The Best Dog Harnesses For Small Breeds

dog harness for small dogs

Little dogs are adorable. Chihuahuas are full of personality, Yorkies have tons of love to give, and Bichons are super intelligent. You may run into some issues when you bring one of these itty bitties into your family, though. They need extra dental care and careful training, and it can be tough to find harnesses that fit them comfortably and safely. Small dogs need harnesses instead of collars because they are much more prone to tracheal collapse than larger breeds.

What to Look For

Small dogs have unique physical needs. Their necks are delicate, and regular collars can cause collapsed tracheas, which quickly lead to surgery or worse. That’s why harnesses are the go-to choice. To choose a harness for your dog, we recommend focusing on your dog’s size, color preferences, and safety needs. The Voyager step-in harness, for example, is available in several sizes and colors, making it ideal for daily use. Meanwhile, if you’re surrounded by dangerous wildlife, you may prefer the ultra-safe CoyoteVest SpikeVest. If you want more information and a little help narrowing your options, check out the rest of our list below.

Voyager Step-In Mesh Harness

Voyager Step-In Mesh Harness

Step into simplicity

Thanks to a straightforward, ergonomic design, you can get your pup in and out of this harness in seconds.
Best Overall

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This simple step-in harness by Voyager is an excellent choice for daily walks and car trips. You can slip it on and off in seconds, and the color options make it easy to match your pup to your outfit of the day. The best part is that they come in sizes small enough for dogs as small as the tiniest chihuahuas. And if you’re a chi owner, you know how tricky that can get.

Pros:

  • These harnesses have both velcro and buckles for maximum security.
  • Soft materials keep your pup comfortable no matter how long they have to wear the harness.
  • It’s one of the best choices for puppy training due to its comfort and durability.

Cons:

  • Teething puppies and dogs who enjoy chewing can destroy this harness if they’re left alone too long.

Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness

Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness

Comfortably cute

This harness's soft padding will keep your fluffy friend comfortable while you take a stroll.
Runner Up

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If comfort or friction has been an issue for your pup, you might want to try this no-pull harness from Rabbitgoo. The padding on the top and bottom keep it cozy, while sturdy straps ensure your dog can’t get it off on its own. It also has two leash clips, including one in the front that prevents pulling.

Pros:

  • This harness can help you teach your dog to walk calmly on a leash without choking them as a collar would.
  • It has adjustable straps that help you get the perfect fit on dogs of all sizes and shapes.
  • The size range allows it to fit dogs as small as a dachshund and as large as a German shepherd.

Cons:

  • While this harness fits most small breeds, it isn’t ideal for toy breeds as small as chihuahuas or Yorkies.

Auroth Tactical Harness

Auroth Tactical Harness

Totally tactical

Take the guesswork out of choosing your dog's harness with this easily adjustable model.
Best Adjustable

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Some dogs have awkward builds, including a wide rib cage or a deep chest. It can make it very challenging to find a harness to fit correctly. That’s where the Auroth tactical harness comes in handy. It’s ultra-adjustable and comes in various sizes, helping it fit almost every breed imaginable, from tiny to extra-large.

Pros:

  • This harness has a no-pull feature that helps you train your puppy not to pull on its leash.
  • Small dogs can be fearful, making the velcro section very helpful. You can attach a patch to let people know to give them space.
  • Reflectors ensure your pup stays visible while you’re walking at night.

Cons:

  • The smallest breeds can often wiggle their way out of it.

Downtown Pet Padded Harness

Downtown Pet Padded Harness

Face the day in style

The bright colors and cute prints of these dog harnesses are sure to add some fun to your day.
Best Color Options

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It’s fun to match your pup’s style to your outfits, which is why we think you’ll love the Downtown Pet padded harness. It has a no-pull step-in design that makes it easy to get on while helping you control your dog effortlessly. Meanwhile, there are many colors and patterns that help your dog be the best dressed at any party.

Pros:

  • This harness can fit dogs under five pounds, unlike many similar competitors.
  • It’s comfortably padded and doesn’t rub or irritate their underbelly, so you can safely be out for hours.
  • The clips and velcro prevent escape.

Cons:

  • It can stretch over time if your dog pulls a lot, leading to a poor fit.

CoyoteVest SpikeVest

CoyoteVest SpikeVest

Predator protection

Your pup is fearless, and now you can be, too, thanks to this spiked dog vest.
Best Off-Leash

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Hawks, coyotes, eagles, and other large dogs all prey on our petite pooches. That’s why the CoyoteVest SpikeVest is a must-have in your collection, especially if you like to allow your dog to run in your yard or go on hikes with you. It goes from your dog’s neck to their lower back and has metal spikes attached. Any animal that tries to grab them will regret it immediately.

Pros:

  • Using this vest can help you avoid expensive vet bills, or worse, that can be caused by animal attacks.
  • Coyotes and birds won’t be able to grab your dog, and the best will give you time to chase them off before your pup gets hurt.
  • You can attach extra spikes to the velcro section for additional protection, and there’s a leash loop for easy walking.

Cons:

  • It isn’t very adjustable, so you have to measure accurately before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose a harness for my small dog?

The two primary reasons for getting a harness for your small dog include safety and comfort. Harnesses prevent a collapsed trachea, and if another dog or predator comes toward you, you can quickly lift your pup without choking them. They’re also more comfortable to wear than a tight collar throughout your walk.

How do I know what size to choose?

Most harness brands have unique sizing charts, so the best course of action is always to measure your dog in advance. You’ll measure them around their ribs, behind their front legs, across their chest, and from their neck to the base of their tail. Once you have these measurements, you can accurately choose the correct size for your pet.

About the Author

Chelsia is the proud owner of two long-coat Chihuahuas and an 11-year-old pit mix. She and her five kids enjoy roaming the rivers and forests surrounding her North Carolina home — and so do her dogs. Taking care of multiple pets can be a challenge, which is why Chelsia seeks to help fellow dog owners find the right products for their furry family members.

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