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What Is the Best Dog Harness in the UK 2023

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Written by, Ljubica Cvetkovska

Updated November, 12, 2022

When it comes to finding the best dog harness for your pet, there is certainly no shortage of options on the market.

To help you narrow down the search for the best dog harness in the UK for your four-legged friend, we’ll take a look at some of the most comfortable dog harness available out there.

The Best Dog Harness in the UK in 2022

Best Overall: Ruffwear Flagline | Buy now!
Best for Hiking: Ruffwear Web Master Secure | Buy now!
Most Comfortable Dog Harness UK: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness | Buy now!
Best Step-In Option: Ferplast Ergonomic Chest Harness | Buy now!
Best for Safety: Julius K9 Harness | Buy now!
Best for Walking: Sporn® Ultimate Control™ Harness | Buy now!
Best Harness for Dogs That Pull: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness | Buy now!
Best Breathable Harness: Embark Pets Adventure Dog Harness | Buy now!
Easiest to Put On: Hurtta Weekend Warrior Dog Harness | Buy now!
Best Escape Proof Puppy Harness UK: ThinkPet No Pull Breathable Harness | Buy now!
Best Harness for Bigger Breeds: Lifepul No Pull Dog Vest Harness | Buy now!
Lightweight Dog Harness UK: Truelove Harness | Buy now!
Best Value for Money: FIE Fit Into Everyway Harness | Buy now!

Best Harness For Small and Large Dogs in the UK: Reviews

Let’s dive into the reviews.

Ruffwear Flagline -Best Overall

Starting at - £82.95
Pros
  • 3 lead attachment points
  • Lift & assist
  • Debris-resistant liner
Cons
  • Safety light sold separately
  • Rating: 9.7 / 10
  • Price: £82.95-£103.97
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Colours: Blue Disk, Lichen Green, Sage Green, Salmon Pink
  • Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, XL
  • Closure type: Buckle

The Ruffwear Flagline is a lightweight, multi-purpose harness with a nimble design that’s ideal for working dogs, casual use, sports, and training.

The design of the harness makes sure that your furry friend is comfortable at all times and allows for easy lift-and-assist in places where the path isn’t exactly flat, thanks to the padded handle and load-dispersing chest/belly panel.

The harness has 3 lead attachment points to prevent pulling and give owners more control, making it perfect for dogs that often back out or slip out of regular collars. 

Best of all, the Ruffwear Flagline has a debris-resistant liner that sheds fur and dirt and features reflective trim for visibility in low-light conditions.

There’s also a light loop where you can attach a safety dog light (which is sold separately).

Ruffwear Web Master -Best for Hiking

Starting at - £76.95
Pros
  • Padded chest and belly panel
  • Foam padded straps
  • Five points of adjustment
Cons
  • Requires frequent maintenance
  • Rating: 9.7 / 10
  • Price: £76.95
  • Material: Nylon
  • Colours: Twilight Grey, Blue Dusk, Red Currant
  • Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Weight: 0.4-.0.6 pounds

The Ruffwear harness is ideal for service dog handlers, amputee dogs, and avalanche rescue dogs because it offers mobility assistance.

Like the Ruffwear Flagline, this harness also features an assist-and-lift handle, which allows owners to manoeuvre and help their dog up and over obstacles, and reflective trim for better visibility. 

This model, however, is made of thin nylon material that’s strong but lightweight and features an anatomical design that doesn’t hinder any range of movement. 

It has 2 lead attachment points (an aluminium D-ring on top and a webbing loop on the back), adjustable straps on the shoulders, belly, and chest area (which are padded), and five points of adjustment.

Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness -Most Comfortable Dog Harness UK

Starting at - £54.95
Pros
  • Lightweight and durable
  • ID pocket for the dog’s tag
  • Customasible fit
Cons
  • Some dog owners find the harness stiff
  • Rating: 9.7 / 10
  • Price: £54.95
  • Material: Polyester
  • Colours: Aurora Teal, Blue Moon, Campfire Orange, Hibiscus Pink, Huckleberry Blue, Purple Sage, Red Clay, Red Sumac, Tumalo Teal, Twilight Grey
  • Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Closure type: Clip

The Front Range Harness is a soft, comfortable harness for everyday walks.

Like other harnesses from Ruffwear, the Front Range Harness also comes with reflective trim for better visibility and the option to attach a dog safety light. Its shell and lining are made of 300 denier polyester ripstop and polyester knit mesh which dry easily and can be washed with a mild detergent.

