Does your big dog pull on the leash like a freight train? You love your large furry friend, but walks can sometimes feel like a wrestling match. Finding the perfect harness for a strong, sizable dog is tough. Many harnesses dig in, rub the wrong way, or simply don’t offer enough control. It’s frustrating when a product meant to help actually causes your dog discomfort or makes walks harder.
You deserve walks that are enjoyable for both you and your giant companion. We understand the struggle to find a harness that fits well, keeps your dog safe, and prevents painful pulling. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most when buying a harness for a large breed dog.
Keep reading to discover the best, most comfortable, and most secure harness options available. Prepare to transform those tricky walks into happy strolls. Let’s dive into finding the ultimate harness for your large dog!
Top Dog Harness For Large Dogs Recommendations
- Large Dog Harness - Recommended Breeds: Medium to Large Dogs, such as Siberian Husky, Labrador, German Shepherd, Akita, Chow Chow, Schnauzer Giant，American Pit Bull Terrier, etc. Please measure your dog's neck and check girth carefully before purchasing this present for your puppy. Make your puppy stand out with this Classic Black Harness!
- No Pull, No Choke - Our non-pulling dog harness is specially designed with 2 metal leash rings for safer dog walks. Use the chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling on walks, perfect for dog training or dogs who tend to pull. The back one is great for casual walks, jogging, hiking, etc
- Easy to Use - This hassle-free overhead harness is easy to put on and take off with its 2 fast-release buckles. Slide the harness over your dog's head, buckle it up, adjust the straps, and here you go! Grab the top handle for additional control. Lightweight and easy to clean
- Fully Adjustable - This adjustable harness features 4 easy adjusting straps around the body. You can use its 2 neck straps and 2 chest straps to create a perfect fit for your dog with some room of growth. No worries about slipping out or choking
- Safe and Comfortable - Your dog will enjoy the daily walk in this comfort dog harness! Made of sturdy polyester oxford and padded with soft cushion to protect your dog's skin. Breathable air mesh keeps your dog cool during outdoor activities. Super bright reflective strips ensure a safe walk both day and night
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- [UPDATED VESION, EASY TO PUT ON & TAKE OFF] This dog harness has 3 buckles( One is on the neck with Lockable, two are on the chest), NO NEED go through dog’s head. This will let your dog loves to wear harness!
- [NO PULL WITH 2 HOOK LOOPS] There are 2 sturdy metal hook loops for leash attachment. If you use the front hook on the chest, it will reduce the pulling a lot and make going for a walk more enjoyable. As usual, most people like to use the back hook.
- [REFLECTIVE MATERIAL] The reflective material will be really nice when it gets dark. Also, your dog will be saw easily. This reflective material can make drivers have long time to react, which ensure your dog’s safety!
- [USEFUL & SOFT HANDLES] You will like this handle on the back,it is helpful in controlling dogs a bit closer to you when they are trying to lunge at something. Also, it is convenient to assist dogs into the car.
- [100% BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE] If any products quality really exits, a refund or replacement will be available.
- 【Heavy-duty Dog Harness】 Specially designed for powerful robust dog. The heavy-duty harness is crafted from durable nylon, reinforced with sturdy stitching and equipped with two sturdy triangular rings
- 【Four-point Adjustment, Easy To Wear】 There are 4 simple size adjusters for the neck and chest that can also be easily adjusted to fit your dog perfectly. The chest is fitted with two buckles that can be fully opened for easy wearing
- 【Molle System】featured Molle strips on both sides, allowing your dog to carry essential gear. Ideal for service, law enforcement, hunting, or outdoor activities. Perfectly compatible with Molle pouches on the market, it is easy to upgrade your gear
- 【Anti-lost ID Tag】Write down your dog’s information on ID tag. When someone finds your lost dog, they can contact you with the information above
- 【Bonus Dog Leash】: A free 5ft dog leash is included. Featured with comfortable foam handle, strong climbing rope, and tangle-free hook
- 【 NO PULL & NO CHOKE 】tobeDRI dog harness featured with 2 strong metal delta shape-rings on front and back for leash attaching, front clip prevent pulling and back for relaxed walking. The 2 rings are sewn with durable thick nylon webbing and enforced box stitches and bartacks that preventing ripped off even pulling hardly. Pulling pressure is evenly distributed to the body to prevent choking
- 【 EASY TO USE AND LOCKING SECURITY 】The dog harness with simple design and quick snap buckles which make it easy to put on and take off. Locking feature on both snaps makes it more secure, 100% ensures no accidentally detachment. 4 easy size adjustors at neck and chest for easy adjusting to fit your dog perfectly, even with some room of growth. Perfect for daily walking, running, hiking, training, hunting, outdoor adventure and more!
