Dogs love riding in cars with you! No one can resist a cute dog watching the world go by from an open car window. The sense of exploration a car journey offers gives your dog a chance to enjoy indulging in their favorite pass time – barking at anything that moves.
While car rides are fun for both dog and owner, they are also dangerous, especially for small dog breeds such as Maltese, Shih Tzu, and Chihuahuas.
In a recent manufacturer’s safety survey, 65% of drivers who drive with their dogs in the car, admitted to engaging in at least one distracting activity, some caused by their dogs.
Small dogs would also not be able to withstand the impact of a collision on their tiny bodies if not properly secured. Fortunately, with the best dog harness for small dogs, you can keep your best friend safe as they ride or walk with you.
In our review and comprehensive buyer’s guide, we’ve picked the best small dog harness brands to give you peace of mind. These top brand harnesses will comfortably but safely secure and restrain your four-legged friend, whether you’re driving or walking with them.
Ready to shop? Let’s have a look at the review.
Table of Contents
Our top pick—and where we’d recommend you look first—is the Ecobark Classic harnesses, but any of the options on our list should suit you well.
Here are some other great options:
Ecobark harnesses come in a variety of attractive colors and designs. The smaller sizes fit small dog breeds and feel secure and comfortable.
A key feature with these harnesses is the no-choke, no-pull design that prevents pressure on the neck area. The adjustable belt in the belly area also prevents chaffing and rubbing. These harnesses are the haute couture, too. They come in brilliant, attractive colors sure to leave your little princess—or prince—looking stylish.
The snap closure mechanism could be made slightly stronger, and though your dog won’t escape this harness if the clasp doesn’t fail, it’s also hard to remove.
This harness is stylish, fashionable, and well designed. For small dogs, it works great at protecting their front and belly area on both car rides and walks. Eco bark is one of the best dog harnesses for small dogs you can buy today.
The Voyager harness has a simple design that is easy to use. It’s a lightweight harness made of nylon that’s soft, breathable mesh, and can be worn all year round.
We loved the non-irritating material that will not chafe or rub against your pet's fur and skin. Also, because it's made with stretchy material, this harness will mold itself around your dog's body, and make them feel cozy and comfy. The 2 D-rings come in handy during leash training, as well.
The D-rings on the harness seem a bit big. They do not fit well on a small dog harness. Some users also complain that the stitching is prone to fraying.
This harness has excellent all-season wearability. It is soft and gentle for your dog, providing breathability and safety, with the added Velcro strapping.
Pawtitas harnesses are among the top-selling harnesses on many e-commerce platforms. They are attractive and well made with great functionality.
This harness is very well made, with attractive colors, superior stitching, and premium high-grade materials. It is ideal for small breeds such as Shih Tzus Pomeranians and Maltese. Additionally, if you have a nervous dog on your hands, this harness is comfortable to put on and wear and won't stress them out unnecessarily.
We would like to see a little bit more wiggle room, especially in the front chest area. Otherwise, it's an excellent fitting harness for small dogs.
One of the best small dog harnesses out there! Pawtitas has come out with a well-designed harness that showcases excellent construction and breathable materials for all-day wear.
Wonder Pup harnesses comprise a cotton material and soft mesh for breathability. They fit snugly on all sizes of dogs, come in five convenient sizes, and lots of attractive colors.
These harnesses are great value for the cost. They are built well and won’t cost as much as similar harnesses. The breathable mesh fabric makes them wearable in hot weather or for car journeys, too. They are also secure with the Velcro and plastic clip closure mechanisms.
As the adjustment buckle can slip during walking or riding, your dog can easily break free with a strong pull. A rubber stop would help in stopping this from happening as the dog walks.
Great quality harnesses that come at an affordable price. Choose from five convenient sizes to fit all manner of small breed dogs.
The Sporn no-pull, mesh harness provides the ultimate protection and comfort. It is constructed with premium-grade nylon mesh that is durable and breathable.
