The best harnesses for small dogs

We've found the best harnesses for your tiny pooch.

harnesses for small dogs

by Marina Avraam |
Updated on

Walkies are the highlight of every dog's day, so it's no wonder they get excitable as soon as you grab their harness - you know they're getting ready to start outpacing you at every chance they get. As much as we love to see our doggos living their best dog life, pulling is a big problem that can cause serious injury, particularly if your dog is small.

According to experts, smaller dogs are more prone to injury due to their petite frame and bone structure, which - while wearing a collar - can lead to straining their little necks and backs. So, to avoid injury every time a cat leaps across the street, or a bike speeds by, buying a dog harness is your best bet.

Getting the right dog harness is extremely important, as you want to avoid your tiny pup wriggling around or even worse, slipping out of it. To make things easier, we've listed the best harnesses on the market, suitable for smaller dogs.

Should a small dog wear a collar or a harness?

Experts recommend that small dogs are fitted with a harness rather than a collar, so to avoid injury as a result of tugging.

Are dog harnesses safe?

Yes, dog harnesses are very safe, especially for dogs that have a tendency to tug on the leash. As long as you have the correct fit for your dog (i.e. not too tight and not too loose) then you shouldn’t have any issues. If you’re unsure of what’s right for your dog, you can always check with your vet.

How do you put on a dog harness?

We recommend starting your harness journey by praising your dog and give them treats - this will make wearing the harness a positive experience, and will likely ease up the process.

For most designs, you can start by loosening the harness and placing the loop over your dog's head. Then, place your dog's legs in between the bottom straps, and fasten the buckles accordingly.

Please note that this process may vary between harness's, so it's always best to check the instructions provided.

How do you measure a dog for a harness?

One option is to contact your pet shop to enquire about a fitting service, but if that's not available then a simple tape measure will do the trick just fine. Note down your dog’s measurements and use them to pick out your harness. Check the website you’re buying from for the measurements you’ll need, and make sure you allow for some wiggle room so it’s not too tight.

The best harnesses for small dogs

rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness Small

Rrp: $20.98

Price: $19.98
Alternative retailers
Walmart$24.98View offer

Available in a rainbow of colours to best match your pooch, this harness is ideal for any small dog breeds, including Havanese, Corgi, Pug and more. The harness is truly non-pull, designed with two metal leash rings and chest attachment clips to make sure your furry baby won't be running off anytime soon.

Review: "This is the best harness I've ever purchased! We've always had to use a Halti head collar as our Springer has always pulled and he has always hated it. This harness is padded, easy to put on and easy to adjust. It feels extremely secure with very little chance of our dog slipping out of it. We attached the lead to the front of the harness for the first few days and no pulling at all! We can now attach to the top of the harness and he's still trotting along without pulling. We're really pleased with this harness and our dog is happy and comfortable. Do take the time to measure your dogs neck and chest to ensure a good fit."

  • No pull, no choke
  • Snug, comfortable fit
  • Fully adjustable
  • Nylon material and padded with soft cushion

Reflective Step-in Soft Mesh Corduroy Vest Harness
Price: $14.39

Stop your pup from chasing furry friends with this high-quality, corduroy fabric harness. The soft and breathable material makes for a super comfortable fit that your dog will enjoy, and the reflective stripes ensure your pet will be visible in low light, making night-time walks safer than ever.

**Review: "**I was looking for a harness that my little 8 week old cavapoo couldn't climb out, the XS fits perfectly and the Velcro adjustment allows room for it to grow with the puppy. I've only started leash training now but the leash is a good length, quality seems excellent for the price and I love the colour on my red cavapoo."

  • Corduroy fabric and mesh padding
  • Reflective stripes
  • Double D-Ring
  • Easy to put and take off

Make their favourite time of the day as comfortable as possible with this lightweight, durable and soft no-pull harness. This option is ideal for those hotter days due to the breathable air mesh material that'll keep your pet cool. The stainless steel D-ring leash will also ensure full control on your end without any stress on your doggo's neck.

