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There are more types of harnesses than I can count on one hand—and more brands than I could count on two hands. How do you pick the perfect one for your perfect pup? Trial and error can get costly… But I can help you narrow down types of harnesses perfect for your dog.
Pick a Harness Appropriate for Your Dog’s Activities
Harnesses for hiking dogs, harnesses for pulling dogs, and harnesses for walks are very, very different… not just in appearance but in function.
Dog harnesses for hiking utilize patches and compartments, allowing you to attach small packs to them.
These packs can be customized but could carry important items like dog first-aid kids, dog food, and dog accessories (like booties and waste bags). They may also have handles or other attachment points for easier manipulation.
Dog harnesses for pulling are for dogs that haul people behind them—like folks on bikes or sleds.
These tend to keep away from your dog’s throat by positioning the front strap low on their chest (meant to lower the risk of choking). Attachment points tend to be at the back of the harness, and the harness tends to have an even weight distribution for the dog.
For dog walking harnesses, they’re a bit more relaxed (and perhaps a bit more stylish).
They may also be modified if you have a dog that either drags you along… Or tries to! These no-pull harnesses help control your dog and also prevent them from choking, similar to harnesses catered to dogs with jobs.
Consider Your Dog’s Chest Shape when Picking Harnesses
Your dog’s chest and ribs should be measured to pick an appropriate-fitting harness… but even with that measurement, certain harnesses may fit better or worse. Dog equipment without adjustability may have issues wrapping around a dog’s specific shape. This could prove risky, especially if your dog wrestles his way out of his harness and takes off.
Properly fitting your dog can reduce the risk of injury and increase their comfort.
Barrel-chested Dogs
Dogs with barrel-shaped chests could be anything, but a Rottweiler is a pretty obvious choice. The breed tends to have big, rounded, wide ribs and wide shoulders—like a barrel, this dog’s chest is largest at its middle. You might notice a lot of their muscle concentrated in their front half, too, as these dogs are typically bred for their bulk.
These dogs usually need harnesses that can adjust across the chest, as measuring your dog at their widest may make for a loose front.
Deep-chested Dogs
When imagining what a deep-chested dog looks like, think of a Greyhound. They have a narrower shoulder-to-ribs profile than barrel-chested dogs but with a low-dipping chest. This chest is deeper than it is wide, likely to provide agility-focused breeds the space needed for their expanding lungs.
These dogs will face the same difficulties as wider dogs: harnesses will likely be too lose around their ribs or across their chest.
Average- or Round-chested Dogs
If a Rottweiler is shaped like a barrel, and a Greyhound’s chest is deep, then imagine an average dog with an average chest… You probably pictured a Labrador or Golden Retriever, consistently ranking in the tops of favorite-dog-breed competitions.
These dogs are fairly balanced (not too wide nor too tall), and most harnesses will work according to the individual brand’s sizing chart.
… and Your Dog’s Fur Type
Thick layers of fur keep your dog warm. Do you know what else keeps them warm? Thick, padded harnesses. This could be a benefit or a drawback.
A double-coated dog in the South will be quicker to overheat, and accessories that cover large areas of their bodies will cause them to retain even more heat. This could be a serious health concern, especially considering how many pivotal internal organs reside in their chest cavity.
In dogs with shorter coats (and therefore less heat regulation) in snowy conditions, a harness that provides extra warmth is a benefit.
Similarly, if you have a dog with delicate skin and fur, breakage can occur from a thinner harness’s friction, damaging their coat. Larger straps more evenly distribute pressure and won’t cut through your dog’s fur as obviously.
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