When it comes to control, the Front Range harness has two attachment options: an aluminium D-ring on the dog’s back and a front clip webbing at the chest to help owners redirect dogs that pull on the leash.

It also has a pocket where you can place your dog’s ID tag, four points of adjustment to ensure a good fit, and a foam-padded construction for extended wear.

Ferplast Ergonomic Chest Harness -Best Step-In Option

Starting at - £44
Pros
  • Made to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes
  • Handle for extra control
  • Cushioned padding
Cons
  • Harder to put on
  • Rating: 9.7 / 10
  • Price: £44-£64.64
  • Colours: Black and Brown
  • Material: Nylon
  • Sizes: S, M, L
  • Closure: Micro regulation mechanism

The Ferplast Ergonomic Chest Harness is an excellent harness for hiking and trekking. 

It’s made of durable nylon and features an ergonomic design, making it a great fit for dogs of all breeds and sizes (including whippets!), with soft cushioned padding that ensures comfort during extended wear.

The harness has six fitting points, a micro-regulating system, and a handle on top that’s useful in cases where the owner needs more control or when the dog needs assistance overcoming obstacles.

The Ferplast harness is also a great pick for owners and dogs that like late-night walks since it’s made of reflective material that ensures visibility.

Julius K9 Harness -Best for Safety

Starting at - £44.99
Pros
  • OEKO-TEX® certified
  • Breathable inner lining
  • Easy lifting and carrying
Cons
  • Too sturdy for some breeds
  • Rating: 9.7 / 10
  • Price: £44.99
  • Colours: Camouflage
  • Sizes: M/0
  • Closure type: Buckle

For those looking for a harness that improves safety, it’s hard to go wrong with the Julius K9 Harness with a safety lock. 

Its design ensures that the chest strap is parallel to the leash, and there’s an optional chest strap that can assist in equally distributing the power across your pet’s chest for their convenience.

The angle of the chest strap also allows the harness to rest in a comfortable spot on your dog’s chest and makes sure that your dog can move its neck and front legs freely. 

The harness also has a handle to allow owners to ‘steer’ their dogs when necessary, a reinforced fixing buckle, edge protection, and a reflexive chest strap for better visibility.

Still, the Julius K9’s signature feature is its hook & loop mounting safety lock strap, which increases load-bearing capacity.

Sporn® Ultimate Control™ Harness -Best for Walking

Starting at - £38.21
Pros
  • Adjustable around the chest and girth
  • Detachable accessory handle/leash extension
  • Front and back pull control option
Cons
  • Too thick for summer days
  • Rating: 9.3 / 10
  • Price: £38.21-£40.70
  • Colours: Red
  • Material: Nylon
  • Sizes: S, M, L
  • Closure type: Buckle

The Sport Ultimate Control Harness is the perfect harness for dogs that can be hard to control during walks and a top pick for one of the best no-pull dog harness on the UK market.

This harness has three types of pull control: front, rear, and simultaneous front and rear control thanks to the two attachment options (back and front).

It also has a built-in emergency handle that you can use to ‘steer’ your dog during training sessions and a traffic control option to make sure your dog stays near you when you’re in traffic or a crowded place.

The harness is adjustable around the girth and chest, ensuring your dog does not slip out, and features soft padding to make certain that the dog feels comfortable even if they try to pull or tug. 

For owners that are worried about its quality, Sporn offers a lifetime guarantee– though, it doesn’t cover chewing.

2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness -Best Harness for Dogs That Pull

Starting at - £49.16
Pros
  • Patented control loop
  • Flexible
  • Double connection
Cons
  • Delicate snap clip might
  • Rating: 9.5 / 10
  • Price: £49.16-£56.10
  • Colours: Red and Raspberry
  • Material: Velvet
  • Sizes: XS, M, SM
  • Closure type: Button

The Freedom No-Pull Harness is the best dog harness for pulling and training.

The harness features a patented control loop on the back that tightens around the dog’s chest and discourages pulling behaviour, as well as a structural connection ring on the front that allows it to create a double connection and give the owner more control.

It also has a chest strap lined with Swiss Velvet to help prevent rubbing and chafing, which makes it the perfect harness both for everyday walks and regular training sessions.

When it comes to cleaning, the Freedom No-Pull Harness won’t take much of your time. The hardware on the harness is made of stainless steel, ensuring it will not corrode or rust and the rest of the harness is made of reinforced webbing that shouldn’t break or fray, even with extended use.

