It's one of the most common questions when a dog comes home: harness or collar? The answer depends on how your dog walks, their size and their health. Here's a quick guide.
When is a harness better than a collar?
- Dogs that pull on the leash: a harness spreads the force across the chest and doesn't put pressure on the trachea.
- Brachycephalic breeds (bulldog, pug, boxer), which already have trouble breathing.
- Small dogs, with more delicate necks.
- Dogs with neck or back problems, or a cough.
- Sports, hiking or car rides: a harness holds your dog more securely and can be clipped to the seat belt.
When is a collar enough?
For dogs that already walk without pulling, a collar is comfortable, lightweight and the ideal place for the ID tag or a tracker. Many owners use both: a collar with the tag at home, and a harness for walks.
How do you measure a dog to choose the right size?
Use a soft sewing tape measure, with your dog standing and calm.
- Neck: measure where the collar would sit and add two fingers' width.
- Chest: measure around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the key measurement for a harness.
- Back length (for clothing only): from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
If your dog is between two sizes, choose the larger one and adjust it. A well-fitted harness leaves no marks, doesn't rub under the armpits and can't be slipped off over the head when your dog pulls backwards.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Choosing by weight instead of by measurements.
- Leaving the collar so loose that it slips off, or so tight that you can't fit your fingers underneath.
- Using pull-tightening harnesses or punishment collars to correct your dog: it's better to work on walking with treats and patience. Treat pouches and training accessories will help.
In our harnesses, collars and leashes section, you'll find a size chart on every product page, from padded models for small dogs to leather harnesses for large breeds.