Dog Harness Size Calculator
Table of contents
Harness 101: what you need to know about dog harnessesWhat size harness does your dog need? Dog harness size chart by breedHow do I measure a dog for a harness?FAQsWelcome to Omni's dog harness size calculator, a convenient tool that will help you to choose the perfect harness size for your dog. 🐕🦺
Did you know that harnesses are more secure than collars and can help your dog avoid damaging its neck? Hence, many veterinarians and cynologists agree that harnesses could be a better option in some instances, especially for reactive dogs. Whether you're a new dog owner or an experienced pet parent trying to switch from a collar to a harness, you're in the right place.
Use the dog harness size calculator, and read the article to get clear answers to some of the harness-related questions, such as:
- How to calculate dog harness size;
- How to measure your dog for a harness;
- What the correct harness is for a medium size dog;
- Whether harnesses are safer than collars;
- Whether collars are more appropriate for puppies than harnesses; And more!
Harness 101: what you need to know about dog harnesses
Although, as dog owners, we would love to give our furry friends the freedom to roam free, unfortunately, for safety reasons, it's not always possible. Hence, harnesses and collars have always been pet owners' essential items; but what are the benefits and disadvantages of a harness? Let's explore.
There are multiple benefits to using a harness. Below are a few:
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A harness helps your dog to avoid neck and spine injury when pulling on the lead. Considering that pulling is one of five behaviors would like to change, it is reasonable to stay cautious and use a harness instead of a collar, which is known to increase the risk of injuries. This is particularly relevant for leash-reactive dogs, who respond to external stimuli in an unwanted way and are more prone to pull on the lead.
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A harness prevents your dog from escaping. It is much easier for a dog to slip their head out from a collar than from a harness. A harness ensures that the dog does not have the means to escape.
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A harness makes it easier for you to control your dog. If your dog is easily distracted when walking, a harness will help you to have a tighter hold on the dog's movements. This is also beneficial if your dog tends to jump on people with excitement; since pressure from a harness is distributed more evenly on your dog's body than from a collar, you can quickly stop your dog from hopping without fear of injuring it.
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Harnesses prevent ocular proptosis. Too much strain on your dog's neck, which a collar may cause, can lead to the dog's eyeballs protruding out of the sockets – a condition known as ocular proptosis. Since the harness doesn't strain the dog's neck, this condition is avoidable by using a harness.
Certain discomforts come with using a harness:
- It can be inconvenient to put on and take off a harness from your dog, compared to a collar, which is moderately easy to put on, and mostly stays on throughout the day.
- You may be unable to display the ID tag, which is crucial in case your dog gets away while outdoors.
- If not fitted correctly, a harness could be uncomfortable or painful for your dog. Ensure the harness is not too tight on your dog, especially if you have a growing puppy. You may need to monitor how well the harness fits closely.
- You may need to use more strength when walking your dog with a harness. This is often the case with bigger breeds.
Want to know more about dogs? Then visit the Omni dog food calculator and our dog life expectancy calculator to determine your pet's daily calorie needs and life expectancy, respectively. 🐶 You may also keep reading to learn how to calculate the harness size for your dog.
What size harness does your dog need? Dog harness size chart by breed
The size of your dog's harness will depend on the weight and girth of your dog. You can find the dog harness size chart by breed below:
Breed | Size | Weight | Girth | Leash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chihuahua, Teacup Yorkshire Terrier | XX-Small | Up to 5 lbs (2.26 kg) | 8 - 10" (20.3-25.4 cm) | 5/16" (0.79 cm) |
Dachshund (miniature), Maltese, Pomeranian, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier | X-Small | 5-10 lbs (2.26-4.54 kg) | 9-15" (22.86-38.1 cm) | 3/8" (0.95 cm) |
Cavalier King Charles, Pekingese, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, Scottish Terrier | Small | 10-25 lb (4.54-11.34 kg) | 13-23" (33.02-58.42 cm) | 5/8" (1.59 cm) |
Beagle, Border Collie, Boston Terrier, English Bulldog, French Bulldog | Medium | Up to 55 lbs (25 kg) | 18-29" (45.72-73.66c m) | 3/4" (1.905 cm) |
Boxer, Dalmatian, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Weimaraner | Large | Up to 75 lbs (34 kg) | 22-39" (55.88-99 cm) | 1" (2.540 cm) width, two-ply for strong pullers |
Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Dane, Mastiff, Rottweiler, Saint Bernard | X-Large | 75+ lbs (34+ kg) | 28-48" (71 - 122 cm) | 1.25" (3.175 cm) width, two-ply for strong pullers |
How do I measure a dog for a harness?
You must know the dog's weight and girth to determine what size dog harness you need.
To find out what is your dog's chest circumference:
- Grab a tailor's tape or a long string.
- Wrap the tailor's tape or string around the widest area of the dog's chest right behind the front legs.
- If you're using the string, mark the length that fits around the dog's girth, and use any available measuring tool to determine the length.
To determine the dog's weight follow the next steps:
- Weigh yourself and record the weight.
- Then, pick up the dog and get on the scale to see how much you weigh while holding the dog.
- Lastly, subtract the weight you recorded in step 1 from the weight observed in step 2.
💡 Do you have doubts regarding the size category of your dog? The dog size calculator is here to help!
How do I choose the best harness for a puppy?
To choose a harness for a puppy:
- Determine its weight and girth.
- See which category your puppy fits in from the table below:
Size | Weight | Girth | Leash |
|---|---|---|---|
XX-Small | Up to 5 lbs (2.26 kg) | 8-10" (20.3-25.4 cm) | 5/16" (0.79 cm) |
X-Small | 5-10 lbs (2.26-4.54 kg) | 9-15" (22.86-38.1 cm) | 3/8" (0.95 cm) |
Small | 10-25lb (4.54-11.34 kg) | 13-23" (33.02-58.42 cm) | 5/8" (1.59 cm) |
What is the appropriate harness for a medium size dog?
The appropriate harness for a medium size dog with a chest circumference (girth) of 18-29" (45.7-74) cm is 3/4" or 1.905 cm wide. To determine your dog's chest circumference, measure the widest part of your dog's chest.
Are harnesses safer than collars?
A harness can be safer than a collar, especially for leash-reactive dogs. A collar can put your dog at risk of neck injury due to pressure when pulling on the lead, whereas a harness distributes pressure on the dog's back and entire body rather than the neck.
How do I figure out what size harness I need for my dog?
You can find your dog's harness size by finding your dog's weight and girth. Once you have this information, check it against Omni's dog size chart or enter the information into Omni's dog harness size calculator.
Smaller dogs, such as Pugs and Scottish Terriers, need a 5/8" or 1.59 cm wide harness, whereas larger dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers, need a two-ply harness that's 1" or 2.54 cm wide.