Best Dog Harness for Shiba Inus
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The Shiba Inu originated in Japan along with the Akita, Shikoku, Kai Dog, Hokkaido, and Kishu. The Shiba Inu was primarily used as a hunting dog to flush out small game and birds for hunters.
When it comes to their name, there are several explanations. For one, the word Shiba is said to mean ‘brushwood,’ and the dogs were named for the brushwood bushes in which they hunted. It could also refer to the fiery red color of their coat.
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A Bit About the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a good-natured, alert, and bold pup that is strongly favored in its home country Japan. Loyal and affectionate, the Shiba tends to be suspicious of strangers, as it doesn’t always get along with other dogs or people.
He won’t hesitate to chase small animals that he considers prey. While it may be friendly, the Shiba Inu is stubborn and tends to only come when it feels like it, unlike the obedient Golden Retriever.
Like every dog, the Shiba Inu needs early socialization — exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences — when they’re young.
Socialization helps ensure that your Shiba puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking him to busy parks will also help him grow more accustomed to strangers and other pets.
Why a Harness for Shiba Inu?
If you have a Shiba Inu, you know that this breed brings with it many joys, as well as many frustrations. Due to its stubborn nature, walking with a leash may be quite troublesome with this breed, as it will resist and thrash about often, especially considering the fact that Shiba Inus love freedom.
It also enjoys a lot of outdoor activity, which is why it is important to take it out regularly. Yet, you may be wondering how to take it out for regular walks while it is stubbornly resisting to be walked on a leash.
This is exactly where harnesses come into play. To walk your Shiba successfully, it’s often recommended to use a harness, rather than a collar.
Harness vs Collar
here are plenty of reasons why you may want to use a harness instead of a collarץ For example:
while collars may seem like the more conventional method, there is a lot of strain that may be put on the Shiba Inu’s neck. This is especially true if your pup loves to be active and is the type to pull wildly when outside.
With a harness, this this is a non issue, as it takes the strain away from the dog’s neck and is distributed properly across the chest and back.
Besides the lack of pressure and burden placed on your Shiba Inu’s trachea, a harness allows for better control.
Since collars are stuck on the neck, with a single string attached to it, it is harder to manage an active dog like Shiba Inu.

Choosing the Best Dog Harness for Shiba Inu
It would be ignorant to think that simply purchasing any harness would be sufficient enough to do the job. There is a multitude of harnesses for different dog sizes, with some being more heavy-set than others. Whatever the case, it is important to consider some of the following factors when choosing the right harness.
- Safety- Beyond everything else, having a harness that is safe is most important. It would be foolish to own a harness that would break easily and end up leaving your dog running off without control.
- Durability- For owners that have stronger or bigger dogs, a weak harness can wear out quickly. This is especially true if the dog breed you have requires constant, continuous exercise. For this reason, it is important the harness is durable enough to last long.
- Comfort- Much like the clothes we wear, comfort should be the top priority when choosing a harness. Since it is difficult for a dog to speak, it is your duty as an owner to ensure that the feel and overall fit of the harness are on the spot.
Product Reviews
For dogs that have neck problems or are of a bigger size, leashes alone are never enough to do the job. Much like any other product for dogs, we understand that choosing the right product could be a tiring and daunting task as there are thousands of items out there.
Therefore, to help with this process, we have provided a list of suggestions for the best dog harness for Shiba Inus.
Petsafe Deluxe Easy Walk Harness

Pros:
- Provides greater control on the dog
- Very comfortable
- Affordable price tag
Cons:
- Breaks easily
- The reflection isn’t particularly strong
The harness is an ideal product for walking. The pull-free feature eventually allows for a stress-free and enjoyable walk. It also perfectly sits on your dog’s chest and belly, meaning there is no choking or gagging effect from the pulling action of your dog.
Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
Pros:
- Comfortable to fit and put on
- Comes with reflective trims that allow your dog to be visible in dark
- Lightweight and elegant design
Cons:
- The front straps loosen easily
- It is way too thin and easily chewed through by dogs
This harness comes with reinforced webbing at the dog’s chest for training. In addition, the four points of attachment allow for a wider range of motion. This product focuses on providing the comfort for your dog, which is why it is highly favored by many canines.
Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness for Dogs
Pros:
- Features two leash attachment points for better control
- Reinforced webbing provides safety
- Durable and suitable for training
Cons:
- The stitching on the harness does not last long
- The harness attachment frays easily
This harness is easy to put on or take off. The product is simply perfect for dogs that are adventurous and always do different kinds of challenging activities. It is said that the ID pocket keeps dog tags quiet and easily accessible.
Puppia Authentic RiteFit Harness
Pros:
- Comes in various, vibrant colors
- Adjustable chest belt
Cons:
- The buckles around the neck have almost no adjustment
- Harness is way too small
- May not be suitable for big dogs
This harness is very gentle to touch. It gives a very comfortable feeling for your dog. It also features two buckles and hook straps that can be adjusted to fit your dog’s neck. Overall, the product is simply the best in terms of giving comfort and adjustability.
Julius-K9 IDC Dog Harness
Pros:
- High quality
- Suitable for wintertime
Cons:
- May be uncomfortable for some dogs
- The harness is stiff and bulky
- The straps came off easily
This harness works well for home-use and suits working dogs as well. The reflective edge is the special feature that helps your dog be visible in low lights and allow you to always keep an eye. The buckles work perfectly especially well during the wintertime, and don’t break in frosty weather.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the products mentioned above are some of the best in the market. Also, they are recommended by loads of other dog information platforms and consumers.
Moreover, while some may be thinking to find the right harness is not very important to a dog’s well-being, this is completely wrong. Even with a simple thing like harnesses, having the right product consequently allows for a much greater experience for the dog and even the owner.
It is no different from asking the question: would you want to wear basketball shorts or tight jeans when going out for a jog? The answer for many is quite obvious.