9 Best Harnesses for Chihuahuas: Our Walking, Hiking & No Pull Picks
Chihuahuas are energetic, cute, cuddly and a lot of fun. But these little dogs can also be quite the handful – making a harness a better option, compared to a collar, for your walks. Bred as hunting dogs, Chihuahuas often have a tendency to dart around and chase other small animals, and can be easily distracted.
Because of this, a Chihuahua harness is a great way to keep your Chi under control and make sure it stays safe on your walks. Not sure which type of harness to choose? In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about Chihuahua harnesses, and provide you with a list of our top picks for your Chi. Let’s get started now.
Popular Types of Chihuahua Harnesses
Wondering what types of harnesses are popular for Chihuahuas? Let’s go over a quick list of some of the most commonly-used harnesses for this breed now.
Walking harnesses – Walking harnesses usually feature minimal padding and a strap-based design that’s secured with buckles. These harnesses are intended to be used on everyday walks, rather than longer excursions, so they are lightweight and typically not durable enough for all-day use. However, they are very convenient.
Hiking harnesses – Hiking harnesses feature strong, robust hardware and straps, and may even incorporate features like a handle, reflective patches, pouches for storage, and other such features for adventures with your Chi.
No-pull harnesses – The main type of no-pull harness uses a front chest ring where you attach your leash. When your Chi tries to pull away, the front ring naturally guides it back to your side, which can help discourage pulling. Some other harnesses tighten gently when your Chi pulls, releasing when it stops – this also helps prevent pulling behavior.
Vest harnesses – Vest harnesses usually secure with velcro and a buckle, and are made of a soft mesh. They’re best for smaller dogs, as they are usually made of a soft, lightweight material that is comfy for small breeds, but not strong enough for large and giant dogs.
No-escape harnesses – No-escape harnesses are usually made to keep the straps away from your Chi’s mouth, and to be adjustable so that your Chi can’t slip out of the harness during a walk. Chew-resistant straps are also a common feature of these harnesses.
There are a few other types of harnesses on the market, but these are the most common. Depending on your needs, it may actually be best for you to shop for multiple harnesses for your Chihuahua.
Different Chihuahua Harness Materials
Most Chihuahua harnesses are made out of one or more of the following materials:
Nylon – Nylon is the most common harness material for dogs. It’s strong while remaining relatively soft, and it also is wear-resistant and water-resistant. As a synthetic fabric, it’s also very easy to clean.
Polyester – Polyester shares most of the same properties as nylon, but tends to be a bit weaker. Still, it’s a top choice for Chihuahua harnesses, and is often a bit softer and more comfortable.
Mesh – Mesh is usually made from polyester or nylon, and offers superior breathability. Mesh may be used to pad different pieces of a harness, but some harnesses for small dogs are made almost completely out of mesh, which provides excellent ventilation.
Cotton – Cotton harnesses are not that common, but because cotton is an organic and natural fabric, it may be a better choice if your Chihuahua has sensitive skin, or if you want to avoid synthetic materials for any other reason.
Neoprene – Neoprene is a soft, synthetic rubber material which is usually used with nylon and polyester to provide extra padding for straps as well as back, chest, and belly pads in modern harnesses.
Leather – Leather is a strong, durable, natural material. However, leather harnesses are usually quite heavy and expensive, and are mostly used for larger dogs. They are relatively uncommon for Chihuahuas.
While you may find a few harnesses using different materials, the majority of products on the market will use some combination of the above fabrics and materials.
5 Key Components of a Harness for a Chihuahua
What should you look for when you’re shopping for a Chihuahua harness? Here are a few qualities and key components you should be looking for.
Plentiful padding – Unfortunately, Chihuahuas are prone to a few musculoskeletal issues – with the most common being intervertebral disc disease. Because of this, we recommend a harness with plenty of padding on the back, chest and belly – this will help spread out the strain of pulling, and minimize spinal stress.
Easy adjustability – Adjustability is key for Chihuahuas, which have a long and narrow body that is often difficult to fit into a non-adjustable harness. In addition, proper adjustment will help minimize the risk of strain on the back.
Rear handle – A rear handle makes it convenient to pick up your Chihuahua or keep it under control when it tries to chase after another animal. Rear handles also often double as a seat belt attachment point.
No-pull ring – No-pull rings attach to the chest of the harness, and guide your Chi back to your side when it tries to pull away.
