Has your little pup become a master escape artist? Maybe you want to switch to a harness but struggle to find a suitable fit? Headstrong dogs can be challenging to walk with, even if it’s a small breed—they can be feisty, too. Their tiny size means that you’ll often have to do specific searches, even if that dual-clip harness comes in smaller sizes. But lucky for you, we’re here today to review the best harness for small dogs, plus some other highly-rated alternatives.
Best Harnesses For Small Dogs
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Finding our top picks was no “small” task. We did extensive research to ensure that our recommendations include all the right features. Let’s take a look at the best harness for small dogs, plus a few honorable mentions.
Best Overall: Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness
Chai’s Choice 3M reflective harness is our choice for the best dog harness for small dogs. This eye-catching design is perfect for tough little pups who might pull on the leash. What’s great about this is how it’s designed. It features a full front cushion, distributing the leash’s force throughout the shoulders and chest. This protects your dog’s neck, preventing severe injuries to their fragile bones.
Additionally, the chest piece features breathable mesh, enhancing comfort, even in warm weather. Another highlight of this harness is the interwoven reflective pipeline. It runs throughout the material, keeping your dog visible in low-light conditions, enabling you to walk at night. This option includes two clips—one in front and one in back. You can use the configuration and adjustable straps to best suit and fit your little fur baby, minimizing the risk of escape. At the top is a seat belt strap that you can use as a handle.
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Best For Toy Breeds: Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
If you have a tiny breed dog, like a Chihuahua, we highly recommend the Rabbitgoo dog harness. This over-the-head design features a padded chest piece working to distribute the force across the chest and shoulders.
The Rabbitgoo is a dual-clip harness and includes two durable metal rings. This suggests it’s suitable for different personalities and temperaments. The harness offers a top handle for additional control, allowing you to lift your dog quickly or help them into your car. A nice detail is that it features several straps, essentially giving you four adjustable points. You can create the perfect fit around your pup, preventing any escapes. Another thing that stands out about this harness is the durable materials. It consists of sturdy Oxford nylon fabric, capable of withstanding some abuse. Similar to Chai’s Choice, this harness offers highly reflective strips. This enables you to walk safely during low-light hours.
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Best Step-In Harness: Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
For those who prefer a step-in style, the Voyager Step-In Air dog harness is worth a look. This lightweight dog harness is available in sizes suiting even the tiniest breeds. It includes a hook and loop fastener, which opens up fully, allowing you to insert your dog’s legs. Then bring it up, and fasten around their center. To secure this, you have a durable buckle, keeping the harness in place, should the hook and loop fail.
It offers double metal rings for your leash, increasing security. The lightweight, breathable materials make it excellent for use all year round. However, you must pick the right size, and the triple security closure might be a bit too much for a little dog or a puppy.
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Honorable Mentions
PoyPet No Pull | Metric USA No Pull | Gooby Comfort X Head-in | Downtown Pet Supply | Pawtitas Pet Reflective Step-in | Didog Soft Flannel Padded Dog Vest
PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness
If you need more control, try the PoyPet no-pull dog harness. This is another step-in style, easy to put on and take off. It includes two buckles: one of the belly and a quick-snap buckle around the neck. The harness allows you to adjust the fit according to your dog.
You have two rings for your leash—a metal D-ring at the front and an aluminum alloy ring on the back. You can use the harness for dogs that are hard pullers or walk nicely on a leash. On the belly, there are elastic straps to adjust according to your dog’s size and to absorb jerks, preventing strain. You have a soft yet sturdy handle at the top, enabling you to get extra control when needed. It also works like a seat belt strap for car rides.
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Metric USA No Pull Small Dog Harness Vest
The Metric USA vest harness encases your pup, creating a snug yet comfy fit, perfect for tiny wigglers. What’s great about this option is the full padding. It’s ultra-comfortable for your dog and incredibly lightweight, weighing a mere 1.41 ounces. Additionally, the harness features a quick-release clip on the top. However, it’s an over-the-head design, so you need to pull their head through the opening and then fasten the buckle.
For your leash, you have two durable, metal D-rings on the side, keeping your dog anchored to the leash. The vest from Metric USA offers full padding and security features that prevent small dogs from wiggling out.
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Gooby Comfort X Head-In Harness
This is a choke-free X-shaped design harness created to reduce stress around the dog’s neck, even for pullers. It has a back D-ring, which takes away the pressure from your dog’s neck. This position also prevents the harness from riding up toward the neck, causing injuries. The harness consists of lightweight polyester material, offering a breathable fit, enhancing comfort in different weather.
Furthermore, it’s machine washable, making it quick and easy to keep clean. However, make sure that you air dry it. The Gooby X Head-in harness reduces pressure around the neck while offering outstanding comfort.
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Downtown Pet Supply Small Dog Harness
If you want something eye-catching and fun for your pup, we suggest taking a look at the harness from Downtown Pet Supply. What attracted us to this harness was the bright colors and patterns available. This is also a step-in harness with a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, and double metal rings to hook up the leash.
We like the breathable mesh material—you can use the harness all year but avoid extreme temperatures. Plus, it’s ultra-comfy and easy to put on.
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Pawtitas Pet Reflective Step-In Dog Harness
For all the early birds (and night owls) who prefer clocking in their steps before (or after) the sun is out, the Pawtitas Pet reflective step-in dog harness includes reflective material designed to keep your dog visible during low-light hours.
Besides the reflective feature, this harness is quite basic, but it’s an easy-to-use step-in style. But, its simple design also makes it one of the best harnesses for small dogs. This harness doesn’t weigh a lot, making it easy for your dog to carry. It’s also fully adjustable, perhaps even enough to use it from puppy to adult stages.
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Didog Soft Flannel Padded Dog Vest Harness
Lastly, we have the soft flannel dog harness from Didog. This is an escape-proof harness suitable for any tiny wiggler. This is an over-the-head style designed to prevent any strangulation hazards. It features a front D-ring, which discourages pulling and a rear ring for casual walks.
It includes only one buckle that you can adjust, decreasing the weight. The straps are padded, increasing your dog’s overall comfort. These also resist digging into their skin should they pull while you’re walking. The material also uses reflective stitching, enabling you to walk when the light is dim. However, If your dog is prone to back out of its harness, this may provide them with an easy escape.
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Harness Happiness For Your Hound
Choosing a harness for small dogs is the best way to prevent injuries and ensure your pup’s comfort. Despite their tiny size, small breeds are often feisty and excited to show you what’s ahead. When picking among the best harnesses for small dogs (or the best harness for any-sized dog), make it fits properly. Carefully measure your dog according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and use the adjustable points to fine-tune the fit. You can learn more and discover our complimentary collar and leash recommendations to keep your canine cozy and safely in tow on your next walk.