Top 5 Harnesses for Large Dogs: A Buying Guide

Does your big dog pull on the leash like a tiny tractor? You yank back, but they just keep going! Finding the perfect harness for a large dog can feel like a huge chore. Regular harnesses often slip, chafe, or just don’t offer enough control when your powerful pup decides to chase a squirrel.

It’s frustrating when a walk becomes a tug-of-war instead of a relaxing time. You want your giant friend to be safe and comfortable, but many products just aren’t built for their size or strength. Don’t worry; you are not alone in this struggle!

Inside this post, we will break down exactly what makes a great harness for large breeds. You will learn about strong materials, comfortable fits, and the best styles to stop that unwanted pulling for good. Get ready to transform your walks from stressful workouts into enjoyable adventures!

Top Harness Large Dog Recommendations

No. 1

rabbitgoo Dog Harness No Pull with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded, Reflective Oxford No Choke Pet Vest with Easy Control Handle for Large Dogs, Black, L

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

No. 2

PHOEPET Reflective Dog Harness Large Breed Adjustable No Pull Vest with with Handle 2 Metal Rings 3 Buckles [Easy to Put on & Take Off](L, Orange)

[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.

No. 3

Beebiepet Heavy Duty Tactical Dog Harness for Large Dogs, No Pull Adjustable Pet Harness Reflective Service Training Easy Control Pet Vest Military K9 Working Dog Harnesses- Large, Brown

【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. 4

rabbitgoo Dog Harness No Pull with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded, Reflective Oxford No Choke Pet Vest with Easy Control Handle for Large Dogs, Black, XL

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

No. 5

No Pull Dog Harness Adjustable Reflective Oxford Easy Control Medium Large Dog Harness with A Free Heavy Duty 5ft Dog Leash

【 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

No. 6

WINGOIN Tactical Dog Harness for Large Dogs, Heavy Duty No Pull Dog Harness with Handle, Adjustable Reflective Military K9 German Shepherd Big Size Dog Vest for Walking, Training, Hunting, Green (L)

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

No. 7

rabbitgoo Dog Harness No Pull with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded, Reflective Oxford No Choke Pet Vest with Easy Control Handle for Medium Sized Dogs, Black, M

Medium Dog Harness - Recommended Breeds: Medium Dogs, such as Bulldog, Shiba Inu, Border Collie, Chow Chow, Schnauzer Standard, 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

No. 8

PetSafe Easy Walk Harness for Dogs - Pull-Free Walks - Patented Martingale Loop Design - Front Chest Leash Attachment - Adjustable Comfort Straps - Breathable Harness Design - Large, Black/Silver

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

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Large Dog Harnesses

Choosing the right harness for your big dog is important. A good harness keeps your dog safe. It also makes walks more enjoyable for both of you. Large dogs need sturdy and comfortable gear. This guide will help you pick the best one.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, look closely at these important parts:

1. Fit and Adjustability

Multiple Adjustment Points: A great harness lets you adjust straps around the chest and girth. This ensures a snug, safe fit.
Sizing Chart: Always check the brand’s specific sizing chart. Measure your dog carefully before ordering.

2. Control and Safety Features

Front Clip (No-Pull): Harnesses with a D-ring on the chest help stop pulling. When your dog pulls, the leash gently steers them to the side.
Back Clip: This is common for casual walks or running. It offers good control without correcting pulling behavior.
Sturdy Leash Attachments: Look for strong metal D-rings or hardware. These should be securely sewn onto the harness.

3. Comfort and Mobility

Padded Areas: Padding under the arms and across the chest prevents chafing, especially on long walks.
Freedom of Movement: The harness should not rub against your dog’s armpits or restrict their natural stride when they walk or run.

Important Materials

The materials used directly affect how long the harness lasts and how comfortable your dog feels.

Durable Fabrics

Nylon Webbing: This is strong and lightweight. High-quality, thick nylon resists tearing.
Mesh or Breathable Fabric: If you live in a warm area, look for mesh panels. These allow air to circulate and keep your dog cool.

Hardware Strength

Metal Hardware: Metal clasps and D-rings are usually the strongest option for large breeds. Avoid plastic buckles if your dog is very strong or prone to chewing.
Strong Stitching: Double stitching or box stitching reinforces stress points. This keeps the harness from breaking under sudden force.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all harnesses are made equally. Pay attention to these details.

Quality Boosters

Reflective Stitching: This greatly improves safety during early morning or nighttime walks.
Handle on Top: A sturdy handle placed on the back allows you to quickly grab and stabilize your dog if needed (e.g., crossing a busy street).

Quality Reducers

Thin Straps: Thin straps can dig into a large dog’s body and may snap under pressure.
Flimsy Clasps: Cheap, thin plastic clasps can break easily, leading to an unsafe situation where your dog gets loose.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the harness.

Everyday Walking

For regular walks, focus on comfort and easy on/off features. Quick-release buckles are very helpful here.

Training and Behavior Correction

If your large dog pulls hard, a front-clip harness is highly recommended. These give you better leverage without hurting your dog’s neck.

Adventure and Hiking

For rough terrain, choose rugged, weather-resistant materials. A top handle becomes essential for helping your dog over obstacles or steep climbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Large Dog Harnesses

Q: How tight should the harness be on my large dog?

A: You should be able to comfortably slip two fingers between the harness straps and your dog’s body. It should feel snug but not restrictive. If it is too loose, your dog might wiggle out.

Q: What is the difference between a chest clip and a back clip harness?

A: A chest clip (front clip) helps stop pulling by redirecting your dog’s forward momentum. A back clip is better for dogs who walk well already, as it provides general control.

Q: Are harnesses safer than collars for large dogs?

A: Yes, harnesses distribute pressure across the chest and back, not the neck. This protects your dog’s trachea, especially if they pull hard or lunge.

Q: My large dog seems to chafe under the arms. What should I do?

A: Chafing often happens if the harness is too loose or the straps are too thin. Look for a harness with wide, padded straps in the armpit area, and make sure the fit is correct.

Q: Should I buy a harness with a handle?

A: A top handle is very useful for large dogs. It lets you quickly steady them in crowded areas or assist them over obstacles on a trail.

Q: How do I clean a nylon harness?

A: Most nylon harnesses are machine washable on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Always air dry them to maintain the strength of the fabric and hardware.

Q: Can I attach a seatbelt restraint to a harness?

A: Yes, many harnesses have specific attachment points or loops meant for car safety restraints. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the attachment point is secure enough for car travel.

Q: What is the best material for a harness used in hot weather?

A: Look for harnesses made mostly of breathable mesh or very thin, quick-drying nylon. Avoid heavy, thick padding which traps heat.

Q: My large dog broke their last harness. What should I look for instead?

A: If your dog is very strong, you need heavy-duty hardware. Choose harnesses advertised for “power breeds” that feature metal clasps and reinforced stitching on all connection points.

Q: How often should I check the harness fit?

A: Check the fit at least once a month. Also, check it every time you wash the harness, as washing can sometimes slightly alter the strap tension.