Best Dog Harnesses
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Finding the Best Dog Harness
Finding a harness to fit your dog can be challenging, but we're here to help. We've consulted experts and dog owners to select the best top-rated dog harnesses.
Check out the FAQS

Best No-Pull Harnesses

No-pull harnesses are designed to work without pinching or causing your dog discomfort.

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Our Top Pick
Chewy
Hurtta Weekend Warrior ECO Reflective Dual Clip Dog Harness, Rosehip, 30 to 42-in chest
What Dogs Love:

The ergonomic design evenly distributes weight making this harness extra comfortable for canines of any size.

What Humans Love:

Secure, comfortable for dogs, and environmentally-friendly, this harness checks many of the boxes owners looks for in a top product.

What You'll Love:
  • Strong
  • Versatile
  • Eco-Friendly
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The ergonomic design evenly distributes weight making this harness extra comfortable for canines of any size.

What Humans Love:

Secure, comfortable for dogs, and environmentally-friendly, this harness checks many of the boxes owners looks for in a top product.

    What You'll Love:
  • Strong
  • Versatile
  • Eco-Friendly
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Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Rabbitgoo  Dog Harness No-Pull Pet Harness Adjustable Outdoor Pet Vest 3M Reflective Oxford Material Vest for Dogs Easy Control for Small Medium Large Dogs (Black, L)
What Dogs Love:

The soft cushioning makes it gentle against dogs' skin and helps prevent rubbing.

What Humans Love:

Despite its affordable price, it's surprisingly durable, offering excellent value for money.

What You'll Love:
  • Well made
  • Easy to adjust
  • Sturdy front clip
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What Dogs Love:

The soft cushioning makes it gentle against dogs' skin and helps prevent rubbing.

What Humans Love:

Despite its affordable price, it's surprisingly durable, offering excellent value for money.

    What You'll Love:
  • Well made
  • Easy to adjust
  • Sturdy front clip
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Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Chai’s Choice Foul Weather Polyester Reflective Back Clip Dog Harness, Black, XX-Small: 12 to 14-in chest
What Dogs Love:

This protective harness vest is made of durable, breathable canvas to keep dogs safe and dry on walks during even the rainiest weather.

What Humans Love:

Made for the elements, this harness vest will withstand any wet weather and keep dogs happy, while reflective stitching helps increase visibility.

What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Weatherproof
  • Effective
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What Dogs Love:

This protective harness vest is made of durable, breathable canvas to keep dogs safe and dry on walks during even the rainiest weather.

What Humans Love:

Made for the elements, this harness vest will withstand any wet weather and keep dogs happy, while reflective stitching helps increase visibility.

    What You'll Love:
  • Rugged
  • Weatherproof
  • Effective
The Bottom Line on No-Pull Harnesses

No-pull harnesses are designed to give you better control over dogs who pull on the leash. We tend to recommend those that use a front clip to help prevent pulling because these types of harnesses gently turn your dog’s body to the side when attempting to pull against a leash attached to the front clip. This causes your dog no discomfort, simply using the laws of physics to nip pulling in the bud. Our top choices are also lined or padded so they won’t pinch or rub your dog. You can get more information on the above choices and see some of our other favorites in our full guide to no-pull harnesses.

The Bottom Line on No-Pull Harnesses

No-pull harnesses are designed to give you better control over dogs who pull on the leash. We tend to recommend those that use a front clip to help prevent pulling because these types of harnesses gently turn your dog’s body to the side when attempting to pull against a leash attached to the front clip. This causes your dog no discomfort, simply using the laws of physics to nip pulling in the bud. Our top choices are also lined or padded so they won’t pinch or rub your dog. You can get more information on the above choices and see some of our other favorites in our full guide to no-pull harnesses.

Best Reflective Dog Harnesses

Reflective dog harnesses can be lifesavers when you need to walk your dog early in the morning before the sun's come up or at night in the dark.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
noxgear LightHound – Multicolor LED Illuminated, Reflective Dog Harness (Large)
What Dogs Love:

Thanks to the lightweight design, it's easy to wear and allows a full range of motion.

What Humans Love:

Since it has built-in LED lights, as well as reflective strips, your dog will be highly visible in low light, even without light shining onto the reflective elements.

What You'll Love:
  • Reflective and lights up
  • Waterproof
  • Machine washable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Thanks to the lightweight design, it's easy to wear and allows a full range of motion.

What Humans Love:

Since it has built-in LED lights, as well as reflective strips, your dog will be highly visible in low light, even without light shining onto the reflective elements.

