What Are the Best Small Dog Harnesses?

Are Harnesses Good for Small Dogs?

Yes, the small dog harness is good. Although they are small, they are still strong enough to choke themselves while on a walk. This includes even tiny breeds, like Chihuahuas and Dachshunds.

A small dog harness reduces the pressure around the neck by dispersing it around the chest and allowing the dog to breathe better. Dog collars put pressure solely on the throat during a walk.

What Type of Harness is Best for a Small Dog?

From no-pull harnesses to escape-proof harnesses – the small dog harness is versatile. Here are some of the best small dog harness models.

  • Mesh: Harnesses come in several fabrics, but mesh is the most common. This is because they allow for great ventilation, and small dogs can easily overheat in hot weather.
  • Insulated: For the cold months, a harness with a bit of insulation can help ease the discomfort of being so close to the ground, as small dogs are. Providing them with a coat-like harness or vest can keep them warm on walks in the winter months.
  • Front Clip: Front clip harness place the pressure from the dog leash onto the front, which causes them to turn around. This reduces their urge to pull and can be an effective leash-training tool.
  • Car Harness: Car harnesses are a great way to keep your dog safe while traveling. These harnesses buckle into the existing car seatbelt buckle and secure the dog safely in the seat.

The Best Small Dog Harnesses Reviewed

Small dog harness models come in different designs. To make things simpler for pet owners, we have reviewed the best dog harnesses for small-breed dogs. Plus, these small dog harness products are readily available on Amazon and Chewy.

PUPTECK Soft Mesh Small Dog Harness

Life Stage: All Lifestage

Price: $20.99

Size: Small

Color: Beige

Material: Polyester

Summary: This dog harness is designed for small breeds and is made of high-quality polyester. It features a breathable mesh that keeps dogs cool in the summer and includes a matching dog leash.

This small dog harness is machine washable to allow for easy cleaning. Plus, it is available in over a dozen patterns, so you are sure to find a color scheme that fits your preferences.

Closure Type: Quick Release Buckle, 

Padded: Yes

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: No

Pros
  • Available in a wide variety of patterns
  • Includes dog leash
  • The air mesh allows for great breathability
  • One buckle operation
  • Machine washable
Cons
  • The neck opening is not adjustable

Customer Review: Reviews were mixed on this small dog harness. While most buyers rated it highly, there was a large number of people who were dissatisfied with it. Those who were pleased with this harness said it was “cute” and that it served their purpose well.

Most complaints, however, are about the neck opening in the harness. Dog owners are disappointed it is not adjustable, and they say the harness fits improperly around their dog’s neck.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving PUPTECK Soft Mesh Small Dog Harness an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

CROWATTS Soft Mesh, Reflective Dog Vest Harness, and Leash Set

Life Stage: Small to Medium

Price: $14.99

Size: Extra Small

Color: Silver Gray

Material: Nylon

Summary: Made of a breathable nylon mesh, this dog harness is available in sizes up to XL. It includes a dog leash so you can be ready for adventure the moment your purchase the harness. The neck and chest are both adjustable, so you always have a great fit across the dog’s chest.

Double D-rings and a sturdy swivel hook provide a secure connection between you and your dog on long walks. This step-in style harness features reflective trim so you and your little dog can walk in low light conditions safely.

Closure Type: Hook and Loop, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: No

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • Includes leash
  • Made of breathable mesh
  • Reflective trim
  • Quick release buckle
  • Adjustable neck and chest
Cons
  • The sizes run large

Customer Review: Most customers were pleased with this small dog harness. They praise it for its fit and say it works great for their x-small dogs. They like the reflective striping, and one buckle closure is easy for them to operate.

Most of the reviews that were 3-stars and under say the sizes run big, and they wish they had ordered a size smaller.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving CROWATTS Soft Mesh, Reflective Dog Vest Harness, and Leash Set an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (9/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): The price of this product is greatly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ reviews are positive. Only a few reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences to the product were made.
  • Product Variety (9/10): This product has plenty of color and size varieties.

ThinkPet Reflective, Breathable, and Soft Air Mesh Small Dog Harness

Life Stage: All Lifestage

Price: $9.99

Size: Medium

Color: Neon Green

Material: Nylon

Summary: This reflective dog harness is made of durable nylon for longevity. It features an adjustable strap that runs through the padded mesh to provide security and breathability.

