Are you looking for the best small dog harness for a smaller dog or puppy? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
A harness is a safe choice for a small dog as it gives support across the chest rather than the neck area. Many small dogs can be vulnerable around the neck, and in the worst-case scenario, an inappropriate collar could lead to tracheal damage that can affect your dog’s breathing.
Fortunately, the top small dog harness designs are built to ensure there’s no extra pressure in this area, even if your dog is inclined to pull on the leash. With this in mind, let’s get started.
In A Hurry? Check The Top 3
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Features To Look For
- Easy to wear: Complex harnesses are never much fun to put on your dog when you’re in a hurry, especially if your dog is excitable and reluctant to keep still! Fortunately, many of the best small dog harnesses use simple easy-on-easy-off designs that makes it simple to wear.
- Choke-free design: A small dog can be vulnerable around the neck and trachea, so using a choke-free harness design is always a smart choice (and one of the many advantages to using a harness in the first place!)
- Lightweight & comfortable: Small dogs can be quite fussy when it comes to wearing a harness, so the more comfortable and lightweight it is, the happier your pet will be. In particular, soft, breathable mesh designs are excellent.
- Easy to adjust: Getting a snug fit is important for any harness, and the best ones come with multiple points of adjustment to get a comfortable fit, especially around the chest and neck area.
- Reliable construction: It makes sense to pick a design that’s built to last. You’ll want to check for quality stitching, durable materials, and excellent overall construction quality.
How To Measure Your Dog For A New Harness
The two key areas you’ll need to measure on your dog are the neck and the chest. However, you should always check the specific sizing details of any harness you’re about to buy.
- Measure the neck: Wrap the tape around the base of your dog’s neck, making sure it’s not too loose or too tight. You should be able to slip two fingers beneath the tape.
- Measure the chest: Wrap the tape around your dog’s chest, making sure you cover the widest part of the chest around the ribs. Again, you’ll want to make sure the tape is tight but still ensure there’s enough room to place two fingers underneath.
The Best Small Dog Harness Guide For 2020
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The RuffWear front range everyday harness is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable blend of comfort and durability. It’s designed to withstand regular use and the extra padding along the chest and belly ensure your dog enjoys wearing it even for longer walks and hikes.
It comes with 2 separate leash attachment points and these benefit from reinforced webbing so you can count on the security of the harness. The aluminum V-ring on the back feels sturdy, while the front attachment is ideal for pullers, so it’s one of the most versatile and best small dog harness designs available.
There are four points of adjustment to customize the harness to fit your dog’s dimensions, and there’s even a handy quick-access pocket that’s useful for storing ID tags. Importantly, it comes with excellent build quality and feels like it’s been built to last.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a fully adjustable harness from EzyDog that’s available in many different sizes, three of which come under the ‘small’ category. It uses a patent-pending ‘one-click’ system which is a nice change from some of the more cumbersome designs, and it’s great if you’re looking for something that’ll be quick and easy to put on and take off. In fact, they say it’s as easy to use as a collar but gives you all the benefits of a harness.
It features reflective stitching throughout to improve the visibility of your dog in low light conditions, and it also uses a stainless-steel D-ring that gives you a reliable way to attach the harness to a leash. The neoprene padded chest sleeve also gives plenty of comfort.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for a versatile harness that’s suitable for a small dog, then this ‘tru-fit’ model from Kurgo is worth a closer look. It comes in many different sizes but the small and x-small are both useful options for a smaller breed. It also comes with five adjustment points that allow you to get a truly customized fit.
There are quick-release buckles that make it simple to take on and off so you won’t need to worry about getting your dog ready when you’re in a hurry, and it’s nice to know that it comes with Kurgo’s lifetime warranty.
It’s a comfortable, lightweight option that works particularly well for small dogs, and you can use the front D-ring to ensure your dog can’t pull. Furthermore, the design comes with an included seatbelt that’s great for keeping your safe and secure in the car. Overall, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the best small dog harness designs on the market.
