Best dog harnesses of 2022

We can all agree our fluffy pals love nothing more than walkies and quality time with their humans. But for heftier hounds and pups that pull, the collar can be a garment much dreaded. Why? Well the strain on your dog’s neck can be stressful for your furry friend, causing unavoidable pressure and strain. So, you opt for a harness, but with so much choice out there, it can be hard to see the collars for the leads (and by that, we mean harnesses). So whether you’re making walkies easier for dog sitters near you or you simply want to upgrade adventure time with your best pal, find the best dog harness here in this handy list.

How to find the best dog harness

Sifting through all the best dog harnesses out there can be a bit of a job. While we can make recommendations, we can all agree that as a pet parent, it’s you who knows your pooch best, and what’s best for them. So, when searching for the best dog harness, here’s what to look out for…

• Safety. Make sure the harness you choose is made with materials that are going to last, that won’t give way to your pup’s strength when they see a bird across the road!
• Durability. Opt for a harness that’s made to last. While this doesn’t always mean going for the more expensive option, it does mean choosing the right material that’s going to support your pup’s weight.
• Adjustability. As you well know, pups grow! So, get a harness with adjustable straps to make sure they’re snug yet comfortable. 
• Comfort. Look out for extra padding and other features centered around your pooch’s comfort. If they’re wearing the harness for longer hikes or your pup’s particularly pully, this is even more important.
• Style. If you pup’s a fashion-forward Poodle (of sorts), maybe the design is important to you! Express yourself and your pup’s unique personality.

Best dog harness overall - Ruffwear front range dog harness

Along with sparkling reviews, we love this dog harness as it’s somewhat of an all-rounder- it ticks all the paw-shaped boxes. Firstly, let’s talk safety, as without that, there really is no point! Find adjustable straps (which are also a top comfort feature to look out for), which you can move to make sure your pooch is snug and secure, yet is still able to chase their tail and happily sprint from tree to tree. Made with sturdy material and an aluminum leash attachment ring, this harness is designed to give you peace of mind while adventuring with your favorite furry friend. And while we’re talking safety, also find a reflective trim to help you and others spot your pooch in lower lights - perfect for warmer days when nightime walkies are the only option. On the topic of comfort, find padding in all the right places that help to avoid chafing. And on the practical front? Find handy ID pockets (who doesn't love an extra pocket or two?!), perfect for storing your dog’s ID badges.

Best dog harness for large dogs - OneTigris

This front clip harness for large dogs is designed to sit somewhere between the best of both worlds - keeping your dog comfortable alongside multiple safety features, giving you peace of mind when out exploring. Why is it comfortable? Find adjustable straps plus padding, perfect for keeping your pup snug and comfy on your walkies. Something we love about this harness is that it’s super practical - these peeps have thought of almost everything. Find a top handle that’s easy to grab near obstacles, four quick-release buckles which make on and off simple, plus a leash attachment point at the front. That’s not all though (we just needed to start a new sentence for breath!). Find two side straps, and hoop & loop strips that attach pouches or ID badges, making storage simple for longer hikes.

Best harness for small dogs - Puppia

Comfort is seriously taken into account with this cute harness for small dogs from Puppia. Complete with breathable mesh padding, your pup will stay cool, whatever the weather. Hiking a mountain? Sprinting laps of the dog park? No worries - the aim of this design is to make sure your dog’s skin is kept comfortable and cool - the extra padding (hopefully) not adding any extra heat to your small yet mighty pup’s body. We know pups grow, so this harness has a handy, adjustable chest belt with a quick-release buckle. Why? Well the quicker and easier it is to take the harness off your pup, the better (well-seasoned pet parents, you know the deal). And if your pooch is still growing or they’re partial to zoomies, the harness is pretty lightweight, making sprints and jogs easier for small pups with growing strength. And naturally, find the D-ring leash attachment point to make keeping your pup close by simple.

