What’s The Harness For Small Dogs? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide
Did you know, you run the risk of hurting your small dog if you insist on using a regular collar and leash while taking him out for a walk? That is particularly true if you haven’t yet trained your dog on the leash yet. Leashes and collars are sometimes used improperly and this can be extremely dangerous for small breed dogs.
Fortunately, there is a solution. Vets and dog trainers recommend buying a harness for small dogs that tend to get injured while pulling on a leash or straining against a collar.
Harnesses help to reduce the pressure on your dog’s neck by distributing it over a larger surface area of their body. Moreover, harnesses tend to be more secure than a traditional collar and leash. Little dogs can slip their collars, but small dog harnesses keep them comfortable and safe.
In this review and buying guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the best small dog harnesses to help you make an informed buying decision.
Contents
- Our Top 10 Harnesses for Small Dogs (2020 Updated)
- 1. Puppia Soft Dog Harness
- 2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness
- 3. Gooby Dog Harness – Comfort X Head-In
- 4. Voyager Dog Harness – Step-In Air All Weather Mesh
- 5. Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness
- 6. PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness
- 7. EcoBark Harness – Soft Gentle No Pull & No Choke
- 8. EXPAWLORER Harness – Checkered Frills Fashion
- 9. Coastal Pet Harness – Lil Pals Mesh Step-In
- 10. Comfort Fit Metric USA No-Pull Small Dog Harness
- Why Should You Buy A Harness For Small Dog?
- Important Features to Consider
- 2 Tips on How to Use a Dog Harness
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Our Top 10 Harnesses for Small Dogs (2020 Updated)
PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS
PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
- Made from lightweight but strong material to withstand a bit of tugging
- Boasts a broad chest and belly strap to keep pressure off your puppy's neck
- Heavy-duty D-ring for hassle-free leash attachment points
- Adjustable straps for a snug fit; snug enough to prevent chafing
- Lightweight but durable construction
- Made from high-quality materials for enhanced durability
- Five different adjustment points for a secure and snug fit
- Padded chest plate for a comfortable fit
- Includes seat belt tether, which is ideal for car travel
- Comes with a front clip for no-pull training, and back leash attachment points for normal everyday walk
- Choke free X-frame design
- Construct with a back leash attachment point
- Made from high-quality polyester material
- Microsuede trimming to improve your dog’s comfortability
- Amazingly lightweight and long-lasting
- Available in three different size options for small breed dogs: medium, small and x-small
- An all-weather harness with breathable material
- Simple, step-in design for the perfect fit
- Sturdy velcro closure and release buckles for extra security
- Strong 2-D rings for easy leash training
- Made from quality OEKO-TEX material with heavy-duty buckles
- Breathable and comfortable harness
- Lockable handle for enhanced security
- Reflective grey lines on the edges and a bigger one on its chest belt for improved visibility
- Features extra bags (sold separately) for carrying various accessories
- Five-point adjustable straps to enhanced comfortability and safety
- A no pull martingale loop
- Front steel leash D-ring for greater control of your pup
- Reflective nylon material to increase visibility
- Doubles up as a car safety harness
- Designed for no-choke and no-pull purposes
- Consists of a double layer of mesh to enhance strength
- Quick and easy to put on
- Escape-proof harness when the dog is fitted with the right size
- Harness comes in a range of colors
- Harness comes in three color options: red, purple and pink
- Made from quality polyester, machine washable material to ensure comfortability and durability
- One buckle design makes it easy to put on and take off
- Lined with quality mesh padding to increase comfortability
- Harness is resistant to scratching
- Comes in 5 different color patterns
- Velcro fasteners
- Wrap-around design
- Easy and quick to put on/take off
- Virtually escape-proof harness when a pup is fitted with the right size
- Soft padded material with no pull design
- Available in six attractive color options
- Available in five different sizes, from xx-small to large
- Comes with a release buckle and velcro closure for more security
- Lightweight, but durable
If your dog slips out of a collar, pulls on walks, or simply requires an elegant and ergonomic walking aid, now is the best time to get a good harness for them. There are many different types of the best dog walking harness for pet parents to choose from.
With so many small dog harness options available on the market, you’ll be happy to know that we’ve done the hard work in scouring reviews and testing the top products to bring you the Top 10 Best Harnesses for small dog breeds and other small dogs.
