Chihuahuas are small, energetic dogs that need a harness that fits well and provides the right amount of support.
Our veterinary advisor, practicing and licensed veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Coates, has selected the best harness for Chihuahuas based on fit, comfort, and durability.
There’s a lot to consider as you choose a harness for your specific chihuahua. For instance there are several potential risks associated with using a poorly-fitting harness for a Chihuahua:
- A harness that is too loose or too tight can cause discomfort and even pain for your dog.
- A harness that is too loose may allow your Chihuahua to slip out of it and escape, potentially putting them in danger.
- A harness that is too tight, on the other hand, can restrict your dog’s movement and breathing, which can cause serious health problems.
- A poorly-fitting harness can cause irritation and rubbing on your Chihuahua’s skin, leading to chafing and other skin conditions. This can be especially dangerous for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies.
- Finally, a harness that is not designed specifically for Chihuahuas may not provide the necessary support for their small, delicate bodies. This can lead to injuries and strain on their joints and muscles, especially if they are active and enjoy going for walks or runs.
In this article, we’ll help you avoid these risks and find the perfect harness for your Chihuahua.
Dr. Coates chose the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness (read our full, in-depth review of front-range dog harnesses as well) as the top overall choice.
While this was Dr. Coates’s top choice, she also offers a series of her top tips for what to look for in choosing the best chihuahua harness for your dog, a section on who should avoid purchasing them altogether, and she personally selected the best chihuahua harnesses for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Chihuahua Harnesses
- Best Overall – RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
- Best Budget – PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
- Best for a Small Chihuahua – Kurgo Dog Harness.
- Best for Training – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
- Best Adjustable – PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness
Chihuahua Harnesses Compared
Below are the top picks from our veterinarian, Dr. Jennifer Coates. Compare the ratings and key features of each of the harnesses to decide which one is the best harness for your dog.
| Vet’s Picks | Model | Rating | Leash Attachment | Adjustable Handle Length | Front, Mid, Rear, or Whole Body |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | RUFFWEAR, Front Range Dog Harness | front | |||
| Best Budget | PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness | front | |||
| Best for a Small Puppy | Kurgo Dog Harness | front | |||
| Best Training | rabbitgoo Dog Harness | front | |||
| Best Adjustable | PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness | mid |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Not Buy a Harness for Their Chihuahua
The biggest reason to avoid getting a harness for your Chihuahua would really be if a collar is a better fit for your dog. This is a great video overview on the topic by professional dog trainer Saro Boghozian on the topic:
Here is a great breakdown of some pros and cons to weigh in deciding about collars versus harnesses from the American Kennel Club:
- Dog collars are the most basic dog products available and are easy for keeping ID tags and rabies tags around your dog’s neck.
- Collars may give you better control and require less physical strength from you as you’re walking your dog than harnesses, depending on your dog’s size.
- The variety of styles and materials available makes collars easy to put on and take off, comfortable for your dog, attractive, and long-lasting.
- Some potential cons of dog collars include that they may be too loose or too tight, causing discomfort or even pain for your dog.
- Dog collars may also contribute to back pain, throat damage, and other health problems.
- The pros of dog harnesses include that they may be more comfortable for your dog, help prevent your dog from slipping out, be helpful for puppies that haven’t learned to walk on a leash, and help avoid injury.
- Some potential cons of dog harnesses include that they may be harder to put on and take off, may require more physical strength than collars, and may be uncomfortable in hot weather.
Buying Guide: Tips for Choosing the Right Harness
If you do settle on a harness, beyond just picking a harness from this list Dr. Coates has also offered a series of tips for selecting the best harness for your Chihuahua:
How to Choose the Right Chihuahua Harness
Chihuahua harnesses need to be able to hold up to all that young dogs can throw at them including chewing, pulling, and general craziness.
It’s essential that Chihuahua harnesses are:
- Well-designed
- Sturdy
- Sized appropriately
- Comfortable
- Able to prevent pulling (to help with training)
- Adjustable
Adjustability is especially important if you want a harness to grow with your Chihuahua.
The harnesses recommended here have a number of key qualities you want to look for in a harness, including:
- Being made from quality materials
- Having a wide range of sizes and good sizing guides
- Being adjustable for a precise fit
- Being well-padded and having other measures to ensure a dog’s comfort
A harness with a leash attachment point at the front of the chest is also ideal for training a dog not to pull.
Talk to friends and family who are pet parents to learn what types of Chihuahua harnesses have worked well for them.
Your veterinarian or dog trainer can also point to any features that might be ideal based on your dog’s age, size, and other important considerations.
Closely read product descriptions to avoid unpleasant surprises. Looking at customer reviews posted on trusted sources can give you an idea of how satisfied pet parents are with their purchase as well.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $15 and $50
Chihuahua harnesses cost roughly $25 to $50, but tend to run closer to the $15-30 range, depending on the style of harness, the size harness you’re buying (these harnesses obviously tend to run smaller and cheaper), what material they’re made from, and what other functions the harness may feature.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
“I chose the top harnesses using the knowledge I’ve gained from the veterinary profession, as well as from my personal experience with pet parents. Ask other dog owners and your veterinarian for suggestions in picking the right harness. Also, check out reviews from other customers that have purchased and used the harness you’re considering getting.” – Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM
The Best Chihuahua Harness Reviews
1. Best Overall – RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
- Comes in 5 sizes. xx-small fits dogs with a girth of 13-17 inches.