Durable hardware – Despite their relatively small size, Chihuahuas can be quite strong pullers. Durable metal and plastic hardware are essential for keeping your Chi under control, and ensuring your harness won’t break – which could leave your Chi in a dangerous situation.
When shopping for a harness, be on the lookout for harnesses with all of the above qualities. Depending on your Chi, you may also want other features like reflective material for low-light safety, easy-open buckles, and other such things.
Our Picks For The Best Harness For A Chihuahua
Ready to see our top picks for Chihuahua harnesses? Take a look at all of the options below, and you’re sure to be able to find the right harness for your pup. We’ve put together a compilation of a few top-rated harnesses from different manufacturers in a variety of categories.
Best Overall – This harness from Kurgo is our top pick for a number of reasons. First, it’s built using a climbing harness-inspired design, with strong nylon and metal hardware. In addition, it comes with a carabiner and strap which allows it to be used as a seat belt tether, and it’s crash-test rated for dogs up to 75lbs in weight. It also has plenty of chest padding to protect your Chi’s airway and chest if it pulls, and both a rear and front lead attachment ring.
Pros:
Simple to adjust for a perfect fit Built with a no-pull design Strong, all-metal hardware
Runner Up – Our runner-up for the top Chihuahua harness is this harness from Chai’s Choice. We recommend this harness very highly for Chihuahuas with back problems or hip dysplasia, because it’s very lightweight and is heavily padded to help distribute pressure evenly across your Chi’s body. It also has a no-pull design, and features reflective 3M material to help you and your Chihuahua stay safe when walking in low-light conditions. It also comes in five sizes and nine colors.
Pros:
Durable and lightweight
Reflective for enhanced safety
No-pull chest ring and rear handle
Cons:
Neck must be tightened whenever it’s put on and taken off
Some Chihuahuas may be able to “back out” of the harness and escape
Most Affordable Pick – If you’re on a tight budget, this Frisco small breed harness is an ideal choice for your Chihuahua, particularly if it has issues with its windpipe or joints. It’s an incredibly comfortable and easy-to-use mesh harness, built with strong nylon, two metal attachment rings, a velcro strap and a buckle for a secure hold. It takes only moments to put it on and take it off, and the padded nylon mesh also features reflectors which help keep you safe in low-light conditions.
Pros:
Great value
Reflective trim
Extremely light and comfortable
Cons:
Some leads may not clip properly onto the thick rear D-rings
Includes both front ring and rear ring for lead attachment
Best Hiking Harness – Chihuahuas are great adventure partners. Bred as hunting dogs, they still like the opportunity to get into nature, and this Kurgo harness is a great option for a hiking harness for your pup. It incorporates features like steel hardware, a strong handle to help your Chi through tough terrain, and a padded chest, neck and back to help keep your Chi comfortable. Additionally, it comes with a strap and carabiner so you can attach it to a seatbelt while you’re traveling with your Chi.
Pros:
No-pull design
Reflective tabs for low-light safety
Extremely secure fit
Cons:
Neck is not adjustable
Not rated for crash test safety
May be difficult to put on an uncooperative Chihuahua
No Escape Harness Lead – Harness leads, like this product, are an ideal option for Chihuahuas which are escape artists, or which may have trouble fitting into a standard harness properly due to their narrow shoulders. Using adjustable rubber stops, this harness lead can be adjusted to fit a Chihuahua of any size. It also has a no-pull design. When your Chi tries to pull away, the lead will gently constrict your pup, and release when it stops pulling. This helps encourage better on-leash behavior.
Pros:
Simple, all-in-one design
Nearly impossible to escape when fitted properly
No sharp buckles or stiff straps
Cons:
Initial adjustment is difficult
Lead length is rather short
No padding, not recommended for Chihuahuas with significant back problems
Best Walking Harness – This is one of the simplest and most easy to use strap-style harnesses on the market, and it’s a great value. This PetSafe harness is lightweight and easy to put on and take off, and features a front no-pull ring which will help correct your Chi’s pulling behavior. Four adjustment points on the straps make it easy to fit it to your Chi properly, and the buckle design is simple to use, making this perfect for quick walks when you don’t want to mess with a more complex harness.
Pros:
Quick and easy to put on, take off
Prevents excessive pulling
Lightweight
Cons:
No rear attachment ring
No padding
Lacks rear handle or seat belt attachment point
4 More Top Rated Harnesses For Chihuahuas
Looking for even more great harnesses for Chihuahuas? We’ve got you covered. These below harnesses didn’t quite make our list of top picks, but may be a great option for your pup. Take a look now.
