Best Top 10 Big Dog Harness
With big dogs comes big responsibility. They are usually easier to maintain (as compared to their smaller cousins), but hard to handle. Since big dogs are stronger and more muscular, controlling them on the leash takes some doing. Also, taking them out for a walk daily could put a strain on their neck and back, especially if they are not wearing a harness.
Types of dog harness: Which harness type suits my dog?
While many big dog owners still go for collars, harnesses for larger dogs are still the best option in many ways:
Safety: A harness releases the strain on the neck and disperses it on the body. This, as a result, saves them from multiple, neck, throat, ear, and torso-related diseases and injuries.
Comfort: Keeps them comfortable and prevents injuries during outdoor activities like walking, hiking, jumping, and running.
Control: Big dogs are comparatively active; hence, they tug more than smaller dogs. Therefore, a harness makes it easier for you to control them. It provides you with better control over the big guy, as well as prevents them from pulling on the leash. Dogs in harnesses behave like a lady!
Well, if you agree with me that harnesses are a better option for large dogs [well, for most of them], then, the next question in your mind must be ‘how to pick the right harness for your big buddy.’ This is such a hassle, right? This keeps many dog owners wandering from one pet shop to another and from one online store to the next.
However, to save you from all this nuisance, we have prepared a buying guide for you. Here we have answered every harness-related question in detail and have also enlisted the ten best harnesses for big dogs available on Amazon. You must also read Top 10 Dog Harness for Small Dogs
What features to look for in a big dog harness?
In our previous articles, we talked about the features a dog owner should look for in a harness. Let us briefly revise that before moving forward.
Fitting: First, a dog harness should fit your dog. No matter what quality and features the harness offers, if it doesn’t fit your furry friend, it is useless. The common complaint about harnesses is related to size. Many dog owners express displeasure and disappointment in reviews that the sizing offered by the harness makers didn’t fit their dogs. I always suggest my clients and viewers take their dog’s measurements properly before ordering any harness. Since the size chart on the website does not necessarily always match, it is better to contact the relevant company to discuss the sizing. And, if necessary, take their help to choose the right size for your dog.
Comfort: One of the significant features a harness is rated for against collars is comfort. A comfortable harness is a must for your dog if you want them to behave. A chafing, sharp on the edges, and extra-tight harness may not only injure your dog, but it could also push them to the point of behavioral outbursts. In such cases, the dog might hurt either themselves or you.
Utility: There are hundreds of thousands of dog harnesses available in the market. Each varies from others in its quality, features, and prices. They also differ from one another according to their utility. There are harnesses for every purpose, everything from walking to riding in the car to hiking up a mountain. Make sure you pick the right one according to your needs.
Types of Harnesses
As mentioned earlier, there are various types of harnesses available in the market that serve multiple purposes. Having information about them will help you pick the right harness for your giant friend. Given below are some of the harness types. Take a look at them and decide which suits best your needs.
Standard Harness: Also called a dual strap harness offers a standard fit for all dogs and releases the stress from your dog’s neck and disperses it on the body. They are ideal for larger dogs who are accustomed to walking on leash and are less-aggressive pullers.
Tightening Harness: As the name implies, a tightening harness tightens around the dog’s body whenever it jumps or pulls. It functions in a way that whenever a dog jumps upwards, it exerts the same amount of force in the opposite direction; hence, keeping him from pulling or tugging.
No-Pull or Front-Pull Harness: It functions similarly to that, a tightening harness. Besides, it applies stress on the dogs’ armpits to stop them from pulling.
NOTE: Always keep the fitting just right. The front-pull harness should neither be too loose nor too tight nor may it hurt his armpits.
Mobility Harness: Mobility harnesses are supportive harnesses used to help injured or ailing dogs in moving. They are suitable for dogs with hip dysplasia, joint injuries, any physical impairment, or the ones recovering from surgery.
Back Clip Harness: Back Clip harnesses come with a D-ring at their back. They are good for small dogs or the ones who walk on a loose leash – not recommended for strong dogs.
Front Clip Harness: As opposed to the back clip harnesses, Front Clip harnesses have the D-ring in the middle of a dog’s chest. They are considered the best tool for dog training because it prevent them from pulling.
Vest Harness: Vest harnesses, also called bib harnesses, provide extra comfort to your dog. They come with an additional piece of padding covering most of your dog’s chest. It comes with both front and back clips. Vest harnesses are mostly used during outdoor activities such as hiking and running. However, they should be avoided for dogs with overheating problems.