    What You'll Love:
  • Reflective and lights up
  • Waterproof
  • Machine washable
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Copatchy No-Pull Reflective Adjustable Dog Harness, Blue, Small
What Dogs Love:

Made from breathable mesh fabric, dogs won't feel hot or restricted in this harness.

What Humans Love:

A great option for smaller dogs, that's well made considering its low cost.

What You'll Love:
  • Easy to Adjust
  • Highly Visible
  • Economical
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Made from breathable mesh fabric, dogs won't feel hot or restricted in this harness.

What Humans Love:

A great option for smaller dogs, that's well made considering its low cost.

    What You'll Love:
  • Easy to Adjust
  • Highly Visible
  • Economical
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Nylon Reflective No Pull Dog Harness, Black, Size 2: 28 to 37.5-in chest
What Dogs Love:

The harness is easy to put on and off, making going for a walk a breeze.

What Humans Love:

This high-quality harness is customizable and great for dog sports. The harness is also reflective and the patches glow in the dark so you know your dog is safe on nighttime walks.

What You'll Love:
  • Customizable
  • High-Quality
  • Glow In The Dark
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The harness is easy to put on and off, making going for a walk a breeze.

What Humans Love:

This high-quality harness is customizable and great for dog sports. The harness is also reflective and the patches glow in the dark so you know your dog is safe on nighttime walks.

    What You'll Love:
  • Customizable
  • High-Quality
  • Glow In The Dark
Bottom Line on Reflective Dog Harnesses

If you regularly walk your dog early in the morning, before the sun’s fully up, or in the evening, after dark, you risk putting your dogs in danger if they aren’t easily visible. Reflective dog harnesses shine brightly when a source of light (such as car headlights) hit the reflective parts, so your dog is more visible and safer on walks. Our top choices have plenty of reflective material and some even combine reflective elements with LED lights. They’re also durable and comfortable for dogs to wear. Check out our full guide to reflective dog harnesses to get more information on our top three and see our other top choices.

Bottom Line on Reflective Dog Harnesses

If you regularly walk your dog early in the morning, before the sun’s fully up, or in the evening, after dark, you risk putting your dogs in danger if they aren’t easily visible. Reflective dog harnesses shine brightly when a source of light (such as car headlights) hit the reflective parts, so your dog is more visible and safer on walks. Our top choices have plenty of reflective material and some even combine reflective elements with LED lights. They’re also durable and comfortable for dogs to wear. Check out our full guide to reflective dog harnesses to get more information on our top three and see our other top choices.

Best Comfort Harnesses

Comfort harnesses are especially good for dogs who have experienced rubbing or chafing from standard harnesses.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
ComfortFlex Sport Harness, Medium/Large, Saffron
What Dogs Love:

Every part of the harness that touches the wearer is padded, so it's highly comfortable, plus it allows a full range of motion.

What Humans Love:

It's easy to put on and has reflective elements on the front strap for increased visibility.

What You'll Love:
  • Fully padded
  • Durable
  • Adjustable girth
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Every part of the harness that touches the wearer is padded, so it's highly comfortable, plus it allows a full range of motion.

What Humans Love:

It's easy to put on and has reflective elements on the front strap for increased visibility.

    What You'll Love:
  • Fully padded
  • Durable
  • Adjustable girth
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Classic Dog Harness Innovative Mesh No Pull No Choke Design Soft Double Padded Breathable Vest for Eco-Friendly Easy Control Walking Quick Release for Puppies Toy Breeds & Medium Dogs (Med, Pink)
What Dogs Love:

The mesh construction is highly breathable and feels comfortable on.

What Humans Love:

An affordably priced harness that doesn't scrimp on quality and is ideal for small dogs.

What You'll Love:
  • Soft and lightweight
  • Durable
  • Adjustable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The mesh construction is highly breathable and feels comfortable on.

What Humans Love:

An affordably priced harness that doesn't scrimp on quality and is ideal for small dogs.

    What You'll Love:
  • Soft and lightweight
  • Durable
  • Adjustable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Padded Fleece Dog Harness, Turquoise, Medium
What Dogs Love:

Ultra-plush fleece luxury panels make this harness extra comfortable for dogs of any size or shape.

What Humans Love:

Safety melds with style in this eye-catching harness that features a durable fastener and quick-release buckle.

What You'll Love:
  • Dependable
  • Luxurious
  • Stylish
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Ultra-plush fleece luxury panels make this harness extra comfortable for dogs of any size or shape.

What Humans Love:

Safety melds with style in this eye-catching harness that features a durable fastener and quick-release buckle.