- 【 DURABILITY 】Made of durable nylon webbing, enhanced high density nylon oxford, breathable mesh lining and strong accessories including buckle, size adjustors
- 【 EASY CLEANING 】Machine washable is easy for daily use. All metal accessories are rust-proof
- 【 REFLECTIVE 】Reflective stitching maintains high visibility at night for safety
- Extra Large Dog Harness - Recommended Breeds: Large Dogs, such as Golden Retriever, Anatolian Shepherd, Newfoundland, Labrador, Alaska, German Shepherd, etc. Please measure the size carefully before purchasing this present for your puppy. Make your puppy stand out with this Classic Black Harness!
- No Pull, No Choke - Our non-pulling dog harness is specially designed with 2 metal leash rings for safer dog walks. Use the chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling on walks, perfect for dog training or dogs who tend to pull. The back one is great for casual walks, jogging, hiking, etc
- Easy to Use - This hassle-free overhead harness is easy to put on and take off with its 2 fast-release buckles. Slide the harness over your dog's head, buckle it up, adjust the straps, and here you go! Grab the top handle for additional control. Lightweight and easy to clean
- Fully Adjustable - This adjustable harness features 4 easy adjusting straps around the body. You can use its 2 neck straps and 2 chest straps to create a perfect fit for your dog with some room of growth. No worries about slipping out or choking
- Safe and Comfortable - Your dog will enjoy the daily walk in this comfort dog harness! Made of sturdy polyester oxford and padded with soft cushion to protect your dog's skin. Breathable air mesh keeps your dog cool during outdoor activities. Super bright reflective strips ensure a safe walk both day and night
- Size Instruction: This large dog harness fits chest girth: 27-37 in, neck girth: 19-25 in. Perfect for German Shepherds, Labradors for hiking, walking, or daily outdoor adventures. Breed suggestions are for reference; please measure your dog's chest, neck, and weight for the best fit.
- Military-standard Materials: WINGOIN harness large size dog is made of military nylon and adopts an upper and lower two-layer structure. The outer camouflage pattern is 1000D nylon with sturdy stitching for extra durability, and the inner layer is a mesh material with excellent breathable, comfortable fit and no harm to the dog.
- Fast Wearing: The no pull dog harness for large dogs with a unique 4 quick-release buckles design, allowing you to put it on from the side of the dog’s neck instead of the head. This way of dressing can reduce the dog's resistance effectively, helping you to put it on or take it off quickly
- Sturdy Handle and 2 D-rings : 2 stainless steel D-rings, allow you to control the puller with little effort and training your dog to walk beside you. Dog harness with handle sewn tough, large enough to grab the harness. Three perfect combinations of use, not only slow down the impact of the dog's running but also make it easier for the owner to control the pet's running and walking
- Reflective Strip Design: The dog walking harness has a unique reflective strip design, which can alert pedestrians and vehicles when walking your dog in the evening, keeping your dog safe
- Effective No-Pull Solution: The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness helps create pull-free walks by using a martingale loop design that applies gentle, gradual pressure to reduce lunging
- Designed for Comfort & Fit: Features adjustable comfort straps and a breathable harness design with less coverage, keeping dogs cool, secure, and comfortable on every walk
- Simple to Use & Trainer Recommended: Includes an easy color-coded fit and quick-snap shoulder buckles for fast on-and-off application, trusted by vets and trainers since 2004
- Global Mission, Local Care: With U.S. roots and worldwide reach, PetSafe delivers vet- and trainer-recommended solutions and exceptional customer support to create fields of joy for pets
- Over 25 Years of Trust: Since 1998, PetSafe has created safe, innovative, and trusted products that bring joy, enhance pet lives, and support the lifelong bond between pets and their families
- No Pull Dog Harness: Whether you're working on training or need a day-to-day harness for handling your dog, our walking harness provides increased control while allowing your dog a full range of motion
- Rain Defender: Rain or shine the no pull harness is constructed from 500-denier polyester with Rain Defender durable water repellent (DWR) technology repelling light rain and maintaining its form up to daily use no matter the conditions
- Adjustability: The martingale chest strap provides your pets a no-pull function. The over-the-head outfitting, yoke style harness, fully-adjustable chest and belly strap paired with spacer mesh backing for breathability maintains adjustability and without compromising comfort
- Low Light Visibility: Stitched with reflective low light stitching increasing low-light visibility, ensuring your pets safety and visibility in dimly light conditions
- Sizing: Small (Chest Girth: 16"- 20") Medium (Chest Girth 21"- 28") Large (Chest Girth 26"- 35") Extra Large (Chest Girth 33"- 46") See sizing chart in images
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dog Harnesses for Large Dogs
Choosing the right harness for your big dog is important. A good harness keeps your dog safe and comfortable. It also helps you control your dog better on walks. This guide will help you find the best fit for your large companion.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a harness for a large dog, certain features really matter:
- No-Pull Design: Many large dogs pull on the leash. Look for a front-clip harness. This clips the leash near your dog’s chest. It gently steers your dog back toward you when they pull.