Embark Pets Adventure Dog Harness -Best Breathable Harness

Starting at - £29.99
Pros
  • Extra strong D ring
  • Built-in handle across the back
  • Full refund
Cons
  • No leash
  • Rating: 9.5 / 10
  • Price: £29.99- £46.42
  • Material: Ripstop Nylon
  • Colours: Black, Orange, Pink, Teal
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Closure type: Buckle

The Embark Pets Adventure Dog Harness is a comfortable, breathable harness that’s considered to be the best harness for active dogs in the UK.

This hardness is made of ripstop nylon that’s built to last, but it is also padded and soft in the right places to prevent chafing. It is adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit, and features a built-in leash attachment (D-Ring and buckles) point for easy walks and hikes. 

One of its best features is the design of the back attachment and the cushioning surrounding the neck – which helps prevent damage to your dog’s trachea when they pull on the leash.

The front harness attachment, on the other hand, prevents pulling and can prove helpful if you’re doing pull training with your pup.  

Last but not least, Embark offers a full refund to unsatisfied customers, so it’s safe to say that there’s no harm in giving this one a shot.

Hurtta Weekend Warrior Dog Harness -Easiest to Put On

Starting at - £46.56
Pros
  • Weatherproof shell
  • Large reflective prints
  • Clip buckle on the chest
Cons
  • Less secure
  • Rating: 9.6 / 10
  • Price: £46.56
  • Material: Nylon, Stainless steel, 100% PES 3D mesh
  • Colours: Currant
  • Sizes: 24-31 inc
  • Closure type: Snap and buckles

The Weekend Warrior Harness is best suited for active dogs and is a top no rub dog harness available in the UK.

The harness can be adjusted to fit around the neck and chest and features an ergonomic design that allows the pressure from the pulling to spread across the chest evenly.

Another feature that makes this a great harness, especially if your dog is resistant to a leash, is that it has a clip buckle on the chest strap. This means you won’t have to lift the dog’s front legs to put it on, which will make the entire experience more comfortable for the dog.

The harness is made of polyester fabric, which doesn’t retain dirt, and boasts a breathable mesh that prevents chafing.

On top of that, it features 3M reflective prints and piping around the harness for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, as well as a sturdy handle on top of the harness that allows for better control.

ThinkPet No Pull Breathable Harness -Best Escape Proof

Starting at - £19.94
Pros
  • Front and back D-rings
  • Lockable buckles
  • Easy to put on
Cons
  • The neck part might be too big for some small-breed dogs
  • Rating: 9.4 / 10
  • Price: £19.94-£25.94
  • Colours: Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Camouflage Blue, Camouflage Red, Light Blue
  • Material: Oxford Fabric, Upgraded Dual-Layer Nylon, Soft EVA
  • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
  • Closure type: Clip

The ThinkPet No Pull harness is a durable and escape-proof harness that’s best-suited for dogs in training.

The harness has a reinforced leash clip and a thick metal D-ring on the back for casual walks and a front no-choke design clip that pushes the leash off to the side when the dog pulls.

There’s also an emergency control handle that’s easy to grab and hold in case your dog sees something that might trigger excessive pulling. 

Lastly, the ThinkPet harness features four adjusters for a custom fit, a breathable soft mesh lining that provides comfort and prevents injury, and an Oxford fabric that’s easy to clean and maintain.

Lifepul No Pull Dog Vest Harness -Best Harness for Bigger Breeds

Starting at - £32.50
Pros
  • Nickel-plated hardware
  • Soft padding for extra comfort
  • Easy to put on
Cons
  • It might be a bit heavy for small-breed dogs
  • Rating: 9.4 / 10
  • Price: £32.50
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Nylon
  • Sizes: S and XL
  • Closure type: Clip

The Lifepul No Pull Dog Vest is an adjustable harness that’s excellent for big dogs – it’s strong, durable, and easy to put on.

 It’s a great pick for both everyday walks and intense training sessions due to its design that gives owners more control and prevents pulling and tugging.

The best part about this harness is that it has a handle on the back that allows owners to pick up and ‘steer’ their dog and features a strap on the front that’s wide and soft, ensuring the dog is comfortable at all times, both during long training sessions or everyday walks.

Finally, the Lifepul No Pull Dog Vest is constructed of high-quality nylon and nickel-plated hardware that is resistant to dirt and easy to clean. It also features thick breathable padding beneath that’s soft to ensure comfortable walks and reduce weathering.

