When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Here’s how it works.
Has your little pup become a master escape artist? Maybe you want to switch to a harness but struggle to find a suitable fit. Headstrong dogs like my Cav can be challenging to walk with. Small breeds can be especially feisty, too. Their tiny size means that you’ll often have to do specific searches, even if that dual-clip harness comes in smaller sizes. Luckily for you, I have reviewed the best harness for small dogs, plus some other highly-rated alternatives.
| Overall | For Toy Breeds | For Running |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Chai’s Choice Outdoor Adventure | Rabitgoo | Voyager |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Best Harnesses For Small Dogs
Finding our top picks was no “small” task. We did extensive research to ensure that our recommendations include all the right features. Let’s take a look at the best harness for small dogs, plus a few honorable mentions.
Best Overall: Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Review
Chai’s Choice 3M reflective harness is our choice for the best dog harness for small dogs. This eye-catching design is perfect for tough little pups who might pull on the leash. What’s great about this is how it’s designed. It features a full front cushion, distributing the leash’s force throughout the shoulders and your dog’s chest. This protects your dog’s neck, preventing severe injuries to their fragile bones.
Additionally, the chest piece features breathable mesh, enhancing comfort, even in warm weather. Another highlight of this harness is the interwoven reflective pipeline. It runs throughout the material, keeping your dog visible in low-light conditions and enabling you to walk at night. This option includes two clips—one in front and one in back. You can use the configuration and adjustable straps to best suit and fit your little fur baby, minimizing the risk of escape. At the top is a seat belt strap that you can use as a handle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The padded chest piece prevents serious injuries while increasing comfort | Some reviews of it being too elastic and not holding up over time |
| Breathable mesh material | |
| Dual-clip option gives you adjustability | |
| Seat belt strap | |
| Adjustable straps | |
| Comes in 9 colors |
Pricing
- Price: $27.95
Best For Toy Breeds: Rabbitgoo Dog Harness Review
If you have a tiny breed dog, like a Chihuahua, we highly recommend the Rabbitgoo dog harness. This over-the-head design features a padded chest piece working to distribute the force across the chest and shoulders.
The Rabbitgoo is a dual-clip harness and includes two durable metal rings. This suggests it’s suitable for different personalities and temperaments. The harness offers a top handle for additional control, allowing you to lift your dog quickly or help them into your car. A nice detail is that it features several straps, essentially giving you four adjustable points. You can create the perfect fit around your pup, preventing any escapes. Another thing that stands out about this harness is the durable materials. It consists of sturdy Oxford nylon fabric, capable of withstanding some abuse. Similar to Chai’s Choice, this harness offers highly reflective strips. This enables you to walk safely during low-light hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes a padded chest piece, ensuring comfort | It isn’t the best harness for hard-pulling dogs. The material around adjustable straps isn’t very durable; it could snap over time |
| You can adjust it in four places | |
| Dual-clip harness | |
| Durable material | |
| Reflective strips to see dogs at night | |
| Comes in 14 colors |
Pricing
- Price: $19.98
Best Step-In Harness: Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness Review
For those who prefer a step-in style, the Voyager Step-In Air dog harness is worth a look. This lightweight dog harness is available in sizes that suit even the tiniest breeds. It includes a hook and loop fastener, which opens up fully, allowing you to insert your dog’s legs. Then, bring it up and fasten it around their center. To secure this, you have a durable buckle, keeping the harness in place should the hook and loop fail.
This comfortable small dog harness offers double metal rings for your leash, increasing security. The lightweight, breathable materials make it excellent for use all year round. However, you must pick the right size, and the triple security closure might be a bit too much for a little dog or a puppy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can choose between 20 colorful options, finished with black trim | Isn’t as adjustable as the other options, so a wrong fit could lead to chafing and discomfort |
| Multiple colors to choose from | Might feel bulky on tiny dogs |
| Lightweight, breathable materials | |
| The step-in design is effortless to put on and take off | |
| Triple security fastener prevents potential escapes | |
Pricing
- Price: $14.99
Honorable Mentions
These harnesses didn’t make the top picks for the best small dog harness, but are still worth mentioning.
PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness Review
If you need more control, try the PoyPet no-pull harness. This is another step-in style, easy to put on and take off. It includes two buckles: one on the belly and a quick-snap buckle around the neck. The harness allows you to adjust the fit according to your dog.
You have two rings for your leash—a metal D-ring at the front and an aluminum alloy ring on the back. You can use the harness for dogs that are hard pullers or walk nicely on a leash. On the belly, there are elastic straps to adjust according to your dog’s size and to absorb jerks, preventing strain. You have a soft yet sturdy handle at the top, enabling you to get extra control when needed. It also works like a seat belt strap for car rides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual-clip harness | Like the Rabbitgoo above, it can feel a bit bulky on some breeds, especially those with slender bodies |
| Metal clips | |
| Two buckles | |
| Seat belt strap | |
| Features reflective stitching throughout | |
| Soft, breathable mesh fabric, padded for extra comfort |
Pricing
- Price: $15.20 ($15.20 / Count)
Metric USA No Pull Small Dog Harness Vest Review
The Metric USA vest harness encases your pup, creating a snug yet comfy fit, perfect for tiny wigglers. What’s great about this option is the full padding. It’s ultra-comfortable for your dog and incredibly lightweight, weighing a mere 1.41 ounces. Additionally, the harness features a quick-release clip on the top. However, it’s an over-the-head design, so you need to pull their head through the opening and then fasten the buckle.