- Multiple Adjustment Points: Large dogs come in many shapes. A harness with straps you can adjust in several places ensures a snug, safe fit. Check the neck, chest, and girth areas.
- Sturdy Handle: A strong handle on the back is very helpful. You can grab it quickly to guide your dog through crowds or over obstacles. This handle needs to be tough.
- Reflective Stitching: Safety first, especially at night. Reflective strips help cars see your dog easily when walking near roads.
Important Materials
The material affects comfort, durability, and weight. Large dogs need strong gear.
Durability and Comfort
- Nylon Webbing: This is common and very strong. High-quality, thick nylon lasts a long time and resists wear and tear from energetic play.
- Breathable Mesh/Padding: For comfort, look for soft padding, especially under the arms and on the chest plate. Breathable mesh lining keeps your dog cooler during long summer walks.
- Metal Hardware: Plastic buckles can break under the strain of a large, strong dog. Always choose harnesses with metal D-rings for leash attachment and strong metal buckles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all harnesses are made equally. A few details separate the good from the great.
Quality Boosters
- Heavy-Duty Stitching: Look for reinforced stitching, often called box stitching, where the straps connect. This prevents seams from ripping apart.
- Rust-Proof Hardware: If you walk in the rain or near water, stainless steel or high-quality coated metal hardware prevents rust.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Straps: Thin nylon straps might look light, but they cut into the dog’s skin or break easily when a large dog lunges.
- Chafing Points: Poorly placed seams or rough edges will rub your dog’s armpits or chest raw. Check reviews to see if other owners mention chafing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use the harness daily. This affects your best choice.
Everyday Walking
For daily walks, comfort and ease of use matter most. A harness that slips on quickly, perhaps with quick-release buckles, saves time. A good fit prevents your dog from slipping out.
Training and Control
If you are training a strong puller, a front-clip no-pull design gives you the best leverage. For service or therapy dogs, a top handle allows for close guiding and quick assistance.
Adventure Time
If you hike, you need a harness built for adventure. Look for water-resistant materials and extra loops for attaching gear bags or lights. These harnesses usually have a very strong central leash point.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How do I measure my large dog for a harness?
A: You need two main measurements. First, measure around the widest part of your dog’s rib cage (the girth). Second, measure around your dog’s neck. Always check the specific brand’s sizing chart.
Q: Is a harness better than a collar for large dogs?
A: Yes, generally. Collars put pressure on the neck and throat if the dog pulls. Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders, which is safer for large breeds.
Q: What is a “no-pull” harness?
A: A no-pull harness usually has a leash attachment ring on the front (chest). When the dog pulls, the leash gently guides their body sideways instead of letting them lean forward.
Q: Can my large dog wear a harness all day?
A: It is best not to. Remove the harness when the dog is inside and relaxing. Constant pressure can irritate the skin or restrict movement slightly.
Q: How tight should the harness be?
A: You should be able to fit two fingers snugly between the harness straps and your dog’s body at any point. It should not be loose enough for the dog to wiggle out, but not so tight that it restricts breathing or movement.
Q: What if my large dog has deep chests, like a Great Dane?
A: Dogs with very deep chests need harnesses with a very deep V-cut or Y-cut in the front. This ensures the straps do not rub against their shoulders or restrict their front leg movement.
Q: Are padded harnesses always better?
A: Padding improves comfort, especially for dogs who wear the harness for long periods. However, make sure the padding does not add too much bulk, which can cause rubbing if the fit is slightly off.
Q: Should I buy a harness with a handle?
A: Yes, a handle is highly recommended for large dogs. It gives you instant, non-leash control for safety in emergencies or busy areas.
Q: How do I clean a nylon harness?
A: Most nylon harnesses can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water. For a deep clean, you can hand-wash them or place them in a mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle in the washing machine.
Q: What is the difference between a step-in and an over-the-head harness?
A: Step-in harnesses let the dog step their front legs into the harness loops before you buckle it. Over-the-head harnesses slide over the dog’s head. Many large dogs prefer step-in styles because they avoid having to pull the harness over a large head or sensitive ears.