Best Harness For Pugs: A Complete Buying Guide

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Best Harness For Pugs: A Complete Buying Guide

Pugs are a unique breed with a completely unique body style.

Those short stubby necks and wide chests might make it a challenge when it comes to buying harnesses.

So, we set out to find the best harness for pugs and came up with more than we expected too.

This article will share how to choose a harness for your pug and offer some of the best options available on the market.

Every harness listed has a ton of positive reviews and come with a positive sentiment across the web.

best pug harnesses

Best Harness For Pugs Options

WALKTOFINE No Pull Dog Harness

This is another no pull harness that has rings to clip your leash on both on the back and front. This makes it easy to control your dog, especially if you’re working on training. It comes in four different sizes for both large and small breeds. It also comes in five different colors. It has a padded fabric in the front and it has four adjustable straps in the back. It also has reflective strips on it to ensure that your dog stays safe both during the day and at night.

With over 7,800 (5) star reviews, this pug harness is clearly a winner!

THE GOOD
  1. It has reflective strips for walking at night
  2. It has adjustable straps
  3. It comes in five different colors
  4. It comes in sizes for all dogs
  5. It’s great for dogs that pull a lot
THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. It’s a bit bulky for small dogs
  2. The straps could break
  3. It won’t fit every dog perfectly

Puppia Authentic RiteFit Harness

This popular harness comes in nine different colors and it has four different sizes. It’s made with a breathable mesh material, which is soft and allows for your dog to comfortably move around. To put it on, your dog can easily step into it. However, the front has to slide over your dog’s head, which can be difficult. The neck and chest belt are adjustable to ensure that it fits properly. The back of the harness has a loop where you can attach the leash.

With over 5,700 (4.4) star ratings on Amazon, this harness is another winner with pet parents like you!

THE GOOD
  1. It’s made with a soft, breathable fabric
  2. It comes in nine different colors
  3. It comes in four different sizes
  4. It’s adjustable
  5. It’s easy to put on
THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. Some dogs won’t like sliding it over their head
  2. The recommended sizes are slightly off
  3. It might not fit dogs with large heads

PUPTECK Soft Mesh Dog Harness

The PUPTECK harness is another breathable mesh harness that easily slips over your dog’s head and clips around their back. It comes in a plaid pattern that’s either beige, red, or pink. It also comes in three different sizes. It even comes with a matching leash. There’s a single ring on the back of the harness where the leash can clip on. It’s important to note that the harness doesn’t adjust around your dog’s head, so dogs with big heads might not fit into their designated size.

Over 12,000 (4.3) star ratings cannot be wrong!

THE GOOD
  1. It comes in three different colors
  2. It comes in three different sizes
  3. It’s made with a soft, breathable fabric
  4. It comes with a leash
  5. It’s durable
THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. It might not fit dogs with large heads
  2. It might fit too tightly on overweight dogs
  3. It can be difficult to get on and off

BINGPET Soft Mesh Dog Harness

This breathable mesh harness comes in four different sizes and six different colors. It slips over your dog’s head and buckles around their back. The back is adjustable, but around the head is not. It has a sturdy metal ring on the back of the harness where you can clip your dog’s leash. It’s recommended that you measure your dog’s neck and chest loosely to ensure that the size you purchase isn’t too tight.

Over 5,500 (4.3) star ratings on Amazon make this another great option!

THE GOOD
  1. It’s affordable
  2. It’s made with soft, breathable fabric
  3. It comes in four different sizes
  4. It comes in six different colors
  5. It’s durable
THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. It might not fit on dogs with large heads
  2. It could be too tight if your dog’s measurements aren’t exact
  3. It can be tricky to put on

Gooby Perfect Fit X Harness

This step in harness is a unique ‘X’ shape. It’s made with a breathable mesh fabric, and it comes in eight different colors. It can also be purchased in three different sizes. It clips in the back with two rings to clip a leash to. It also has four adjustable straps. Additionally, it’s machine washable, but it’s recommended that you air dry it afterwards. If you’re unsure about the measurements, the company recommends that you measure the largest part of your dog’s chest just to be safe.

With over 1,100 (4.4) star ratings on Amazon, we know you will love the X harness from Gooby.

