Back to Harnesses

Retrievist / Reviews / Harnesses / Best Small Dog Harnesses | Dog Harness Designed for Small breeds

Best Small Dog Harnesses
Harnesses

Best Small Dog Harnesses | Dog Harness Designed for Small breeds

Finding a harness to fit a small dog can be challenging; especially a harness that doesn’t rub and one your dog can’t escape from. Luckily, there are a range of small dog harnesses on the market, specifically designed with the needs of compact canines in mind.

We did extensive research to find the best small dog harnesses, reviewing hundreds of products on Amazon to find those that stood out. Read on to see what we found.

Question Mark
Discover the Best Small Dog Harnesses
Your small dog has different needs than a bigger dog. That's why our experts kept size in mind when selecting these harnesses. We're here to answer your questions as you select a harness for your small dog.
Check out the FAQS
Overall Best Small Dog Harness
Amazon
Puppia Authentic Puppia Ritefit Harness With Adjustable Neck, Camo, Small
$22.77 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Soft
What Humans Love:
  • Well-made
  • Machine washable
  • Adjustable
Our Thoughts:

The trouble with some small dog harnesses is that they aren't easily adjustable, but this one is adjustable around the girth and at the neck, which is ideal for deep-chested breeds or other body shapes that can affect harness fit.

Although it's available in sizes small to x-large, this is relative since it's a harness for small dogs, so your c...

Read More
+
The trouble with some small dog harnesses is that they aren't easily adjustable, but this one is adjustable around the girth and at the neck, which is ideal for deep-chested breeds or other body shapes that can affect harness fit.

Although it's available in sizes small to x-large, this is relative since it's a harness for small dogs, so your canine companion may wear a larger size than you'd usually expect. You can choose from 8 solid colors and one print (camo). Buyers are impressed with the security and ease of wear, giving it a 4.4 rating overall.
Amazon
Puppia Authentic Puppia Ritefit Harness With Adjustable Neck, Camo, Small
More Info
+
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.

$22.77 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The trouble with some small dog harnesses is that they aren't easily adjustable, but this one is adjustable around the g...

Read More
+
The trouble with some small dog harnesses is that they aren't easily adjustable, but this one is adjustable around the girth and at the neck, which is ideal for deep-chested breeds or other body shapes that can affect harness fit.

Although it's available in sizes small to x-large, this is relative since it's a harness for small dogs, so your canine companion may wear a larger size than you'd usually expect. You can choose from 8 solid colors and one print (camo). Buyers are impressed with the security and ease of wear, giving it a 4.4 rating overall.
Best Budget Small Dog Harness
Amazon
PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness with Leash – Plaid Adjustable Puppy No Pull Harnesses – Pet Padded Walking Vest Red Small
Shop on Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Breathable lining
  • Soft material
What Humans Love:
  • Well-made
  • Looks good
  • Matching leash
Our Thoughts:

The soft mesh lining of this comfort harness helps prevent chafing, while the polyester outer layer comes in two adorable plaid prints, one red and one blue. You'll even receive a matching plaid leash to complete the look. The chest belt of the harness is adjustable for a more comfortable fit.

Although it's available in sizes x-small to large...

Read More
+
The soft mesh lining of this comfort harness helps prevent chafing, while the polyester outer layer comes in two adorable plaid prints, one red and one blue. You'll even receive a matching plaid leash to complete the look. The chest belt of the harness is adjustable for a more comfortable fit.

Although it's available in sizes x-small to large, even the largest of sizes is only suited to medium-size dogs at most, so be careful when choosing the correct size for your four-legged friend. It's average rating on Amazon is 4.4.
Amazon
PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness with Leash – Plaid Adjustable Puppy No Pull Harnesses – Pet Padded Walking Vest Red Small
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Well-made
  • Looks good
  • Matching leash
What Dogs Love:
  • Breathable lining
  • Soft material
Shop on Amazon
Our Thoughts:

The soft mesh lining of this comfort harness helps prevent chafing, while the polyester outer layer comes in two adorabl...