1. Puppia Soft Dog Harness
As a small dog owner, you may always be familiar with Puppia, a company that is well known for its fully adjustable and breathable small dog harnesses.
The Puppia soft harness is available in large sizes, but tiny or sensitive-skinned dogs will love this product because of the soft mesh material. This soft and affordable harness is a great choice for small, gentle, or adult dogs and owners with strict budgets.
PROS
- Made by a company with a vast wealth of experience
- Made from soft, breathable material
- Adjusts quickly with straps
- Easy to put on and take off
CONS
- May not be suitable for energetic dogs that love tugging
2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness
If you’re searching for a versatile harness for dogs that is ideal for your little pup, then you can’t go wrong with this Tru-fit walking harness from Kurgo. And it’s easy to see why it is one of the bestselling small dog harnesses on the market.
It’s available in different sizes, but the x-small and small sizes are both helpful choices for a small dog. It also features five adjustment points, which makes it easy to get a tailored fit. The padded chest plate also helps to keep your dog even more comfortable, and it has quick-release buckles – which makes it easy to put on and take off.
You would be happy to note that it also includes the Kurgo lifetime guarantee. It is a comfortable option that works well for little dogs, and owners can use the D-ring to stop their dogs from pulling. Moreover, it could be used as a car harness as the design includes a seat belt attachment that is suitable for keeping Fido safe and comfortable during your travels.
PROS
- Works as both a waking and car harness
- Includes a seat belt clip that is compatible with most vehicle seatbelt systems
- Crash-tested for pups up to 75 pounds
- A fully adjustable product that is comfortable and safe to wear
- Offers a lifetime guarantee against product defects
CONS
- Few color choices
3. Gooby Dog Harness – Comfort X Head-In
Another small dog harness is the choke-free Gooby Dog Harness – Comfort X Head-In. With its X-design, this harness rests a bit lower on your pup’s body, thereby avoiding the neck area, so it can keep your dog comfortable and safe when they pull.
This soft harness is specially designed with little dogs in mind, and you should check out the size guide to ensure you get a custom fit for your furry friend.
It is made from high-quality polyester material that is amazingly light in weight, so your pup should stay comfortable when wearing it. Furthermore, the microsuede trimming helps to increase comfortability during those long walks.
PROS
- Fast and easy to wear and take off
- No choke harness featuring a v-shaped neck
- Soft and comfortable to wear
- Secure and escape-proof
CONS
- Chest size might be on a smaller size; difficult to gauge sizing
- Might not withstand heavy chewing
4. Voyager Dog Harness – Step-In Air All Weather Mesh
The seamless design of this pup harness ensures no struggling with straps, so you can prepare your pooch quickly, especially when you’re in a hurry.
Made from breathable mesh material, the Voyager Dog harness doesn’t trap water or heat as much as other heavier puppy harnesses would, and a dual buckle and Velcro closure increases comfortability and protection. It also features two reflective stitching and strips to increase visibility in the dark. It is also machine washable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
PROS
- Strong materials make it a very durable product
- Breathable material for added comfortability
- Reflective stitching for enhanced visibility in low light conditions
- Can be used in all weather conditions
CONS
- Durability concerns
5. Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness
Boasting a proprietary design that sets the standards of style and design, this small harness is certainly a great option for dog walkers. With a joint system featuring Velcro parts and interchangeable patches, this harness for small dogs can be securely and safely adjusted to ensure the correct fit and optimal comfort for your pet.
Furthermore, it is made of quality OEKO-TEX material and includes heavy-duty buckles to make it very strong and durable. Perhaps more importantly, they can work perfectly well in cold and even subzero weather.
In addition to being a standard harness, Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness also acts as a visibility vest. The harness has small reflective grey lines on the edges and a larger one on the chest strap. This helps to make your dog visit in the dark and from great distances. Finally, this product features side bags that allow you to carry essential accessories easily.
PROS
- Easy to adjust
- Strong and durable
- Soft and breathable interior lining
- Heavy-duty side buckles
- Has side bags (sold separately) for transporting accessories
CONS
- Sometimes hard to put on and take off
6. PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness
Small dogs need a dog no pulling harness option that guarantees safety and comfort, and the PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness is a great choice. With five adjustable straps made from high-grade reflective nylon, pet parents can get a customized fit for dogs of any size.
With a martingale loop and steel leash D-ring, you can enjoy greater control of their pet’s body while walking or jogging. There is also an additional handle that helps to make it ideal for handicapped toy dogs.