This is a great harness option for dogs with back problems or other hip and joint problems. It’s made out of nylon with plenty of neoprene padding and a breathable, mesh material, and designed to place most of the pressure of pulling on the chest, distributing it evenly. It also includes a front no-pull ring and a rear harness attachment ring, as well as a handle, and has reflective trim that helps keep you safe in low-light conditions. Finally, it uses a pair of plastic buckles, making it easy to put on and take off of your Chi.
With plenty of padding and comfortable polyester fabric, this product from Pawtitas is a great option for your pup. The chest piece is padded and the straps are thick and durable, and the entire harness is trimmed in a reflective material for safety and visibility. It also comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors to fit Chihuahuas of any size.
This Sporn harness uses a soft nylon mesh which provides plenty of stretch and freedom for your pup. If your Chi doesn’t like being constricted by a traditional harness, this harness may be a great option, as it has plenty of “give” while still providing you with control over your Chi, thanks to the sturdy rear lead attachment point. It’s not ideal for extremely strong pullers, though, as it may provide too much freedom of movement.
This is a great option if you are interested in keeping your Chi safe and secure on long car rides. It’s built specifically for car safety, with a padded design that’s crash-test rated and has a tensile strength of more than 3,000 lbs. It’s also easy to adjust to fit your Chi, and also incorporates a rear lead attachment point for use outside of the car.
Got more questions about buying a harness for your Chihuahua – and getting your Chi to wear it? We’ve got answers. Check out a few answers to common Chihuahua harness FAQS below!
What size harness should I get for my Chihuahua? – Given the unique size and narrow bodies of Chihuahuas, you should always measure your Chi before you shop for a harness – otherwise your harness may be too large or too small.Measuring your Chi is easy. Just use a flexible tape measure, and wrap it around the base of your Chi’s neck, at the thickest point. You should also measure your Chi’s chest at the broadest point. Neck and chest measurements are the most commonly-used measurements for dog harness sizes.You can also weigh your Chi. To do so, we recommend stepping on a scale – then picking up your Chihuahua and weighing yourself again. Subtract your weight from the measurement you got when holding your Chi to see its weight. This is easier than trying to get your Chi to stand still on a scale!
Do harnesses really discourage pulling? – This depends on the harness you get. If your Chi pulls, we highly recommend getting a harness with a no-pull design. Using a front ring or a gentle design that constricts around your Chi when it pulls, these harnesses can minimize this negative behavior.If you get a harness that does not have a no-pull design, your Chi may actually start to pull harder because there is no longer, strain on its neck. That’s a good thing for your Chi’s health, of course – but it’s not ideal behavior. Purchase a no-pull harness – and consider consulting with a dog trainer or behaviorist if this still does not help with pulling.
Should my Chihuahua wear a collar with its harness? – Yes, as long as the harness doesn’t interfere with the collar. There are a couple of reasons for this.First, your Chi’s collar has its name and your contact information on it, which will help you recover your Chi if it gets away. In addition, if your harness breaks, you can just attach your Chi’s lead to its collar, which will keep you and your pup safe.
Can my Chihuahua wear its harness all day? – Yes, but we recommend checking to make sure the harness is not irritating your Chi. If your Chi doesn’t seem to mind wearing its harness, it can wear it all day.
How can I prevent my Chihuahua from chewing its harness? – Negative reinforcement when your Chi tries to chew the harness during or after a walk – even just saying “NO” in a loud voice – can help deter this behavior. We also recommend tightening the harness properly to make it harder for your Chi to chew the straps.Additionally, make sure you take the harness off once you’re done walking, and store it somewhere your Chihuahua can’t reach it. Otherwise, you may find that your Chi has managed to chew through the straps without you realizing it!Finally, you may want to consider a harness lead. This type of harness uses thick rope that is hard to chew through, which can help discourage this negative behavior.
We hope the answers to these FAQs have helped you learn more about your Chi and purchasing the proper harness. With all of this information, you’re sure to buy the right harness for your Chi.
Conclusion
With this guide to shopping for the best Chihuahua harnesses, you should easily be able to find the right harness for your pup. From no-pull harnesses to hiking harnesses, walking harnesses, car harnesses and more, you can find the product that’s right for you and your precious pup.
So start shopping now – browse our top picks, and see if any of these Chihuahua harnesses are appropriate for your needs. Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!