12-05-2025
The 6 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested And Approved By Our Own Pups
When you're picking out something your dog will wear nearly every day, comfort and safety are just as important as convenience. The best dog harnesses provide all three: They're durable enough for daily use, fit comfortably and make walks smoother and safer for pups of all sizes. After testing more than a dozen options with our own dogs and gathering advice from experienced dog trainers, we chose the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness as our top pick overall: It's lightweight, with soft padding around the neck, and easy to put on and take off. What's more, it includes helpful extras like an ID pocket, as well as front and back leash attachment points.
The best dog harnesses come highly recommended by experts from brands like Ruffwear, Wilderdog, and ... More more.
One thing to keep in mind is that harnesses aren't usually the best solution if your dog pulls. Our experts emphasized that harnesses aren't designed to fix this habit—and in some cases, they can even encourage it. Instead, they're best suited for dogs who already walk nicely on leash and might benefit from something more comfortable or secure than a standard collar. 'Unlike collars, harnesses distribute force evenly across the body, making them safer and more supportive, especially for puppies, senior dogs or breeds prone to throat sensitivities,' says professional dog trainer Robin Bennett. Of course, every dog is unique: Smaller pups often prefer something less bulky, such as the Puppia Soft Dog Harness, while larger breeds might do better with a sturdier option like the Two Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness. Ahead, you'll find our tested picks for the best dog harnesses, with expert tips to help you find the right fit.
Chewy
Materials: Polyester, aluminum | Sizes: XXS to XL
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We tested Ruffwear's Front Range harness daily over two weeks with two dogs who typically fall awkwardly between standard harness sizes. With both pups, finding a secure and comfortable fit has always been tricky—but the adjustable sizing of the Front Range quickly solved this issue.
While the straps were slightly confusing at first, as they're partially hidden beneath padding (which helps with comfort), Ruffwear provides detailed and easy-to-follow instructional videos online. Once adjusted, we found that the same size harness comfortably fit both dogs, despite being 10 pounds apart in size. They appeared comfortable wearing it for extended periods, even in warmer weather, plus the harness stayed in place without rubbing or shifting when using the back leash attachment. (When we used the front attachment, the harness itself shifted slightly under leash tension, so it might not be the best pick if you're looking for a harness to help guide your dog.)
The Ruffwear Front Range harness fit securely and comfortably.
The Front Range harness comes in several attractive colors, and cleaning it was easier than we expected. Although the label suggests hand-washing only, we machine-washed it on a delicate cycle (in a garment bag) and air-dried it, and it came out looking great. Getting the harness on and off was a cinch, too. It has four buckles, so it doesn't have to slide over your dog's head if that's stressful for them; you can simply unclip the whole harness and fasten it from underneath instead. One minor issue we noticed: The leash attachment rings are small and narrow, making it tricky to attach leashes with large carabiner clips. Standard leash clips worked perfectly, though.
The buckles are durable and easy to use, but the D-ring attachment is smaller than some.
What our experts say: Trainer Leigh Siegfried recommends harnesses that let dogs move naturally without causing rubbing or discomfort. She specifically mentioned Ruffwear, noting the brand has 'a lot of nice products,' which matches our experience testing the Front Range harness: It didn't restrict our dogs' movement, and it stayed comfortable even on longer walks.
Chewy
Material: Polyester mesh | Sizes: XS to XL
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If you have a smaller breed, consider the Puppia Soft Dog Harness, which we tested on a 7-pound toy poodle mix who wore it on walks and lounged in it around the house. Once we had the right size (he ended up needing a small, even though his measurements suggested X-small), the harness felt secure and seemed comfortable. The mesh is soft, breathable and lightweight; our tester pup comfortably napped in it for hours without seeming to notice he was still wearing it.
While we found the harness easy to get on and off and adjust at the chest, the neck opening isn't adjustable, which can make it tricky to fit dogs with larger heads or unusual proportions. It's also worth noting that you have to slip this harness over your dog's head to get it on, so make sure your pup is okay with that. But for most smaller dogs, this is harness we recommend first, thanks its strong performance during testing. We also like that it comes in more than a dozen colors and patterns, plus it's machine-washable and air dries quickly.