If you’re looking for a high-quality harness that’s suitable for climbing and hiking, then this option from RuffWear won’t let you down. It’s a fantastic option as a lifting harness even if you’re not a climber, thanks to the unrivaled support it offers. This feature means it can be ideal for older dogs, too.
It comes with a double back design that helps to support your dog and gives you great control over your dog’s weight and positioning, while the 7 points of adjustment mean that you’ll be able to get a comfortable yet snug fit every time. It also offers a primary tie-in point at the center-back of the design, and this makes it possible to attach a rope for climbing purposes, and there are extra loops that you can use for further stability and safety.
The harness offers your dog padded belly support which is essential for comfortable lifting and carrying, so it’s clear to see that the harness has been built with durability and security in mind. Overall, it’s a top-rated climbing harness and one of the best on the market for this purpose. It also comes with the usual quality build you’d expect to see from RuffWear.
Here’s a basic yet effective harness that comes in a range of sizes, with one of the options being classed as ‘small’, which should be the right choice for smaller breeds. The quality is surprisingly good and it has a soft feel that shouldn’t irritate your dog while they’re wearing it. It features some useful adjustment features such as the ability to adjust the chest belt as well as the neck, which you don’t always see on these smaller puppy harnesses.
So, it shouldn’t be too much trouble to achieve a comfortable and snug fit, which is particularly important if your dog is an escape artist. The harness is available in several color options, many of which are very bold and bright which helps to increase the visibility of your dog when you’re outside.
Here’s a small dog harness from RabbitGoo, and it’s available in a small size that measures in at 13.8″ – 19.3″ on the neck and 15.7″ – 27.6 on the chest. It’s also available in several different colors.
The harness uses a no pull, no choke design that relies on 2 metal leash rings for reliable connection and you can use the chest attachment to ensure your dog can’t pull while you’re walking.
In terms of construction, it’s made from a tough Nylon Oxford material combined with some softer padding to keep your dog comfortable. You can easily adjust the harness for a snug fit, and it comes with 2 fast-release buckles for added convenience when taking it off or on.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a fantastic multi-use harness from RuffWear that comes in a variety of sizes with many that can accommodate a smaller dog, so you should be able to find one that’ll fit your dog without much trouble.
The harness comes with five points of adjustment that makes it easy to provide a comfortable fit without restricting your dog’s motion, and this is a real positive for many smaller breeds who may find a standard ‘one-size-fits-all’ design to be unsatisfactory.
It’s straightforward to attach a leash to the harness, and it comes with two points of attachment to give you some extra options. The first attachment is made from aluminum for a secure fit without adding too much weight, and the other is a webbing loop that’s placed at the rear of the padded handle. Furthermore, this padded handle is ideal for quickly picking up your dog whenever you need to, while the foam padded straps ensure the harness doesn’t chafe.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another great harness from the EzyDog brand which features a highly comfortable chest plate due to the use of EVA foam which promises to ‘mold’ to your dog’s chest for unrivaled comfort.
The harness comes with EzyDog’s unique design that allows it to clip on and off with a minimal amount of hassle, and it also comes with the rugged stainless steel D-ring that makes it secure when connected to a leash. Ultimately, this is another great option that’s good if you’re looking for something that’ll keep your pooch comfortable in all the right places.
The Gooby Comfort X Step-In harness comes in a small size that suits chests measuring from 12.5 to 15 inches, and it offers several key features that can benefit smaller breeds in particular. It’s very simple and straightforward to take the harness off and on, and it also benefits from 4 adjustable points that ensure you can achieve a snug fit which is perfect for those small breed escape artists.
The patented choke free design ensures there’s no unwanted pressure around the neck and throat, while the breathable mesh material gives plenty of comfort on longer walks and hikes. Overall, it’s a top harness choice for any dog that could benefit from a true choke-free design that won’t put undue pressure on the trachea.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another interesting harness from Gooby which is available in many different sizes, two of which fall into the ‘small’ category. The best feature of this harness is the use of memory foam that makes it supremely comfortable for your dog, and the addition of the fleece lining makes it even snugger, so it’s a good option if your dog could benefit from the extra warmth this brings in colder climates.