    What You'll Love:
  • Dependable
  • Luxurious
  • Stylish
Bottom Line on Comfort Harnesses

While all our top dog harnesses should be comfortable for your dog to wear, comfort harnesses are the comfiest of the bunch. If you’ve had trouble with harnesses rubbing or pinching your dog in the past, opt for a comfort harness. Our top comfort harnesses are soft, padded, or both, and put canine comfort at the forefront of their designs. You can find out more about our top comfort harnesses and see our other favorite options by reading our full guide to comfort harnesses.

Bottom Line on Comfort Harnesses

While all our top dog harnesses should be comfortable for your dog to wear, comfort harnesses are the comfiest of the bunch. If you’ve had trouble with harnesses rubbing or pinching your dog in the past, opt for a comfort harness. Our top comfort harnesses are soft, padded, or both, and put canine comfort at the forefront of their designs. You can find out more about our top comfort harnesses and see our other favorite options by reading our full guide to comfort harnesses.

Best Step-in Dog Harnesses

A step-in harness is ideal for nervous dogs who object to having harnesses put on over their heads.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Blueberry Pet 9 Patterns Step-in Spring Scent Inspired Pink Rose Print Ivory Dog Harness, Chest Girth 26″ – 39″, Large, Adjustable Harnesses for Dogs
What Dogs Love:

Due to the lightweight design, dogs don't feel restricted or weighed down by this harness.

What Humans Love:

This harness stands out thanks to the range of striking floral prints it's available in.

What You'll Love:
  • Easy to adjust
  • Durable
  • Reasonably priced
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Due to the lightweight design, dogs don't feel restricted or weighed down by this harness.

What Humans Love:

This harness stands out thanks to the range of striking floral prints it's available in.

    What You'll Love:
  • Easy to adjust
  • Durable
  • Reasonably priced
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
Li’l Pals Comfort Mesh Step In Back Clip Dog Harness, Orchid, 10 to 12-in chest
What Dogs Love:

Made from a soft mesh that's comfortable, breathable, and lightweight.

What Humans Love:

This harness looks great and is easy to get on and off.

What You'll Love:
  • Well-Fitting
  • Eye-Catching
  • Lightweight
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Made from a soft mesh that's comfortable, breathable, and lightweight.

What Humans Love:

This harness looks great and is easy to get on and off.

    What You'll Love:
  • Well-Fitting
  • Eye-Catching
  • Lightweight
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Downtown Pet Supply No Pull, Step in Adjustable Dog Harness with Padded Vest, Easy to Put on Small, Medium and Large Dogs (Purple, L)
What Dogs Love:

Thanks to its soft mesh construction, this harness could hardly be more comfortable.

What Humans Love:

The hook and look top closure allows you to adjust the fit slightly, while the sturdy buckle keeps it on securely.

What You'll Love:
  • Well made
  • Range of color choices
  • Good fit
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Thanks to its soft mesh construction, this harness could hardly be more comfortable.

What Humans Love:

The hook and look top closure allows you to adjust the fit slightly, while the sturdy buckle keeps it on securely.

    What You'll Love:
  • Well made
  • Range of color choices
  • Good fit
Bottom Line on Step-in Dog Harnesses

Step-in dog harnesses are harnesses with leg holes that your dog must step into to get the harness on, which then fasten at the back. Many of these harnesses have snug fits, which is great for canine escape artists who have managed to wriggle out of other styles of harnesses. Our top step-in harnesses are all comfortable and well made, and come in a range of colors and sizes. Although step-in harnesses are often catered to dogs on the smaller end of the size spectrum, you can find options for bigger dogs too. If you’d like to learn more about our top three and see some other recommendations, head to our full guide to step-in dog harnesses.

Bottom Line on Step-in Dog Harnesses

Step-in dog harnesses are harnesses with leg holes that your dog must step into to get the harness on, which then fasten at the back. Many of these harnesses have snug fits, which is great for canine escape artists who have managed to wriggle out of other styles of harnesses. Our top step-in harnesses are all comfortable and well made, and come in a range of colors and sizes. Although step-in harnesses are often catered to dogs on the smaller end of the size spectrum, you can find options for bigger dogs too. If you’d like to learn more about our top three and see some other recommendations, head to our full guide to step-in dog harnesses.

Best Small Dog Harnesses

There are a range of small dog harnesses on the market specifically designed with the needs of compact canines in mind.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Puppia RiteFit Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness, Black, Small: 11 to 15-in chest
What Dogs Love:

The soft mesh is lightweight and doesn't rub, making this a comfortable harness to wear.