What our experts say: 'For small dogs, lightweight materials and slim profiles are best,' says Bennett. 'Overly padded or rigid harnesses can feel heavy and awkward for tiny frames.' The soft mesh and simple design of this one made it a comfortable everyday option for our toy-breed tester.
Amazon
Materials: Nylon, stainless steel, velvet lining | Sizes: XS to XL (for dogs 14 to 250-plus pounds)
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Two Hounds Design's Freedom harness is one of the few that fits extra-small and extra-large breeds alike, but it's clearly designed with larger ones in mind. To test it out, we used it on two dogs under 60 pounds who aren't especially big but are strong and broad-chested. While no harness will magically fix pulling, this one noticeably reduced the sudden tugs and occasional choking that sometimes happen when a squirrel or another dog catches our pups' attention.
Like our top pick overall, the Freedom harness has two attachment points: one on the chest and one on the back. When one of our dogs lunged to the side mid-walk while clipped to the front ring, the harness stayed in place and didn't twist to the side, like many do. This made it feel like we had a lot more control without having to constantly readjust, which is important when dealing with bigger dogs. Two Hounds also sells a Double Connection Leash separately, so you can clip onto both points at the same time if you want even more security during walks.
Additionally, we really liked the velvet-lined chest strap, which felt softer and gentler against our dogs' fur than typical nylon straps that sometimes cause chafing. Putting the harness on was quick and simple, too. While you do have to put it over your dog's head, buckles on both sides make it easy to fasten without lifting or adjusting their our experts say: 'This harness has two connection points for better steering, four points of adjustment for a snug fit and a Martingale loop on the back that helps provide gentle, no-pull guidance,' says Susan Nilson, a certified pet behavior specialist whose favorite harness is the Freedom. She adds that a harness like this 'provides better control and is harder for a fearful or reactive dog to back out of if startled.'
Amazon
Material: Polyester mesh | Sizes: XXXS to XL
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This step-in harness is a great option for small to medium dogs who won't tolerate anything being pulled over their heads. Instead of slipping it on from above, your dog steps through two leg holes, and the harness wraps around their body and fastens at the back. Just keep in mind that this setup only works well if your dog is either small enough to carry or comfortable stepping in on their own. (We tested the harness on a 7-pound pup who was easy to lift into place.)
The main material is polyester mesh that's soft and flexible, and there's no hardware or anything stiff in areas that touch the dog's body. Instead, it's held in place with a Velcro strap and plastic buckle, and once it's fastened, it feels lightweight but secure. It's worth noting that there's very little adjustability, especially around the neck and leg openings. In addition, while the brand offers sizes up to XL, the sizing runs small and doesn't have the same dimensions as our other picks. To get the right fit, just make sure to measure your dog carefully beforehand.
What our experts say: 'Step-in harnesses can be very convenient,' says Bennett. 'Some dogs don't like gear that goes over the head.' She notes that step-in harnesses are best for calmer walks and dogs who don't need a high degree of control. That makes this style a good fit for smaller dogs who are easy to lift or don't mind stepping into their gear.
Amazon
Materials: Lightweight mesh, e-coated iron hardware | Sizes: S to L
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I've owned this harness since my older dog was a puppy, so we've used it on dozens of hikes through muddy trails, deep snow and humid summer weather over the past four years. One of my favorite details is the narrower chest piece, which sits further away from the armpits than other harnesses I've tried; this prevents it from chafing or rubbing, even on hours-long treks. It's also very lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, which you might appreciate if your dog jumps into a creek or lake at the end of your trek.
The Wilderdog harness has a more narrow chest strap that helps prevent chafing under the armpits.