Read More
+
The soft mesh lining of this comfort harness helps prevent chafing, while the polyester outer layer comes in two adorable plaid prints, one red and one blue. You'll even receive a matching plaid leash to complete the look. The chest belt of the harness is adjustable for a more comfortable fit.

Although it's available in sizes x-small to large, even the largest of sizes is only suited to medium-size dogs at most, so be careful when choosing the correct size for your four-legged friend. It's average rating on Amazon is 4.4.
Most Durable Small Dog Harness
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)
$11.95 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Soft
  • Comfortable
  • Breathable
What Humans Love:
  • Fits well
  • Durable
  • Affordable
Our Thoughts:

This sturdy vest harness has excellent coverage around the chest and girth, which is great for making small dogs feel secure and also makes it more difficult for dogs to wriggle out of. It's made from a lightweight yet strong polyester mesh that helps dogs stay cooler on warm days.

It's available in sizes from x-small to x-large, but the large...

Read More
+
This sturdy vest harness has excellent coverage around the chest and girth, which is great for making small dogs feel secure and also makes it more difficult for dogs to wriggle out of. It's made from a lightweight yet strong polyester mesh that helps dogs stay cooler on warm days.

It's available in sizes from x-small to x-large, but the largest size only fits dogs up to 16 pounds, so the smaller sizes are for toy breeds and small breed puppies. There are 5 color options: pink, blue, black, red, and camouflage. This harness has a 4.6 rating with more than 1,000 Amazon reviews.
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)
More Info
+
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.

$11.95 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

This sturdy vest harness has excellent coverage around the chest and girth, which is great for making small dogs feel se...

Read More
+
This sturdy vest harness has excellent coverage around the chest and girth, which is great for making small dogs feel secure and also makes it more difficult for dogs to wriggle out of. It's made from a lightweight yet strong polyester mesh that helps dogs stay cooler on warm days.

It's available in sizes from x-small to x-large, but the largest size only fits dogs up to 16 pounds, so the smaller sizes are for toy breeds and small breed puppies. There are 5 color options: pink, blue, black, red, and camouflage. This harness has a 4.6 rating with more than 1,000 Amazon reviews.
Our Other Favorite
Amazon
GAUTERF Dog and Cat Universal Harness with Leash Set, Escape Proof Cat Harnesses – Adjustable Reflective Soft Mesh Corduroy Dog Harnesses – Best Pet Supplies
$10.39 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
What Humans Love:
  • Nice color choices
  • Low cost
  • Free leash
Our Thoughts:

Since this harness is designed for small dogs and cats, it's important to carefully check the size guide. You can buy it in sizes from xx-small to x-large, but the smallest are for kittens and small cats and are unlikely to fit even very small dogs. Once you do find the correct fit, however, this is a comfortable and breathable harness, and it comes with a l...

Read More
+
Since this harness is designed for small dogs and cats, it's important to carefully check the size guide. You can buy it in sizes from xx-small to x-large, but the smallest are for kittens and small cats and are unlikely to fit even very small dogs. Once you do find the correct fit, however, this is a comfortable and breathable harness, and it comes with a leash.

Choose from a wide range of colors, including bright orange, hot pink, and classic black. This harness has received more than 2,400 Amazon reviews, with an average rating of 4.2.
Amazon
GAUTERF Dog and Cat Universal Harness with Leash Set, Escape Proof Cat Harnesses – Adjustable Reflective Soft Mesh Corduroy Dog Harnesses – Best Pet Supplies
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Nice color choices
  • Low cost
  • Free leash
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
$10.39 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

Since this harness is designed for small dogs and cats, it's important to carefully check the size guide. You can buy it...

Read More
+
Since this harness is designed for small dogs and cats, it's important to carefully check the size guide. You can buy it in sizes from xx-small to x-large, but the smallest are for kittens and small cats and are unlikely to fit even very small dogs. Once you do find the correct fit, however, this is a comfortable and breathable harness, and it comes with a leash.

