The Best 5 Dog Harnesses

Whether you’re trying to train your pooch or just avoid putting pressure on their neck or throat with a conventional collar, a harness is a great way to keep your dog comfortable on a leash. These ergonomic accessories come with padded straps and adjustable connection points that allow your pet to move freely and naturally, while offering enough security to prevent them from slipping out on short walks to the park or long hikes in the woods. They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can find something to fit your particular pup and your taste no matter the breed.

Kurgo Dog Harness

An everyday harness for every dog

Comfortable, lightweight, and durable, the Kurgo Dog Harness should satisfy dogs -- and dog owners -- of every breed.
Best Overall

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If you’re looking for a harness that’s easy enough to use everyday but strong enough to last a lifetime, the Kurgo Dog Harness is one of the best choices out there. Not only is it made of durable materials, such as strong nylon straps and hard plastic buckles, but it’s also quick-release style, so you waste less time getting it on and off before or after an outing. Best of all, it features a total of 5 adjustment points, which means it can fit all kinds of body shapes and can even grow with younger pups. 

Pros:

  • Sturdy front d-ring
  • Includes tether for car restraint or training
  • Version with crash-tested buckles also available

Cons:

  • Limited color options
  • Not great for serious adventures

Chai’s Choice Dog Harness

Go anywhere with confidence

From extended hikes in the woods to backcountry outings in the mountains, the Chai's Choice Dog Harness will keep your K9 friend safe and secure.
Best for Rugged Outdoor Adventures

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The Chai’s Choice Dog Harness is full of features that make it ideal for dogs and dog owners with active lifestyles: there’s the durable zinc-alloy front and back d-rings, the scratch-resistant oxford outer material, the generously thick inner padding, and even the sturdy handle for guiding your pup when they’re not on a leash. All of that helps you keep your dog under control when on extended outings in the woods or at the park, but it also helps keep them more comfortable for longer periods of time. 

Pros:

  • Lightweight, breathable mesh fabric inner surface
  • Reflective lining keeps you visible at night
  • Also great for injured or handicapped dogs

Cons: 

  • Not appropriate for small dogs
  • Can be difficult to adjust

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Treat your pet to the best

Though you can find suitable harnesses for cheaper, few compare to the Ruffwear Front Range Harness in terms of quality and comfort.
Best High-End

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The Ruffwear Front Range Harness may seem a little pricey when considered alongside other options on the market, but don’t let that discourage you from considering it. This is a model that earns its cost, as it boasts top-quality materials and unique features that you won’t find on the competition. Chief among those features is the padded foam top and bottom, which helps equally distribute weight across your dog’s body, as well as the reinforced webbing along the chest, which helps with training.

Pros:

  • Aluminum V-ring on back
  • Lots of bright color choices
  • ID tag pocket

Cons: 

  • A little pricey
  • No handle

Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness

Cheap but effective

For small dogs and puppies, the Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness offers just the right amount of protection at a very reasonable price.
Best for Small Dogs

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It can be difficult to find a good harness for smaller dogs, but the Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness proves that it’s not impossible. The step-in-style model is made of breathable mesh fabric, velcro and loop fasteners, and even metal D-rings for adding an extra layer of security to the attachment points. Add to that reflective bands and a wide variety of color choices, and you have a harness fit for your most pampered pooch.

Pros: 

  • Great value for price
  • 5 different sizes available
  • Works with Android & iOS

Cons: 

  • Can be difficult to find the right size
  • Not very durable

Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness

A superb value

While it’s far from the most durable or ergonomic choice out there, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness can’t be beat in terms of value
Best On A Budget

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If you’re looking for an everyday harness but don’t have a ton of money to spend on one, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness can feel like a godsend. For under $20, the versatile harness offers a ton of features for keeping your dog in line while out and about, from the easily graspable top handle to the quick-release buckles to the no-pull front ring. It’s also surprisingly durable at this price range, thanks to its use of weather-resistant, all-season materials.

Pros:

  • Extremely secure fit
  • Reflective striping for night walks
  • Sizing is accurate

Cons: 

  • Not machine washable
  • Straps aren’t great quality

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a dog harness?

A dog harness is a great alternative to more conventional collars for a number of different reasons. One, they wrap around your dog’s chest and stomach, relieving the pressure that a collar places on the neck and throat and preventing the kinds of injuries that can come from sustained collar use. And two, it offers better control, since the leash can be attached at the chest or back, which discourages pulling and makes a harness a great option for dogs that are still being trained. 

What size harness should I get for my dog?

Harness comes in all shapes and sizes, so which one is right for your pooch while depend largely on age and breed. Some harnesses are made generally for larger or smaller dogs and can be adjusted to fit your particular pet, while others are available in more specific sizes. The manufacturer should specify which versions of their harnesses correspond to what size dog.

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