We all love big dogs and taking them on long walks… but when they start pulling on the lead, it quickly becomes an exhausting outing you can’t wait to end.
It’s easy to stop a chihuahua from pulling at the lead, but with the extra strength of large dogs, they often end up being more than most dog owners can handle.
While dog owners enjoy playing tug-of-war with their pups, out on a walk isn’t the time or place. Yes, it can be fun seeing a dog drag their owner down the street, but not if you’re the one at the other end of the leash.
And in a worst-case scenario, it can end up harming you and your dog. That’s why you should look for the best dog harness for large dogs.
For some dogs, harnesses are vital pieces of equipment that do more than just stop your dog from pulling. They add extra security and comfort on a walk – something even the best dog collar and leash can’t achieve.
Product
Details
Best Overall
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
- Size: Medium
- Material: Seatbelt Webbing
Super Adjustable
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
- Size: Medium
- Material: Fabric
Heavy-duty Option
Rabbitgoo No Pull Harness
- Size: Large
- Material: Polyester, Nylon
Sleek & Stylish
BARKBAY No Pull Large Dog Harness
- Size: Large
- Material: Zinc Alloy Clips
Basic Design
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
- Size: Medium
- Material: Nylon
Durable & Strong
OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness
- Size: Large
- Material: Nylon
Breathable & Comfortable
Eagloo Dog Harness
- Size: Large
- Material: Other
Comfy & Pretty
Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
- Size: Large
- Material: Sturdy Plastic, Nylon
Best Dog Harnesses for Large Dogs – Top 8 Picks
With a huge range of large dog harnesses available, here are some recommendations for the best dog harnesses specifically for large dogs. If pulling is a problem, we’ve even included some best no-pull dog harnesses.
1. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
This dog harness was designed with the safety and comfort of your dog in mind. Comfortable and lightweight, it has wide and padded chest plate to keep your dog snug and reduce the risk of chafing.
The outside of the dog harness is durable, made of extra-strong nylon webbing that can withstand even the heaviest of pulling from your big fur baby.
But hopefully, they won’t be pulling too hard with the no-pulling feature. The dog harness has a normal leash attachment on the back, as well as a D-ring on the chest to discourage pulling and control your dog’s pace.
With both large and X-large sizes available, there should be a harness to fit most dogs. It can accommodate necks up to a 35” circumference and chests up to 44” – likely big enough to fit your gentle giant.
Regardless of the size, you’ll need to adjust it for a perfect fit. Fortunately, the Kurgo dog harness comes with stretchy material and five points of adjustment to make it easy to find a custom fit.
However, the straps have no protective covering, meaning they can rub against your dog’s legs and get twisted at times.
And as a final bonus, the Kurgo Tru-Fit harness even comes included with a 10” seatbelt tether to keep your pup safe in the car, making this the best dog car harness too.
Pros
- Made of strong and durable material
- Affordable
- Cushioned and padded plates
- Two leash attachments for versatility
- Seatbelt tether comes included
Cons
- Can be difficult and fiddly to adjust straps
- Sizing can pose a problem for some
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
The price of “Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
2. RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
The RUFFWEAR dog harness is of very high quality, hence its hefty price tag. But even though it’s expensive, it’s incredibly durable, guaranteeing you won’t need to buy another for a long time.
The stiff polyester and aluminum V-rings on the front and back withstand heavy use, while it even includes a reflective trim to increase visibility in low light.
Despite its impressive durability, it’s still a comfortable dog harness. It includes wide straps to reduce any danger of chafing and makes use of foam padding on the chest panels. However, it only offers minimal padding and isn’t as comfortable as some other large dog harnesses.
But with four points of adjustment, it’s still a highly adjustable dog harness that will help you find the perfect fit, with its maximum size fitting giant breeds up to a chest girth of 42”.
Pros
- Very strong and durable material
- Wide straps prevent chafing
- Highly adjustable
- Reflective stitching for extra visibility
- Fits very large dogs
Cons
- Slow to dry
- Expensive
- Minimal padding
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
The price of “RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Rabbitgoo No Pull Harness
As a no-pull dog harness, the Rabbitgoo no-pull harness is specifically designed to discourage pulling, including two leash attachment points and even a top handle to offer more control.
These dual clips mean the harness evenly distributes pressure to keep your dog safe and comfortable, especially with the durable padding and adjustable slide straps to customize it for a proper fit.
However, although the straps make it easy to adjust the size, they also loosen quite easily, meaning you have to tighten and re-adjust regularly for active dogs. But with large and X-large sizes available, it should fit your dog. Sizes can accommodate necks up to 35” and chests up to 38”.
It’s still a durable dog harness though, made of heavy-duty nylon and straps constructed with advanced polyester webbing. It even includes a reflective trim to give you extra visibility for nighttime walks.
On the inside, the padding is made of breathable mesh fabric, while the vest-shaped design protects your dog’s neck. It’s worth noting though that this design can cause the whole no-pull dog harness to twist to the side when your dog tugs at the lead.
