Best Value Dog Harness for Large Dogs
#1 PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
What We Like:
• A wide range of colors, from apple green, fawn, and raspberry
• Great value
• Over 40,000 happy customers on Amazon
• No reflective accents
• It may not work as well for shorter-legged dogs
Reviews from Buyers:
"This thing is excellent. I have never written a positive review the same day I got an item, but that's what this is. I got it today and tried it right away. No more pulling. It simply gives a gentle tug when she starts to pull, and she stops. She finally walks without trying to pull my arm off! It's miraculous." — TRUMP WON on Amazon.
#2 Petsafe Deluxe Easy Walk
• Four adjustment points
• Padded material
• Reflective stitching
• Hand wash only
• Limited colors
"Purchased this because I’ve been trying to get my husky to pull less during walks. This is the first harness I feel like I can actually maintain control. If he tries to pull the harness design corrects him pretty quickly. We now have a second one of these for our GSD as well and it works great for her too!" — Brittany M Blevins on Amazon.
Best Harnesses from RuffWear
RuffWear is a unique brand that large breed owners swear by. They have a fantastic range of high-quality harnesses that, while a bit pricey, are worth the peace of mind.
#3 BARKBAY Dog Harness
• ID tag pocket for easy identification
• Chest D ring
• Anti-chafe material
• Breathable air mesh
• It can be tricky to adjust
Reviews from Buyers:
"I am so glad I got this harness for our frenchie. It’s strong, durable and I didn’t have to finagle my dog to get it on! Simple to put on her and to take off for baths. I also love the handle on the top which makes getting her easy! Our dog, Tina, seems to think it’s comfortable as well. Definitely worth the money." — MrWilkey81 on Amazon.
#4 RuffWear Front Range Dog Harness
• Fits seamlessly with the Front Range collar (sold separately)
• Made partly from recycled materials
• Perfect for everyday use
• Plenty of customization options
What We Don’t Like:
• Higher price point
Reviews from Buyers:
"I really like this Ruffwear dog harness, and so does our Old English Bulldogge. The harness is lightweight, attractive, strong, and affordable. It is easy to put on and take off. The harness does not impede our dog's front shoulders movements. A harness which interferes with the shoulder movements of strong pullers can damage the shoulder joints. I evaluated numerous dog harnesses, and Ruffwear was my first choice. Highly recommended!" — BLK on Amazon.
Best Large Dog Harnesses for Hiking
A good dog harness is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. Look for a comfortable and reflective harness that can handle pulling, especially if hiking early or late in the day. Here are our top picks in this category.
#5 RuffWear Flagline Dog Harness
• Varied sizes and colors, including salmon pink, teal, and gray
• Reflective trim
• Six adjustment points
• Three leash attachment options
• An ideal harness for dogs that pull
• Finding the perfect fit will take time
"This is the second flatline harness I’ve purchased. The other one is still fine, but it looks worn, so I wanted a second one. This is a great harness for a bully mix. It fits well and protects the underside of the dog. Love the three attachment points." — Amy on Amazon.
#6 Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
• Available in a plethora of colors, including gorgeous camouflage options
• Sturdy design
• Multiple attachment points
• Velcro name tags
What We Don’t Like:
• Straps are hard to adjust while the pet is wearing the harness
Reviews from Buyers:
"We love these harnesses for our large dogs. We bought 2. Our dogs love their harnesses and get very excited when we get them out. We love having the handle for the times we need to have a good handle on the dogs. (large crowds or other dogs in vicinity." — Courtney Brussel on Amazon.
Escape-Proof Harnesses for Large Dogs
Whatever type of dog you own, when you walk your furry friend, you want to feel calm, confident, and in control. If you’re anxious about your dog slipping, you’ll love the harnesses we’ve picked for you.
#7 Embark Adventure Dog Harness
• Reinforced stitching
• Up to 750 pounds of pull strength
• Soft grip handle
• Some owners dislike the position of the handle
Reviews from Buyers:
"I have a Great Dane and it’s was hard to find a harness that is big enough for his chest and made with quality until I got this product . Stats of my Dane is 170lbs; chest 42inches and neck 24 inches. The X-Large harness fit him perfectly. Strongly recommend." — Michele Roscoe on Amazon.
