Best Harness For Large Dogs
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One of the main purposes of a harness is to give you more control over your dog when walking. If you have a strong and large dog, a harness not only gives you control but is also easier on your arms and back. Your dog’s size and strength may also lead to difficult walks or injuries. The right harness provides your dog with safety and comfort without too much pressure on his neck and shoulders.
When choosing a harness for your large dog, you will notice that most are labeled by the usual sizes, like small, medium, and large. Every manufacturer has a different interpretation of these sizes and different size charts. Be sure and measure your dog prior to buying a harness, and you may want to consider more than one type of harness.
With so many harnesses to choose from, it is not always easy to select the right one for your large dog. Here is a breakdown of the best types of harnesses and their features for larger-sized dogs.
Compare Best Dog Harnesses For Large Dogs
Safety Crash tested for safe car rides | Safety 3M reflective material | Safety No choke design | Safety Reflective strips and patch | Safety Step-through design |
Adjustments Five adjustment types | Adjustments Seat belt handle attachment | Adjustments Easy snap buckles | Adjustments Four adjustment points | Adjustments Reflective strip |
Price High price range | Price Mid price range | Price Low price range | Price Mid price range | Price Mid price range |
Style Steel nesting buckles | Style Chest o-ring for no pulling | Style Reflective strip | Style Design distributes weight evenly | Style Back & front clip |
How We Tested the Harnesses:
- We purchased 5 of the best dog harnesses for large dogs.
- We spent a few hours testing these harnesses on our dogs.
- These products were purchased with our own money and were not received in exchange for a favorable review.
Harness Considerations
- Safety: A crash-tested harness that restrains your dog in the car in case of a sudden stop or impact is the safest kind. Some attach easily to your car’s seat belt system, and are also good as a walking harness.
- Durability: There are many durable materials used in the construction of dog harnesses, but rip-stop nylon, canvas, and denim are some of the more durable.
- Material: Harnesses are made from leather, plastic, nylon, and other types of fabric. If your dog tends to get wet while on walks, consider something that dries quickly. If your dog chews on stuff, his harness included, then you will need a sturdy harness.
- Adjustments: A harness should have many points of adjustment in order to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes. A harness with at least 4 adjustment points is ideal to give your dog a perfect fit.
- Comfort: Harnesses should be made from comfortable materials to prevent chaffing. Soft mesh and plush fabrics can help provide adequate comfort around nylon, if well designed.
- Cost: A good harness is a small investment. There are many quality harnesses at reasonable prices, depending on your needs.
- Style: There are many harness styles and the best choice will depend on your dog’s personality and size. Some styles are no-pull, standard, step-through, dual strap, etc.
- Visibility: If you walk your dog in low-light conditions or hike in wooded areas, you may want a high-visibility harness. Some include reflective material or tiny LED lights to make sure your dog can be seen.
The 5 Best Rated Dog Harnesses For Large Dogs Reviewed
OVERALL BEST
1.
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
Pros
- Includes seat-belt loop for car
- Chest pad provides comfort
- Difficult for dogs to escape
Cons
- Harness is heavy
- Buckles are in awkward areas
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness is perfect for large dogs because of its adjustment ability. It’s also a crash-tested dog car harness that keeps your dog safe while riding in the car with straps behind the front legs.
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 and several size choices, it’s easy to get a near custom fit for your large dog, regardless of his size and proportions.
The chest pad reduces stress on the trachea and sternum, while dispersing kinetic energy across the dog’s chest. 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.
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 and several size choices, it’s easy to get a near custom fit for your large dog, regardless of his size and proportions.
The chest pad reduces stress on the trachea and sternum, while dispersing kinetic energy across the dog’s chest. 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.
BEST FOR DURABILITY
2.
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
Pros
- Two leash attachment options
- Mesh padding on chest and belly
- Available in many sizes and colors
Cons
- Adjusting can be difficult
- Sizes may run small
Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness is a durable and highly reflective option for your large dog’s walks. This harness is crafted to remove pressure from your dog’s neck and disperse it through soft and lightweight mesh padding on the chest and belly. The materials are also scratch and pull resistant, making the outer layer strong and scratch free.
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 easily.
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 the top of the harness.
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 easily.
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 the top of the harness.
BEST FOR VERY LARGE DOGS
3.
HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: No choke design
- Adjustments: Easy snap buckles
- Style: Reflective strip
- Price: Low price range
Pros
- Large top handle for grip
- Extra padding
- Distributes weight evenly
Cons
- No chest ring attachment
- Bulky for narrow dogs
- Runs large
HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness offers an incredible no-choke design. This harness makes an excellent solution for large dogs who need adjustments behind the front legs, as well as senior dogs that need a more gentle option.
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, if wandering off the beaten path.
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, if wandering off the beaten path.
BEST REFLECTIVE
4.
Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: Reflective strips and patch
- Adjustments: Four adjustment points
- Price: Mid price range
- Style: Design distributes weight evenly
Pros
- Available in several colors and sizes
- Eco-friendly materials
- Made from lightweight materials
Cons
- No front ring attachment
- Sizes run big
This stylish Blueberry Pet 3M Reflective Multi-Colored Stripe Padded Dog Harness is great for large dogs for many reasons.This harness is made from lightweight materials for ultimate comfort, and the unique dual-vest design helps distribute weight against even the strongest pullers.
It features reflective material to add visibility during nighttime walks, and the quick and easy assembly is great for daily use. There is also a reflective triangle on top of the vest, a metal D-ring for durability and better attaching of the leash.
There are four adjustment points on the neck and chest to get the perfect fit for your large dog.
It features reflective material to add visibility during nighttime walks, and the quick and easy assembly is great for daily use. There is also a reflective triangle on top of the vest, a metal D-ring for durability and better attaching of the leash.
There are four adjustment points on the neck and chest to get the perfect fit for your large dog.
BEST FOR DAILY USE
5.
Pawtitas Camouflage Reflective Padded Dog Harness
Product Info
- Safety: Step-through design
- Adjustments: Reflective strip
- Price: Mid price range
- Style: Back & front clip
Pros
- Has front and top leash attachments
- Several sizes and colors
- Easy step through design
Cons
- May run small
- Only two adjustments
Pawtitas Camouflage Reflective Padded Dog Harness has a step-through design that makes it easy to put on deep chested dogs. It is great for long walks day or night, with the reflective strip providing increased visibility. It even works in low light conditions, providing maximum visibility when you need it most.
This harness has thick neoprene padding, which means it’s ultra-comfy to wear. Available in different sizes and camouflage colors, so you can find the right fit for your dog’s size and shape.
This harness has thick neoprene padding, which means it’s ultra-comfy to wear. Available in different sizes and camouflage colors, so you can find the right fit for your dog’s size and shape.
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 conditions. This keeps your dog from harm and makes him easier to see.
- 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 their 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
Large dogs can be very strong, and many owners find that a harness provides more control. Even if your large dog does not pull, a harness can provide greater security and comfort. The right fit is also very important when buying a harness, and it should fit your large dog comfortably without putting pressure on their throat and neck. So go ahead and pick one of the above harnesses for awesome walks and great quality time with your four-legged pal!