Pros
- Reflective strips for low-light visibility
- Back and front leash attachments
- Back handle for more control
- Easy to put on and take off
- Comfy but durable material
Cons
- Harness can twist to the side with too much pulling
- Straps need regular tightening and adjusting
Rabbitgoo No Pull Harness
The price of “Rabbitgoo No Pull Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
4. BARKBAY No Pull Large Dog Harness
The BARKBAY no-pull dog harness has a sleek and stylish look with a range of colors and patterns to make it even more fashionable. And with its affordable price tag, it’s a very tempting harness to go for.
It gives you better control over your dog, with two leash attachment points on the front and back, as well as a top handle to grab onto if they’re getting a bit out of hand. The only problem though is that this top handle doesn’t have any padding, meaning it can be difficult and uncomfortable to keep hold of.
On the other hand, the buckles on this harness are particularly durable and can withstand up to 450lbs of force. The exterior material is also durable, made of no-rip nylon to resist strong pulls and all types of weather.
This doesn’t mean that it focuses on durability over comfort though. It has a breathable padded air mesh on the interior.
However, there’s no padding on the straps and the chest plate is a little too narrow, all of which can lead to chafing if you don’t get a perfect size.
The harness’s sizes tend to fit dogs very well though, so long as they’ve been measured properly. There are large and X-large sizes available, fitting chest girths up to 38”.
Pros
- Fits most dogs very well
- Attractive color and pattern designs
- Affordable
- Breathable, comfortable material
- Durable straps that are adjustable
- Reflective strips
Cons
- Stiff top handle with no padding
- No padding under straps
- Narrow chest plate doesn’t help chafing
BARKBAY No Pull Large Dog Harness
The price of “ BARKBAY No Pull Large Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
5. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Although a more basic harness, this is recommended by trainers and ideal for dogs just learning to walk on a lead. That makes this a perfect harness for a small dog or a puppy still getting used to a harness, especially given that even the large and X-large sizes only accommodate chest sizes up to 24”.
It includes a front leash attachment point and a Martingale leash loop to stop pulling. The loop makes it easier to give corrections to make your dog pay attention to you and stop pulling. However, this leash doesn’t offer a more traditional back clip for the lead.
With such as simple design, it might take a while to work out how to put it on properly. But the straps come in different colors, helping you know the right way to put them on. And with quick-snap buckles, it’s even easier to put it on and off.
It’s not the most comfortable of harnesses for large dogs though. Made of strong nylon, it’s soft and easy to clean however, there’s no padding and with such thin straps, there’s a danger of chafing if the dog pulls too much.
It’s particularly important to adjust the size properly for this no-pull dog harness since there’s a risk the front chest strap might sag and get caught up in your dog’s front legs.
Pros
- Fully adjustable
- Affordable
- Durable but soft material
- Easy to put on and take off
Cons
- No leash attachment on the dog’s back
- No padding on chest plates
- Thin straps under armpits might cause chafing
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
The price of “PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
6. OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness
Unlike most of the other harnesses for large dogs here, the OneTigris tactical dog harness is built primarily for service and fieldwork, and not for a casual dog owner. This is the real deal – hence why it’s so expensive.
And with a new and improved version out, the upgraded OneTigris harness is even more durable and fits large dogs like a glove.
The higher price is understandable given the high quality of the producer. Made with durable 1000D nylon, the panels are fully water-resistant with reinforced stitchwork and four quick-release UTX Duraflex buckles, making the harness easy to take on and off but still super secure.
With a top handle and two extra-strong V-rings on the front and back, it gives you a considerable amount of control despite having a strong dog who might like to pull.
It’s still a comfortable harness though, with padded support to keep your dog happy and snug. And despite the amount of durable and comfortable material, it still manages to be lightweight.
If style is at all important to you, there are several shades of colors to choose from, but be aware that they’re really just varied shades of black and brown.
Still, it does include hoop and loop strips to attach personalized patches and the option to attach items there – don’t hang anything too heavy on there though!
It’s worth noting that some dog owners have found the harness too big for their dogs, so choose carefully between the large and X-large and measure carefully. The harness can take dogs with necks up to 29” and chests up to 40” with fully adjustable straps to find the best fit.
Pros
- Highly durable
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Padded for comfort
- Multiple leash attachments for maximum control
Cons
- Expensive
- Some harnesses are too big for even large dogs
- Limited styles and colors
OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness
The price of “ OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Eagloo Dog Harness
As with other no-pull dog harnesses, the Eagloo dog harness has two leash attachment points: a V-ring on the back for more casual walks, and an O-ring on the chest to train and discourage pulling. On top of this, it includes a handle on the back for extra control or to help your dog get up.
With two quick-snap buckles, the Eagloo dog harness is easy to put on and take off. It has adjustable straps at the neck and chest areas for a custom fit, however, they can be fiddly to adjust.
On top of that, if your dog starts to pull too much, you may find these straps loosen and need regular tightening.
The breathable mesh lining is combined with a soft sponge padding to provide your dog with maximum comfort. The exterior of the harness is made from a mix of premium polyester fiber as well as reflective nylon webbing, allowing optimal visibility at night.