The harness is easy to adjust, so it fit my pup comfortably even when she was at the smaller end of her size. It also has a large D-ring on the back, which is perfect for quickly clipping in a secure carabiner leash. (I pair it with Wilderdog's Big Carabiner Leash, which Forbes Vetted named one of the best dog leashes of 2025.) In addition, there's a handle on top, which is helpful for giving your dog a boost over rough terrain or holding them close on busy trails. Cleaning it after muddy adventures is simple, too: I toss it in the wash on a delicate cycle, then let it air dry and it's good to go again. These days, both my dogs wear this harness, and I regularly recommend it to friends who hike with their pups.
A large D-ring on the back makes it easy to clip to a carabiner leash.
What our experts say: Trainer Shannon Walker emphasizes that when dogs are wearing a harness for long stretches (like on a hike), two things matter most: "Comfort, comfort, comfort and fit."
The Foggy Dog
Materials: Polyester webbing, brass and zinc alloy hardware | Sizes: XS to L
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If you're seeking a genuinely good-looking harness, this is the one. Like the Foggy Dog leash we chose as our favorite luxury dog leash, this harness comes in patterns and colors that don't look like typical pet gear, with tasteful gold hardware and thoughtful design touches. But style doesn't mean sacrificing quality: We tested it on a medium-sized, 40-pound dog, and it fit comfortably and securely, with easy-to-adjust straps and sturdy buckles.
The harness also has convenient leash attachments on the front and back, which gives you some flexibility depending on how your dog walks. While it's definitely durable enough for daily use, we wouldn't recommend this harness if your pup is a big puller or regularly rolls around in the grass. Instead, it's perfect for calmer dogs or city walks—basically, any scenario where looking good matters as much as comfort and functionality. And just a heads-up: This harness will probably get your dog noticed (or photographed). During testing, we were stopped more than once by people asking where we bought the cute pattern.
What our experts say: 'Back-clip styles are great for dogs who already walk well or for casual strolls,' says Bennett. This one fits that exact purpose, with a little more style than your average harness.
The Forbes Vetted home team has tested hundreds of pet products, the best self-cleaning litter boxes to the best wireless dog fences, to help readers find reliable gear that suits their pets' (and their own) needs and lifestyle. Every recommendation in this guide is based on extensive hands-on testing, real-world insights and expert advice from trusted dog trainers and pet behaviorists.
To find the best dog harnesses, we combined hands-on testing, expert recommendations and detailed product research to identify the best options for most pets.
If you're thinking about swapping out your old harness for a new one or making the switch from a collar, here's what to keep in mind as you shop.
The most important thing to consider is how the harness fits your dog's body. If it's too loose, your dog can slip out; too tight, and it can rub or restrict movement. And eyeballing it isn't enough—you need measure your dog around the chest and ribcage, and don't forget the neck if that part isn't adjustable. 'A properly fitting harness should lie flat against the dog's body and allow for two fingers under each strap,' says Bennett. It's important to watch for signs of discomfort with a new harness, like rubbing near the armpits or hesitation during gear-up time. She also recommends finding a harness with multiple adjustment points to get a secure, body-specific fit, especially since 'dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from narrow-chested sighthounds to broad-shouldered bulldogs.' A good harness should feel secure but still let your dog move naturally and comfortably on walks.
You don't need tactical-grade materials, but the hardware shouldn't bend and the straps shouldn't fray after a few walks. Walker recommends choosing a harness 'professionally made for the power and shape of your particular dog.' Reinforced stitching, rust-proof rings and durable webbing go a long way, especially for strong dogs or daily use. And while you can't expect a fashionable harness to survive tough hiking trails, any option you buy should hold up to regular wear without slipping, stretching or falling apart in the wash.
Even the best-fitting harness won't get used if it's a pain to put on. Siegfried recommends designs that don't overcomplicate things. 'I have watched many dog owners struggle with a complicated harness design,' she says, especially with squirmy or anxious dogs. Look for buckles that open and close easily and a setup that doesn't require threading your dog's legs through stiff loops. Whether it slips over the head or your dog steps in, the goal is the same: getting it on and off with as little stress as possible, for both of you.
