Harnesses for dogs reduce pulling, give you more control during walks, and reduce strain on your pup's neck when compared to collars. But if you choose the wrong size, you and your pup could be in for some very frustrating walks. Getting your hands on a proper harness in the right size is among the most important things you can do for your pup's safety and comfort.
Whether you're bringing home a new four-legged friend or upgrading your current dog-walking gear, this dog harness sizing guide will be helpful. Before selecting a size, you need to know why harness fit matters, how to measure your dog, and mistakes to avoid when measuring. We'll address these topics and more in this article.
Why Dog Harness Fit Matters
A well-fitting dog harness provides a myriad of benefits no dog lover will want to leave on the table, including:
-
Comfort for your pooch. When a harness is too tight, it can cause skin irritation across the chest and under the armpits. And if you choose one that's too large, it can shift during a walk and dig into certain areas, causing problems for your dog.
-
More control during walks. Choosing an accurate harness size ensures you can enjoy all the benefits of the harness you select, making your future walks safer and more enjoyable. This is particularly true for dog lovers who are still teaching their pups leash manners.
-
Safety. Harness size makes a big difference when it comes to safety; opting for the right size ensures maximum safety during walks. A dog can very easily slip out of a loose harness, leading you both down a dangerous path.
Aside from that, an ill-fitting harness may cause several distressing problems:
- Skin rubbed raw from a too-tight harness.
- Odd movement patterns (like taking abnormally small steps) from a poor fit.
- Soft tissue injuries from muscle overuse. This is often due to an unnatural gait stemming from an ill-fitting harness.
- Discomfort and frustration from leg restriction.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
We always advise that you measure your dog for a harness, instead of going by your dog’s weight alone. After all, body types vary widely from breed to breed. And going with a harness that's just one size too small or large can make a huge difference.
It may seem intimidating initially, but measuring your pooch for a harness doesn't have to be hard at all. Just follow the steps below:
- Grab your dog and a flexible/soft measuring tape.
- Wrap the tape around your dog's chest, right behind their front legs (the largest part of their torso).
- (Optional) Measure your dog's lower neck, right above their front legs.
- Write down all of your measurements.
Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Your Dog for a Harness
-
Guessing your dog's size. Even if you know their weight and breed, always measure. Dogs of a similar weight can have very different body shapes.
-
Using a rigid ruler or metal tape measure. These can be inaccurate and very uncomfortable for your dog. Opt for a soft, flexible measuring tape for a painless, accurate measurement.
-
Wrapping the tape too loosely or too tightly. The tape should be wrapped around the dog's body snugly without squeezing. It should sit flush against the skin.
Choosing the Right Size Harness and Adjusting the Fit
With your doggo's measurements in hand, you're ready to compare them with the manufacturer's sizing chart. Since sizing can, and does, vary from one brand to the next, always use their specific chart rather than assuming that a "medium" will be the same everywhere. If your doggy falls between two sizes (between small and medium or between medium and large), it's typically better to go larger—you can always adjust your harness down to size later on.
After you've settled on the ideal harness size, you'll need to fit the harness properly to your dog's body. Begin by loosening all the harness's straps, then put the harness on your dog according to the product's instructions. Your dog will have to step into certain harness types, and others should be pulled over their head.
Once the harness is on, tighten the straps slowly but surely; the goal is for the harness to sit flat and evenly without any twisting or bulging.
The Two-Finger Rule
First-time harness users often wonder, "How do I know whether the harness fits properly?" That's easy with the two-finger rule. You should be able to easily slide two fingers between each strap and your dog's body. The harness should be snug but never feel tight —secure enough to keep them from wriggling out of it, but not so tight that it restricts their movement or causes pain.
Test Things Out
Let Fido model their harness around the house or backyard to see how it fits. While your dog is on the move, keep your eyes peeled. Be on the lookout for signs of:
Any properly fitting harness will remain in place while allowing for free shoulder and leg movement. There also shouldn't be any pinching or gaps.
Measuring is Ongoing
Dogs stop growing when they reach 6 to 24 months old. But that doesn't mean that their weight won't fluctuate. On top of that, harness materials can shrink or loosen over time. Because of this, you should regularly check and re-adjust the fit, especially after washing the harness.
Signs a Harness Doesn't Fit Well
Even with the most careful measuring, there's a chance you may end up with a harness that doesn't fit quite right. Thankfully, there are clues indicating that a harness isn't fitting right; you just need to know what to look for.
Below are a few telltale signs that your dog's harness isn't the right size:
-
Visible chafing or patches of missing fur. You'll see this around the armpits, chest, or behind the legs. In this case, the harness is too tight or rubbing while the dog is in motion.
-
Your dog slips out of the harness. If your pup can wriggle out during a walk or when pulling backward, the harness may be too loose or improperly adjusted.
-
The harness shifts or rotates. A well-fitted harness should stay centered on your dog's body. If it twists to one side or sags, the fit is probably off.
-
Your pup's movements look unnatural or stunted. Watch for shortened strides, hesitation, or awkward walking. These could be signs that the harness is too tight or pressing against sensitive joints.
-
Excessive scratching or biting at the harness. This may signal discomfort or irritation, often due to pressure points, friction, or trapped fur.
If you notice any of these signs, try adjusting the straps on your current harness. If that doesn't work, remeasure your dog and get them a new harness in another size.
Understanding Dog Harness Types
Are you looking for your very first harness? Or maybe you're looking for a replacement for your current one. Either way, you need to understand the dog harness types available to you and your dog:
-
No-Pull Harness for Dogs/ Front Clip Dog Harnesses. Designed specifically to discourage pulling, no-pull harnesses usually feature a front clip that redirects your dog's momentum toward you when they tug. They're for dogs that tend to pull or pups still learning leash manners.
-
Safety Harnesses/Car Harnesses. Safety harnesses are built for travel, often including extra padding and secure attachments for car seat belts. They keep your pup protected during rides. You'll appreciate this harness type if you're always on the go or have an anxious dog who needs a little extra security on the road.
-
Dog harnesses with a Back Clip. This classic style has a leash attachment on the dog's upper back, making it simple to put on and super comfy for most dogs. It's ideal for smaller or well-trained dogs that walk calmly without much pulling.
-
Step-In Harnesses. Your dog steps into this type of harness with both front paws. It's a user-friendly option for dogs that don't like having things put over their head.
For more information on how to choose the right dog harness bundle set, read this article.
Pro Tips for First-Time Harness Buyers
-
Prioritize adjustability. A harness with at least three or four adjustment points (neck, chest, girth) ensures you can customize the fit for your unique pup.
-
Keep an eye out for accessories. Do you jog with your dog? Hike trails? Or just take short neighborhood strolls? Some harnesses are made with sport-friendly features like reflective stitching or grab handles for climbing support.
-
Measure at least twice for good measure. Always take two or three measurements at different times—especially if you've got a wiggly or fluffy pooch. Slight postural shifts and movements can skew your results, so double-checking is essential.
So, there you have it - everything you need to know about identifying the appropriate harness size for your dog. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you and your pup loads of fun and memorable walks.
