A Review of the Best Dog Harnesses For Small Dogs | iPetCompanion

A Review of the Best Dog Harnesses For Small Dogs

If you are currently on the look out for the best dog harness for smaller dogs then you are in the right place. It is vitally important to find a small dog harness that suits your pet, particularly if they are from one of the smaller breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, Russian Toys, Japanese Chins, or Shih Tzus. This is because they provide those smaller dogs with chest support and moves pressure away from their neck. A dog harness that is specifically designed for smaller dogs will help to minimize pressure on the dog's neck even if they are prone to pull on the leash.

To help you find one that is suitable to your small pet dog, we have taken in upon ourselves to do some research on your behalf. In this best small dog harness review of the best dog harness for smaller dogs, we have compiled list of our Top Picks, stated each of these dog harnesses pros and cons, and attributed a star rating to them, before going on to answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to these dogs harnesses, before finally making our recommendation as to which one is the best of all.

The Best Dog Harnesses For Small Dogs: Top Picks

gooby - comfort x step-in harness

  • Easy to put on 
  • Minimize choking
  • Breathable soft material

Rated by: Amber

ruffwear all-day front range harness

  • Highly durable design
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Includes a small pocket

Rated by: Amber

canine equipment no-pull harness

  • Fits the smallest of dogs
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Putting on is easy

Rated by: Amber

1. Ruffwear All-Day Dog Front Range Harness

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This dog harness is perfect for every day use and offers a combination of both durability and comfort, as well as being lightweight. Thanks to the design of the harness, it is able to withstand hard use and can be worn for long periods due to the soft padding that is located on the belly and chest of the Ruffwear All-Day Dog Front Range Harness. This makes the harness ideal for those small dogs that love to go out and adventure. There are two different points at which a leash attachment can be attached, with one on the back and one on the chest. Attaching a leash to the chest of the harness provides you with a greater level of control and so is great to use for dog training purposes.

Each of these are reinforced with a robust webbing to ensure the D rings stay in place. 

The four straps on the Ruffwear All-Day Dog Front Range Harness are all fully adjustable so that you can get the perfect fit for your small pet dog.

The harness features a small but convenient pocket that comes in handy for storing things. The build quality is real good and it feels like this will last for a long time and be able to withstand everything that comes its way. The reflective stitching trimming on the Ruffwear All-Day Dog Front Range Harness makes your dog stand out and be more visible when the light outside is low.

 Although the Ruffwear All-Day Dog Front Range Harness is better suited to smaller dogs, the harness does come in a range of different sizes, including X Small, Small, Medium, Large / X Large. With a choice of two classic, neutral colors (black and orange) the dog harness will look good on almost all breeds of dog. The dog harness is covered by the companies craftmanship and soft materials guarantee should any defects in the product present themselves.

PROS

  • Highly durable design
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Includes a small pocket

CONS

  • Not suitable for larger dogs
  • Expensive price point

2. EzyDog Quick Fit Custom Fit Adjustable Dog Harness

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This completely adjustable dog harness comes in 6 different sizes (XXX Small, X Small, Small, Medium, Large, and X Large), so you will get the perfect fit even the smallest of dogs that weigh as little as 4 lbs. The system that the EzyDog Quick Fit Custom Fit Adjustable Dog uses is one click and so is much easier to use than other harnesses for small dogs in our list of Top Picks. This means that putting the harness on and getting the harness off your pet dog is a quick and simple process.

A reflective stitching thread has been used for all the stitching on the EzyDog Quick Fit Custom Fit Adjustable Dog Harness and so provides your dog with plenty of visibility, even in poor lighting conditions. The strong metal D ring provides a sturdy point at which a leash attachment can be attached. The padded strap that fits across your small dog’s chest at the front has been constructed from neoprene and padded for extra comfort.

This means that your dog is able to wear the harness dog comfortable for long periods of time. This strap can also be adjusted to ensure the perfect fit for your dog.

