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Looking for the best dog harness for your Pit Bull? While Pit Bulls are a breed with boundless love, they also tend to have limitless energy. With their stocky stature, high energy, and prey drive, Pit Bulls are powerful dogs. To walk your Pit safely, you must ensure you have the right gear. Often, that means a no-pull harness.
Below, I’ve compiled my extensive research to help you find the perfect option for your Pit Bull. Each of these harnesses should provide peace of mind when walking your dog out in public. Choosing the right harness will help you enjoy more quality time together and improve walks for everyone.
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Chai’s Choice | Kurgo True-Fit | Ruffwear Front Range |
| View on Chewy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the best harness for your Pit Bull can be a challenge. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to each dog’s pet gear. However, there are a few main features to look out for when shopping for Pit Bull harnesses. First, let’s examine why harnesses are often better than collars for notorious pullers like the Pittie and like-minded breeds.
Harnesses vs Collars
Traditionally, most people walk their dogs using a leash and collar. These days, though, more trainers are recommending that owners swap out collars for harnesses. This is even more highly recommended with large and powerful dogs.
Several issues can arise when using collars with a dog such as a Pit Bull. Our four-legged friends can suffer severe neck injuries from pulling on a collar. This can lead to long-term damage to the windpipe or trachea. In some cases, collars can even lead to choking and strangulation.
Switching from a collar to a harness can help reduce the chance of neck or spinal injuries, especially for dogs prone to pulling. Harnesses are effective for other short and stout breeds like the English Bulldog. It can also help to give you more control and reduce the chances of your Pittie breaking free during a walk.
Safety
Safety is one of the main reasons to use a harness. Pit Bulls are powerful dogs with a strong prey drive. You must keep them under control when out in public to prevent accidental injuries or property damage.
The perfect Pit Bull harness should fit your dog snugly so that he or she can’t wriggle out and break free. It’s best to look for models with an adjustable fit, especially with puppies. You can resize it as your dog grows, ensuring a perfect fit year after year.
Outfitting your Pittie’s harness with an ID tag is also a good idea. Each year, the American Humane Association estimates that around one in every three pets, or more than 10 million cats and dogs, are lost in the U.S. every year. If your pup manages to break free and run off, locating your pet may be easier.
Durability
Pit Bulls have a lot of power. As most owners know, this often means a short life for pet gear. Because they are aggressive chewers, everything from chew toys to food bowls must be robust enough to withstand heavy wear and tear. You should always opt for a heavy-duty model designed for larger dogs and consider an anti-pulling harness for your dog.
The material is one of the most important considerations when it comes to durability. Some of the best fabrics for harnesses include nylon, polyester, and leather. It’s also a good idea to look closely at the stitching on harnesses, which should use strong, high-quality thread with no signs of missed stitches or frayed edges. Otherwise, excessive straining may break the harness.
Comfort
The best Pit Bull harness isn’t perfect if it doesn’t fit. If it’s made of the wrong material, it can make walks unpleasant for your pup. You want an option that doesn’t chafe, overheat, or cause hair loss. It’s best to look for a model that offers interior padding, especially around rough edges and sensitive areas.
Padding should be made of a gentle material such as cotton, lined foam, or fleece. It should also be breathable. While Pit Bulls have short hair, it’s still easy for them to overheat in hot or humid climates. To keep your pup cool and comfortable, look for a harness that uses fabrics that allow airflow over the back and torso.
Attachment Points
While a collar forces you to lead from the neck, different types of harness attachments give you options. There are harnesses specially designed to stop your Pittie from pulling against its lead during walks. These harnesses have a front or side attachment point.
While an attachment point at the back of the neck can strain a dog’s spinal cord, a frontal or side attachment translates energy to the side. It allows you to keep your dog under control by working actively to prevent forward motion. This style is designed to go to the side when your Pittie pulls, directing your pup back toward you.
Best Harnesses For Pit Bulls
I’ve based my rankings and reviews on many factors, including durability, no-pull features, adjustability for fit, pricing, and more. These harnesses are also excellent for Pit Bull mixes of roughly the same size and temperament.
Winner: Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Dog Harness Review
This stylish harness is designed to handle even the wiliest of dogs, with an escape-proof design that includes four adjustable points to help you get a snug, comfortable fit. It comes in five sizes, accommodating chest sizes up to 42 inches.
The chest piece is padded with a soft sponge material, which helps prevent chafing and evenly distribute weight. A lightweight mesh lining around the chest and belly will also help keep your pup cool during warm-weather walks.
The outer layer is made of durable, scratch-resistant Oxford material. A lightweight Duraflex buckle improves the harness’s strength and dispersion, allowing for control over even large Pit Bulls.
The Chai’s ergonomic design is made to be comfortable for your Pittie and you. You can easily put on and remove the harness simply by slipping it over your dog’s head and attaching the straps with a single click. Nylon webbing with 3M reflective trim helps to make you and your dog more visible. This is helpful when walking at night or in low-light conditions.
Key Features
- Budget-friendly
- Extremely durable
- D-ring on front discourages pulling
- Rear handle for maximum control
- 5 different sizes up to 42-inch chest
- 9 color options
- Reflective for low-light conditions
Price
Runner-Up: Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
When riding in the car, it’s important to keep your dog restrained for both their safety and your own. According to the American Automobile Association, only around 16% of pet owners properly secure their pooch when driving. This harness can be used both in the car and on walks. It’s also been crash-tested for large dogs.
It uses the same technology in belts and buckles that rock climbers use, including a seatbelt tether for safe traveling. It’s a fantastic no-pull harness with a padded chest plate and five adjustment points for a customizable fit.
There are two adjustable sizes to choose from, depending on your Pit Bull’s physique. The medium model fits dogs with a chest size between 18 and 28 inches, while the large fits pups with a chest between 24 and 34 inches.
