands behind the quality and durability of its product when they offer a lifetime guarantee. This Lifetime harness is comfortable, secure, and damn near indestructible.
Best front-clip dog harness
If your dog is pulling you off your feet, then this front-clip, no-pull harness from PetSafe is an ideal choice. It safely puts pressure on your dog's shoulders if they pull, discouraging them without any risk of choking.
Best step-in dog harness
If you’re struggling to get your pooch strapped into their harness, then this colorful step-in option from Blueberry is our recommendation to help teach them the ropes, as it were. It’s affordable, comes in a range of colors and it’s easy to adjust as your puppy grows up.
Best dog harness for travel
If you need to take your pooch on a road trip, this vehicle safety harness should be an essential part of your travel kit. Made from a soft but durable fabric, this harness clips into the seat belt socket and keeps your dog safe and secure on the backseat.
Best back-clip dog harness
This stylish back-clip harness from Buddy Belts loops around your dog’s legs and back, avoiding the neck area entirely — this is ideal for dogs with tracheal problems or injuries. It’s easy to put on, made from durable leather, and comes in a range of colors.
Best reflective dog harness
If you and your canine companion enjoy early morning or late evening walks, then this reflective harness will keep them visible even in low light conditions — especially important if you live near busy roads. Beyond that, it’s lightweight, offers a comfortable fit, and goes on easy.
Best dog harness for maximum control
Get tactical with this durable dog harness that offers you maximum control of your canine buddy. It has a no-pull design that’s super comfortable for your dog thanks to the breathable air mesh and soft padded cotton cushion. It also has some fluorescent edging to let you walk them safely in low light conditions.
Best dog pack for hiking
If you’re taking your pooch exploring out in the wilderness, then this dog harness lets them carry their essential supplies with them. It’s lightweight and has loads of room for doggy treats, baggies, and even a few toys. It’s less of a traditional harness though, using an attachment for a leash instead.
Best overall dog harness
If you're looking for a hardwearing dog harness, then look no further than the Julius K9 brand. Their IDC Powerharness is a sturdy and reliable dog harness that offers peace of mind to pet owners looking for the most durable option for their canine.
It comes with a hefty price tag, but there are some great features on offer here that can make it worth shelling out the extra money. One of the key features is its unbreakable buckle; no matter the size of your dog there's no fear here of them slipping out or chewing through. The safety feature in the strap is also a nice touch as it allows the handle to be closed so your dog doesn't get caught up. Plus, the harness features reflective areas and the top layer is water-repellent too. We also love that you can add a custom tag to the harness to personalize it for your dog and there are a few colors on offer here, including a snazzy American design.
For dogs who are wary of putting a harness on, there's no need to lift up their legs to put on: simply pop their head through and buckle underneath. Whether you have a large dog or a small canine like a Maltese, French Bulldog or a pug, the harness comes in a range of sizes, including mini and extra small, to get that perfect fit; be sure to check the measurements before you buy.
Best dog harness for durability
When we heard that Atlas Pet Company offer a Lifetime Harness, we had to put it to the test and it’s fair to say we love this product. Our tester Sarah tried this out with her doggo Duke and said, “We do love this harness. It is very strong, durable and of impeccable quality. It keeps my dog safe and secure.”
Sarah tried this harness on Duke in a range of typical situations such as car travel, going for a walk and testing out how easy it was to put on her pooch. We know that lots of harnesses claim to be sturdy but what about when your dog tugs on the leash? Sarah said, “My dog is a pull-er and I can tell that with this harness he feels no discomfort when he tugs or pulls me in a certain direction.”
Duke wore the medium Lifetime Harness which is suitable for dogs weighing between 30 and 90 lbs, however, there is a smaller option (ideal for dogs weighing 15-30 lbs) and a large one with is suitable for dogs weighing 80-150 lbs. Sarah did add, however, that the harness was a little challenging to put on, saying “It does take me some time putting his [harness] on vs my other harnesses but I do think that is testament to how safe and secure it is for my pet.”
With that in mind, we think this harness is an excellent and secure option for dogs that are strong and are prone to pulling on the leash too. Its price tag isn’t small so be prepared for that, but Sarah adds, “I believe it will be a lifetime harness that won't break or rip! This is the harness I use when transporting my dog inside a vehicle, where safety and protection are paramount!”
Best front-clip dog harness
Often recommended by dog trainers, a front-clip dog harness is ideal for teaching dogs good walking habits; the PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is great for "pullers."
One of the key features is just how easy is to put it on your dog in the first instance. It features quick-snap buckles that allow you to put it over their head and buckle up and is easy to adjust, perfect for growing pooches.
If you have a dog who's likely to pull you off your feet at any opportunity this harness really can work wonders when it comes to training.
