The Best German Shepherd Harness (For Every Use)

Here at Pet News Daily we have tested and reviewed a ton of dog harnesses.

One thing that’s very quickly evident as you look into different types of harnesses is that not every dog harness is good for every kind of breed. Getting a harness that’s wrong for your dog (but may be right for another breed) can lead to major issues like serious health concerns, your dog slipping out of the harness, or the harness needing to be replaced shortly after you buy it.

For that reason, we’re creating a series of breed-specific dog harness guides like our guide to choosing the best Husky harness.

For this guide, we asked our veterinary advisor, Dr. Danielle Morosco, to recommend the best harness for a German Shepherd.

Our pick for the best German Shepherd harness is the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness.

ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness

A 1,000-pound load-tested buckle, tough stitching, and tough materials.

In addition to getting her pick for the best harness overall, we also asked her to choose some alternative options in case you want to solve some specific problems for your personal GS.

The 5 Best German Shepherd Harnesses

Best Overall – The Tactical Harness by ICEFANG
Best Budget – The SlowTon No Pull Dog Harness
Best Heavy Duty – The Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
Best No Pull – BUMBIN Tactical Dog Harness
Best for Miniature & Puppies – The PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Dog Harness

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know everything you need to know to find the perfect harness for your German Shepherd.

Harnesses Compared

Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.

Editor’s Picks	Brand	Rating	Colors	Material	Notable Feature
Best Overall	ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness	4.7	10	Nylon	Metal buckles, working dog molle
Best Budget	PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness	4.5	9	Polyester, Mesh	Vertical handle, 2 hook loops
Best Heavy Duty	Auroth Tactical Dog Harness	4.6	14	Nylon, Breathable Air Mesh with Soft Padded Cotton Cushion	2 leash attachments, padded cotton cushion
Best No Pull	BUMBIN Tactical Dog Harness	4.6	10	Mesh Lining, Plastic, Cotton	Nesting buckle, Molle system
Best Small	PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Dog Harness	4.5	22	Nylon, Breathable Air Mesh with Padded Cushion, Durable Oxford Surface	Reflective material, 2 hook loops, soft handle

*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers

In This Article

Who Should Buy These Harnesses

People with German Shepherds – If you’re the pet parent of a German Shepherd, you need a sturdy harness. They are very powerful dogs and generally tend to be large when full grown, so you’ll want to have complete control over your dog during walks.
Folks who want to take their dog on hikes – The hiking trails of America are full of natural dangers like wild animals, poisonous plants, steep cliffs, and issues navigating. The harnesses on this list offer a safe way to take your German Shepherd into the wilderness.
Families with similar dogs – While these are the best harnesses for German Shepherds, they’re not breed specific. If you have multiple dogs or have a friend with a breed that’s a similar size and strength to German Shepherds who are interested in a harness these may be good options.

Who Should Not Buy a Husky Harness

People with small dogs – While we do have an option on the list for German Shepherd puppies and Miniature German Shepherds, most of these options are designed for larger, stronger dogs. If you have a smaller / slight dog, you’ll likely want to look at different harness options.
People who prefer collars – While many pup parents swear by harnesses, others strongly prefer collars. The right choice for you will depend on your dog’s behavior and which option they find more comfortable.

If you haven’t made a final call on harnesses versus collars, we recommend checking out this video on the subject from veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter:

Buying Guide: Research Tips From a Veterinarian

What to look for and what to avoid in choosing a harness for your German Shepherd:

When looking for a harness for any dog, it is important to keep your dog’s size and energy level in mind. This will impact whether a no-pull harness is a priority, and how sturdy you need the harness materials to need to be.
You also need to look for harnesses that have strong, durable material and attachment hooks and MOLLE material if wanting to carry gear.
If looking for a heavy-duty harness, avoid harnesses that do not have buckles. Some harnesses only have Velcro as an attachment style which can be a problem for large, strong breeds like German Shepherds so keep that in mind.

How Much Do They Cost?

Between $18 and $35

For the German Shepherd harnesses recommended here, you can expect to pay between $18 and $35. At the lower end of this price range, you’ll find smaller harnesses and/or harnesses with less expensive materials. Higher-end harnesses will tend to be more comfortable, durable, and stylish.

Our Methodology: Why Trust Pet News Daily

I’ve evaluated these harnesses based on my professional experience as a veterinarian combined with product feature considerations. The quality of each harness was determined by considering the materials, hardware, adjustability, and overall design. German Shepherds can be escape artists, so it’s essential that their harnesses are made from quality materials and can be adjusted for a precise fit! – Dr. Morosco

The Best German Shepherd Harness Reviews

1. Best Overall – ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness

ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness

A 1,000-pound load-tested buckle, tough stitching and tough materials.

This tactical dog harness by ICEFANG is perfect for holding all of your essential gear while out on patrol. Made from lightweight aluminum and tough stitching, it can handle anything you and your dog might encounter. The Molle system allows you to attach additional pouches and gear as needed, while the two straps make it easy to put on and take off.

Pros

Lightweight aluminum Buckle (1000lb Proof-Load Test )
Two 1″ Strips of Molle Sewn Onto Both Side
Ability to attach needed items through clips on side of harness
Tough stitching for longer life expectancy

Cons

The most expensive harness on the list
Some customers have complained about difficulty with fit for their German Shepherd
Some customers have complained their dog seems uncomfortable in the harness

There are a number of video reviews of the harness if you want to see it in action and get some different perspectives. Here is one:

Here is another:

And a third:

2. Best Budget – The SlowTon No Pull Dog Harness

SlowTon No Pull Dog Harness, Heavy Duty No Choke Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips and Easy Control Vertical Handle, Adjustable Soft Padded Dog Vest for Small, Medium and Large Dogs(Black,Large)

A sturdy, inexpensive harness with a range of features.