Now that you know the functionality and features of the various harnesses, take a look at our extensively-researched list of the ten best big dog harnesses chosen from the Amazon store.
1. Rabitgoo No-pull Harness
As the name implies, the Rabitgoo harnesses are designed to discourage your big buddy from pulling. Since larger dogs are muscular, controlling them on the leash becomes a hell of a challenge sometimes. The Rabitgoo No-pull Harness is designed to rescue dog owners from such situations. With two metal leash attachments, it provides you with better control over your giant friend.
Another top feature of the harness is that while discouraging the dog from pulling, it does not let the strain hurt its neck or any other body part by dispersing the pressure equally on the parts of the body. Moreover, it is customizable, and you can adjust it easily according to the size of your dog. On the quality front, the harness is an excellent piece of art, built solidly with heavy-duty nylon. It also has padding in the front for added comfort.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Easily workableA built-in handle for extra control
Adjustable sizing
Reflective striping for visibility in the dark
Easily washable
Resistant material
[/i2pros][i2cons] Straps are made of stiffer material.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness
The Kurgu Tru-Fit Harnesses are designed as everyday dog harness with maximum comfort and safety on offer. The harness is easy to put on and take off thanks to its weiner lock plastic quick-release buckles. They are lightweight and comfortable and have adjustable harnesses with five easy adjustable points. The maximum stretch can fit a dog with a chest circumference of up to 44 inches, which makes it a secure fit even for deep-chested large dogs. The front D-ring for leash attachments is for teaching your dog not to pull on the leash. The additional back leash D-ring is for everyday walkers. Kurgu harnesses have a built-in 10-inch tether that helps during car travel as a dog seat belt to restrain them.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Comes with a double D-ringFive-point adjustment for a secure fit
The padded chest plate and side straps for extra comfort
Built-in seat belt tether for safer transportation
Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not car crash tested[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Buddy Belt Harness
If you are into style and looks, along with the durability of the harness, Buddy Belt harnesses are just the right choice for you. Hand-crafted from the double layer, stitched leather, Buddy Belt harnesses a fine piece of engineering added with a single welded metal clip, which makes it durable and easy to put on and take off. The special patented low-cut design makes it a brilliant choice for beefy, short-legged breeds like bulldogs. It also reduces the pulling naturally. The company has years of experience in hand-made leather harnesses as it has been in the business since 1997. With this much experience and history, you can trust their product with your eyes closed.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Extremely stylish harnessComfortable double-layer, stitched leather
Non-wearing leather and sturdy construction make it extra-durable
The single buckle makes it easy to put on and take off[/i2pros][i2cons] The sizing is off. It tends to turn small for many dogs. So make sure you order the correct size for your big buddy.[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. YOGADOG – Heavy Duty Dog Harness
YogaDog harnesses are one of the few on the market that comes with a variety of features without compromising on quality. The harness offers a no-pull effect, comfort, reflective strips, durability, and better control, in one harness. Specially designed for medium to large dogs, Yoga Dog harnesses come with a quick control handle attached to the front chest strap for better control and less pulling. The harness is made with weatherproof nylon webbing for durability and comes with a padded breastplate for added luxury. The harness has an easy-click buckle for an easy put-on and off option. The adjustable straps make it an easy fit for medium and large dogs. There is a padded handle on the back as well, attached with a flexible but durable short leash. This provides additional control if your dog is an aggressive puller without hurting his neck.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Easy to put on and take offNo-pull harness
Built-in back handle for extra control
Front padding for extra comfort
Reflective strips for visibility in the dark[/i2pros][i2cons] Some users complained that the back handle was ‘too stretchy.’[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Expawlorer Dog Harness
Expawlorer no-pull dog harness is specially designed for larger breeds. The adjustability of the straps makes it a good fit even for deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds and Great Danes. The no-pull metal D-ring is heavy-duty and secure. On top of that, it comes with a reflective strip across the top to provide you with better visibility at night. Moreover, Expawlorer harnesses have a plastic snap buckle to give you a hassle-free experience in putting it on and off. With this, you can get your pooch ready for a walk within seconds. Also, the soft, breathable material plus heavy padding makes the walk enjoyable for your dog. Highly recommended for broad-chested dogs
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Easy on and easy offExtra-thick straps for security
Handle on the back for extra control
Available in a wide array of vibrant colors
Reflective strip on the back for visibility at night
Heavy-duty metal D-ring
Soft and breathable material
[/i2pros][i2cons] The elastic lead is a bit stiff
The padding may cause rigidity in some dogs[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Babyltrl No-pull Big Dog Harness
Babyltrl big dog harnesses are anti-tear harnesses built with premium durable nylon oxford. The soft padded material makes it very comfortable to wear. Its no-pull effect and added comfortability make walks a dream both for you and for your dog. If your dog is an aggressive puller, the Babyltrl harness is just the right choice for you. Its unique triangular anti-tear design supported by the zinc alloy fitting provides the desired durability. The harness has a secure snap buckle for easy on and easy off. In addition to this, the cool-looking locking feature on both snaps makes it extra safe.