Available in a range of different colors and sizes, there's plenty of options to choose from for all breeds, but getting the perfect fit can be an issue for some dogs.
Generally, the product is quality-made, but the very nature of the design can pose a challenge in the durability department, especially according to your dog's temperament. This dog harness is not suitable for aggressive chewers, while plastic clips and thin straps might not be sufficient enough to give larger dog breed owners peace of mind that their dog will stay inside for long.
Best step-in dog harness
If you're looking for an easy way to get your dog harness on your pup, the Blueberry Step In Back Clip Dog Harness lets your canine companion simply step on in, then fasten the clip around their shoulders.
If you have a canine escape artist in your family, rest assured that this dog harness is much more durable than it may look at first sight. The harness is comfortable, safe and secure for most dog breeds, but beware if you have an aggressive chewer as this dog harness can be chewed apart.
Fortunately, it comes in at a great price. If you have a growing puppy and don't want to fork out a lot of money to buy an expensive harness they could potentially outgrow, this is a perfect choice, while also being fully adjustable.
The harness is available in a range of sizes from small to large, but run a little big on some dogs.
Best dog harness for travel
For keeping your pup secure in the backseat, VavoPaw Dog Vehicle Safety Vest Harness is ideal. At a great price, you get good quality and a few nice extras too.
Included is an adjustable seat belt and the brand has opted for a carabiner style of attachment to fit most cars.
Made from polyester and Oxford fabric, there's a solid D-ring on the back for security, while it's soft enough around the chest area to ensure optimum comfort for your canine. Simply slip it over their head and it clips on both sides. An added bonus is is that you can use it for walking too, then clip it in the vehicle once their long distance walk is complete.
It's durable enough to withstand pulls from large breeds, but if you have a puppy it can be a little on the stiff side. If you do own a large dog, one drawback is that the attachment can be too short, but at the price, many pet owners opt to buy another.
Sizing can run small; but be sure to measure your dog using the manufacturer's provided instructions on the site for the best fit.
Best back-clip dog harness
Whether your dog suffers from trachea problems or you're specifically concerned about unnecessary strain around your pet's neck area, the Buddy Belts Classic Leather Back Clip Dog Harness is specifically devised to alleviate the tension in this area.
It comes with a fairly lofty price tag but for your buck the durability is great. It's made from leather and welded metal hardware designed to last for years. Whatever activities your dog loves to embrace, this dog harness will go the extra mile.
It's easy to put on too, with the snap located underneath the chest. Plus, the chances of your miniature Houdini getting out of this one is rather low; the product is snug providing you get the perfect fit. Some pet owners recommend sizing down to ensure the excess strap doesn't hang down too much.
One of the drawbacks of leather is that is can be on the stiff side, which won't be to every dog's liking. If this sounds like your canine companion, you can opt to add in a soft liner for an extra layer of comfort.
If you have a puppy or a particularly aggressive chewer in the family, this might not be the best option for them as tiny teeth can cause quick destruction in this expensive harness, but senior dogs with a laidback attitude should have little problem.
Best reflective dog harness
If you and your pup love a good early morning or late evening walk, this reflective harness from Ruffwear is a great investment that will ensure your canine companion stays highly visible.
Available in a range of stunning colors and generous sizes, the harness has been made for extended wear with a lightweight, padded and durable design that's perfect for all-day adventures.
Designed to be easily taken on and off, there's two leash attachment points and reinforced webbing for extra control that's ideal if your dog tends to pull while walking.
The foam padded strips across the chest and belly make this harness incredibly comfortable to wear and the fit is customizable with four convenient points of adjustment. Most importantly, the fabric is bright and visible with plenty of reflective trim to keep your dog safe.
Best dog harness for maximum control
If you're looking for a harness that will give you maximum control and security, this military-grade model from Auroth ticks both of those boxes. Available in sizes S-XL, this harness is suitable for most breeds up to 135lbs and comes in a choice of colors.
Featuring breathable air mesh with a soft padded cotton cushion, the harness does a great job of protecting the skin from friction and the heavy-duty 900D nylon with sturdy stitching offers great durability.
The harness comes with two metal leash attachment points with one at the front to stop pulling when you're walking and one at the back that's great if you're going jogging or running, plus there's fluorescent edging that lets you walk your dog safely.
You'll also find two strips of Molle sewn on both sides that allows your dog to carry gear if they're in training. It's compatible with Molle/PALs pouch, so you can also hook on a dog bowl, water bottle and toys.
Best dog pack for hiking
If you and your dog are frequently on adventures together, you'll need the best dog harness for the job.
The Outward Hound DayPak for Dogs allows your pup to comfortably carry extra gear and essentials like their favorite comforter toy, plus it has a leash attachment that allows you to attach your pup’s leash directly to the D-ring clip.