Review: "This dog harness is great! It's lightweight so it's fantastic in the warmer months, it's also very easy to use and very secure. I bought a harness for my young dog at puppy school and it cost £30 . This one is so much cheaper but the quality is still very good. I'd definitely buy another one."

  • Breathable mash material D-ring leash
  • Adjustable and reflective straps
  • Fast and secure buckles

Julius-K9, 16IDC-P-M, IDC Powerharness
Price: $39.51
Alternative retailers
Tractor Supply$29.99View offer
Walmart$66.55View offer

If you live in a bustling city, you'll need all the safety you can get out of a harness. This IDC powerharness will provide the professional control you need to ensure your pet's safety, and the sturdy, durable construction will last you for years to come - no matter how feisty your doggo is! The one-click fit makes the fastening process a breeze, something your pet will surely love you for.

Review: "I wouldn't normally leave a review but this harness is brilliant, straight away noticeably no pulling he just seems to walk nicely now, I was amazed. Also no more rubbing under his arms like the other harnesses I've tried. Really impressed and glad I bought it - worth spending the extra on."

  • Water repellent cover
  • Adjustable
  • Light reflective edges
  • Breathable inner liner

B004IEJF6E
Price: $20.99

Safe and comfy, the nylon webbing and reflective material on this harness ensure good visibility for evening walks or runs. The harness distributes pressure evenly around your dog's frame, preventing choking and ensuring optimal comfort. The two metal clips and sturdy handle also make walkies more comfortable for you and can help you manage tricky situations.

Review: "Not only is it a great harness for walking and transporting, it also offers support to my dog during uncomfortable storms. She is extremely scared of thunder and lighting, but calms down considerably when she has this harness on. She really does enjoy wearing it and it's the first I've found that does NOT rub on the underside of my dog. A great buy!!"

  • Soft padded plate
  • Durable oxford fabric
  • Sturdy metal rings
  • Reflective thread

Your pet will look cuter than ever in this beautifully designed, high-quality harness. Equipped with a durable metal D-ring, soft fabric enhanced with padding and a reflective belt, this option is a fab all-rounder.

Review: "Absolutely beautiful well-made and fits perfectly on my Jack Russell terrier. He is now 15 weeks old and still fits in it, I will be buying another in a bigger size as he grows as it's perfectly safe and comfortable for my puppy."

  • Polyester
  • Breathable mesh
  • Reflective belts
  • Strong buckles

Want to maintain your dog's natural movement but still be in full control? This harness will help you do just that. With dual neck and chest adjustable straps, and no chafing sleeves, your doggo will feel comfortable as ever while they're out to explore. The fastening process is so easy your pet won't even have to lift a paw - just clip on, and away you go.

Review: "Can't recommend enough, had other harnesses before that my dog somehow got out off but this feels so safe and more comfortable for him, he usually pulls on his lead but with this he doesn't. Also comes with lead that I didn't expect, well worth the money."

  • Neck and chest adjustable straps
  • Non-chocking
  • Quick-release
  • Heavy-duty buckles
  • Reflective threads

Zunea No Pull Dog Harness for Small Dog

Rrp: $7.57

Price: $6.63

Another great harness by Zunea, this option is mesh padded, no pull and has a handy quick-release design to make putting on and taking off a breeze. The reflective straps will keep your furry one safe, and the double adjustable buckle will ensure the best fit for your little dog.

Review: "I have searched high and low for a harness to fit my 1.2 kilo Pomchi. This is the only one that fits her properly with room to let it out a little as and when needed. Nicely made and soft. Her legs stopped working for half an hour after putting it on her but we soon got them working again with the help of some chicken haha (she was fine just having a little protest) Lovely harness."

  • Air mesh fabric
  • Reflective
  • Quick release buckle

Marina Avraam is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Mother&Baby, Heat and Closer. She has a passion for psychology, reading and fashion writing.

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