The Kurgo is compatible with just about any car. It boasts strong steel-nested buckles and a broad, padded chest plate that evenly distributes weight. The model even includes a 10-inch seatbelt tether with a sturdy steel carabiner.
Key Features
- Made for maximum durability
- D-ring attachment upfront to prevent pulling
- 5 adjustment points for a good fit
- Rear section acts as a handle for control
- Crash-tested for up to 75 pounds
- Comes with seatbelt attachment
- Comfortable for long walks
Price
Third Place: Ruffwear Front Range Harness Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
This harness boasts an easy, everyday design for extended wear in all weather. Materials are lightweight and durable, while foam-padded strips across the chest and belly help to reduce pressure and enhance comfort. This feature makes the Ruffwear ideal for an all-day outing.
This harness easily slips over your dog’s head and can be fastened with one quick clip. It has two leash attachment points, depending on your Pittie’s walking tendencies, and four points of adjustment to allow for the best possible fit.
An aluminum ring in the back and a webbing loop on the chest help keep your dog comfortable and contained during walks. These features withstand pups that pull and give you more control while on the move.
For peace of mind, this harness offers an ID pocket to store your dog’s tags for easy identification. It also has bright, reflective trim that will help make your dog more easily visible to passing pedestrians and motorists alike.
Key Features
- Multiple color options
- Comes in 5 sizes up to 42-inch chest
- Two different leash points
- Four adjustment points for fit
- Reflective trim for low-light conditions
- ID tag storage pocket
- Durable shell fabric
- Comfortable for everyday wear
Price
What About BARKBAY And Rabbitgoo Harnesses?
Although these heavy-duty harnesses didn’t make my top picks, you may find that one is a better fit for you and your pup’s needs.
BARKBAY No-Pull Dog Harness Review
This everyday harness is made to withstand overenthusiastic dogs and larger breeds. It’s made of strong yet lightweight, no-rip 1,200D Oxford nylon with padding designed to reduce chafing. Four adjustment points allow you to fit the harness on your dog’s body. You can also choose between four sizes that fit dogs with chests between 17 and 38 inches.
The design is intended to help discourage leash-pulling and train your dog to walk politely. A metal clip on the front, an additional D-ring on the back, and a handle on the top all help to give you maximum control. Carefully placed reflective strips help to make you and your dog more visible, even at night. You can also find it in several bright colors for better daytime visibility.
Key Features
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple colors and pattern combinations
- Four different sizes up to 38-inch chest
- Two metal leash attachments
- Strong buckles
- No-rip nylon material
- Padded mesh fabric
Price
Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness Review
The Rabbitgoo dog harness is specifically designed with a D-ring attachment at the front to prevent pulling. It’s extremely budget-friendly and will stop even the most aggressive puller in its tracks. Depending on your Pittie’s size, a medium or large should fit.
This harness comes in four sizes and ten color options, allowing you to style your pup according to their personality. It’s also designed to prevent choking and evenly distribute pressure across your dog’s entire body.
This harness has four easily adjustable straps around the body, allowing you to give your pup a perfect fit. It has a fully padded chest area covered in breathable mesh fabric. Two different quick-release buckles make it extremely easy to put on your dog and take it back off without hassle.
Key Features
- Budget-friendly
- Multiple color options
- Four different sizes up to 38-inch chest
- No-pull and no-choke design
- Engineered for comfort
- Four adjustable straps
- Breathable mesh for long walks
- Easy-on overhead harness
Price
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about harnesses for Pits? Here are some of the most common owners have. If you don’t see yours here, please hit us up in our comments.
How Can I Train My Pit Bull To Use A Harness?
Your Pittie may not like wearing its harness at first. You’ll need to take small steps to get your pup used to the idea. First, allow them to sniff the harness and gently play with it. Work your way up to putting the harness on your dog. Don’t go outside for any walks just yet.
Allow your dog to wander around the house in their harness for longer periods. Allow them to start feeling comfortable. Once your dog can run around the yard in their harness, you’re ready to start going for walks.
How Old Does My Pit Bull Need To Be To Use A Harness?
Harnesses can be used at just about any age. You can begin harness training as soon as your pup is ready for leash training. Just make sure to purchase an adjustable harness so that you can increase the size as your puppy grows.
How Long Can I Leave On My Pit Bull’s Harness?
Generally, you can leave harnesses on adult dogs permanently or semi-permanently. They’re more comfortable than collars. They also have less chance of snagging and damaging your dog’s trachea.
If your dog tends to treat everything as a chew toy, however, leaving its harness on at all times may not be a good idea. Even the most durable options can’t hold up to persistent teeth. You may find yourself having to replace your dog’s harness more often than necessary.
If you have a puppy, you shouldn’t leave its harness on for more than an hour or two at a time. Make sure to take the harness off when not in use. Wearing it too frequently can affect a growing puppy’s bone development.
How Strong Does My Pit Bull’s Harness Need To Be?
Pit Bulls are pullers. You’ll want to buy a heavy-duty harness that can hold them back, especially when they pull. Just like purchasing a crate that’s ideal for Pit Bulls, you’ll need something that can properly contain their activity levels.
Should My Pit Bull Use A Running Harness?
If you plan to go running with your Pit Bull to burn energy, I recommend getting a harness specifically designed for running.
Does Your Pittie Need Some Training?
Pitties are highly intelligent, and many can learn how to control themselves in different situations with the proper training. All dog training methods take time and patience, and many owners find using a smart electronic collar effective for training their Pittie. See our reviews of the best e-collars for Pit Bulls for your ideal options. If you need additional help, we also have a guide on the best online dog training courses, including DIYK9. DIYK9 has an entire course to help you train your pup with an e-collar.