#8 BELPRO Dog Harness
• Quality design and material
• Breathable mesh
• Evenly distributed weight
What We Don’t Like:
• It may be tricky to get the front legs of your dog out
Reviews from Buyers:
"This is a well made, good quality harness. We have a very active pup and she is able to slip the lighter harness in a wink of an eye. She is a rescue with lots of strength and energy! This harness seems to settle her down - almost like it is security for her - no more tugging and backing out." — JoAnne Lawrence on Amazon.
Best Harnesses for Flat-Faced Dogs
Short-nosed dogs like Chow Chows or Bull Mastiffs require a harness that attaches across the chest and puts minimal tension over the neck. This helps keep any pressure off their airways open while exercising.
#9 Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
• Super bright reflective strips
• Large, padded carrying handle
• Soft sponges for less friction
• No pull webbing handle
What We Don’t Like:
• It may need to be re-tightened every few days
Reviews from Buyers:
"My dog is on the larger side. Weighs about 120lbs. Every harness I've purchased he has been able to wiggle his head out. This is the only harness that he CAN'T! It's great! There's 3 different straps to keep him nice and snug. Fantastic!" — Amazon Customer on Amazon.
#10 Thinkpet Dog Harness
• Front D ring to correct pulling
• Soft mesh for comfort
• Minimal pressure on the dog’s neck
• Expensive compared to similar options
• Some dog owners report escape incidents
Reviews from Buyers:
"My dog has been wearing and pulling on this harness for well over a year, and he does not give this thing a break. I bought the bright color so I could see him in the woods while he is chasing......things. It has taken the abuse of limbs, thorn bushes, water and mud, and the normal pulling when he is on leash. It has held up great, and it seems comfortable since he never complains. Oh, it also cleans up nicely in the wash machine." — martin kuhr on Amazon.
How We Chose Best Harnesses for Large Dogs
We carefully evaluated hundreds of harnesses to find the best ones. Here’s how we did it.
Material
When selecting a harness for your dog, choose a sturdy material that can withstand pulling and tension without snagging or tearing. Look for reinforced stitching, particularly for larger breeds.
Front Clip Vs. Back Clip
A harness with a front leash attachment is usually the best option to discourage pulling, as it can interrupt the dog’s momentum if they lunge forward. While a harness with a back clip isn't necessarily a wrong choice, it is less effective at discouraging pulling.
Reflective Details
Increasing your dog’s visibility is essential when walking it in low-light conditions. A harness with reflective elements can help pedestrians and cyclists see your dog, reducing the risk of collisions.
Handle
Some dog harnesses come with handles. They help control over-excited or older dogs that need extra help navigating steep obstacles.
Adjustability
The fur, weight, and muscle mass of dogs can change over time, so it’s important to check and adjust the harness for a good fit regularly. An ill-fitting harness can cause discomfort and skin irritation or allow the dog to break free. Ensure the straps are adjustable over the neck, belly, and chest.
Breathability
Mesh panels and breathable materials are a must for dog harnesses during warm weather. Without them, your dog’s skin can get red and infected, especially if it has sensitive skin or wears the harness for extended periods. Non-breathable materials can also cause skin sores.
How to Stop Your Dog from Pulling
Keep in mind that choosing a suitable harness is only one piece of the puzzle. At the same time, we need to work on stopping our dogs from pulling and encouraging them to walk to heel. Understanding that no dog is born knowing how to walk on a lead (or harness) helps with the process.
When training your dog to stop pulling, use positive reinforcement, rewarding your pup with high-value treats and praise. Any pulling or overly fast walking should result in the walk stopping temporarily until your dog walks nicely again.
FAQ
What is the best harness for a large dog that pulls?
When choosing a harness for your dog, consider your specific needs. The best harness for an overweight Akita may be different for a slender Borzoi. A good harness gives you control and reliability. Top-rated harness brands include Rabbitgoo, PetSafe, and RuffWear.
What is the safest type of harness for a dog?
A well-fitting and secure harness with solid material, attachment points, and front clips to reduce pulling can significantly improve dog safety and your control.
What is the difference between Y-front and straight-front harnesses?
There are two types of dog harnesses: Y-front and straight-front. Y-front harnesses allow for more free movement, making them suitable for active dogs. Straight-front harnesses help limit pulling and are recommended for younger dogs and those in training.
Why are Y-shaped harnesses better?
Y-shaped and straight-front harnesses both have their place on the market. A Y-shaped harness allows dogs to move more naturally and reduces skin friction, preventing skin infections and redness, particularly in the armpits.