Is a collar not enough to hold your wild small dog back? Then, it’s time to check out a safer, stronger option to control your dog.
Collars tend to pull on the neck when you pull your dog back. But, harnesses will pull on their back instead so you don’t injure your dog’s neck.
Not to mention your dog will be safer in a harness that they can’t slip or bite out of. Check out our guide to find you the best harness for small dogs!
Table of Contents
What Are Some Features My Dog’s Harness Should Have?
Strong Materials
This is an obvious feature, but an important one. If the materials are not strong your dog has the potential to bite through the harness, and bust out during a walk.
If a harness has exceptional strength it will stated in the description of the harness.
Easy On And Off
This is more important than you might think. A collar can be hard if your dog tries to squirm out of your reach while you put it on.
But, a harness requires your dog’s leg to step into the inside of the harness for extra security.
The easiest on and off is a harness with quick release buckles on the front and back. All you have to do then is come over top of the dog and clip them in underneath.
Mesh
Not all products will have this, but it can be important for hotter days. Mesh makes a harness more breathable, this will keep your dog cooler on hot days.
Escape Proof
This is self explanatory, but for those who don’t know dog’s dislike restraints. At first, your dog is going to try to slip out of their harness.
But, if it is escape proof, then your dog has no chance of slipping out of it and running after another dog.
This is possible in many ways, strong materials, neck placement, and much more. It is a good feature to have for your dog’s safety.
What Is The Best Harness For Small Dogs?
Best Overall – Comfort Fit Metric USA
- PLEASE MEASURE YOUR DOG’S CHEST, JUST BEHIND THE FRONT LEGS AND SELECT THE SIZE. Unlike Dog Collars, Harnesses fit best when matched to the Chest measurement, just behind the front legs. IF YOUR DOG IS IN BETWEEN SIZES, PLEASE SIZE UP
- STRUGGLE WITH YOUR DOG COLLAR? We have a SOFT, COMFORTABLE Easy to Put on and Take off Soft Dog Harnesses with a Quick release clip
- HAVE AN ESCAPE ARTIST OF A DOG? Our pet harness has Two Reinforced D-rings that locks securely on to your leash. Easy to Care, Incredibly lightweight.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This harness has good quality in all categories. Starting with its comfortable, soft padded interior and exterior design.
That ensures the safety of your pup, and avoids the uncomfortable rubbing.
Comfort Fit Metric also made this product with a no-escape design in mind. Two reinforced D-Rings lock the dog to the leach.
With a buckle to keep both D-rings secured close to the harness.
Yet, even with this escape proof design this is still easy to take off and put on.
The quick-release buckle makes sure of this. With one click, the whole vest pops off with speed and ease.
Many reviews on this product praise its durability and strong design. What you must make sure when buying this product is that you measure your dog first.
If you fail in completing this step, you might end up getting a size way to big for your dog.
This product is very good. Although it doesn’t have anything too fancy about it. It’s functionality and strength makes it a great option.
For both people looking for a harness they can use on a short walk or a long hike.
Pros:
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D-Ring Leash Lock
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Quick Release Buckle
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Padded Interior and Exterior
Cons:
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Stitching Can Come Undone On Certain Faulty Products
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Big Difference In Size Between Sizes
Best Tactical – OneTigris Small Dog Vest Beast MOJO Tactical
- 🐶SIZE INFO: Neck Girth: 11"-17";Chest Girth: 15"-22";Back Length: 8.6";Waist Girth: 15"-22";
- 🐾EASY ON/OFF: A small tactical dog harness with quick release buckles for easy on and off without compromising security; your quality small dog vest for daily walks, weekend hikes and other outdoor activities.
- ❤SMALL DOG HARNESS WITH HANDLE: OneTigris BEAST MOJO tactical dog harness is made of high strength 1000D nylon, with a front slip-in design with UTX-duraflex quick-release buckles.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I will start by saying, I have always been a big fan of tactical dog vests. They tend to have a very sturdy make and function as advertised.
Not to mention, it leaves your dog looking like the coolest dog on the block.
OneTigris makes this with a high strength 1000D nylon construction. This makes it both durable and grants it resistance to dirt, water, and abrasions.
This vest also does not fail the test of ease of use. It has easy on and off technology with two UTX Duraflex quick release buckles.
This vest is suitable for dogs over 10lb. Depending on your dog’s body build there are adjustable straps for your ease of use.
A heavy duty vertical grab handle is also located on the top of the harness for easy control over your dog.
A UTX duraflex leash ring is also on this harness. This is a sturdy ring that will make sure your leash stays attached to the harness.
If your dog happens to be a service dog or you want to decorate this vest a little.
There are functional MOLLE Straps on this vest. Also, with a looped surface for patches such as do not pet, a name patch, or a service dog patch.
This vest has the quality of a tactical vest and the looks. This tactical harness will work well for your small dog for years to come.
Pros:
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Nylon Construction
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Quick Release, Easy On/Off
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Patch Compatible
Cons:
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Only Comes In Extra Small
Best No Choke – EcoBark Max Comfort and Control
- ✔️Dog Harness For Small and Medium Dogs: Fits 10 to 17 lbs (Estimated Weight, Please Measure for Exact Fit). Specially Crafted Harness for Small, Medium Dogs and Puppies. Our pet harnesses are escape proof when with the correct size with a snug fit. All our Sizing Charts are correct on Amazon so please ALWAYS measure and buy according to the chart provided. If you’re having trouble finding a harness, then look no further.