The super soft, breathable mesh is perfect to keep your dog cool on hot summer days. This easy-walk dog harness is available in over two dozen varieties, so there is an option suited for anyone and their dog.

Closure Type: Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • Over 30 variations
  • No-choke design
  • Padded mesh
  • Omnidirectional reflective trim
  • Metal D-rings
Cons
  • Numerous customers say their dogs can easily escape this harness

Customer Review: The top review says, “finally, I have found a harness I am happy with,” and it seems most of the positive reviews follow this train of thought. These pet owners were happy with the quality and the selection of patterns and leashes available to them when they purchased the set.

One and two-star reviews made up 10% of total reviews, and the most common complaint, by far, is that their dog is able to escape the small dog harness without a problem.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving ThinkPet Reflective, Breathable, and Soft Air Mesh Small Dog Harness an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (9/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): The price of this product is well-aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

Dociote Adjustable, Reflective, Step in, No Pull Harness for Dogs

Life Stage: All Lifestage

Price: $10.89

Size: Extra Small

Color: Black

Material: Nylon

Summary: A metal D-ring connects you to your dog with the included leash in this combo set. Both the harness and leash are reflective to allow you more safety when walking in low visibility settings.

The adjustable chest strap means you can adjust the tension around the neck of your dog in this step-in dog harness. The no-choke, no-pull design of this setup delivers safe and comfortable use that is made to last.

Closure Type: Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • No-choke design
  • Large selection of colors
  • Breathable mesh
  • Excellent night visibility
  • Metal D-ring
Cons
  • The seems can be itchy to dogs with sensitive skin

Customer Review: Happy dog owners were ecstatic about this small dog harness. People with puppies and small breed dogs say this harness is exactly what they were looking for, and they were relieved to find a harness that works for them and they can trust.

Other buyers were disappointed when they discovered the harness was very itchy for their dog, or they received a harness with the D-ring sewn on the wrong side of the harness. deeming it useless to them.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Dociote Adjustable, Reflective, Step in, No Pull Harness for Dogs an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (8/10): The product is suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (9/10): This product is made from premium materials and is highly safe for pets. It is also free from harmful chemicals.
  • Cost Effectiveness (8/10): Affordable price & good product.
  • Customer Feedback (8/10): The majority of the customers’ reviews are positive. Only a few reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences to the product were made.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

AMTOR Adjustable and No Pull Dog Harness with Leash Set

Life Stage: All Lifestage

Price: $10.99

Size: Small (Chest:13.5″-16.0″)

Color: Light Green

Material: Nylon

Summary: The velcro closure of this dog harness makes it easy to adjust, so it fits your dog appropriately. It features reflective bands and double D-rings leash attachment to provide safe during walks.

The no-pull design means your dog can enjoy a comfortable fit, and you don’t have to worry about your dog choking in a harness. With a step-in design, the dog harness for small dogs with no pull can be easily put on or off in just a few steps.

Closure Type: Doube D-ring, Buckle

Padded: Yes

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • Available in many sizes
  • No pull design
  • Double D-rings
  • Reflective strips
  • Velcro closure
Cons
  • Sizes run small

Customer Review: Consumers and their dogs enjoyed this small dog harness. These dog owners said they loved it for their older dogs and their pugs and bulldogs.

While most buyers liked this harness, others were not as pleased. They said their dog escaped the harness, and the size was wrong when they received it in the mail.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving AMTOR Adjustable and No Pull Dog Harness with Leash Set an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (9/10): The product is HIGHLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (9/10): Affordable price & great product quality.
  • Customer Feedback (9/10): Most of the customers’ reviews are positive. Reports about allergic reactions/inconveniences are less to none.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

Voyager Step-in All Weather Mesh Dog Harness for Small Dogs

Life Stage: All Lifestage

Price: $14.61

Size: Small (Chest: 14.5 – 16″)

Color: Fuchsia

Material: Mesh

Summary: This dog harness is made with breathable mesh to keep dogs cool on long walks. The reflective strips mean you and your dog will be easier to see in low-light conditions.