Thanks to the water resistant and rust proof soft materials that the harness has been made out of, your dog can even wear it whilst going for a swim in a river or in the ocean. The EzyDog Quick Fit Custom Fit Adjustable Dog Harness comes in 10 different color options, including black, orange, pink, purple, chocolate, and camo.

PROS

  • Fits the smallest of dogs
  • Easy to put on and take off your dog
  • Padded for extra comfort

CONS

  • Prone to fraying

3. Gooby - Comfort X Step-in Harness

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

Coming in a number of different sizes (Small, Medium, Large, X Large), the Gooby - Comfort X Step-in Harness. However, because it is specially designed for small dogs, the X Large harness only fits dogs as big as 30 lbs. The harness boasts several different functions and features that are particularly beneficial to small dogs. Putting the harness on and taking it off is a simple and straight forward process, and works by your dogging stepping in and out of it. 

Thanks to the 4 different points at which the dogs harness can be adjusted, you can always guarantee a comfortable fit, regardless of the size of your dog. The Gooby - Comfort X Step-in Harness has been designed in a way that minimizes pressure around your dog’s neck and soft throat, thus avoiding choking them. 

Thanks to the polyester soft mesh material, which is highly breathable, your dog can wear the harness for extended periods of time without getting too hot or sweaty. The dog harness is completely machine washable (on a cold wash) and is quick to dry.

The way in which the harness has been designed to go around the shoulders minimizes the chance of it accidentally choking your dog and damaging their neck. There are 6 different colors to choose from with the Gooby - Comfort X Step-in Harness, including blue, red, green, and purple, to ensure that your dog always looks good.

PROS

  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Specially designed to minimize choking
  • Made from a breathable soft material

CONS

  • Straps are prone to coming loose

4. Dean and Tyler DT Dog Harness

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This is a high quality dog harness that comes with a higher price tag than most others in our list of Top Picks. It comes in 5 different sizes, including X Small, Small, Medium, Large and X Large, making the harness suitable for most breeds of dog. Putting on and taking off the Dean and Tyler DT Dog Harness is really simple and quick process. The straps on the harness are fully adjustable so that you are able to get the right fit for your dog, regardless of how small it may be.

There are 3 D rings located at different points across harness, which provide you with a greater level of control over your dog. Thanks to the strong stitching that has been reinforced, the Dean and Tyler DT Dog Harnessis really durable and will stand up to even the harshest of environments and all weather conditions. 

In order to provide your dog with lots of visibility so that they can been seen when out in low light, the harness has a reflective trim that goes around the entirety of the harness. 

There is a handle situated on top of the Dean and Tyler DT Dog Harness that provides you with an even greater level of control should you need it. It is also usual for picking up and carrying your dog by if you have to.

PROS

  • High quality
  • Reflective trim
  • Highly durable

CONS

  • Sizing is inconsistent

5. Canine Equipment 3/4" No Pull Harness

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This dog harness has been designed specifically for those dogs that are prone to pulling and comes in various different sizes, including Small, Medium, Large and X Large. The smallest Canine Equipment 3/4" No Pull Harness is ideal for those dogs that weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, such as Basenjis, Boston Terries, Miniature American Shepherds, and Norwegian Lundehunds.

The front chest panel of the Canine Equipment 3/4" No Pull Harness is made out of a soft nylon material that is of a really good quality. The padded lining used helps to provide a great deal of comfort for your dog, as well as providing a greater level of control should they decide to yank on the leash attachment.

Because the harness uses metal pieces of hardware that have been plated in nickel to making them even stronger, your dog will always soft remain safe and secure whilst wearing the Canine Equipment 3/4" No Pull Harness. Putting on and taking off the harness is a quick and easy process.

