Little dog, big demands.
Chihuahuas may only weigh around 5 pounds, but they are 5 pounds of pure divadom with some serious demands when it comes to choosing the right harness.
Because of their size, stature and diva-like attitude, they can’t just wear any old harness. No, they need harnesses that are light, soft and fit them snugly. Otherwise, they’ll go into a full meltdown and you’ll spend more time trying to coax them along the walk than you will walking.
With so much to consider when buying a harness for Chihuahuas, we thought it would be useful to pull together this buying guide, which gives you everything to look out for, as well as a few suggestions for harnesses to buy.
Enjoy.
Why Chihuahuas Need a Special Kind of Harness
While these tiny tornadoes may have a big personality, their little bodies don’t quite match up. Due to their small stature, you need to be careful when selecting their harnesses, collars, and accessories. Otherwise, you’ll have one unhappy puppy.
The main things to consider are:
- They have a fragile neck and trachea: Even the slightest strain against a collar can cause tracheal damage to your little fur baby.
- They have high energy levels within a small frame: Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are known for getting bouts of zoomies.
- They’re miniature escape artists: Chihuahuas tend to freeze when they feel overwhelmed and can easily wriggle out of their collars if they want to.
- They’re surprisingly strong: It's not just big dogs that pull. Chihuahuas have surprising pulling strength when going on walkies.
If you don’t consider any of the above, you’ll at best be chasing your Chihuahua down the road, and at worst, cause them some pain and discomfort at what should be the most enjoyable time of the day - walkies.
What type of Chihuahua harness should I buy?
With all that to consider, there’s surely some Chihuahua-only harnesses on the market, right?
Well, not really, unfortunately.
You’re looking at buying a XS dog or “toy dog” harnesses, but there are definitely some types of harnesses that are better for Chihuahuas than others.
With Chihuahuas being prone to pulling a lot on walks and having a weak trachea, you’ll want to choose a harness that is lightweight and distributes evenly around the chest. You also want to make sure that the harness is adjustable, so that you can regularly check and update the fit of it. With Chihuahua being such wriggly little worms, and the dog world’s greatest escape artist, they will stretch it and eventually give it the slipe over time.
Another great option, if they’re particularly strong pullers, is to get a no-pull harness. This can reduce the pulling without causing too much discomfort to your tiny but feisty little furball.
Looking for no-pull harnesses?
Check out our post on 7 no-pull harnesses that actually work.
For all the things to consider when buying a harness, we’ve pulled together the table below.
What to look for:
|
Feature |
✅ What to Look For |
❌ What to Avoid |
|
Weight |
Lightweight materials (nylon, mesh, soft fabrics) |
Heavy leather or thick materials that add bulk |
|
Fit & Sizing |
Adjustable straps, snug but not tight, 2-finger rule for comfort |
One-size-fits-all, too loose (escape risk), too tight (breathing issues) |
|
Chest Distribution |
Wide chest panel that distributes pressure evenly |
Thin straps that concentrate pressure on small areas |
|
Throat Protection |
No-pull design that keeps pressure off the delicate trachea |
Traditional collars or harnesses that put pressure on the neck |
|
Material |
Soft, breathable fabrics with padding at pressure points |
Rough, scratchy materials or hard edges |
|
Closure System |
Secure buckles or clips that are easy to operate |
Flimsy closures, overly complicated systems, or clips too large for tiny paws |
|
Design Style |
Step-in harnesses or vest-style for easy wearing |
Over-the-head only designs that can cause stress |
|
Durability |
Reinforced stitching, quality hardware despite lightweight design |
Cheap construction that won't withstand determined pulling |
|
Visibility |
Bright colors, reflective strips, or LED options |
Dark colors that make your tiny dog hard to see |
|
Weather Compatibility |
Works with sweaters/coats, quick-dry materials |
Bulky design that interferes with clothing chihuahuas often need |
|
Sizing Range |
XS or XXS options specifically designed for toy breeds |
Only starts at Small size, generic "small dog" fitting |
|
Escape Prevention |
Secure fit around chest and belly, proper adjustment points |
Loose neck area, single adjustment point, or gaps that allow backing out |
How to Measure a Chihuahua for a Harness
We can’t stress this enough...
Always measure your dog before buying a harness.
It’s the number one mistake we see when buying harnesses for a dog and why you’ll see loads of dusty old harnesses hanging up in every dog owners porch.