- Customizable fit with 4 points of adjustment
- Foam padded for comfort
- 2 leash attachments including on the front of the chest for no-pull training
- Easy on and off
- More expensive than comparable options
- Some customers complained that the harness is rough on their dogs’ under-arms
- Plastic clasps instead of metal
The RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness is our top overall pick.
A few key details about the harness:
- The RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness is a comfortable, lightweight harness that is great for everyday walks, hikes, and runs.
- The harness has two leash attachment points, one on the back and one on the chest, for added control.
- It is available in a variety of colors and sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your dog.
- The harness is made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor adventures, yet it is still lightweight and comfortable for your dog to wear.
- It features padded chest and belly panels for comfort and four points of adjustability for a customizable fit.
- The harness also has a reflective trim for improved visibility in low-light conditions and an ID pocket for storing your dog’s tags.
- Customers are generally very happy with the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness, praising its comfort, durability, and versatility.
If you want to see the harness in action, there are a lot of great videos including this overview from the company:
This video walk-through of how to fit and adjust your dog’s harness:
The RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness is a great option for Chihuahuas. The harness is designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and durable, making it perfect for everyday walks, hikes, and runs. The padded chest and belly panels provide additional support and comfort for your Chihuahua, and the four points of adjustability allow you to customize the fit to your dog’s unique shape. The harness also has two leash attachment points, one on the back and one on the chest, for added control. In addition, the reflective trim makes it easier for drivers to see your Chihuahua in low-light conditions, and the ID pocket is a convenient place to store your dog’s tags.
2. Best Budget – PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
- 5 sizes and 26 color options
- Stretchable straps and padded for comfort
- Easy on/off buckles
- Top handle for extra control
- Some customers report issues with fit – particularly for very small or very large puppies
- Some customers complain that the buckles particularly rip off after a couple of months of use, especially for larger dogs that are inclined to pull
The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is our best budget pick.
Some important facts about the harness:
- The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is available in a variety of sizes and colors.
- It has 2 metal leash attachment points and 3 quick-release buckles for easy on and off.
- The harness is made from a wear-resistant oxford surface and breathable air mesh with a soft padded cushion.
- It has reflective nylon straps for added visibility in low-light conditions.
- The harness is designed to be comfortable, non-toxic, and choke-free, with dual elastic construction on belly straps for added stretchability.
- It has a padded and comfortable handle for extra control and a large area of reflective stitching for night use.
- The harness is adjustable in 4 ways to provide a customized fit with room for growth.
- It comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and some users have cited excellent customer service.
Here is a hands-on review of the harness:
As well as the PoyPet sizing chart (please note some customers claimed to have issues with sizing even when following the size chart):
The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is a great budget pick for Chihuahuas.
The harness is designed to be comfortable, lightweight, and durable, making it perfect for everyday walks, hikes, and runs.
The padded chest and belly panels provide additional support and comfort for your Chihuahua, and the four points of adjustability allow you to customize the fit to your dog’s unique shape.
The harness also has two leash attachment points, one on the back and one on the chest, for added control.
In addition, the reflective trim makes it easier for drivers to see your Chihuahua in low-light conditions, and the ID pocket is a convenient place to store your dog’s tags.
3. Best for Smaller Chihuahuas – Kurgo Dog Harness
- 5 sizes. X-small fits dogs with a neck circumference of 9-13”, the girth of 12-18”, and that weigh just 5-10 pounds.
- Good fit guide
- Includes seat belt attachment
- 2 leash attachments including on the front of the chest for no-pull training
- Lifetime warranty
- Some customers complain about the sturdiness of the front attachment
- Certain dogs have issues with the fit – that the harness scrunches and/or issues with the fit around their dog’s neck
- The adjustments can be a bit difficult to make, particularly if you need to make multiple adjustments at different points of the harness
The best harness for a small Chihuahua is the Kurgo Dog Harness.
Some key features related to the Kurgo harness:
- Adjustable straps for a custom fit
- Padded chest and belly panels for added comfort
- Reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions
- Includes a built-in leash attachment point
- Available in a variety of sizes to fit dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
Here is the Kurgo harness overview video (from Kurgo, so take it with a grain of salt):
And here is the size chart for the harness:
The Kurgo Dog Harness is a good option for small Chihuahuas:
- It is available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the size that is right for your Chihuahua.
- It has adjustable straps, so you can customize the fit to a smaller dog.
- The padded chest and belly panels provide added comfort and support, which is especially important for small dogs like Chihuahuas.
- The reflective trim helps to increase visibility in low light conditions, which can be important for keeping your Chihuahua safe.
Overall, the Kurgo harness is a versatile and comfortable option for small chihuahuas.