What Humans Love:

Some similar harnesses are only adjustable around the girth, but this one can be adjusted slightly at the neck, too.

What You'll Love:
  • Cozy
  • Adjustable
  • Easy To Clean
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The soft mesh is lightweight and doesn't rub, making this a comfortable harness to wear.

What Humans Love:

Some similar harnesses are only adjustable around the girth, but this one can be adjusted slightly at the neck, too.

    What You'll Love:
  • Cozy
  • Adjustable
  • Easy To Clean
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Puppy Comfort Padded Vest No Pull Harnesses
What Dogs Love:

The soft mesh lining is nice and comfortable.

What Humans Love:

It's a great choice for small dogs with chest girths from 9 to 21 inches.

What You'll Love:
  • Cute plaid pattern
  • Affordable
  • Easy to put on and take off
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

The soft mesh lining is nice and comfortable.

What Humans Love:

It's a great choice for small dogs with chest girths from 9 to 21 inches.

    What You'll Love:
  • Cute plaid pattern
  • Affordable
  • Easy to put on and take off
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Soft Mesh Comfy Step in Dog Vest Harness for, Toys, Minis, Puppies, Small Dog Breeds 2-16 lbs. Baby Pink, Sky Blue, Black, Red, Camo, X-small, Small, Medium, Large, X-large (Baby Pink, x-small)
What Dogs Love:

This harness doesn't rub or chafe thanks to the mesh material it's made from, plus it's highly breathable.

What Humans Love:

The snug fit hugs dogs closely and is great for any dogs who are prone to escaping harnesses.

What You'll Love:
  • Well made
  • Reasonably priced
  • Fits even the smallest dogs
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This harness doesn't rub or chafe thanks to the mesh material it's made from, plus it's highly breathable.

What Humans Love:

The snug fit hugs dogs closely and is great for any dogs who are prone to escaping harnesses.

    What You'll Love:
  • Well made
  • Reasonably priced
  • Fits even the smallest dogs
Bottom Line on Small Dog Harnesses

If you have a small dog, particularly a tiny toy breed or a small breed puppy, you may find that regular harnesses don’t fit your dog right, even in the smallest sizes. In which case, you may find that a specifically designed small dog harness better meets the needs of your canine companion. All our top small dog harnesses are lightweight and comfortable for small dogs to wear, without scrimping on durability. You can learn more about our top choices and see a greater range of option in our full guide to small dog harnesses.

Bottom Line on Small Dog Harnesses

If you have a small dog, particularly a tiny toy breed or a small breed puppy, you may find that regular harnesses don’t fit your dog right, even in the smallest sizes. In which case, you may find that a specifically designed small dog harness better meets the needs of your canine companion. All our top small dog harnesses are lightweight and comfortable for small dogs to wear, without scrimping on durability. You can learn more about our top choices and see a greater range of option in our full guide to small dog harnesses.

Finding the Best Dog Harness

Attempting to find the right dog harness can seem overwhelming, but we at the AKC are here to help. We use our expertise paired with extensive research to find the very best harnesses on the market, considering factors such as size, fit, durability, and comfort. So, whether you need a harness for the tiniest Chihuahua or a 200-pound Mastiff, we can point you in the right direction.

Expert Tips

If you often go on long, muddy hikes, choose a dog harness that's machine washable to save time washing by hand. Always double check the sizing chart before buying because some harnesses have non-standard sizing and the size you think will fit your dog may be too large or too small.

Things to Know

Dog harnesses are everyday items, so it's important to choose one that's durable enough to stand up to the wear and tear that comes with daily walks. You may choose to buy a couple of different harnesses for different uses or times of year. For instance, breathable harnesses will keep your dog cooler during the hotter months, whereas reflective harnesses are most useful in winter when the days are shorter. Perhaps the most important factor, however, is that your chosen harness is comfortable for your dog to wear.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dog harness better than a collar?

It's not an either/or situation with collars and harnesses. We'd recommend that all dogs have collars to hold ID tags, but the many dogs are best walked on harnesses than collars. Collars can injure dogs unless they can reliably walk to heal or on loose leashes.

Do dog harnesses cause dogs to pull harder?

Some heavy pullers will pull harder on a harness, but luckily you can buy no-pull harnesses that help reduce or prevent pulling.

What's the best harness for a dog?

There's no single best dog harness. As you'll have seen above, there are various types of dog harnesses available and some types will suit certain dogs better than others. Consider the needs of your dog and which harness will best meet them.

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