Choosing the right harness for your Dachshund is important for ensuring your dog’s comfort and safety.
As a breed, Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so it’s important to select a harness that is designed to distribute weight evenly and avoid putting unnecessary strain on their back.
Additionally, Dachshunds are small dogs, so it’s important to choose a harness that is adjustable and will fit them properly.
In this article, we will discuss the best harnesses for Dachshunds and why they are a good choice for this breed.
We asked our veterinary advisor, Dr. Jennifer Coates, to carefully selected these harnesses based on their quality, fit, and suitability for Dachshunds.
Read on to find out which harness will be the best fit for your Dachshund.
First off, Dr. Coates chose the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness (read our in-depth review of the front range dog harness 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 dachshund harness, a section on who should avoid purchasing them altogether, and she personally selected the best harness for a variety of specific use cases.
The 5 Best Dachshund Harnesses
- Best Overall – RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness
- Best Budget – PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness
- Best for a Small Dau– Kurgo Dog Harness.
- Best for Training – Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
- Best Adjustable – PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness
Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 & Shouldn’t Buy One
The biggest question in terms of whether you should even buy a Daschund harness (besides whether you actually have a Dachshund) really goes to your preference for a dog collar versus a harness. Here’s a great video on the topic:
And here is a quick rundown of AKC’s take on collar vs. harness:
- There are a variety of collars and harnesses available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Dog collars are the most basic product available and easy to use. They come in different styles, including flat, martingale (limited slip), and rolled. Some pros of dog collars include that they may give you better control over your dog while walking them or require less physical strength from you, depending on the size of your dog. However, some cons of dog collars include that they might contribute to back pain or throat damage in dogs if not used correctly.
- Dog harnesses can be more comfortable for your pet than a collar and help prevent slipping out or the leash getting caught under your legs; however, they may be harder to put on/take off and require more physical strength than a collar does from the owner.
And, if you are looking for a harness, below are some additional tips for making the right call from our vet advisor Dr. Coates:
How to Choose the Right Dachshund Harness
Dachshund 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 Dachshund 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 Dachshund.
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 Dachshund 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
Dachshund 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 (puppy harnesses obviously tend to run smaller and cheaper), what material they’re made from, and what other functions the harness may feature.
Budget-friendly harnesses are a no-frills option that is typically effective and constructed well. A more expensive dog harness option often features tougher materials, pouches for storage, additional points of adjustment for a more customized fit, or maybe outfitted with a grab handle and extra leash attachments.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily
“I chose the top five Dashaund 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 no-pull dog harness you’re considering getting.” – Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM
The Best Dachshund 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
We selected the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness for a number of reasons including:
- It’s a comfortable, lightweight harness that’s great for everyday walks, hikes, and runs. It has two leash attachment points – one on the back and one on the chest – and is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
- Customers love how comfortable the harness is for their dogs and appreciate the two leash attachment points. Lots of reviewers also mention how well-made and durable the harness is.
- Key features include a padded chest and belly for comfort, four points of adjustability for a customizable fit, reflective trim for improved visibility in low-light conditions, an ID pocket
There are also some nice videos RUFFWEAR has created to give more of a sense of the harness (the video is put together by the company obviously so you want to take it with a grain of salt):
As well as a video walk-through of how to fit and adjust your dog’s harness:
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness is a good harness for a Dachshund because it has a secure, adjustable fit and is designed to be comfortable for dogs to wear for extended periods of time. Additionally, the harness has reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions, which is important for keeping your Dachshund safe on walks.
Overall the harness gets strong reviews (the strongest among all of the Dachshund harnesses we considered and tested):
But some of the negative reviewers mention specific issues with the harness, including:
- Tears early in the life of the harness
- Plastic clasps instead of metal
- The harness rubbing uncomfortably under their dog’s arms
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 the 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 key features of the harness:
- Adjustable fit
- Comfortable for dogs to wear for extended periods of time
- Designed to prevent pulling on the leash
- Reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions
- High-quality construction and materials
- Suitable for a wide range of dog sizes and breeds
The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is a good harness for a Dachshund because it is adjustable, comfortable, and designed to prevent pulling on the leash.
Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so it’s important to select a harness that is designed to distribute weight evenly and avoid putting unnecessary strain on their back.
The PoyPet No-Pull Dog Harness is a good choice for this breed because it is designed to prevent pulling on the leash and has reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions.
These features make it a safe and comfortable option for keeping your Dachshund.
Overall the harness gets solid reviews despite the lower price:
The negative reviews tend to center around a few core issues:
- The harness not fitting quite right, particularly for very large or very small dogs
- Not holding up after a few months to a year of use (particularly issues with the buckles)
- The “no pull” mechanism of the harness is easy for some dogs to circumvent
Here is a hands-on review of the harness:
As well as the PoyPet sizing chart (although do note some customers claimed to have issues with sizing even when following the size chart):
3. Best for Mini Dachshunds – 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 small puppies is the Kurgo Dog Harness.
Some key features:
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Adjustable for a wide range of dog sizes
- Reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions
- Padded chest and belly straps for added comfort
- Durable construction and materials
- Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
The Kurgo Dog Harness is a good harness for a Dachshund because it is designed to be comfortable and secure, and it has reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions.
Again a key concern for Dachshunds is their propensity to back problems, so it’s important to choose a harness that will distribute weight evenly.
The Kurgo Dog Harness is designed to do just that, with padded chest and belly straps for added comfort.
Additionally, the harness is adjustable, so you can get a good fit for your Dachshund.
The Kurgo is rated quite a bit lower overall than the RUFFWEAR harness, and scores particularly low with customers on “stretch” and “chew-proof”:
Complaints from customers who had issues with the harness included:
- Issues with the front attachment being weak / wearing out quickly with use.
- Issues with the fit (overall with the harness sagging, and particularly around the neck)
- Issues with adjustments being tricky
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:
While there are negative reviews, a number of customers love their Kurgo harness, and for small puppies it’s a strong option to fit especially small puppies.
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
The best Dauschund training harness is the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness.
Some key features:
- Comfortable and adjustable fit
- Prevents pulling on the leash
- Reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions
- Padded chest and belly straps for added comfort
- Durable construction and materials
- Easy to put on and take off
- Suitable for a wide range of dog sizes and breeds
The rabbitgoo Dog Harness is a good choice for training a Dachshund because it is comfortable, adjustable, and designed to prevent pulling on the leash. This can help to make training sessions more effective and enjoyable for both you and your Dachshund. Additionally, the harness has reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions, which is important for keeping your Dachshund safe during training sessions.
The rabitgoo harness has relatively strong ratings for the price:
Customers who had issues with the harness had two common complaints:
- Durability – the harness wore quickly with the use
- Fit – multiple customers complained that their dog could wriggle out of the harness
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:
5. Best Adjustable – PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness
- 5 points of adjustment for a perfect fit
- Lightweight
- Excellent sizing guide available online
- Has a front leash attachment for no-pull training, as well as a standard leash attachment point on the back. Can use 2 point leash for hard-to-train puppies
- Has a handle on the 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:
- The versatile design can be used as a standard harness, a no-pull harness, or a car safety harness
- Comfortable and adjustable fit
- Padded chest and belly straps for added comfort
- Reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions
- Durable construction and materials
- Easy to put on and take off
- Suitable for a wide range of dog sizes and breeds
The PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness is an excellent option for Dachshunds due to its versatility and comfort. The padded chest and belly straps ensure that weight is evenly distributed and prevent strain on your dog’s back. Furthermore, reflective strips make your Dachshund visible during low-light walks. Overall, the PetSafe 3-in-1 Dog Harness is a high-quality harness that is perfect for Dachshunds.
The PetSafe harness has decent reviews for the price (but not as strong as the RUFFWEAR or rabitgoo):
Customers who had bad experiences with the harness mainly pointed to the harness fraying or wearing after limited use, and multiple customers with larger stronger dogs who were “runners” complained that the harness broke when their dog ran or pulled aggressively.
PetSafe offers a video overview of how to use the harness:
As well as how to fit it:
All in all, if you need a lightweight harness with a high rate of adjustability PetSafe is a good option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our veterinary advisor Dr. Coates chose the RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness as the top overall choice.
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, 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
Our breed-specific harness guides:
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
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.
