Small and cuddly, walkies with little dogs should be all cuteness and fun.
The only problem is they sometimes have other ideas and get it into their heads that they no longer want to be your lovable little lap dog, but now have ambitions to be the greatest escape artist. Wriggling free of their harness. Making a dart for it. Leaving you in their dust.
Unfortunately, that’s what no one tells you about small dogs. They’re determined. They’re wily. Give them an inch and they're off.
That’s why finding the right dog harness isn’t just about finding something as cute as them (not possible). It’s about finding something that’s safe, comfortable and allows you to go to on stress-free walkies.
In this post, we’ve pulled together some top tips for buying a harness for a small dog, as well as a measuring guide.
So here’s to future walks without having to chase after your little floofball.
How to Choose the Right Harness for a Small Dog
The first thing to consider is pretty obvious, right? It’s the size.
But not all small dogs are built the same, so the most important thing that you can do when choosing a harness for your little woofer is to make sure that you measure them.
So grab a tape measure and sure you measure the widest part of the dogs chest (just behind the front legs) as well as the neck (around the base) and compare this to the sizing guides on the website.
The other things to consider are whether you want a step-in or vest, how adjustable is it (it will need adjusting, trust us) and its comfort.
To give you a bit of a checklist of what to look for, we’ve pulled together the below table.
What to look for when choosing a harness
|
Feature |
✅ What to Look For |
❌ What to Avoid |
|
Lightweight Design |
Soft, breathable materials like mesh or nylon that won’t weigh them down |
Bulky or heavy harnesses that restrict movement or overwhelm small frames |
|
Adjustable Fit |
Multiple adjustment points to get a snug and secure fit |
One-size-fits-all harnesses with little flexibility in fit |
|
Soft Padding |
Padded chest and shoulder areas to reduce rubbing or pressure |
Unpadded harnesses that may cause chafing or discomfort |
|
Step-In or Vest Style |
Easy-to-use designs that are less intimidating for small or nervous dogs |
Complicated over-the-head harnesses with stiff buckles |
|
Secure Fastenings |
Strong, small-scale buckles and clips suited to smaller dogs |
Large, chunky hardware that’s hard to fasten or too heavy for small bodies |
|
Escape Prevention |
Snug fit around chest and neck with double-clip or back-clip options |
Loose-fitting harnesses that allow wriggling out or backing out |
|
Visibility |
Bright colours or reflective trims for added safety on walks |
Dark colours with no reflective features—hard to spot in low light |
|
Light Pull Support |
Front-clip or dual-clip options for mild pullers |
Harnesses that offer no control if your small dog tends to pull |
|
Machine Washable |
Easy-to-clean materials for daily use |
Hard-to-clean fabrics that hold odours or dirt |
|
Comfort with Coats |
Compatible with layering over dog jumpers or jackets |
Too tight or stiff to be worn with extra layers during colder months |
Got a Chihuahua at home and looking for tips on which harness to buy? Check out our buying guide for Chihuahua harnesses.
The Best Harnesses for Small Dogs
Sports Harness XS & Small (Multiple Colours)
The Hem&Boo Sports Harness is built for small but mighty adventurers. Made from breathable airtex fabric with soft padding, it keeps your dog comfy on the move—no rubbing, no matting, just happy walkies.
For early-morning or evening strolls, the reflective trim keeps your pup visible. With both front and back lead clips (perfect for training) and a sturdy grab-handle for extra control, it’s as practical as it is comfy.
Quick-release buckles make it easy to get on and off, and with chest sizes starting from 25cm, it’s ideal for toy breeds. Plus, with bold colour options like Bright Pink, Blue, Orange, and Camo, your little sidekick can walk in style.
Check it out in Black, Bright Pink, Camo, Orange or Blue
Hem&Boo Soft Mesh Harness Small
As one of the best dog harnesses for small breeds, this stylish Hem&Boo accessory boasts a range of impressive features.
Firstly, you can look forward to breathable mesh, which will keep your pup cool even on those hot summer days. Secondly, the soft trim prevents rubbing on your dog's small frame and ensures all-day comfort.
Thanks to the over-the-head design with a secure side clip, it's very easy to put on, especially compared to other harnesses. The welded D-ring on the back serves as the leash attachment point, and two adjustment points help you get the perfect fit. This secure harness puts gentle pressure on your dog's body, helping ease anxiety.
Check it out in Purple, Pink, Aqua, and Red
A&C Harness XS Range
As a pet parent, you want your little baby to look their best at all times. With the A&C's Harness XS range, you can enjoy stylish designs without ever having to compromise on comfort or functionality. With breathable fabric that's gentle on your dog's skin and comfy chest straps, this is definitely one of the best dog harnesses out there.
The adjustable design is ideal for tiny teacups and toy dog breeds, with neck measurements ranging from 29 to 36 centimetres. The secure fit ensures that even seasoned escape artists won't have the chance to wiggle free.
For a classic look that pairs well with other accessories, opt for the Black Tartan XS harness. If you want something a bit more vibrant, you can't go wrong with the Very Berry XS design.
Shop the harness here
A&C MTW Harness XS & Small
Whether you own a puppy or a tiny breed, this step-in harness is great for adventurous canines who love going on long walks and exploring the countryside.
Dog owners rave about this harness's bold patterns, breathable fabric, and sturdy dual clips. All the harnesses in this range have fully adjustable chest and neck straps, so you can fine-tune the fit. The back-and-front clip design assists with lead training and aims to stop pulling when you're out on walks.
Choose between the bold Red Sunsets pattern or the stunning Wilderness print based on your doggie's personality. The reflective trim on each design also makes this the perfect accessory for nighttime walks.
Check it out here.
FAQs
What is the best harness for a small dog that pulls?
If your furry companion tends to strain against their leash, your best choice would be a no-pull harness for small dogs. These harnesses have the leash attachment point at the chest instead of at the back, which helps prevent your pup from pulling.
Should I use a collar or a harness for a small dog?
Collars are great for ID tags and fashion statements, but harnesses are a better choice for walking and adventuring. This is because harnesses distribute pressure evenly around your dog's chest and back instead of putting pressure on their delicate necks. Now everyone can enjoy a more comfortable walking experience.
How do I measure a small dog for a harness?
Use a tape measure (or a piece of string and then a ruler) to measure the widest part of your dog's neck, as well as the widest part of their chest. Use these measurements and consult a size chart to make sure you're buying the correct size. In most cases, you'll need a small or extra-small dog harness.
Are no-pull dog harnesses safe for small breeds?
Yes. No-pull harnesses are a great choice for small-breed dogs who tend to pull on their lead and are still learning to walk politely. Just make sure you adjust the harness correctly to ensure a snug fit. Remember that dog treats are also an essential part of rewarding good behaviour and teaching your dog to walk nicely.
What kind of harness is best for long walks?
If you plan on taking your precious pooch on lengthy walks, it may be best to go for a front-clip harness as this will prevent pulling and lunging. You may also want to prioritise features like breathability and padding if you want your pup to stay comfortable throughout your adventure.
To Wagging Tails and Happy Walkies
Small dogs might be pint-sized, but they pack in a lot of personality. That’s why the right harness isn’t just about a snug fit or a cute design (though we love that too). It’s about giving your little explorer the freedom to strut, sniff, and sprint safely, without you worrying they’ll pull a disappearing act.
From soft mesh to step-in styles and no-pull designs, the harnesses we’ve featured are made to fit small dogs properly, keeping them secure, comfy, and oh-so stylish.
Don’t forget to check out our posts on the best dog collars for small dogs, the best weenie dog harnesses and puppy harnesses: when to start and what to buy.