To measure your dog for a harness you need to get the:
- Chest measurement: Measure the widest part of your Chihuahua's chest, which is usually just behind their front legs.
- Neck measurement: Carefully measure the widest part of your Chi's neck where the harness would sit.
You can carry out the measurements using a soft measuring tape. Alternatively, you could use a piece of string or a ruler. If your pint-sized pup falls between sizes, it's always better to size up and tighten the harness using the straps to make a suitable adjustment.
Most Chihuahuas fall into the "toy breed" or XS dog harness range, but you should always check size charts carefully before making a purchase. A Chihuahua puppy harness with an adjustable design is essential for getting the perfect fit, especially if you have a growing Chi pup.
The harness should never be too tight. If it is, it could cause skin irritation, breathing problems, and even injury to the rib cage. Check the tightness regularly by slipping two fingers between the harness and your dog's chest and neck.
The Best Harnesses for Chihuahuas
Sports Harness XS (Bright Pink)
This eye-catching XS Sports Harness by Hem & Boo offers the perfect extra-small fit for petite Chihuahua girls. Thanks to the cushioned design, your pooch will be protected against rubbing and will enjoy reduced pressure on their delicate little bones.
With easily adjustable straps, this sports harness is designed to grow with your puppy or layer over doggie jerseys in the cold winter months. The reflective trim ensures that you and your little princess are highly visible on evening walkies.
The bold pink colour is full of Chi-tude and is sure to attract attention as your pup struts their stuff through the neighbourhood.
Shop the XS Sports Harness here
Sports Harness Small (Purple)
If your Chi is on the chunkier side and has outgrown their first harness, this Small Sports Harness by Hem & Boo is an ideal choice. It's designed for chest sizes between 30 and 50 centimetres, so make sure to get out that measuring tape before you click "buy".
Say goodbye to wriggling battles thanks to the dual buckles that make it easy to take the harness off and on. This padded accessory is secure and snug without being bulky so your Chi enjoys maximised comfort at all times.
The reflective details keep your dog visible and make for safe early-morning and nighttime strolls. Additionally, this sports harness is a great multi-layer for winter walks.
Shop the Small Sports Harness in Purple here.
Hem & Boo Soft Mesh Harness XS (Purple)
Do you have a senior or extra sensitive Chihuahua? If so, you can't go wrong with this ultra-lightweight harness from Hem & Boo. The Soft Mesh Harness XS boasts breathable mesh that keeps your small sidekick cool on summer walks around the park.
The over-the-head style had just one clip, so you can take it on and off with minimal faffing. Your Chihuahua can also look forward to ultimate comfort thanks to cushioned seams to prevent rubbing and matting.
If your tiny tornado hates heavy or stiff gear, this harness will be a lifesaver. The bright purple colour is sure to turn heads and show off your pup's personality! The affordable price tag doesn't hurt either.
Shop the XS Soft Mesh Harness here
Puppia Soft Vest Harness
When it comes to toy breeds, Puppia is practically the Beyoncé of the harness world. The Soft Vest Harness in XS is lightweight, breathable mesh that hugs your Chi comfortably without adding bulk. The step-in design (velcro + buckle) gives escape-resistant security.
Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness (Baby 1)
Got a Chihuahua who thinks they’re a Rottweiler? The Julius-K9 IDC harness is built for durability without sacrificing comfort for tiny dogs. Baby 1 sizing is spot-on for most Chihuahuas and helps distribute pressure across the chest, not the neck, with reflective detailing for visibility.
Ruffwear Hi & Light™ Lightweight Harness
For adventure-loving Chihuahuas who can’t resist a muddy trail or beach zoomies, Ruffwear’s Hi & Light is a game-changer. It’s ultralight with four points of adjustment for a secure, escape-resistant fit, quick-dry fabric, reflective trim and front/back leash points.
Final Thoughts: Walk This Way, Chi Style 🐾
So there you have it; everything you need to know to find the paw-fect harness for your tiny (but mighty) Chihuahua. Whether you’ve got a chilled-out lapdog or a sass-pot who thinks every walk is a fashion show, the right harness will make all the difference.
Remember: measure twice, buy once, and always prioritise comfort, safety, and a little Chihua-ttitude.
Happy walkies! 🐕💅
And if your Chihuahua demands to be carried halfway through... well, that’s just part of the deal.
Don’t forget to also check out our posts on 7 best dog collars for small dogs, the best harness for small dogs, Puppy harnesses where to start and what to buy.