PROS

  • Fits the smallest of dogs
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Putting on and taking off the harness is easy

CONS

  • Not effective in stopping pulling

6. Voyager by Best Pet Supplies - Step-in Plush Dog Harness

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

Made out of a soft plush material, the Voyager by Best Pet Supplies - Step-in Plush Dog Harness keeps your dog comfortable and snug whilst out on an easy walk. Coming in lots of different sizes (X Small, Small, Medium, Large, and X Large) and colors, including black, blue, red, and purple, the harness is suited towards puppies and small dogs.

The out part of the Voyager by Best Pet Supplies - Step-in Plush Dog Harness comes in either cotton or a fake leather, depending on which of the many soft styles that you choose from. There is a strong D ring made out of metal that allows you to attach a leash attachment for when you want to take your dog out on an easy walk.

PROS

  • Soft, plush lining
  • Strong D ring
  • Comes in various sizes and colors

CONS

  • Easy to escape from

FAQs – A Buyer’s Guide

So that was our list of Top Picks for the best dog harness for small dogs. Now that we have taken a look at some of the best products that are currently available on the market, it is now time to answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to these types of harnesses and harnesses in general. It is only after doing so that we will be able to make our recommendation as to which one is the best dog harness for smaller dogs of all.

Are harnesses good for small dogs?

Even though they may be small in stature, smaller dogs, such as Chinese Cresteds, Brussels Griffons, Toy Fox Terriers, and Miniature Pinschers, can sometimes come with large personalities and lots of energy. This often means that they can be difficult to handle on just a leash alone. In these situations, a harness for dog can help dramatically. Using s collar on a small dog can actually cause them harm, which is why dog trainers and veterinarian professionals recommend using a harness instead.

A harness will work to reduce the amount of strain that is put on the deck of your dog by spreading any pressure evenly across their body. Additionally, harnesses are also much more secure for smaller breeds of dog than collars are, as they are much more difficult to get out of. When choosing s harness for your small pet dog, the most important thing to think about is getting the fit just right so that it is comfortable for them to wear. The best way of measuring your dog for a harness is to do it around the widest part of the rib cage.

What is best dog harness?

This all depends on the size of your dog and what their temperament is like. For smaller dogs, any of those that we have featured in our list of Top Picks will make an adequate harness to walk them in. However, to find out which one of these is the very best of all, keep reading.

Other dog harnesses that are suited to smaller dogs, but did not make our list of Top Picks include, the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness, the Ruffwear Climbing Harness for Dogs, the Puppia Ritefit Harness, and the Planet Dog Cozy Hemp Adjustable Harness. If you feel like none of the harness that we have reviewed above will suit your dog, then we recommend trying one of these ones instead.

What is the best no pull harness for dogs?

Although there are lots of different techniques that dog trainers use to get a dog to walk on a leash without pulling, it is not uncommon for many owners to find that using a specialist no pull harness is actually the most effective way of eradicating this unwanted behaviour. This is because with a harness like this you are able to attach a leash at the chest of your dog and so puts you in control rather than the other way round, such as when attaching a leash to the back of a collar.

 Some of the best none pull harnesses for dogs that are currently available on the market for purchase include the Pet Safe Gentle Leader Head Collar, the Pet Safe 3 in 1 Harness and Car Restraint, the Ruffwear Multi Use Dog Harness, the Rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness, and the Julius KP 16IDCE PO+ IDC Power Harness.

The Best Dog Harnesses For Small Dogs Of All

So we are almost and the end of our review, and now that we have looked at our list of Top Picks, and answered a range of frequently asked questions, it is now time to decide which one is the best of all. After much thought, we came to the decision  that the Ruffwear All-Day Dog Front Range Harness is the best of all for small dogs even though it is more expensive than most others in our list of Top Picks and cannot be used on larger dogs should you need to.  What we particularly like about this harness is that it features a highly durable design, is super comfortable for your dog to wear, and even includes a small pocket to store doggy bags or dog treats in.

If you think this would not be suitable for your dog, then any of the other harnesses that feature in our list of Top Picks would make an adequate alternative.

About the Author Amber