Choose from a wide range of colors, including bright orange, hot pink, and classic black. This harness has received more than 2,400 Amazon reviews, with an average rating of 4.2.
Amazon
BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Walking Vest Puppy Padded Harnesses Adjustable, Black Extra Small
$12.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Highly breathable
  • Light9
  • Soft
What Humans Love:
  • Affordable
  • Well-made
  • Good fit
Our Thoughts:

This soft mesh harness provides great coverage and a secure fit for small and medium dogs with chest girth measurements between 9 and 29 inches. Select between sizes from x-small to large, with each adjustable around the girth to fine tune the fit.

The 6 available colors are enough to please most dog owners. On Amazon, this harness has a resp...

Read More
+
This soft mesh harness provides great coverage and a secure fit for small and medium dogs with chest girth measurements between 9 and 29 inches. Select between sizes from x-small to large, with each adjustable around the girth to fine tune the fit.

The 6 available colors are enough to please most dog owners. On Amazon, this harness has a respectable 4.2 rating from more than 1,100 reviewers.
Amazon
BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness Pet Walking Vest Puppy Padded Harnesses Adjustable, Black Extra Small
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Affordable
  • Well-made
  • Good fit
What Dogs Love:
  • Highly breathable
  • Light9
  • Soft
$12.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

This soft mesh harness provides great coverage and a secure fit for small and medium dogs with chest girth measurements ...

Read More
+
This soft mesh harness provides great coverage and a secure fit for small and medium dogs with chest girth measurements between 9 and 29 inches. Select between sizes from x-small to large, with each adjustable around the girth to fine tune the fit.

The 6 available colors are enough to please most dog owners. On Amazon, this harness has a respectable 4.2 rating from more than 1,100 reviewers.
Amazon
EXPAWLORER Checkered Frills Fashion Puppy Harness for Pets Dog & Cat, Pink Extra Small
$12.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable mesh material
What Humans Love:
  • Looks cute
  • Machine washable
  • Well-made
Our Thoughts:

This frilly gingham harness may be a little too cute for the taste of some dog owners, but others might love it. You can buy it in pink, purple, and red, with each hue sporting matching gingham frills and edging. It’s made of 100 percent polyester that’s machine washable.

You have a choice between 4 sizes from x-small to large, and, althou...

Read More
+
This frilly gingham harness may be a little too cute for the taste of some dog owners, but others might love it. You can buy it in pink, purple, and red, with each hue sporting matching gingham frills and edging. It’s made of 100 percent polyester that’s machine washable.

You have a choice between 4 sizes from x-small to large, and, although it's marketed as a puppy harness, it will fit most small dogs, too. Just check the size guide to be safe. Its 4.2 rating shows that it's not just style over substance.
Amazon
EXPAWLORER Checkered Frills Fashion Puppy Harness for Pets Dog & Cat, Pink Extra Small
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Looks cute
  • Machine washable
  • Well-made
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable mesh material
$12.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

This frilly gingham harness may be a little too cute for the taste of some dog owners, but others might love it. You can...

Read More
+
This frilly gingham harness may be a little too cute for the taste of some dog owners, but others might love it. You can buy it in pink, purple, and red, with each hue sporting matching gingham frills and edging. It’s made of 100 percent polyester that’s machine washable.

You have a choice between 4 sizes from x-small to large, and, although it's marketed as a puppy harness, it will fit most small dogs, too. Just check the size guide to be safe. Its 4.2 rating shows that it's not just style over substance.
Amazon
INVENHO Mesh Harness with Padded Vest for Puppy and Cats No Choke Design Ventilation Gift with One Leash & Seat Belt(Small,Black)
$11.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable material
  • Comfortable
What Humans Love:
  • Free extras
  • Affordable
  • Quality construction
Our Thoughts:

Crafted predominately from breathable polyester mesh, this harness is strong while keeping your dog from overheating despite its large area of coverage. If you're looking for good value, this harness includes a free matching leash and a canine seat belt attachment. Straps are adjustable for easy on and off, and it has reflective strips.

The co...