Terry cloth edges provide comfort around sensitive areas like the neck and armpit. It is available in sizes for small dogs all the way to x-large dogs, so there is a size for everyone.

Closure Type: Double D-rings, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back Clip

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • One buckle operation
  • Velcro closure
  • Double D-ring
  • Many color and size options
  • Reflective bands
Cons
  • Sizes run small

Customer Review: Reviews of this small dog harness were mostly positive. Pet owners say this harness is well made and seems comfortable on their dogs and cats alike. Numerous reviewers said they liked it so much that they bought another for a spare.

Critical reviews note the small size and poor customer service as reasons for their one and two-star reviews.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving Voyager Step-in All Weather Mesh Dog Harness for Small Dogs an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): The price of this product is perfectly aligned with its quality.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

PINA Lightweight Adjustable No Pull Dog Harness for Small Dogs

Life Stage: All Lifestage

Price: $11.99

Size: Small (Neck:10-13″ ; Chest:14-17″)

Color: Pink

Material: Air mesh

Summary: The velcro closure of this dog harness allows dog owners to get the perfect fit for their dogs. There are reflective strips to provide better visibility at night, and a single buckle aids the velcro in securing the harness for your dog.

A sturdy D-ring connects to a leash to give you the confidence to walk your dog in the busiest of environments. Multiple colors and patterns are available, and sizes range from extra small to extra large to fit almost any dog.

Closure Type: Double D-ring, Buckle

Padded: No

Non-Corrosive Hardware: Yes

Locking Mechanism: No

Front Clip or Back Clip: Back

Reflective: Yes

Pros
  • Reflective strips
  • Adjustable fit
  • Double D-ring leash attachment
  • Many colors and patterns available
  • Made of breathable mesh
Cons
  • Sizes run small

Customer Review: Many owners of small dogs said they like this dog harness because their dogs do not get tangled on walks anymore. They like the look of the small dog harness, but even five-star reviews warn potential buyers to go by the chest measurement, not the weight when buying the harnesses.

The most repeated complaint came from buyers who were let down by the sizing. They say the size was too small for their dog, and they had to return it.

Veterinarians.org Review: Our team at veterinarians.org is giving PINA Lightweight Adjustable No Pull Dog Harness for Small Dogs an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:

  • Pet Suitability (10/10): The product is PERFECTLY suitable, age-appropriate, and breed-fit for pets.
  • Material Quality (10/10): This product is made from the highest-quality materials and is perfectly safe for pets. It is also eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and animal-friendly.
  • Cost Effectiveness (10/10): Affordable price & excellent product quality.
  • Customer Feedback (10/10): All customer reviews are positive. No allergic reactions/inconveniences were reported against the product.
  • Product Variety (10/10): This product has an extremely wide variety of colors and sizes.

What Should I Look for in a Small Dog Harness?

When shopping for a small dog harness, it is important to consider the following features.

  • Durability: High-quality stitching and a strong buckle are must-haves when it comes to dog harnesses. A durable harness does not need to be expensive, but the material needs to be able to tolerate regular use by a small dog.
  • Reflectivity: The best dog harnesses for small dogs will be highly reflective. Small dogs are harder to see in low light conditions than humans or large dogs. Reflective dog harnesses are a great way to minimize the danger they face.
  • Secure Connection: Metal D-rings are the best option. Plastic D-rings and other forms of connection are available, but most times, metal is the best option to keep your pet safe.
  • Breathability: Dogs can overheat easily, and because of this, the harness needs to be breathable. This allows the dog to remain cool on hot summer days and on long walks.

How Do You Put a Dog Harness on a Small Dog?

Once you have selected a small dog harness and ensured it was the correct size (the measurement of the girth is the harness size), you will now need to introduce your dog to the harness and put it on. We have listed the step-by-step process below:

  • Step1: Present the harness to your dog and let them become familiar with it. They will sniff and perhaps lick it while they are examining the item.
  • Step 2: Find a comfortable position where they can be lifted into the harness and are not able to squirm away. Then lift your small dog onto your lap.
  • Step 3: Once you have lifted them onto your lap, bring the harness to their front and slide their legs in.
  • Step 4: After this, secure the back of the harness and attach the leash.