4. Best for Training – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
- 2 leash attachments including on the front of the chest for no-pull training
- Top handle for extra control
- Top and bottom panels padded for comfort
- Easy on/off buckles
- Unhappy customers complain about the durability of the harness and it wearing quickly
- The sizing of the harness can be difficult, and for a dog with the wrong fit the harness can slip off
Our pick for the best Chihuahua training harness is the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness.
Some key features:
- Adjustable straps for a custom fit
- Padded chest and belly panels for added comfort
- Reflective strips for increased visibility in low light conditions
- Includes a built-in leash attachment point
- Available in a variety of sizes to fit dogs of all breeds and sizes
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
Rabitgoo offers multiple videos to show you how to wear the harness:
As well as how to adjust the harness:
And here is a hands-on video review of the rabitgoo:
The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is a good training harness for chihuahuas:
- It is available in a variety of sizes, so you can choose the size that is right for your chihuahua
- It has adjustable straps, so you can customize the fit to your dog’s unique shape. This is especially important for training, as a well-fitting harness can help your chihuahua learn to walk properly on a leash.
- The padded chest and belly panels provide added comfort and support, which can help to prevent chafing and irritation during training sessions.
- The reflective strips help to increase visibility in low light conditions, which can be important for keeping your chihuahua safe during training sessions.
Overall, the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is a versatile and comfortable option for training chihuahuas.
5. Best Adjustable – PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness
- 5 points of adjustment for perfect fit
- Lightweight
- Excellent sizing guide available online
- Has front leash attachment for no-pull training, as well as standard leash attachment point on back. Can use 2 point leash for hard to train puppies
- Has handle on back for extra control or to use as a seat belt attachment for safety in the car.
- Softly padded for comfort
- Customers with larger / stronger dogs complain of the harness breaking when pulled at a run
- Some customers complain of wear and tear after a few weeks/months
When an adjustable harness is your top priority, the best option is the PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness.
Some key features:
- 3-in-1 design: Easily converts from a basic dog harness to a no-pull harness or car restraint harness with the included accessories
- Adjustable sizing: Includes adjustable straps for an optimal fit and comfort in all three modes
- Maximum Comfort: Features padded chest plate for extra comfort and protection during walks, runs, hikes, and more
- Durable Construction: Made of durable woven nylon webbing for strength and long-lasting use
- Leash Compatibility: Comes with two leash attachment points (back & chest) for added versatility when walking your pup
- Reflective Threads: Includes reflective threads throughout the harness to increase visibility in low-light conditions
- Easy to Use: Quick and easy to put on with a secure buckle for added safety
- Safety Feature: Includes quick-release buckle for easy removal in case of emergency
- Variety of Sizes & Colors: Available in four sizes (small, medium, large, and X-large) and two colors (blue & tan)
- Built to Last: Constructed with durable materials to withstand wear and tear from an active pup
- Lifetime Warranty: Comes backed by PetSafe’s lifetime warranty
- Machine Washable: Easy to clean with a machine washable design
- Customizable Fit: Features adjustable chest and neck straps for a perfect fit every time
- Extra Accessories: Includes two removable accessories (stability handle & car restraint loop) for added convenience when walking or restraining your pup in the car
- Perfect for Training & Travel: Designed to help train your pup, as well as make travel easy and safe
- Comfortable Design: Constructed with breathable fabric for increased comfort in all weather conditions
- Secure Fit: Secures your pup with strong webbing and reinforced stitching for added safety
- Eco-friendly: Made from eco-friendly materials for a more sustainable product
- Tested For Safety & Quality: PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness has been tested rigorously to ensure it meets the highest quality standards.
PetSafe offers a video overview of how to use the harness:
As well as how to fit it:
The PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness is the best adjustable harness for Chihuahuas because it is specifically designed to fit the unique shape and size of this breed. The adjustable sizing and customizable fit ensure that the harness will fit your Chihuahua comfortably and securely, while the padded chest plate and breathable fabric provide added comfort and protection.
The 3-in-1 design allows you to easily switch between a basic harness, a no-pull harness, and a car restraint harness, making it perfect for training and traveling with your Chihuahua. The durable construction and reinforced stitching make it strong and long-lasting, and the eco-friendly materials make it a more sustainable choice. The PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness is also easy to clean and comes backed by a lifetime warranty, making it the best adjustable harness for Chihuahuas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Sources & Resources
For more on dog harnesses, including everything from how to measure your dog for a harness and how a dog harness should fit the best escape-proof dog harnesses, (read our review of escape-proof dog harnesses) check out our series of posts:
- The best step-in dog harness
- The best dog lift harness
- The best no-pull dog harness
- The best front clip dog harnesses
- The best dog car harnesses
- The Best Service Dog Harness
And our individual harness reviews:
- The Ruffwear Webmaster Dog Harness review
- The Icefang Tactical Dog Harness review
- The Gooby Dog Harness (escape free sport) review
- The Ruffwear front-range dog harness review
- The Rabbitgoo Escape Proof Dog Harness review
And our series of breed-specific harness reviews (like this one!):
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