This harness is specially designed for dogs that pull. The padded sherpa sleeves tighten and apply gentle pressure under the dog's front legs, discouraging them from pulling. The elastic webbing and stretch material allows your dog to move with freedom and flexibility, and the padded front area provides all the protection to the sternum while they run, walk, or ride.
These harnesses are not chew-proof, so be careful leaving your buddy in one unattended. They are also a little tricky to remove.
If you have a small dog that tends to pull, this harness controls your dog's movements and minimizes the effects of their pulling.
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Car Harness has the distinction of being a best-selling, crash-tested dog harness on the market. These harnesses are tested at Calpsan’s in Buffalo New York and hold a USA FMVSS safety standard number of 213 for Child Restraint Systems.
We love the peace of mind this safety car harness provides to dog owners. It comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, crash testing, and FMVSS credentials.
These harnesses also come in five convenient sizes, with a thick padded chest plate, and extra tether for seat belt attachment.
Additionally, this product comes with the Kurgo Lifetime Warranty against any manufacturer defects.
The chest straps are slightly thin. They could be thicker to last longer, and the stitching seems a bit pokey in spots.
Kurgo is one of the best car harnesses for dogs. It is padded well with soft but thick materials to provide the ultimate protection in case of an accident. It also doubles up as a durable walking harness.
This no-pull adjustable harness is lightweight and sponge filled for the ultimate comfort. The clips are durable and open and close with ease.
We love that this harness is lightweight and choke free. This feature is crucial for small dog harnesses, as little dogs are susceptible to collapsed trachea injuries.
Reflective stitching means you can walk your dog in low-light or night-time conditions with giving high-visibility.
Some users have noted that the harness rotates sideways during walking, and we experienced this too. Exercise caution when walking in high-traffic areas and make sure the harness is sized correctly and fits snugly on your dog before going out.
This harness is both lightweight and breathable for comfortable wear, all-day. It is also secure to wear on long walks or during training and choke free, crucial for small dogs.
The Kong Comfort Control Grip harness gives both the ultimate control to the owner and comfort to the dog while on walks.
This harness is specially designed for small dogs. The design offers a snug, comfortable fit, and it is fully adjustable. It also comes with a padded handle to make it convenient and easy for you to walk your small dog. This harness is sturdy and will undoubtedly last you a while.
The strap moves freely through a loop in the back piece of the harness. This feature means that the back can get twisted, creating room for your dog to wiggle out
The Kong harness is built for small dogs. It is a safer harness that is well padded to protect their tiny bodies and features padded handles for your comfort during walks.
This No-Pull Small Dog Harness is the solution if you have a small dog that doesn’t like harnesses – it will keep them securely restrained while feeling comfortable and light.
We love the quick-release clip with two D-rings for leash training and security while you walk your dog. It is also easy to put on and take off, is made of durable materials, and is easy to keep clean.
This harness comes in six colors and five sizes to fit all types of small dog breeds and cater to all owners’ tastes.
The sizing chart is inaccurate. Make sure to measure and double-check your dog’s measurements yourself to avoid getting an incorrectly sized harness.
This harness is perfect for small dogs who hate harnesses. It feels comfortable and lightweight, almost like a second skin. Your dog will wear it without protest, and the no-pull design will allow you to keep your dog under control quickly.
There are so many dog harnesses for small dogs on the market nowadays. It’s important to go shopping for one with some knowledge of what you need. Failure to do your research could cause you to purchase a harness that will not only fail to work for your small dog but waste your money in the process.
Harnesses, unlike collars, do not put pressure on a dog’s neck.
Small dogs are particularly prone to tracheal collapse, and adding pressure to their necks can trigger the condition. Harnesses help to avoid this issue by supporting small dogs in their most active areas – the front legs and the chest.
Small dogs can also be excitable and suddenly rush and pull forward. Harnesses allow you to safely hold them back without strangling them in their weakest area – the neck.
If you’re traveling with your small dog in a car, running, or enjoying agility training together, you’ll need a body harness.