THE GOOD
  1. It has four adjustable straps
  2. It comes in eight different colors
  3. It comes in three different sizes
  4. It’s made with a breathable mesh fabric
  5. It’s machine washable
  6. It’s durable
THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. It might become loose over time
  2. The straps could arrive broken
  3. It could be an unusual shape for some dogs

BARKBAY No Pull Dog Harness

This is a no pull style dog harness, which means that it has a ring in the front and the back to better control your dog. The harness is also made with a soft material that won’t irritate your dog’s skin. It comes in six unique colors and in four sizes, ranging from small to extra large. It’s easy to put on, and it has four adjustable points to ensure that it fits properly. It also has reflective straps on it to ensure that your dog is visible while walking at night.

Over 7,800 (4.5) stars reviews on Amazon is why it makes it to our list!

THE GOOD
  1. It’s great for dogs that pull
  2. It has reflective strips
  3. It comes in six colors
  4. It comes in a wide range of sizes
  5. It’s adjustable
  6. It’s made with a soft fabric
THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. It could break over time
  2. It can be difficult to adjust
  3. It could stretch out over time

rabbitgoo Dog Harness

A top seller! The rabbitgoo dog harness is a great option for your pug. It has a no-pull design which provides you better control of your dog during walks.

It is designed to also help train your dog to not pull with their unique 2 ring design. There is a leash ring at the top of the harness – but also one in the front of the harness at your dogs chest. When the leash is attached to the front ring and your dog pulls, they force will make them turn around and prevent them from moving forward. This will eventually teach them that pulling is a big no-no.

The vest is made from a padded mesh material making it perfect for those hotter days as it allows air to get through. It also features a top handle for easy grabbing if the need arises!

THE GOOD
  1. Available in 4 sizes
  2. 12 color options
  3. Adjustable strips for better fit
  4. Weather proof material
  5. Built in reflective strips

 

THE NOT SO GOOD
  1. Reports of the material ripping
  2. Not machine washable
  3. Does not hold up to dogs who chew

Choosing the perfect harness for your dog can be overwhelming, but any of the harnesses above should do the job!

They all have great reviews and positive sentiments across the word.

Do Pugs Really Need Harnesses?

There is a common misconception that only large dogs need harnesses, but that could not be further from the truth.

The reality is that all dogs can benefit from harnesses.

Even if your dog doesn’t pull often, a harness can still prevent unnecessary pressure on their neck.

Additionally, Pugs are a brachycephalic dog breed, which means they have a flat face.

This causes them to be more prone to breathing problems (as well as eyelid problems) than other dog breeds.

If they tug on the leash even a little bit, it could cause their breathing problems to worsen.

Their airways should be kept clear at all times, so attaching their leash to a harness instead of a collar is one of the best ways to do that.

Most Pugs don’t pull too much while walking, but they do often get sudden bursts of energy that dog parents like to refer to as “zoomies”.

If this happens to your dog, then their energy could get out of control and try to run around while on a leash.

If the leash is attached to your dog’s collar, it could be difficult for you to calm them down without accidentally choking them in the process.

Additionally, harnesses can benefit Pugs of all ages.

If your dog is older, it can help them with health conditions like hip dyspepsia and arthritis because it helps support their body better.

For young puppies, it’s a great tool for training.

Harnesses give you better control over your dog, so it’s easier to teach your puppy to walk by your side if they are wearing a harness.

Related: How long should I walk my dog for?

Types Of Harnesses For Pugs

There are lots of different types of harnesses, but not all of them are good choices for Pugs.

Usually, the ones for small breeds like Pugs are easier to put on and are not as strong since small breeds are easier to control while walking.

The easiest style to use is a step in harness.

That is because these harnesses don’t usually have any complicated clipping.

They usually just slide on your dog’s body and clip in one spot.

Most dogs like to put up a fight when putting a harness on, so this is the best option for fidgety dogs.

However, it’s usually not as adjustable as other harnesses.

More complicated harnesses usually have clips in the back, front, or even in multiple other places.

These can be a bit trickier to figure out, and it might take your Pug some time to get used to them.

However, they are usually adjustable in multiple places.

The benefit of a more complicated harness is that some are considered “no pull” harnesses.

This means that the leash can clip in two different places, making it harder for your dog to pull away from you.

For Pugs, this feature isn’t necessary, but it can be helpful in public areas.

best harness for pugs

Fitting Your Pug For A Harness

The easiest way to fit your Pug for a harness is to bring them to the store with you if possible.

That way, you can try the harness on your dog before purchasing it to ensure that it fits them perfectly.

Harness sizes are much more complicated than collar sizes, so you can’t just grab the first one you find.

If you can’t bring your Pug with you to buy a harness, you will want to have their measurements ready.

Without measurements, it’s difficult for the staff to give you an ideal recommendation.