Read More
+
Crafted predominately from breathable polyester mesh, this harness is strong while keeping your dog from overheating despite its large area of coverage. If you're looking for good value, this harness includes a free matching leash and a canine seat belt attachment. Straps are adjustable for easy on and off, and it has reflective strips.

The color choices are fairly basic: black, blue, red, orange, and pink. It's received almost 800 Amazon reviews with a 4.3 rating.
Amazon
INVENHO Mesh Harness with Padded Vest for Puppy and Cats No Choke Design Ventilation Gift with One Leash & Seat Belt(Small,Black)
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Free extras
  • Affordable
  • Quality construction
What Dogs Love:
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable material
  • Comfortable
$11.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

Crafted predominately from breathable polyester mesh, this harness is strong while keeping your dog from overheating des...

Read More
+
Crafted predominately from breathable polyester mesh, this harness is strong while keeping your dog from overheating despite its large area of coverage. If you're looking for good value, this harness includes a free matching leash and a canine seat belt attachment. Straps are adjustable for easy on and off, and it has reflective strips.

The color choices are fairly basic: black, blue, red, orange, and pink. It's received almost 800 Amazon reviews with a 4.3 rating.
Amazon
WONDERPUP Soft Mesh Dog Harness No Pull Walking Comfort Padded Vest Harnesses Adjustable Pink XS
Shop on Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Light
  • Breathable
  • Soft
What Humans Love:
  • Affordable
  • Good range of color choices
  • Adjustable
Our Thoughts:

Say hello to a highly affordable mesh harness that might be lightweight but is still durable enough to stand up to daily wear and tear. It offers decent coverage over the chest, belly, and neck, which can help prevent dogs from slipping this harness.

You can choose from a large range of colors, both muted and bright. Sizes run from x-small to ...

Read More
+
Say hello to a highly affordable mesh harness that might be lightweight but is still durable enough to stand up to daily wear and tear. It offers decent coverage over the chest, belly, and neck, which can help prevent dogs from slipping this harness.

You can choose from a large range of colors, both muted and bright. Sizes run from x-small to large, but even the largest sizes are for small-to-medium-size dogs. This harness has a 4.2 average Amazon rating.
Amazon
WONDERPUP Soft Mesh Dog Harness No Pull Walking Comfort Padded Vest Harnesses Adjustable Pink XS
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Affordable
  • Good range of color choices
  • Adjustable
What Dogs Love:
  • Light
  • Breathable
  • Soft
Shop on Amazon
Our Thoughts:

Say hello to a highly affordable mesh harness that might be lightweight but is still durable enough to stand up to daily...

Read More
+
Say hello to a highly affordable mesh harness that might be lightweight but is still durable enough to stand up to daily wear and tear. It offers decent coverage over the chest, belly, and neck, which can help prevent dogs from slipping this harness.

You can choose from a large range of colors, both muted and bright. Sizes run from x-small to large, but even the largest sizes are for small-to-medium-size dogs. This harness has a 4.2 average Amazon rating.
Amazon
RYPET Small Dog Harness and Leash Set – No Pull Pet Harness with Soft Mesh Nylon Vest for Small Dogs and Cats Red M
$9.49 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Breathable mesh lining
  • Comfortable
What Humans Love:
  • Looks cute
  • Low cost
  • Free leash
Our Thoughts:

Who can resist the appeal of a small dog wearing a plaid or striped harness with a built-in bow tie and a bell? Your dog could look this adorable every day with the RYPET Small Dog Harness. Choose from one of four plaid prints or nautical stripes, each with a bow tie-style design close to the neck. It’s made of breathable mesh fabric and is easy to adjust....

Read More
+
Who can resist the appeal of a small dog wearing a plaid or striped harness with a built-in bow tie and a bell? Your dog could look this adorable every day with the RYPET Small Dog Harness. Choose from one of four plaid prints or nautical stripes, each with a bow tie-style design close to the neck. It’s made of breathable mesh fabric and is easy to adjust.