You've got to admit it looks pretty cute to boot, too. Available in a vibrant green from Chewy, it not only looks the part by turning your dog into a mini-me hiker, but enhances visibility in the dark.
Sadly, it's not available in a small size for teacup breeds, but medium to larger breeds will be able to wear it with style.
It's lightweight enough to carry around but this can pose a challenge to the durability of the product. Be sure not to overpack the bag as this can lead to the material being ripped, while it does have a tendency to slide a little.
How to choose the best dog harness
Before choosing a dog harness for your precious pooch, there are some key factors that you need to consider. We've gone over all the important things below, starting with...
Type of dog harness
Be sure to kit your dog out with the best type of harness for their temperament. Styles of dog harness include front-clip, back-clip, step-in, no-pull, a head collar and a safety harness designed specifically to be used in the car. You can also buy a dog pack harness if your dog is particularly adventurous.
No-pull, front-clip dog harnesses are ideal for dogs who pull or tug at their leash, with the clip located at the front; while back-clip harnesses tend to have a D-ring located at the back so dogs are less likely to become entangled, plus it can be ideal for preventing unnecessary strain around their neck. Step-in options are great if you foresee a struggle placing a dog harness over their head.
Special types of travel dog harness include ones for the car or dog packs, while a head collar, also known as a head halter, is a device that fits over your dog's nose to give more control.
Durability
Much like choosing the type of dog harness, it's important to think about your dog's temperament too when it comes to durability. If you have a puppy or an aggressive chewer, you'll want to pick a product that can't easily be chewed through, while plastic clips can be prone to breakage.
Activity type
Is your pup frequently hitting the road or the puddles? Some dog harnesses feature a waterproof layer, while if you're looking to keep them secure in the car you'll need a secure attachment and the ability to walk with it too is a handy feature.
If you love hiking, a dog pack can store their essentials. If you plan to take them on the trail at night, you'll want to consider reflective material or features that can glow in the dark for greater visibility.
Fit
Getting a great fit is essential for any dog harness as you don't want your pup to wiggle their way out nor to experience any pain with too tight a fit. Ensure you measure around your dog's ribcage before you buy and check in with the manufacturer's sizing advice. Here are some tips on how to measure your dog for a harness.
Is a harness or collar better for dogs?
We’ve offered a lot of advice on which dog harnesses you should use, but are dog harnesses actually better than dog collars? Well no, in short. As Dr Rebecca MacMillan explains, “Some dogs suit a collar, whereas a harness will work best for others. There is not one product that is superior to another.”
There are pros and cons to both dog harnesses and traditional dog collars, so lets have a look over them both, starting with dog collars
Dog collars
“Collars tend to be more comfortable to wear than harnesses. They can be worn at all times, which can be useful when suddenly needing to hold onto your pet e.g. answering the door.” says MacMillan. They are also super convenient for hanging your dog's ID tag onto, in case they get lost.
On the flip side, MacMillan explains that the disadvantage of exercising your dog in a collar is that “they could put excessive pressure on their necks if they tend to pull on the leash. Prolonged pressure from constant pulling or trauma from your dog suddenly trying to run after something while on the leash, could cause injury.”
If you do choose a collar, make sure you get a style and size that is suitable for your dog breed. You want to avoid getting a collar that is too tight, as it’s uncomfortable for your dog, or too loose, as it may slip off. And if you dog has existing airway or neck issues, we’d recommend avoiding a collar and choosing a harness. Speaking of which…
Dog harnesses
OK, so what are the benefits of dog harnesses then?
“Harnesses spread the pressure more evenly across your pet’s back or chest, which can be better for some dogs.” explains MacMillan “They might also be harder to slip out of than a collar can be, so could be a safer bet for escape artists! “
MacMillan goes on to note that the major downside of harnesses is that they typically give you “less control over your pet especially if they pull, jump up, or have aggressive tendencies. Some dogs will just lean into their harness to pull against you with more force (think of a Husky dog pulling a sled).”
As with collars, it’s important to choose the most appropriate harness type for your dog. You want something that they find comfortable to wear, and that doesn’t restrict their range of motion. Some harnesses are rather big and bulky, and these shouldn’t be left on for prolonged periods of time – especially if your dog is just roaming free around the house.
As a final note, our expert vet is keen to remind us that “while different collars and leads may boast anti-pulling properties, nothing is a substitute for proper positive reinforcement training. Always seek help from a dog trainer or qualified pet behaviorist if you are struggling.”.
If you're wondering, 'Are harnesses bad for dogs?' this feature has the answer.
Rebecca is a vet surgeon who graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London. She has a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. She enjoys medicine in particular and she is proud to have recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation). She writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