Best harness for medium dogs - Voyager

The best dog harness for medium dogs? Well, it might be one of the best - this harness, ideal for pups sitting in the middle ground on the size front, has pretty great reviews. Enjoy outdoor adventures, whatever the weather with this harness made from breathable air mesh that’s lightweight and ideal for outdoor adventures. Along with a leash attachment point, use the neoprene handle on the end, giving pet parents like you the peace of mind you need when adventuring with your favorite fluffball. And if you’re after something stylish or you simply get the sense your pooch has a favorite color, not to worry. This stylish dog harness comes in multiple shades that’ll have your pup looking top-notch and ready for strutting the dog park.

Best heavy duty dog harness - BARKBAY

A dog harness isn’t always the first choice for pet parents with hefty hounds. And we can see why - often they aren’t durable enough to safely take your dog’s weight. With this (not so little) number from BARKBAY though, it was designed with heavier dogs in mind. Made with no-rip nylon, you can rest assured your big pup can pull or jolt without the harness breaking. AND even better, they can do so comfortably - find anti-chafe padding throughout that makes the harness easier on your pup’s skin. Plus there’s four points of adjustment, should your hefty pooch get any heftier! Also find two sturdy leash attachments on the back and chest, each made of metal. And if you like a nighttime stroll? Not to worry - the ultra reflective strips will make sure your pup is seen from afar, even at night.

Best dog harness for pullers - Embark

Need to find the best dog harness for training that discourages pulling? While we’d always recommend positive, reward-based training with your pup to reach your training goals, a no-pull harness can really help. Why? Well they’re designed to keep your pup from pulling without damaging your dog’s trachea. It’s made with sturdy, reinforced rip stop nylon with padding in all the right places to keep your pup comfortable. No worries if your pooch has only just started out with training - use the back control handle to bring your pup to safety. By choosing roughly the right size, you can adjust the straps with ease to make sure your pup in training is kept comfortable and safe, throughout their healing journey.

Best budget dog harness - Phoepet

If you’re not sure whether a dog harness is right for you and your pooch or you simply need a one-off hiking garment, maybe a lower budget option will do the trick. This little number from Phoepet is designed to be super easy to put on with three handy snap buckles for comfort and ease. We know how much our four-legged friends detest having harnesses slipped over their heads, so rest assured this is a step-in harness (which makes life much easier if you’ve got a pup new to the harness life!). The no-pull function with two sturdy metal hoops for the leash will make training easier, plus you can choose from the back or chest hook. And enjoy a stroll at twilight? No worries - the harness is topped with reflective material, making darker walks safer.

Best dog harness for hiking - Ruffwear Swamp Cooler harness

If you’re looking for the best harness for dogs who love a hike or three, you’ll need to find something that’s going to keep them cool. All the well-seasoned pet parents out there will know that a cool dog is a happy dog, and an overheated dog is a… well you can guess the rest. The key thing we love about this (cute-colored) harness from Ruffwear is its cooling design - the outer layer is light-reflecting, meaning less heat absorption, a cooler harness and a cooler pup. The middle layer is absorbent, meaning any moisture coming off your pooch (or from the sky, for that matter) will evaporate. Then finally, the mesh lining is nice and breathable - the perfect material to rest against your pup’s skin while they get stuck into adventuring! Like any good dog harness, it’s also complete with padding, adjustable straps and attachment points so that walking your dog is safe and comfortable.

Best dog harness for running - Non-Stop Dogwear

If you’re a family full of energy and your pooch needs lengthy runs to stay happy and healthy, it’s important to find the best dog harness for running you can. Why? Well the running motion will mean your pup is more exposed to issues like chafing and overheating. That’s why we’ve chosen this dynamic-looking harness that scoops around your dog’s chest and front legs with an ergonomic fit that allows for freedom of movement with as little breath constraint as possible. Something we love about this harness is how little there is of it. While that might sound strange at first, consider how your energetic pooch moves when sprinting at full speed - a harness with too much material will be super restrictive, and could end up tearing, or not and being downright frustrating for your pooch. So, with its design specific to athletic, movement-hungry pups, this harness is definitely worth a try.

Need a harness for a pup prone to pulling?

As we mentioned briefly, some harnesses are made especially for pups who pull. Help your training journey move along smoothly with this handy list of the best no-pull harnesses we could find.