The most important parts of your dog to measure are around their neck and chest.

Then, you can choose a harness that will comfortably fit over their head and around their body.

Luckily, most harnesses are adjustable in some way, so it doesn’t need to be an exact match.

Just to be safe, you should ask for a receipt in case the size doesn’t fit as expected.

What To Look For In A Pug Harness

Of course, the ideal Pug harness should perfectly fit your dog’s size without being too tight or too loose.

Additionally, it should be comfortable for them.

This means that the fabric should be soft and breathable, and it shouldn’t make your dog’s skin sore when it rubs against them.

Since Pugs are small dogs, they don’t need a heavy duty harness, they just need a simple harness that’s easy to use.

Even so, the material should still be durable and last for a long time.

Also, you should make sure any metal parts on it are rust-resistant.

If your Pug pulls more than usual though, you might want to consider a no pull harness to keep them under control easier.

No pull harnesses are also less likely to apply pressure on your dog’s neck area.

The perfect harness should also be easily adjustable.

Pugs love to eat, so it’s possible that they could gain weight over time.

Therefore, the harness should still fit them no matter how much their weight fluctuates.

Things you should consider when choosing a harness include:

  • Durability. You might walk in the rain, your dog may pull a lot, and you may even get caught in some brush during a walk. Can your harness withstand all of that?
  • Padding. To ensure your pup is as comfortable as possible you will want to make sure there is a bit of padding at least on the chest area. This will keep any discomfort from rubbing to a minimum.
  • Material. A material that is flexible and hugs the body is the best. We highly recommend those harnesses that are made with Nylon over other options.
  • Buckles. Choose a harness that has buckles with quick-release so you can easily remove it at the click of a button.

Related: Why does my dog walk and poop?

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you decide on a harness for your Pug, you should make sure that all your questions and concerns are answered.

Here are some common questions that dog parents ask about Pug harnesses.

Do Pugs Need No Pull Harnesses?

Most Pugs don’t pull too hard while walking, and if they do, it should not be too difficult to control them.

Because of this, many people assume that no pull harnesses are only ideal for larger dog breeds.

However, no pull harnesses can actually be some of the best options for Pugs.

No pull harnesses allow you to have more control of your dog.

Plus, they are usually made with a sturdier material.

This can be helpful for a Pug because they are a brachycephalic breed.

Breathing is already difficult for your dog, so they should not be pulling hard and straining themselves while they are walking.

For that reason, a no pull harness can help keep them safer and teach them not to pull too hard.

Should Pug Puppies Have Harnesses?

Dog parents are often hesitant about getting harnesses for puppies because the puppies will eventually grow out of them and need another one.

So, there’s no harm in waiting until they are older, but harnesses can definitely benefit Pug puppies too.

Harnesses are a great way to teach your dog how to walk properly, so it’s a good idea to start teaching your dog those manners from an early age.

It’s recommended that you don’t get a harness for your puppy until they are at least 8 weeks old.

Since Pugs are small to begin with, Pug puppies are tiny.

It might be difficult to find a harness that fits them well.

If your Pug is too small for most harness sizes, you might want to wait a little longer to get a harness for them.

For extra small puppies, sometimes a harness for a cat might even fit more accurately than a dog harness.

If you are stuck between two harness sizes, always get the larger one so they can grow into it.

Otherwise, you will be stuck with a tight harness that you will only use for a short time period.

It’s also a good idea to make sure the harness is easily adjustable so you can make it bigger for your Pug as they grow.

Eventually, you will probably need to buy them a larger harness, but it’s still a good idea to walk them with a harness as a puppy since that is when they will be most energetic and curious.

It’s best to buy a harness based on your puppy’s current measurements because it’s hard to guess how big they will be when they are adults.

Wait to purchase their adult harness until you are sure they are done growing.

Final Thoughts

Pugs should wear harnesses just like any other dog, but not all harnesses are suitable for Pugs.

These silly, laid back pups need extra comfort and safety in their harnesses, which is why it’s important to choose one carefully.

Different harnesses work better for different dogs though.

Carefully figure out your dog’s measurements before choosing the perfect harness.

Pugs need a harness that will prevent them from choking and keep them comfortable while walking.

Any of these harnesses could be a great choice for your Pug.

Peter Schoeman profile

Peter Schoeman

Our mission at CharityPaws is to advocate for the saving of animals from shelters and rescues. Peter has been an avid dog lover his whole life. He currently has a rescue labradoodle and two adorable children. His focus is dog adoptions and partnering with local rescues.