The design comes with high strength plastic rings for the fastening hardware, and the no-choke styling means that it won’t put undue strain on your dog’s throat if they pull. It’s also available in many different colors which include red, black, blue, green, orange, and purple.
Ruffwear makes several of the best harnesses for smaller dogs, and this model is another popular choice to consider. It comes in several small sizes which include Small, X-Small, and XX-Small, making it easier to find an option that’ll be comfortable for a small breed and it also comes in a wide array of colors as well.
It offers 4 points of adjustment to improve the fit comfort, and it also has a convenient storage pocket for ID tags. There are two secure locations to choose from when it comes to attaching a leash, while the reflective trim greatly helps increase the visibility of your dog in low light situations. The aluminum V-ring on the back gives great security, and the overall design is ideal for providing even load distribution, so even if your dog is likely to pull they shouldn’t hurt themselves on the harness.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you’re looking for an impeccably high-quality harness and you don’t mind paying a little extra for it, then it’s worth taking a closer look at this harness from Dean & Tyler.
It’s available in many different sizes, two of which are suitable for smaller breeds, and it’s very quick and simple to put on and take off. There’s also a stylish reflective trim that helps to give your dog better visibility for those late nights or early morning walks. It comes with 3 D-rings and a handle to give you extra control when needed, while the reinforced stitching gives you some extra confidence when it comes to durability.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s another small harness from the Gooby brand which offers you the choke-free ‘X’ design which means the harness sits a little lower on your dog’s body, helpfully avoiding the vulnerable neck area, so your dog will be safe and comfortable even if they pull.
The harness is specifically designed with small dogs in mind, and it’s worth taking a closer look at the size guide to make sure you get the right fit for your dog, as even the ‘medium’ and ‘large’ sizes are for dog’s weighing 9-15 lbs and 15-20 lbs. It’s made from a polyester mesh material that’s surprisingly lightweight, so your dog should find it comfortable to wear, and the microsuede trimming further ensures your dog’s comfort on longer walks.
Here’s an interesting option that’s specifically designed to address the needs of a dog that likes to pull, and it’s available in several sizes, with the small option being a good choice for dogs that weigh anywhere from 20-30 lbs. It comes with a quality nylon chest panel that gives great comfort thanks to the use of a plush inner lining, and it also lends plenty of support that keeps you in full control when your dog decides to pull.
The use of nickel-plated hardware keeps the harness safe and secure, while the low-profile metal slides help to prevent any irritation that can occur when your dog is pulling. The harness is very easy to put on and take off, so you shouldn’t have any worries in this regard.
Here’s a low-priced harness that still gives you a reasonable option for a smaller dog or puppy who isn’t likely to pull or need much support, and it’s available in two smaller sizes, either small or x-small.
The soft, breathable mesh fabric goes a long way toward keeping it comfortable to wear, and it also has a double layering effect which boosts the durability of the harness. Importantly, the vest design helps to keep the strain away from your dog’s neck, too. Another nice feature is the wide range of colorful designs and patterns this harness comes in, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for something that’ll make your dog stand out from the crowd.
Last update on 2023-03-24 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a colorful and easily adjusted harness that’s specifically designed for puppies and toy breeds in mind, and it comes in several sizes that cater toward these smaller dogs.
The harness is generally a good buy if you’re shopping for a toy breed, and the simple design makes it easy to put on and take off. It also gives you some degree of adjustability to allow you to achieve a better fit without sacrificing any comfort. There’s a range of different color options available, and while it doesn’t come with many advanced features, it’s a nice pick for a small puppy who only needs something lightweight and simple to wear.
This harness from Metric USA comes in several sizes that will be suitable for smaller breeds, and these small sizes range from XX-Small, X-Small, and Small, so it’s worth checking the sizes carefully to select the right one for your dog.