For your leash, you have two durable metal D-rings on the side, keeping your dog anchored to the leash. The vest from Metric USA offers full padding and security features that prevent small dogs from wiggling out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full padded shell | A big difference between extra small and small sizes (measure your dog per instructions) |
| Quick-release buckle | |
| Two metal D-rings | |
| Available in a variety of colors | |
Pricing
- Price: $19.49
Gooby Comfort X Head-In Harness Review
This is a choke-free X-shaped design harness created to reduce stress around the dog’s neck, even for pullers. It has a back D-ring, which takes away the pressure from your dog’s neck. This position also prevents the harness from riding up toward the neck, causing injuries. The harness consists of lightweight polyester material, offering a breathable fit and enhancing comfort in different weather.
Furthermore, it’s machine washable, making it quick and easy to keep clean. However, make sure that you air dry it. The Gooby X Head-in harness reduces pressure around the neck while offering outstanding comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No-choke design | Isn’t as adjustable as the other options |
| Machine washable | |
| Lightweight fabric | |
| Durable D-ring | |
| Fantastic customer service |
Pricing
- Price: $23.95
Downtown Pet Supply Small Dog Harness Review
If you want something eye-catching and fun for your pup, we suggest taking a look at the harness from Downtown Pet Supply. What attracted us to this harness was the bright colors and patterns available. This is also a step-in harness with a hook and loop fastener, a buckle, and double metal rings to hook up the leash.
We like the breathable mesh material—you can use the harness all year but avoid extreme temperatures. Plus, it’s ultra-comfy and easy to put on.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small sizes available | Lacks in terms of adjustability – you can tighten the hook and loop, but only to a certain extent |
| Bright colors to choose from | |
| Easy step-in style | |
| Breathable, lightweight mesh | |
| Hook and loop fastener |
Pricing
- Price: $16.49
Pawtitas Pet Reflective Step-In Dog Harness Review
For all the early birds (and night owls) who prefer clocking in their steps before (or after) the sun is out, the Pawtitas Pet reflective step-in dog harness includes reflective material designed to keep your dog visible during low-light hours.
Besides the reflective feature, this harness is quite basic, but it’s an easy-to-use step-in style. But its simple design also makes it one of the best harnesses for small dogs. This harness doesn’t weigh a lot, making it easy for your dog to carry. It’s also fully adjustable, perhaps even enough to use it from puppy to adult stages.
Our Personal Experience With Pawtitas Pet Reflective Step-In Dog Harness
We use a harness similar to our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who likes to tug on walks. We should probably use something with a bit more padding, given he likes to pull, but I like that this strappy harness fits him well (since it’s easy to adjust) and is easy to take on and off. Plus, it’s not as bulky as some of the other harness types since he is small and has plenty of room to prance. It’s not as obvious how to put on and off, but with practice, we’ve gotten the hang of it (just have to explain it sometimes to new sitters).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reflective materials | Doesn’t have a lot in terms of padding or extras |
| Simplistic design | |
| Easy step-in style | |
| Several colors available |
Pricing
- Price: $13.99
Didog Soft Flannel Padded Dog Vest Harness Review
Lastly, we have the soft flannel dog harness from Didog. This is an escape-proof harness suitable for any tiny wiggler. This is an over-the-head style designed to prevent any strangulation hazards. It features a front D-ring, which discourages pulling, and a rear ring for casual walks.
It includes only one buckle that you can adjust, decreasing the weight. The straps are padded, increasing your dog’s overall comfort. These also resist digging into their skin should they pull while you’re walking. The material also uses reflective stitching, enabling you to walk when the light is dim. However, If your dog is prone to back out of its harness, this may provide them with an easy escape.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable material | Isn’t escape-proof |
| Padded straps | |
| Front D-ring | |
| Easy to put on | |
| Reflective stitching |
Pricing
- Price: $18.99 ($18.99 / Count)
Harness Happiness For Your Hound
Choosing a harness for small dogs is different than when shopping for big dogs, but either way the best way to prevent injuries and ensure your pup’s comfort. Despite their tiny size, small breeds are often feisty and excited to show you what’s ahead. When picking among the best harnesses for small dogs (or the best harness for any-sized dog), make it fit properly. Carefully measure your dog according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and use the adjustable points to fine-tune the fit. You can learn more and discover our complimentary collar and leash recommendations to keep your canine cozy and safely in tow on your next walk.
Tagged With: Collars