Truelove Harness -Lightweight Dog Harness UK

Starting at - £20.89
Pros
  • The upper handle keeps dogs secure during sudden vehicle movements
  • 3M reflective material
  • Two leash attachment points
Cons
  • No adjustments around the shoulders
  • Rating: 9.2 / 10
  • Price: £20.89– £30.89
  • Colours: Black, Blue, Fushcia, Orange, and Neon Yellow.
  • Material: Oxford nylon
  • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Closure type: Buckle

The Truelove Harness has a durable outer layer made of Oxford nylon and synthetic leather that’s resistant to different weather conditions and a soft sponge padded elastic-like sponge material that protects the skin of the animal, prevents chafing, and ensures comfort during use.

The harness features adjustable straps to ensure your dog doesn’t slip out during walks and 3M reflective stitching, providing visibility in low-light conditions.

What’s more, the harness is easy to put on and take off, has duraflex attachment clips that ensure it comes off quickly, and two zinc alloy attachment buckles (one on the back and one on the chest) that owners can use for anti-pull training.

FIE Fit Into Everyway Harness -Best Value for Money

Starting at - £17.18
Pros
  • Sturdy handle for extra safety
  • 3M reflective material
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not suitable for dogs of all sizes
  • Rating: 9.6 / 10
  • Price: £17.18- £34.53
  • Colours: Black, Green, Orange
  • Material: Nylon
  • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
  • Closure type: Buckles

The FIE Fit harness ticks all the boxes of a good harness – it’s safe, comfortable, and made of material that’s easy to clean.

It has two leash attachment points – one on the back and one on the chest area –  and a sturdy handle you can use to secure your dog in your car or in traffic. 

The harness further features a nylon webbing with 3M reflective material for good visibility at night, as well as a smooth, long-lasting oxford cloth used for the outside that is stylish and durable. 

The lining of the jacket, on the other hand, is made of a comfortable, lightweight mesh and soft sponge padding on the chest and belly to ensure comfort and prevent injury.

Buying Guide

Picking the right harness for your dog can be tricky– especially if your dog gets anxious in crowded places, is a puller, or in need of training. If you’re having trouble finding a good harness, here’s what to look for: 

Style and Purpose

There are many different styles of dog harnesses available on the market. Some are designed for specific activities such as hiking, while others are better suited for pups in training or dogs that regularly pull on the leash. 

Also, different styles of harnesses close differently– it’s better to get a harness that closes at the chest if your dog is of a big and heavy breed.

Security

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a harness is that it doesn’t come off easily and that your dog can’t slip out. If the harness is loose, you need to go a size down.

Price

The best way to find a harness that’s both good for your dog and affordable is to shop around for the best deal. If you can’t afford the harness you want, you can identify the features that your dog needs and find a cheaper version.

Comfort

Your dog will be wearing the harness for extended periods of time, so make sure it is comfortable. The harness shouldn’t be too tight (you should be able to fit two fingers under the straps when they are fastened) and it should be made of materials that prevent chafing.

Back clip vs. Front clip 

Back clip harnesses are the go-to choice for owners whose dogs tend to pull on the leash. They provide more control and are generally more versatile. Front clip harnesses are better for dogs that stay by your side.

Maintenance

Most dog harnesses are easy to clean and maintain, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guide to make sure you don’t accidentally damage the material. 

Harness vs. Collars

Harnesses are the more common choice for walking dogs because they do not put any pressure on the neck, reduce pulling, and are more secure. However, collars can be more comfortable and more convenient.  

Bottom Line

Harnesses are an excellent choice for any activity, regardless of whether you have a furry friend that pulls on the leash, joins you on hiking and trekking trips, or simply needs a bit of ‘steering’ in traffic and crowded places. The best harness for dogs depends on your dog’s needs, so make sure you take everything into consideration before making a purchase.

FAQ

Is a harness better than a collar for a dog?

A harness is a better pick for dogs that pull on the leash. A collar can be more comfortable for dogs that walk by the owner’s side.

Can dogs wear harnesses 24/7?

Dogs can wear harnesses for extended periods of time but wearing one 24/7 can be uncomfortable for the dog.

Can a dog wear a collar and a harness at the same time?

You can use both a harness and a collar if you need absolute control over your dog when outside.

Can pulling on a harness hurt your dog?

If the dog is a hard puller and the harness doesn’t fit their property, they could potentially injure themselves.

Do dogs pull more with a harness?

Dogs typically pull because of a lack of training. A harness doesn’t encourage more pulling but it makes it more comfortable for the dog. If you’re looking to find the right fit, it’s best to shop around for the  best dog harness options in the UK.