The design has a strong focus on comfort, and it certainly manages to achieve this aim thanks to the soft, comfortable padding on all the key locations. It’s also very lightweight, which further boosts the comfort of the harness. It uses two reinforced D-rings to give you a secure fitting to the leash, and there’s also a quick-release clip that comes in handy when needed. Overall, it’s a reliable model that many owners of small dogs swear by.
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a simple, low-tech, and affordable harness from Sporn that comes in several sizes, including one that’s suitable for smaller breeds.
It’s made from a ]nylon mesh material that’s lightweight and durable, and this fabric is coupled with nickel-plated hardware which should last, and the no-pull design gives you good control over your dog without hampering their natural movement. A nice feature of the harness is how easy it is to slip on due to the one-piece design, and the flexible mesh material and padding give your dog a comfortable fit.
Here’s a colorful and creative harness from BlueBerry Pet, and it’s worth taking a closer look at the many different colors and styles it comes with. The harness comes with 2 leash clips that can be used for walking, and the front clip is ideal for dealing with a dog who wants to pull on the leash.
Additionally, it’s simple enough to put the harness on your dog thanks to the simple design that slips on over your dog’s head. The material is also very soft and lightweight, so it shouldn’t pose any problems in regards to comfort. It also uses a sturdy metal D-ring for reliable and safe connection to a leash.
Last update on 2023-03-25 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Here’s a small sport harness from Mighty Paw that comes with excellent adjustable features that make it easy and simple to get the perfect fit for your dog. There’s plenty of padding in all of the right places to ensure it’s comfortable for your dog to wear, and the addition of the quick release buckles make your life easier when it comes to taking the harness off and putting it on, so you won’t need to pull it over your dog’s head.
Another neat feature is the reflective stitching which helps to boost the visibility of your dog in low light conditions, which is always a nice thing to have when you’re walking your dog in the early morning or evening.
If you’re looking for a tough, durable small dog harness then this design from IceFang could be ideal for you and your dog. It comes in several sizes, some of which cater specifically to smaller dogs, and it benefits from ultra-tough metal buckles that have been load tested to withstand up to 1000 lb, combined with reinforced stitching and more.
Ultimately, these features make the harness ideal for working dogs, and the escape-proof design is something you’ll be able to count on. There’s a handle on the top of the harness for extra control, and there are also specific areas for attaching extra gear and supplies which is useful for longer hikes, although the carabiner isn’t included. Overall, it’s a rugged and sturdy harness that’s a reliable option for many dog owners.
This harness by Chai’s Choice is a popular option, and it’s available in two sizes that cater for smaller breed dogs, along with several interesting color selections. The design features easy strap adjustments to get an ideal fit, and there’s also additional 3M reflective material that helps to ensure your dog is visible in low light conditions.
It uses two possible leash attachment points, either on the back or at the chest, and the hardware is made from zinc-alloy which shouldn’t let you down. In terms of materials, it’s made from a durable and lightweight oxford material that can bear a respectable load, but it’s also light enough to stay comfortable for your dog to wear.
Here’s a Kurgo dog harness that comes in two sizes suitable for small breeds, and it benefits from a simple yet effective design that makes it a nice choice for active dogs. It relies on a v-neck design that ensures your dog doesn’t feel pressure around the neck, and the padded chest plate helps to keep it even more comfortable while minimizing the potential for strain.
There are also 4 points of adjustment which help you to get a pleasing fit for your dog, and the strong back handle means you’ll be able to assist your dog over rougher terrain while maintaining excellent control when needed. It’s also a durable design that you can count on to last. Another nice touch is the 10-inch lead it comes with.
This dog harness from PetSafe is available in four different sizes, two of which are suitable for smaller breeds. It’s also available in a few different color options. It comes with an elastic neckline which is great for sliding on and off your dog while allowing for a comfortable fit when walking, and the top control handle means you can quickly grab your dog whenever you need to.
There’s a D-ring located on the back which you can use as a leash attachment, and this helps to keep the leash out of the way so your dog can enjoy walking without the leash getting in the way. Overall, it’s an affordable and well-made harness that’s particularly well-suited for active dogs.
