What is the best dog harness?

There isn't one "best" dog harness for every dog.

The best harness is the one that:

• fits correctly
• doesn't restrict shoulder movement
• is comfortable for long walks
• matches your dog's activity
• is easy to adjust
• stays secure without rubbing
• suits your dog's shape

For many active dogs, Ruffwear harnesses are among the best available because they combine excellent fit, durable materials, thoughtful design and models suited to everything from everyday walks to mountain hikes and water adventures.

We've personally used Ruffwear with our dogs for eight years and we are proud to sell such a brilliant brand - Sharon

Different Ruffwear harnesses excel in different situations, for example, lightweight everyday use, extra support, hiking or escape resistance, so choosing the right model matters more than choosing the most expensive one.

We've fitted thousands of dogs over the past six years.

Every week we see Labradors wearing harnesses that are too loose, Spaniels with straps rubbing behind their elbows and puppies wearing harnesses they'll outgrow in a fortnight.

The biggest mistake people make is buying based on colour or fashion instead of fit.

That's why we always recommend measuring your dog first before choosing a harness.

Which Ruffwear harness should I buy?

Check out our extensive guide on buying the right Ruffwear harness for your dog.

Frequently asked questions about dog harness options

What makes a good dog harness?

1. Comfort
2. Fit
3. Durability
4. Strength

We feel that Ruffwear harnesses tick all four boxes. Ruffwear has been innovating, redefining, and improving canine apparel for years and everything is crafted from a dog's perspective.

Ruffwear hardware (the clips and attachments) All of Ruffwear’s custom aluminium hardware is extruded and drop-forged, rather than cast. This allows them to control every aspect of the build process from temperature to cleanliness, eliminating weaknesses to create stronger, more trusted gear. It’s the same high standards used to craft climbing equipment, resulting in a durable product that’s built to last. Find out how they test all their equipment HERE

Harness vs collar

This really is personal preference and some dogs do well on a collar. If you take the time to train your dog to walk to heel, a collar is a great piece of kit.  Ruffwear collars are strong and durable, made to last and withstand all your adventures.

Ruffwear collars have many great features including a tag silencer (because not all dogs and humans like a jingly tag noise), a strong connection point, tough and durable fabric.

Shop Ruffwear collars at Be More Bob

Front clip vs back clip

Your Ruffwear harness will come with both a front and back clip.

If your dog is a puller, you can use the front clip in conjunction with your training to get your dog to pull less.  

Let's bust the myth that a harness will stop your dog from pulling.  It will not. There is no such thing as a no-pull harness.  What a harness DOES DO is give you the comfort and control to train your dog to pull less. It will enable you to control your dog without pulling on their neck or suffering through that rasping pull.

Best every day harness

The Ruffwear Front Range is the best selling, every day harness that suits most dogs. Padded for comfort, two attachment points, strong, reliable and resilient, this harness has been voted 'best harness by WHICH? magazine' and is a favourite for millions of dogs.

Bob wears the Front Range in Moonlight Mountains.

Best harness for puppies

Ruffwear Hi & Light and Front Range FLEX are both great for puppies.  They go down to an XXXS, they are supremely light-weight, yet strong, both comfortable and your pup won't even know they are wearing it.

Dolly wears the Front Range FLEX in XXS.

Best harness for dogs that pull

If your dog is strong or tends to pull you a lot, the Ruffwear Front Range and Ruffwear Web Master are a good harness. Both offer a padded shell, strong and durable fabrics and front clip attachment points.

The Ruffwear Web Master is also a no-escape harness. It's a favourite among bigger breeds.

Neither harness (nor any harness) will stop your dog from pulling. They are used in conjunction with your control and training to keep your dog safe and comfortable.

Best harness for hiking

The Ruffwear Flagline is a favourite amongst hikers and climbers, due to its lightweight design and lift handle.

The Ruffwear Web Master is also popular amongst hikers that tackle difficult terrain, such as rocky climbs, as it also has a lift handle.

Best harness for nervous dogs

We would recommend the Ruffwear Flagline for nervous dogs as it is a no-escape harness (when fitted correctly). It also has a lift/grab/carry handle for those moments when you may want to grab on to the back of your dog.

Best harness for sighthounds

The Ruffwear Flagline is a favourite for long-bodied, deep chested dogs and sighthounds due to its long length and precise fit.

Best escape-proof harness

Both the Ruffwear Flagline and Ruffwear Web Master are no-escape harnesses when fitted correctly, due to the third set of clips sitting behind your dog's ribcage.

How to measure your dog - common fitting mistakes

To size your pup for our harnesses, apparel, and packs, you’ll need to measure your dog’s girth. This will be the widest part of your dog’s chest just behind the front legs.

To measure your dog’s girth, you can use tailor's tape — or if you don't have tailor's tape, you can use a long string and measure it later. Take your tape and wrap it around the widest part of your dog's rib cage, which again, is usually the chest area right behind their front legs.

Harness & Apparel Sizing

Size	XXXS	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL
Girth (in)	9 - 13 in	13 - 17 in	17 - 22 in	22 - 27 in	27 - 32 in	32 - 36 in	36 - 42 in
Girth (cm)	23 - 33 cm	33 - 43 cm	43 - 56 cm	56 - 69 cm	69 - 81 cm	81 - 91 cm	91 - 107 cm

 

How to Size for a Growing Dog

Puppies grow quickly and that means their size might still be changing. While your pup’s growth will depend on its breed, many larger dogs may not hit their full size and weight till around 12 to 18 months.

We recommend sizing based on your puppy’s current measurements to make sure they are getting a comfortable and functional fit. If their gear is too large or small, you might see some chafing or slipping and your harness won't be safe or comfortable.

If your growing pup is truly between two sizes, choose the larger size. For example: a 3-month-old puppy with a 17-inch (43 cm) chest girth would be right between XXS (13-17 in / 33-43 cm) and XS (17-22 in / 43-56 cm) harness sizes. We recommend sizing up to the XS since their current girth fits within that size range AND the larger size will give them room to grow.

How to size a collar

For collars, you should make sure that it fits snugly but not too tight, allowing you to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog's neck. This ensures that it's secure enough to prevent slipping off but doesn't restrict your dog's movement or cause discomfort. When fitting a martingale collar, ensure it's adjusted so that when relaxed, it comfortably fits around the neck without choking, yet tightens appropriately when tension is applied, preventing escape without causing harm. Always monitor your pup’s collar fit regularly, especially during periods of growth or weight change.

Does Ruffwear Make Gear for Small Dogs?

Yes, Ruffwear makes gear for small dogs. We know that there are big adventures ahead for your small canine explorer, and we create gear to keep up with them. Most of our apparel and harnesses are available down to an XXS (girth 13 - 17 in / 33 - 43 cm).

The Ruffwear Hi & Light and Ruffwear Front Range FLEX are two popular harnesses styles for the smaller breeds as they go down to the smallest size.

Should a small dog wear a harness?