Moreover, there is a sturdy handle on the back for a quick grab and provides control while on adventures. Also, the nylon webbing has reflective strips to make sure your dog remains visible in the dark. It is required for the safety of your pooch at night.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Unique triangular anti-tear designInterior padding for added comfort
No-pull harness
Made with durable nylon oxford
Zinc alloy fitting
2 Sturdy Metal D-Ring
Handle on the back for quick grab and control[/i2pros][i2cons] Snap buckle is made of plastic
Not anti-chew material[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
With a five-point adjustment and a front loop, PetSafe dog harnesses live up to their name. The harness is specially designed to minimize the pressure on the neck to keep your dog safe from injuries. It comes with a gray seat belt handle or an adjustable car control strap for a worry-free ride. With five adjustment points, you can create a custom fit for your dog. For your convenience, each strap has been tagged to let you know which strap goes where. PetSafe harness is one of the best anti-pilling harnesses on the market. It is known for its affordability, ease of use, and quick results.
Five-point adjustment
Special tags on each strap
Seat-belt handle
Easy to use
[/i2pros][i2cons] [/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Eagloo Big Dog Harness
Eagloo dog harnesses are known for their bright-colour-reflective straps that lend extra visibility. But, if you are not much into aesthetics, you can go with black. The two zinc-alloy rings, one on the back for easy walks and another on the chest for stopping your four-legged friend from pulling. The straps are slip-resistant and keep the buckle precisely in the same place where you tightened it hours ago. The harness is engineered with a breathable mesh lining with a soft sponge padding plate to prevent injuries, for extra comfort and protection. On the back, there is a firm handle, which not only gives you additional control at times but also works as a seatbelt loop while going for a ride. The quick snap buckle makes it easily workable while its fully adjustable straps at the chest and neck allow a custom fit for your furry friend.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Easy to put on and take offBuilt-in back handle
Quick-snap buckle
Two zinc-alloy D-rings
Reflective straps
Soft and breathable material
Available in a wide range of colours[/i2pros][i2cons] Sizing is a little off[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. Dean and Tyler (DT) Dog Harness
DT harness is one of the top-rated harnesses available in the market. With wide straps and room for adjustability, the DT harness is the top choice for larger breeds like Great Danes. It comes with three leash attachment points, which makes it easy to put on and take off. Also, the padded back makes it ‘feel good’ for big dogs. The harness has a rugged, all-weather design and is suitable for extended adventures. The handle on the back gives you extra control and lift options at the time of need. The straps are slip-proof and stay in place when you adjust them to the correct size.
Reflective strips for visibility in the dark
Handle on the back for lift and control
Easy to put on and take off
Multifunctional
Come with 3 D-rings
[/i2pros][i2cons] Does not connect to the collar
Leash runs left and right during the walk[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. RuffWear Dog Harness
RuffWear harness, as the name goes, is specially designed for rugged, long adventures. Cleverly crafted anatomist that provides your dog with the due comfort it requires for extended endeavours. The design helps your four-legged friend in climbing over logs, scale up rocks, and clearing obstacles. RuffWear harnesses are available in all sizes, but for bigger dogs, their large and extra-large will be a perfect fit. The unique design makes it a multi-purpose harness as it can be used for outdoor adventures, working dogs, service dog handlers, and amputee dogs. The harness has five convenient adjustment points for a full range of motion. RuffWear harnesses are high-performance, lightweight harnesses with foam-padded straps for added comfort. Moreover, its durable construction and heavy-duty V-ring webbing loops make it a year-round usable product.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” heading_pros_icon=”icon icon-check-1″ heading_cons_icon=”icon icon-cancle” ][i2pros] Lift and Assist optionFive-point adjustment
V-ring webbing loop
Durable rugged material
Two reinforced leash attachment points
Padded handle and reflective trim
Inner padding for extra comfort
Escape-proof[/i2pros][i2cons] No front leash attachment point
Tricky to adjust[/i2cons][/i2pc]