It offers a range of bright and vivid colors for you to choose from, as well as large and X-large sizes fitting chest girths up to 37”.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off with quick release
- Two leash attachments and top handle for best control
- Adjustable straps for custom fit
- Breathable mesh lining and padding for comfort
- Durable material
- Range of colors available
Cons
- Straps require regular tightening
- Straps can be difficult and fiddly to adjust for the best fit
Eagloo Dog Harness
The price of “Eagloo Dog Harness ” varies, so check the latest price at
8. Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
This tactical harness is excellent for long walks or hikes that give you an opportunity to let your dog off the leash. That’s because it includes an ID badge in case they run off, making them easy to find again.
There are still options to keep them on the leash though, with leash attachments on the chest and back, as well as a top handle for extra control.
The front clip doesn’t stop pulling too much though, so it might be best to attach a leash to both clips to “steer” a particularly strong or large dog.
The Auroth harness’s durability is a huge selling point. More than just water-resistant, it’s made from military-grade materials, such as 900D nylon with fluorescent edging – hence the expensive price tag.
Although its quick-release buckles make it easy to put on and take off, they’re made from secure heavy-duty plastic. Nevertheless, it would be even more secure with an extra buckle.
It’s still a comfortable harness for large dogs though, with cushioning on the top and bottom to protect against chafing. And with a range of fun colors available, it’s easy on the eyes too. It comes in both large and X-large sizes, fitting necks up to 31” and chests up to 42”.
One of the best parts though is the strips of Molle (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment). These allow you to attach a bowl, water bottle, or even your dog’s favorite toy, letting them carry their things with them as you take them on an adventure with you.
Pros
- Durable material
- Includes an ID badge
- Easy to put on and take off
- Highly adjustable straps
- Molle included to attach pouches
Cons
- Expensive
- Another buckle would improve security
- Better for already-trained dogs
Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
The price of “Auroth Tactical Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
Why Do Large Dogs Need a Harness?
There are two specific advantages to a harness for a large dog. The most obvious one is it stops them from pulling so much. Thanks to their size and strength, large dogs pose quite a risk to others, their owners, and even themselves in some cases.
Although a dog harness can help a reactive dog who easily becomes excitable or aggressive, it’s not magic.
It’s a tool that helps reduce the risk and aids in training by distributing pressure points around the dog’s body, encouraging them not to pull as much.
The other advantage is it protects your pup’s neck. When they pull just wearing a dog collar, it puts all the pressure on their neck. Too much force applied to the neck can cause some serious injury to your dog, something a dog harness can keep at bay.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
With the sheer number of harnesses available, it’s easy to find yourself lost and overwhelmed with all the choices. So here are a few of the top things to look out for when narrowing down the best harnesses.
Material
Materials that make up the large dog harnesses and german shepherd harnesses are extremely robust and sturdy. However, it’s best if you can find a no-pull harness that’s as durable as possible to make sure it doesn’t fray, or your dog doesn’t chew through it.
Ideally, you also want it to be machine washable to make it easy to keep clean, as well as to have some reflective stitching for lowlight visibility.
Fit
Size and fit are key factors for big dogs, so make sure to measure your dog for a harness. It’s important for it to fit well, allowing your dog comfort and alleviating any pressure on their neck.
Make sure that it fits well around their legs too and doesn’t impede movement. At the end of the day, there will always be numerous adjustment options to give you a customized fit, so make sure you know how to put on a dog harness properly.
Comfort
Don’t worry if your dog takes a while to get used to your no-pull harness. Even the most comfortable harness can take a while to get used to. So long as it fits well, doesn’t chafe, and has padding with a breathable mesh, your dog will be happy to wear it in no time.
Durability
Because of the enormous strength of large dogs, durability is particularly important. Ideally, you want a no-pull harness with metal leash attachments, secure heavy-duty buckles, and a strong fabric that withstands regular use and heavy pulling.
Types of Dog Harness
There’s more than just a color and size to pick out when it comes to a dog harness – there are a few different types you need to choose from.
The three main types are back-clip, front-clip, and dual-clip.
- Back-clip: These are the most common and are harnesses with a leash attachment on the dog’s back. While it keeps the pressure away from your dog’s neck and stops their legs from getting tangled in the leash, it gives you less control over them and sometimes can even encourage pulling.
- Front-clip: These are perfect for training dogs to walk properly and can make the best large dog harnesses. The leash attachment is on the dog’s chest, giving you more control. Whenever they pull too hard, they end up turning straight back toward you. However, there’s a higher chance that their legs get tangled in the leash.
- Dual-clip: These are the best of both worlds; with a front and back clip, you can transition from one to the other when your dog is fully trained. Alternatively, you can even use both leash attachments at the same time, allowing you to “steer” your dog with full control.
Conclusion
Different dogs benefit from different harnesses, but you don’t need to worry too much.
So long as you select a harness that’s comfortable, adjustable, big, and durable enough, you ought to be able to keep your dog safe and finally have a more peaceful, enjoyable walk together.
