Best Dog Harness for Your Dog: How to Choose, Measure and Fit One
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Quick answer: The best dog harness is the one that fits your dog's chest and neck, keeps pressure off the throat, and matches how your dog walks. For everyday walks, a padded Y-shaped harness that adjusts in several places works for most dogs. For large, strong pullers, choose a heavy-duty harness with a handle and reinforced stitching.
How to measure your dog for a harness
The American Kennel Club says chest girth and neck girth are the two most important measurements for harness sizing.
- Chest girth: With your dog standing, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of the rib cage, usually just behind the front legs.
- Neck girth: Measure around the base of the neck, where it meets the shoulders.
- Check the size chart: Match both numbers to the size chart on the product listing. If your dog is between sizes, an adjustable harness lets you fine-tune the fit.
How tight should a harness be?
Once the harness is on, you should be able to slide two fingers under each strap. A veterinarian quoted by the AKC suggests it should be a slight squeeze to get two fingers underneath, and dogs with long or fluffy coats may need the straps a little tighter so they can't slip out. Walk your dog around to make sure the legs move freely, and gently tug the harness in different directions to check it stays put.
Our harness picks by dog type
For everyday comfort: Green Comfort Dog Harness
The FURLOU Green Comfort Dog Harness ($38) is padded with breathable fabric and adjusts in four places. Its Y-shape keeps pressure off the neck, which makes it a good everyday choice for small and medium dogs.
For cooler weather: Moss Green Sherpa Dog Harness
The Moss Green Sherpa Dog Harness ($38) uses the same four-point adjustable fit with a warm, fluffy sherpa finish and gold hardware. It comes in Extra Small, Small, Medium and Large.
For big breeds and strong pullers: Large Dog Harness & Leash Set
The Large Dog Harness & Leash Set ($59.99) is built from high-strength nylon with reinforced stitching and a handle, which gives you more control on trails and busy streets.
Harness or collar?
Many owners use both: a collar to hold ID tags, and a harness for walks. A harness spreads pressure across the chest instead of the neck. Browse matching collars and leashes in our Collars & Accessories collection.
Frequently asked questions
What size harness does my dog need?
Use your dog's chest girth, not weight. Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs, and compare it to the listing's size chart.
Can a dog wear a harness all day?
Take the harness off when your dog is resting at home so it doesn't rub, and check under the straps regularly for redness or matted fur.
What if my dog slips out of the harness?
The harness is probably too loose or the wrong size. Tighten each strap until you can only just fit two fingers underneath, and re-measure if it still slips.
Questions about fit? Contact us and we'll help you choose a size. U.S. orders of $70 or more ship free, and unused items can be returned within 30 days.