It fits chest sizes between 9 and 25 inches with small, medium, and large options available. The 4-star average rating shows it's a respectable harness in addition to looking good.
Amazon
RYPET Small Dog Harness and Leash Set – No Pull Pet Harness with Soft Mesh Nylon Vest for Small Dogs and Cats Red M
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Looks cute
  • Low cost
  • Free leash
What Dogs Love:
  • Breathable mesh lining
  • Comfortable
$9.49 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

Who can resist the appeal of a small dog wearing a plaid or striped harness with a built-in bow tie and a bell? Your dog...

Read More
+
Who can resist the appeal of a small dog wearing a plaid or striped harness with a built-in bow tie and a bell? Your dog could look this adorable every day with the RYPET Small Dog Harness. Choose from one of four plaid prints or nautical stripes, each with a bow tie-style design close to the neck. It’s made of breathable mesh fabric and is easy to adjust.

It fits chest sizes between 9 and 25 inches with small, medium, and large options available. The 4-star average rating shows it's a respectable harness in addition to looking good.
Amazon
SlowTon No Pull Small Dog Harness and Leash, Heavy Duty Easy To Walk Vest Harness Soft Padded Reflective Adjustable Puppy Harness Anti-Twist 4FT Pet Lead Quick Fit Lightweight for Small Dog Cat Animal
$11.99 from Amazon
What Dogs Love:
  • Soft lining
  • Lightweight
  • Non-restrictive
What Humans Love:
  • Easy to adjust
  • Durable
  • Quick on and off
Our Thoughts:

Offering less coverage than your average small dog harness, this is an ideal option for dogs who don't like feeling too constrained by their harness. It's adjustable at the chest and around the girth and is lined with plush padding for comfort.

You can select between three colors and three sizes from xx-small to small, and it comes with a free...

Read More
+
Offering less coverage than your average small dog harness, this is an ideal option for dogs who don't like feeling too constrained by their harness. It's adjustable at the chest and around the girth and is lined with plush padding for comfort.

You can select between three colors and three sizes from xx-small to small, and it comes with a free bonus bungee lead to match the harness. The 4.5 average Amazon rating shows this is an impressive harness with plenty of great features.
Amazon
SlowTon No Pull Small Dog Harness and Leash, Heavy Duty Easy To Walk Vest Harness Soft Padded Reflective Adjustable Puppy Harness Anti-Twist 4FT Pet Lead Quick Fit Lightweight for Small Dog Cat Animal
More Info
+
What Humans Love:
  • Easy to adjust
  • Durable
  • Quick on and off
What Dogs Love:
  • Soft lining
  • Lightweight
  • Non-restrictive
$11.99 from Amazon
Our Thoughts:

Offering less coverage than your average small dog harness, this is an ideal option for dogs who don't like feeling too ...

Read More
+
Offering less coverage than your average small dog harness, this is an ideal option for dogs who don't like feeling too constrained by their harness. It's adjustable at the chest and around the girth and is lined with plush padding for comfort.

You can select between three colors and three sizes from xx-small to small, and it comes with a free bonus bungee lead to match the harness. The 4.5 average Amazon rating shows this is an impressive harness with plenty of great features.

What Is Special About a Small Dog Harness?

A small dog harness is a harness designed for small dogs to keep them safe when they’re out and about with you. Some aren't much different from larger dog harnesses, just smaller, but others are specifically tailored to the requirements of small dogs or to better fit small bodies. And all of those small bodies aren’t the same -- a Pug and a Dachshund have very different fit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions
Are harnesses good for small dogs?
+

Yes, harnesses are good for small dogs (as well as dogs of all other sizes). They're particularly good for small dogs who pull on the leash as they reduce the amount of pressure on the neck.

How do you put on a small dog harness?
+

This entirely depends on the type of harness. Check the instructions if you're not sure how to put on your dog's new harness.

How do you measure for a small dog harness?
+

You'll usually need to measure your dog around the neck and around the chest girth (a little behind the front legs), but double-check before measuring as some harnesses require different measurements to find the right fit.

0/0