The SlowTon No Pull Dog Harness is an ergonomic, comfortable, and secure way to control your dog while walking. The harness features a unique patented design that helps prevent your dog from pulling. This harness is made of 100% polyester, scratch-resistant Oxford mesh fabric and soft sponge which makes it lightweight and breathable. It has 4 adjustable straps and 2 quick snap buckles allowing for easier on and off. The double locking buckles are designed to strengthen the security of the harness by preventing dogs from backing out of them or slipping out when tugging against them

Pros

Made of 100% polyester, scratch-resistant Oxford mesh fabric and soft sponge
Lightweight and breathable
4 adjustable straps and 2 quick snap buckles allowing for easier on and off
Double locking buckles to strengthen security of harness

Cons

The main complaint from customers were around durability, particularly for the collar portion of the harness

3. Best Heavy Duty – The Auroth Tactical Dog Harness

Auroth Tactical Dog Harness

Highly durable, Molle sewn harness built for large, strong dogs.

The Auroth Tactical Dog Harness is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. This harness is made with 900D Nylon and sturdy stitching for extra durability. It has 4 fully adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable, customized fit for your dog. The Molle Sewn on both sides of the harness allows your dog to carry gear, making it the perfect accessory for your next hike or camping trip.

Pros

4 fully adjustable straps
Made with 900D Nylon with sturdy stitching for extra durability
Two 1″ strips of Molle Sewn on both sides allowing your dog to carry gear

Cons

Some customers complained about sizing issues
Some customers complained about durability
Some customers complained about poor customer service

If you want to see the harness in action and get another perspective, here is a video review:

As well as an unboxing of the product:

And Auroth has put out videos of their own including a video overview:

And a fit guide:

4. Best No Pull – BUMBIN Tactical Dog Harness

BUMBIN Tactical Dog Harness

Several attachments to help with a variety of pulling issues for your pup.

BUMBIN Tactical Dog Harness is a well-made and comfortable harness for your dog. Made of high quality nylon and metal, it can be used for daily walking or training in the field. The padded chest plate provides extra comfort to your dog while wearing this harness. The leash attachment points are reinforced with heavy duty metal rings, which will not break off easily like other plastic rings do. It also has hook & loop panels on both sides of the harness so you can freely choose patches or badges to show your dog’s personality!

Pros

2 Sturdy Metal D-Rings for connecting the leash
The soft padding and breathable air mesh allow for comfort while wearing
Hook and loop panels allow you freely choose a variety of patches and badges to show your dog’s personality
Front clip to discourage pulling behavior on leash

Cons

Some customers complained about size
Some customers complained about durability

5. Best for Miniature & Puppies – The PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Dog Harness

PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Dog Harness

A small but sturdy harness well-suited for strong-but-small miniature or puppy German Shepherds.

The PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Dog Harness is a brand-new dog harness from PHOEPET. It is an upgraded version of the original. The upgraded version features multiple strong buckles with high-quality Oxford material and breathable mesh to ensure your pet’s comfort. Our dog harnesses are fully adjustable, easy to put on/off, and fit for dogs between 7-12 pounds (3-5 kg) or chest girth 17″-28″ (43cm

Pros

Multiple strong buckles
Fully adjustable for your small dog
Multiple different colors
Made of quality Oxford and breathable mesh

Cons

Some customers complain about fit
Some customers complain about the quality of straps and buckles

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of harness is best for a German Shepherd?

Dr. Morosco selected the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness as the best overall harness for a German Shepherd.

Should German Shepherds wear a harness?

Yes, in most cases it is recommended that German Shepherds wear a harness when out on walks. This helps to eliminate strain on their neck, provide better control and prevent injury if they pull or lunge suddenly.

What size harness should a German Shepherd wear?

When selecting a harness for your German Shepherd, it is important to select one that fits correctly. Measure the widest part of your dog’s chest and then refer to the manufacturer’s size chart to ensure you get the right fit.

What is the best no pull harness for German Shepherd?

Dr. Morosco selected the BUMBIN Tactical Dog Harness as the best no pull option for German Shepherds.

How do you train a German Shepherd to stop pulling?

Teaching your dog not to pull is best done through consistent and reward-based training. Start by teaching them basic commands such as “sit”, “come” and “heel”. When your dog pulls on the leash, stop walking immediately and wait for them to look at you. When they do look at you, reward them with praise or a treat. Repeat this process until your dog learns that pulling does not get them anywhere.

How do you train a German Shepherd to walk on a leash without pulling?

As with teaching them to stop pulling, the best way to teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling is through consistent and reward-based training. Begin by attaching their leash and then giving them plenty of time to get used to it. When they start walking without pulling, reward them with praise or a treat. Additionally, try using a front-attachment harness to help redirect their attention away from pulling and towards you.

Is a harness or collar better for a German shepherd?

Both collars and harnesses can have their place in a German Shepherd’s life. Collars are great for everyday activities such as walks and playing, but a harness is better for providing additional support when your dog needs it. For example, if your German Shepherd has difficulty walking or pulls on the leash, a harness can be beneficial to help prevent further injury and provide better control.

What is the best harness for a German Shepherd puppy?

Dr. Morosco selected the PHOEPET Upgraded No Pull Dog Harness as the best option for German Shepherd puppies.

What are the best toys for a German Shepherd?

Our vet advisor Dr. Morosco selected the KONG Classic Durable Natural Rubber and you can check out her full post on the best toys for German Shepherds for more ideas.

Additional 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:

And our individual harness reviews:

Pet News Daily Staff
Pet News Daily writers are experts in pet care, health and behavior. We are members of Society for Professional Journalists and practice ethical journalism.