The PetSafe 3 in 1 small harness also works as a dog safety harness for pups that enjoy car rides. Another reason why this easy walk harness is one of the best dog harnesses on the market is that if your dog is chewer, PetSafe provides replacements at an affordable price.
PROS
- Back and front leash clips
- Reflective nylon
- Replacements for parts
- Designed for maximum adjustability and safety
CONS
- Buckles may break
- No sponge padding
7. EcoBark Harness – Soft Gentle No Pull & No Choke
The EcoBark Dog Harness is perfect for most of the small breeds, including the Chihuahua, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Pekingese, Yorkie, French Bulldog, and the Pug, to mention a few. This no-choke and no-pull dog harness are also made from soft and breathable material to keep your dog comfortable.
This product also boasts a non-toxic Rosh mesh material to prolong its lifespan. It comes with a full-body collar that is perfect for walking, running, and hiking. It also boasts an anti-rub technology as a custom cover design to prevent chafing. It helps to prevent the adjustable strap from applying pressure against the dogs’ chest and legs for added comfort for your furry friend.
PROS
- Made from strong, non-toxic material
- Very strong and durable
- Suitable for most small dogs
- Soft and breathable
- Escape-proof
CONS
- Over-the-head design
- Sizing chart may be inaccurate
8. EXPAWLORER Harness – Checkered Frills Fashion
If you’re looking for a cute harness that will suit your little pup, the Exawlorer’s Checkered Frills Harness fits the bill. In addition to being a very attractive harness for smaller dogs, this is a well-designed, high-quality product that will stand the test of time. it is made from high-quality polyester, machine washable material to ensure comfort and durability
Another impressive thing about this dog harness is that it is specifically designed to restrain smaller dogs in a safe and comfortable manner. It helps to prevent injuries by evenly distributing the weight of your dog in case they try to pull.
PROS
- Checkered frills with a ribbon to enhance its appearance
- This harness comes in different sizes
- High-quality polyester material, machine-washable
- Helps to reduce pulling and tugging on your dog’s neck
CONS
- Issues with the stitching
- Sizing concerns
9. Coastal Pet Harness – Lil Pals Mesh Step-In
The Coastal Lil Pals Mesh Step-In dog harness is an adorable product, designed for both small and extra small dogs. Made from safe and comfortable materials, this small harness for dogs helps to keep your pup secure while not hindering much of his ability to walk or move around.
An adjustable chest strap with a quick snap buckle as well as a D-ring allows owners to hook any regular dog leash onto this product. The product design also helps to reduce pulling and tugging. Moreover, the lace design can make your little dog look more beautiful and adorable.
PROS
- Ideal for tiny dogs
- Easy to put on and take off/adjust
- Adjustable for the best fit
- Comes in two elegant colors
CONS
- Problems getting the perfect fit
10. Comfort Fit Metric USA No-Pull Small Dog Harness
The Comfort Fit Metric USA No-Pull Small Dog Harness might be the last product on our review of the best harnesses for small dogs, but that doesn’t mean that it lags behind any of the above products when it comes to build quality.
This product from Metric USA is available in a wide range of sizes that will fit smaller dog breeds. These harnesses vary from Small, X-Small, and XX-Small, so it’s important to check the available sizes carefully to choose the correct size for your little dog.
The harness is designed with comfort in mind, and it definitely manages to surpass expectations due to the soft, comfortable padding. It is also lightweight and extremely strong. It utilizes two D-Rings to offer a secure fit to the leash. Overall, it is an effective product that many small dog owners are happy to use.
PROS
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Padded areas minimize discomfort on the lower neck and trachea
- Easy to clean and maintain
- No pull design to enjoy complete control over your dog
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
CONS
- The clasps might open up from time to time
Why Should You Buy A Harness For Small Dog?
Your small pooch may require more than just a traditional leash and collar to wear when going out on walks. They might need to wear a harness as well. The best small dog harness can help with safety and control problems. Here are some reasons why you should buy a harness for your small dog:
Some small breeds are more fragile and more vulnerable to injuries than others. Putting on a harness can take the pressure away from one part of the dog’s body. It evenly distributes the pressure over a larger area of their body.
Trachea and neck injuries might affect your dog if he tends to pull on the leash. A leash attached to a standard harness typically connects to the dog’s back between his shoulders.