Body harnesses provide ample protection to the chest and front leg area. They are suitable for dogs that have been trained not to pull. These harnesses are no-pull and chew-proof and can easily be worn all the time.
They also provide padded protection to the sternum and chest area that allows you to ride with your dog in the car and carry out athletic activities safely, such as Frisbee catching and dog diving.
Do not use them, however, on a dog that pulls.
These harnesses are the best choice for a dog that pulls as it trains them to stop pulling. The rotational energy, if the dog pulls on the harness, turns their body around, preventing them from going in the direction they are not facing.
Front-hook harnesses are easy to fit, but they are not recommended for car journeys or athletic activities. The dog might also be tempted to chew on them, so they should not be worn all the time.
Fit is essential when choosing a harness for your small dog. You do not want to buy an ill-fitting harness that will either suffocate your dog or allow them to wiggle out.
Whether you get a no-pull harness, a fashionable harness, or a car safety harness, it should the harness fit your dog comfortably, keeping the pressure off the neck and throat.
Measure the circumference around the neck and chest to get the most accurate measurements. Always use a measuring tape or a string measured against a ruler, because different harnesses will need different measurements for a proper fit.
| Dog Breed |
Dog’s Weight (pounds) | Size of Harness |
Neck Circumference (inches) |
Chest Circumference (inches) |
| Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier | Up to 5 | XX-Small | 7.5 - 9 | 8.5 - 12 |
| Maltese, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu, Toy Poodle, Miniature Dachsund | 5 – 10 | X-Small | 9 - 13 | 12 - 18 |
| Pekingese, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Scottish Terrier, Cavalier King Charles, Corgi | 10 – 25 | Small | 12 - 20 | 16 - 22 |
The main objective when looking for a small dog harness is not to strangle your dog. Small dogs are particularly vulnerable in the throat area, and all harnesses should leave this area free.
Comfort and safety will ensure that your dog enjoys their accessory, and will give you peace of mind. The best small dog harness brands have the following features:
Small dog harnesses protect the weak neck area and support the front leg and chest area. Look for harnesses that are choke-free, as little dogs are susceptible to trachea conditions.
For the best fit, you will want a dog harness that is fully adjustable. Customized fits that mold themselves around your dog’s body will prevent them from either feeling hemmed in or from slipping out of the harness.
Small dogs are not that heavy, so it won’t make sense to purchase a bulky harness for your dog. Look for comfortable, padded, but lightweight harnesses that will give your dog the protection they need, without weighing them down.
Remember to also look for breathable mesh materials that feel soft and keep your dog cool at all times.
Your harness should be constructed in such a way that it is easy to put on and take off. Dogs can’t keep still for one minute, so fitting the harness should be a one-second job.
Front hook harnesses are generally more comfortable to put on than body harnesses.
Some harnesses are step-in, while others are over-the-head harnesses. For small dogs, over-the-head harnesses seem popular, and they're a particularly right choice if your dog is nervous.
Durable harnesses last you a while and save you money. The best small dog harnesses are made of high-quality materials with breathable mesh and padding for comfort.
The addition of a waterproof coating on the harness is a good idea to keep it resistant to the elements, especially if you're going out on walks or runs. Look for harnesses that can be hand-washed or machine-washed for easy maintenance.
For added peace of mind, if possible, look for harnesses that have been crash-tested. These harnesses are listed on the Center for Pet Safety website or those that have a USA FMVSS number.
We have, after hours of research and reviewing other customer reviews, come up with what we feel are the best small dog harnesses.
We've looked at their safety testing accreditations, comfort, adjustability, and durability, as key considerations in making our choice. The best dog harness for small dogs also needs to be lightweight to be comfortable, as these tiny dogs don't weigh much more than a few pounds. Look for a crash test certified or FMVSS-approved harness where possible.
Do you agree with our small dog harness choices for this review? Have you any experience with any of the brands mentioned?
Comment below, let us know what you think, and happy harness hunting for your pup!
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