- ✔️No Pull & No Choke Halter Harness: Soft mesh, gentle, breathable double layered mesh fabric made from non-toxic ROSH tested mesh fabric with durability built to last. Strong full body collar for daily walking, running, and hiking. Soft and extremely breathable lightweight airflow for an enjoyable walking experience. Anti-rub technology with Custom Stitched Designed to protect your pet from chaffing due to strap rubbing against dog's legs and chest for ultimate comfort and control innovation.
- ✔️Eco-Friendly Pet Harness: Strong Ultra Padded Vests include Recycled Straps made from recycled water bottles. We use environmental friendly material that is highly durable designed to disperse the dog's weight onto the chest to not choke the pet's trachea. Tested Mesh Fabric is an all purpose and all weather ultra padded breathable harness for hot, rainy, or snowy days.
Last update on 2024-04-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This breathable harness has great functionality. Not only is the mesh fabric built for long use. But, it is also much stronger than the typical harness and is very soft.
Although you might assume this mesh will irritate your dog. This harness also has anti-rub technology. With, a custom stitched cover.
And has a design to protect your dog from irritation caused by the strap rubbing against their legs.
This harness also includes a specialized safety buckle. This ensures the highest level of strength and safety. This quality will maintain for the years you will use this amazing product.
This strength not only protects your dog from the environment. It also is escape proof. They made sure of this by making this harness wear higher than most other harnesses.
This makes it harder for your dog to slip out of the vest, but will not constrict their trachea.
EcoBark committed to strength for this product. This product has a quick on and over the head feature.
Having only one buckle on the rear makes this product harder to take off. But, for the most part, it is still a quick process.
EcoBark isn’t only a name either it is their reputation. They use recycled straps made of environmentally friendly materials.
As mentioned earlier, they are still very durable and get color dyed to match the color of the harness.
This harness is a very strong harness that will protect your dog from all situations. While, also being eco-friendly with their materials as an added benefit.
Pros:
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Very Strong/Durable
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Breathable
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Escape Proof
Cons:
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Over The Head Design
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Sizing Chart Isn’t Always Accurate
Best Budget – Voyager All Weather No Pull Step-In Mesh
- ATTENTION: Sizing does NOT directly correspond to your pet's breed or weight. Please MEASURE your pet by printing out our Size Guide which has a measuring tape and refer to our sizing chart for the best fit before ordering.
- ALL WEATHER MESH: Made with a soft, breathable air mesh, this lightweight pet harness is perfect for walks all year round.
- REFLECTIVE BANDS: Two reflective bands on the sides of this harness enhance your pet’s visibility for those early morning and late evening strolls.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This harness is the best quality for the price. This was not made to be flashy style, but it is strong and comfortable.
Voyager makes this harness with a breathable mesh fabric. This makes it ideal for weather year round. Don’t let looks defer you. This is actually a hassle free design that only takes minutes to put on and off.
This is due to the strong velcro closure that holds the vest together at the top. There are also two heavy duty metal d-rings. These will keep your leash attached to the vest very well.
This harness is available in many different sizes for all dogs. But, Voyager stresses that you should always measure before buying. A dog’s breed size and weight does not correspond with sizing.
This product is very simple, but it works. Voyager makes this with strong materials and has a simple on/off process that most harnesses don’t.
Pros:
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Fast and Easy On/Off Process
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Strong Velcro Materials
Cons:
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Not For Narrow Or Triangular Heads. These dog’s risk slipping out
Best Style – Voyager Soft Harness For Pets
- ATTENTION: Sizing does NOT directly correspond to your pet’s breed or weight. Please MEASURE your pet and refer to our sizing chart for the best fit before ordering.
- SOFT & WARM PLUSH: Lined with a soft and warm plush fabric, this harness will keep your pet comfortable during walks on brisk days.
- REFLECTIVE BANDS: Two reflective bands on the sides of this harness enhance your pet’s visibility for those early morning and late evening strolls.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This harness has the style and comfort for those cold or rainy days. This latte suede material is a soft, warm fabric that will keep away those cold weather shivers.
Safety is a priority with this vest as well. Featuring both a quick release buckle and a durable fastener to keep your dog locked in. Also, this harness has a very strong velcro material. This will keep this harness bonded together.
Yet, with this safety the on and off process still remains fast. With their step-in design it is as fast and simple as it sounds. Have your dog step-in, and then velcro, click that buckle, attach your leash and you are good to go.
Due to the latte suede material on this harness you will need to wash this pet harness often. Luckily, this product is machine washable!
Throw it into the washer with items of a similar color in cold water on a gentle cycle. Then, air dry the harness laid out flat and you’re done!
This product has the style, comfort, and security. This harness is best on cold days when you need a secure, easy to use harness, but it still has style.
Pros:
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Strong Velcro Strap
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Quick Release Buckle
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Warm Latte Suede Design
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Machine Washable
Cons:
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Sizes Run Large
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Can Be Heavy For Very Small Dogs
Final Thoughts
If I had to buy a harness off this list for my dog, it would be the OneTigris tactical vest. I like the easy on and off process along with the sturdy materials used to make it.
I can also appreciate the look of the tactical vest as well. It’s important that I mention that this is my opinion.
All of these could be the best harness for small dogs. But, for what I like and for what I need in a dog harness I prefer the OneTigris Tactical Vest.
And if you are still undecided on a collar or harness check out this article.