Dog Harness Test 2025: The best Y-harnesses compared

This guide tells you everything you need to know: what types of harnesses are available, what to look for when buying one, and how to find the perfect size for your dog.

The most important points in brief

Dog harness or collar – which is better?

Many dog ​​owners ask themselves this question. The short answer: For most dogs, a harness is the better choice.

The reason lies in the pressure distribution. When your dog pulls on the leash – and let's be honest, which dog doesn't do that occasionally – with a collar , all the pressure is concentrated on the sensitive neck area. This puts strain on the larynx, trachea, and cervical spine.

A well-fitting dog harness, on the other hand, distributes the pulling force across the chest and back. This is not only more comfortable for your dog, but also significantly healthier – especially for:

• Puppies and young dogs whose bodies are still growing
• Dogs with respiratory problems (Pug, French Bulldog, Boxer)
• Dogs that pull strongly
• Anxious or reactive dogs that might wriggle out of a collar
• Active dogs who do a lot of hiking, jogging or dog sports

What types of dog harnesses are there?

Not all harnesses are the same. Depending on the design, comfort, freedom of movement, and intended use vary considerably. Here's an overview of the most important types:

Y-harness (Y-chest harness) – Our test winner

Suitable for: All dog breeds and sizes, especially recommended for active dogs and dogs that tend to pull.

Discover our Y-harnesses →

Norwegian harnesses – The popular classic

You can recognize a Norwegian harness by the horizontal chest strap that runs across the chest. It's particularly easy to put on – simply slip it over the head and fasten the belly strap.

Advantages: Quick to put on and take off, good pressure relief in the neck area.

Disadvantages: The horizontal chest strap can restrict shoulder movement in some dogs. Therefore, it is less suitable for very active dogs or dog sports than a Y-harness.

Leading harness (H-harness)

The classic harness consists of two loops (neck and chest) connected by a bar. It offers many adjustment options and adapts well to different body shapes.

Suitable for: Growing dogs, as it grows with them, and for everyday walks.

Safety harness (panic harness)

Safety harnesses have an additional belly strap that prevents anxious dogs from wriggling out of the harness. Perfect for rescue dogs, very shy dogs, or dogs in the adjustment period.

Measuring your dog harness size – How to find the perfect fit

No matter how high-quality a harness is, if it doesn't fit properly, it's useless. Too tight means chafing and discomfort, too loose is a safety risk. Here's how to measure correctly:

Step-by-step: How to measure your dog correctly

1. To measure chest circumference: Place the measuring tape at the widest point of the ribcage – this is about a hand's width behind the front legs. This is the most important measurement.
2. Measure neck circumference: Measure where the upper part of the harness will later sit – usually a little lower than with a collar.
3. Measure back length: From the withers (highest point of the shoulder blades) to the base of the tail – important for harnesses with a back plate.
4. Note your weight: This will serve as an additional guide if you fall between two sizes.

Tip: It's best to measure when your dog is standing relaxed. Two fingers should fit between the harness and the body – this guarantees freedom of movement without slipping.

Important: If your measurement falls between two sizes, choose the larger size – a harness that is too tight is much more uncomfortable than one that is adjusted slightly looser.

The right dog harness for every size

Dog harness for large dogs

Dog harness for small dogs

Dog harness for puppies

Puppies grow quickly – sometimes seemingly overnight. That's why an adjustable harness with a wide size range is the best choice. This way, you can use the harness through several growth phases.

Our tip: A harness is preferable to a collar, especially for puppies. Young dogs often pull strongly on the leash, and their cervical spine is particularly sensitive.

How to properly put on a dog harness – step by step

Putting on a harness isn't rocket science – if you know how. Here are the instructions for a Y-harness:

1. To open the harness: Open all the buckles and spread the harness out in front of you so that you can see the Y-shape.
2. Guide over the head: Carefully guide the head opening over your dog's head.
3. Threading in the front legs: Depending on the model, guide the legs through the corresponding openings or close them at the sides.
4. Close the buckles: Fasten the buckles on your chest and/or stomach.
5. Check the fit: Two fingers should fit flat between the harness and the body. No more, no less.
6. Movement test: Let your dog take a few steps and check if anything slips or rubs.

Important: The harness fits correctly when the shoulder blades are free to move, no strap rubs in the armpit, and the chest strap lies in the middle of the sternum.

Buying a dog harness – what you should pay attention to

With so many offers available, it's easy to lose track. These criteria will help you decide:

Material and workmanship

High-quality materials make the difference between a dish that lasts for years and one that needs to be replaced after a few months.

• Nylon: Robust, lightweight, quick-drying – the all-rounder
• Neoprene: Soft, padded, ideal for sensitive dogs
• Mesh/air fabric: Breathable, perfect for summer
• Reflectors: They greatly increase visibility in the dark.

adjustability

The more adjustment points a harness has, the better you can adapt it to your dog's body shape. Look for buckles on the chest and belly – ideally, these should be infinitely adjustable.

Leash points (D-rings)

Most harnesses have a D-ring on the back. Models with an additional chest ring are better.

• Back D-ring: Standard for relaxed walks
• Chest D-ring: Helps with dogs that pull – the dog is gently guided to the side instead of being slowed down.

Our recommendation: Ergonomic Y-harnesses for every need

After intensive research and practical tests, we can particularly recommend two Y-harnesses that meet all the important criteria:

SELKA – The sporty Y-harness

STYRA – The stylish Y-shaped tableware

All colors at a glance

The SELKA dog harness is available in 10 colors – click on your favorite color:

The STYRA dog harness is available in 5 elegant colors:

Frequently asked questions about dog harnesses

From what age can a puppy wear a harness?

Once your puppy moves in with you and starts going on walks – around 8-10 weeks old – it can wear a suitable harness. A harness is actually preferable to a collar for puppies, as their cervical spine is still very sensitive.

How tight should a dog harness fit?

The two-finger rule is the best test: Two flat fingers should fit between the harness and the dog's body. This means the harness is tight enough to stay in place, but loose enough to allow freedom of movement and breathing.

Can my dog ​​sleep with a harness on?

No, the harness should be removed after the walk. Wearing it continuously can cause chafing and prevents the skin from breathing. Besides, your dog can relax better when it's free.

How often should I wash the dishes?

Depending on usage, every 2-4 weeks. Most nylon harnesses can be machine washed at 30°C – but always check the manufacturer's care instructions beforehand. Close any metal parts before washing to prevent damage.

Y-harness or Norwegian harness – which is better?

For most dogs, the Y-harness is the better choice, as it leaves the shoulder blades completely free. The Norwegian harness is easier to put on, but can restrict the natural movement of active dogs. For relaxed walks without much pulling, the Norwegian harness is a good alternative.

Conclusion: The best dog harness of 2025

Discover all dog harnesses →