If training is pleasant, your puppy will learn to associate the leash and harness with the enjoyable experience of going out on walks with someone they love.
Important Features to Consider
Weight & Material
When talking about which best dogs harness to get, this is an obvious factor to consider – and is a very important one. If your dog is going to wear the harness regularly, it is important to find soft, lightweight, and comfortable mesh material. Also, make sure that the adventure harness fits properly to ensure safety and comfort.
Fitting & Sizes
Just because your pet is small doesn’t mean you should go for the smallest harnesses for dogs. Make sure to take the measurements of your puppy’s neck and chest girth before selecting the size. You can use a reliable dog harness sizing chart to determine the right size for the best fit harness for your dog.
Adjustability
For the perfect fit, you want to buy a toy breed harness that is easily adjustable around the chest and neck. A customizable fit harness can keep your beloved pet comfortable and safe while preventing them from slipping out of it during a walk.
Safety
The main purpose of a dog wearing a dog harness during walks is to prevent neck and trachea injuries. Find a high-quality product that fits around the lower part of your pup’s neck to prevent neck and trachea issues.
2 Tips on How to Use a Dog Harness
Learning how to use a dog harness is extremely important. This is because if you use a harness wrongly, it can cause a lot of problems. For instance, your pup might try to pull in an attempt to make himself more comfortable. Sometimes you may think that your dog is misbehaving when he is in an actual sense trying to make himself more comfortable.
A puppy harness that is worn incorrectly might also hinder your dog’s movement. Fortunately, we’ve compiled this step-by-step guide to assist you in learning how to use a dog harness the right way.
1. Step-In Harness
This type of harness is designed to be easily worn by small dogs since all you need to do is to lay it on the floor and then let your pooch step over it.
The difference between a step-in harness and a standard harness is that a step in harness forms triangles around the dog’s paws whereas a standard dog harness forms rectangles. Using a step-in harness is not as difficult as you might imagine.
1. Lay the dog harness on the floor in order to see the triangles well.
2. Place your pets front paws in the triangles, holding them from behind.
3. Close the two ends on your dogs back.
4. Adjust it properly to ensure your dog is safe and comfortable.
Step-in harnesses are quite easy to use and a great choice for dogs that are very touch-sensitive [1].
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2. Vest Harness
For dog owners worried about their dog’s safety and comfort, a vest harness can be an excellent choice. Like most harnesses, this type of harness gives people more control and security than a leash or collar.
1. To put on a vest harness properly, make sure to loosen it first so you can easily slip it over your dog’s head easily and quickly.
2. Slide your dog’s head through the neck of the piece.
3. Put the straps under his stomach and between the front legs.
4. Buckle up.
5. Adjust the harness accordingly to ensure a snug fit.
Unlike harnesses that use thin straps that may irritate or chafe your dog’s skin, vest harnesses for small dogs will evenly distribute the weight from the leash across the chest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a harness or collar better for a small dog?
A harness is better than a collar for a small dog because it helps to prevent neck injuries. Harnesses tend to be more comfortable than a dog collar. However, your dog can still pull on a harness so training is still necessary. If not, the best solution would be to get a no pull harness.
What is the best dog harness for extra small dogs?
The best dog harness for extra small dogs is one that offers a safe and comfortable fit for your dog. Remember, extra small to some owners aren’t extra small to others! Therefore, it is important to check out the sizing chart to ensure it will fit your extra small dog before buying. If it fits properly, it will be the best harness for small dogs.
Can dog wear a harness all day?
No, a dog cannot wear a harness all day. It is advisable to remove the adventure harness after a walk. Constant wear might be frustrating to your dog. It can rub against his body, matt the hair and even irritate the skin.
Conclusion
There you have it. Our review of the top 10 best small dogs harnesses currently available on the market. Of course, you’ll find many other options out there.
However, if you want to buy the best small dog harness for the little bundle of fur and joy in your life, then you should surely pick one of the above harnesses for small dogs. We recommend Puppia Soft Dog Harness.
Regardless, all the above harnesses for small dogs tick all the right boxes when it comes to adjustability, comfort, safety, and durability.
Editor's Choice
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
- Made from lightweight but strong material to withstand a bit of tugging
- Boasts a broad chest and belly strap to keep pressure off your puppy's neck
- Heavy-duty D-ring for hassle-free leash attachment points
- Adjustable straps for a snug fit; snug enough to prevent chafing
- Lightweight but durable construction
