Best Dog Harness For German Shepherds
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
German Shepherds are big and extremely strong dogs. Therefore, it is important to have the proper gear when you are taking a walk together. You will not want to purchase just any harness because some will not safely hold bigger breeds who have a tendency to pull.
There are plenty of things to take into consideration before choosing a harness for your German Shepherd, like cost, visibility, safety, control, and comfort. Here is a breakdown of the best types of harnesses for German Shepherds in any situation.
Compare Best Dog Harness For German Shepherds
Safety
Crash tested for safe car rides |
Safety
3M reflective material |
Safety
No choke design |
Safety
No-pull chest attachment |
Safety
High-visibility military-grade Cordura fabric |
Adjustments
Five adjustment types |
Adjustments
Seat belt handle attachment |
Adjustments
Easy snap buckles |
Adjustments
Four adjustment points |
Adjustments
360-degree protection in low light |
Price
High price range |
Price
Mid price range |
Price
Low price range |
Price
Mid price range |
Price
High price range |
Style
Steel nesting buckles |
Style
Chest o-ring for no pulling |
Style
Reflective strip |
Style
Chest strap prevents choking |
Style
Attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching |
How We Tested the Harnesses:
- We purchased five of the best dog harnesses for German Shepherds.
- We spent a few hours testing each harness on our German Shepherds.
- These products were purchased with our own money and not given in exchange for a favorable review.
The 5 Best Rated Dog Harnesses For German Shepherds Reviewed
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
Product Info
- Safety: Crash tested for safe car rides
- Adjustments: Five adjustment types
- Price: High price range
- Style: Steel nesting buckles
- Includes seat-belt loop for car
- Chest pad provides comfort
- Difficult for dogs to escape
- Harness is heavy
- Buckles are in awkward areas
The all-steel Nesting Buckle System is designed by engineers based on harnesses used by rock climbers and linesmen, ensuring strength and safety.
With five adjustments points, it’s easy to get a near custom fit for your German Shepherd, regardless of his size and proportions.
The chest pad reduces stress on the trachea and sternum while dispersing kinetic energy across the chest of the dog. This is important during those rare but dangerous impact crashes. The chest pad and straps are also designed with comfort in mind, making this dog car harness a good choice as an everyday walking harness.
Chai's Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: 3M reflective material
- Adjustments: Seat belt handle attachment
- Style: Chest o-ring for no pulling
- Price: Mid price range
- Two leash attachment options
- Mesh padding on chest and belly
- Available in many sizes and colors
- Adjusting can be difficult
- Sizes may run small
It is also equipped with reflective piping interwoven into its durable nylon exterior to make sure your pup is visible when walking at night. With 4 adjustable straps, nine vibrant color options, and a wide variety of size choices you can customize this harness for your dog.
Chaotic walks and car rides will be a thing of the past if you select the chest-mounted O-ring to discourage pulling. You can also buckle your dog in for road trips by slipping a seat belt through the sturdy built-in handle on top of the harness.
HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: No choke design
- Adjustments: Easy snap buckles
- Style: Reflective strip
- Price: Low price range
- Large top handle for grip
- Extra padding
- Distributes weight evenly
- No chest ring attachment
- Bulky for smaller dogs
- Runs large
The extra wide chest padding distributes the weight throughout your dog’s chest and shoulders, which assists dogs with a comfortable walking experience.
The top mounted D-ring gives dogs plenty freedom of motion while leaving the ultimate control to you. A built-in top-handle allows you to keep your dog close when needed, as well as help him over rougher terrain.
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: No-pull chest attachment
- Adjustments: Four adjustment points
- Price: Mid price range
- Style: Chest strap prevents choking
- Available in many colors and sizes
- 2 quick snap buckles
- Straps are labelled chest, shoulder, belly
- Great for dogs that pull
- Sizing may not be accurate
- Needs adjusting often
This harness is available in multiple sizes and colors to fit any breed of dog.
Noxgear LightHound LED Illuminated & Light Harness
Product Info
- Safety: High-visibility military-grade Cordura fabric
- Adjustments: 360-degree protection in low light
- Price: High price range
- Style: Attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching
- Micro-USB rechargeable LED lights last up to twelve hours
- 2 quick snap buckles
- Select up to 14 colors, multi color and flashing
- Available in four sizes
- Needs adjusting often
- Not good for heavy pullers
This all-season harness is lightweight, weatherproof and machine washable. The micro-USB rechargeable LED lights feature 14 selections of colors, last up to twelve hours, and can be easily removed for cleaning. It’s simple to put on and adjustable for a comfortable fit. The strong zinc alloy leash attachment ring is secured by nylon webbing and reinforced stitching for even more safety while walking your German Shepherd.
Harness Considerations
A crash-tested harness is the safest option for restraint in a car accident. It can be easily attached to the car’s seat belt system and is suitable for walking. Harnesses are made from durable materials like rip-stop nylon, canvas, and denim.
They should have multiple adjustment points to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. Comfortable materials like soft mesh and plush fabrics can prevent chaffing.
A good harness is a small investment, and there are many quality options at reasonable prices. Styles include no-pull, standard, step-through, and dual strap. High-visibility harnesses, such as reflective material or LED lights, are recommended for low-light conditions or hiking in wooded areas.
Harness Features
- LED: A LED dog harness is usually constructed from lightweight materials and comes with a variety of useful features, such as adjustable light modes, reflective strips, and rechargeable batteries for hours of use.
- Back Clip: Back-clip harnesses attach on top of a dog’s back or shoulders. These are best for smaller, calm, or well-trained dogs.
- Front Clip: Front-clip harnesses have a leash attachment on the chest. This gives the owner more control and stops the dog from pulling. These are best for larger dogs or dogs that pull.
- Multi-Clip: Some harnesses come with attachments on both the front and back. This gives you the option to use it as a front or back clip when walking your dog.
- Reflective: A reflective harness is a necessity if you walk your dog at night or in low-light situations. This keeps your dog from harm and makes him clearly visible.
- No Pull: No-pull harnesses are a simple way to discourage your dog from pulling. They usually have a front clip attachment, and some have front and top controls for dual control. There are usually straps that cross above the dog’s shoulders and behind the front legs.
- Step-through: A step-through harness means your dog puts his front legs between two loops to get into the harness. Once the dog’s legs are in position, a single buckle attaches behind your dog’s front legs.
Final Thoughts
Walking your dog can be rewarding for you and your best friend. German Shepherds need plenty of exercise to stay healthy, so walking him on a regular basis requires the right harness for the job.
Because they are strong dogs who tend to pull, a harness that provides extra control, security, and safety is a must. Rest assured that if you choose one of the options listed above, you will have the most wonderful walks with your German Shepherd. Your dog will love you for it!