8 Best Harnesses For A Corgi: Our 2024 Corgi Harness Guide
Low to the ground with long backs, Corgis are often the subject of humor. Judging by jokes and memes on the Internet, their owners seem happy to join in the fun.
Today many Corgis still love to use their instincts and dig. They also still have the characteristic breed shape with the distinctive forechest and keel. The keel refers to the lower curved outline of the chest and ribcage. (You can think of it like the keel of a ship.) All dogs have a keel but it’s especially noticeable in Corgis.
If you have a pet Corgi you probably love the silhouette of your Corgi but you may find it hard to locate a harness that fits properly because of the breed’s unusual shape. We can help you find just the right harness for your Corgi.
What To Look For In A Good Harness For Corgis
You can use a collar for your Corgis but most owners seem to prefer a harness today. A harness won’t put any pressure on your Corgi’s throat. Throat pressure can lead to neck problems or tracheal collapse for some dogs. A harness fits around your Corgi’s body with the leash attaching near the shoulders. That way the pressure is safely distributed.
A standard harness distributes the pull of the leash across your Corgi’s chest and back. This is a good choice for small dogs like the miniature Corgi. If your Corgi is larger or if he pulls a lot, this may not be the best choice because your Corgi can pull hard against the leash with this kind of harness.
A no-pull harness can be a good choice if you have a standard-sized Corgi or if your Corgi pulls a lot. This kind of harness tightens slightly when your Corgi pulls but the pull is felt under your Corgi’s arms instead of on his neck. If you choose a no-pull harness you need to pay special attention to how it fits your Corgi since it can rub or irritate the skin under your Corgi’s arms if it doesn’t fit correctly.
There are also some special harnesses made for Corgis that provide back support. They can extend farther down the dog’s back and have a second strap that wraps under your Corgi for more support. This helps spread the pull from the leash across a wider area. These harnesses may also have a handle so you can lift your Corgi if necessary. You can expect these specialty harnesses for Corgis to cost more, especially if they have other special features.
A good fit is important for any Corgi harness and different harness styles can fit differently. To get the best fit for your Corgi you need to take his measurements. Measure his neck, his ribcage or girth (around his body at the widest point – where his heart and lungs are located), and his chest width across the front of his body, along with his length from neck to the root of his tail. Check the harness packaging to make sure you’re choosing the right size for your Corgi. Most harnesses can be adjusted within a slight range but it’s best to get a harness that is as close as possible to your Corgi’s measurements. A harness that’s too tight can rub your Corgi’s skin and be painful. If the harness is too loose your Corgi can wiggle out of it.
Keep the harness package until your Corgi has worn the harness a few times and you’re certain the harness fits properly. You may need to refer to the directions for putting on the harness a few times – putting on a harness can be tricky at first. And, if the harness doesn’t fit right, you can return it to the store for an exchange.
For some dogs you may not want to use a harness. Harnesses are comfortable and less restrictive than collars. This means that some Corgis may pull on the leash quite a bit when wearing a harness. If your Corgi pulls a lot when wearing a harness you might want to think about using a collar and leash instead. Or, talk to a good trainer about teaching your Corgi not to pull on the leash.
Different Types Of Harnesses For Corgi
Good harnesses are available in several different styles and materials.
- Nylon harnesses are popular for many reasons. They are inexpensive and durable. They’re easy to clean and easy to adjust. You can usually find them in lots of different colors with leashes to match.
- Mesh harnesses are also popular. They are not as durable as durable as basic nylon harnesses. In their favor, they can be a good choice for your Corgi in hot weather since they allow good air flow.
- Fabric harnesses are often very attractive. They can cost more than nylon and mesh harnesses but they are a good choice if you want to spruce up your Corgi’s appearance, especially for a special occasion. Many fabric harnesses are easy to clean but you should check the label to see if the fabric is machine washable.
- Leather harnesses are also an option. Good leather is durable, soft, and pliable. These harnesses can be comfortable for your Corgi if the leather quality is good. They are also easy to adjust. Expect a good quality leather harness to cost a little more but it should last a long time. The down side with leather is that some dogs will try to chew on it if they have the opportunity. If you buy leather products that are lower quality, they won’t last as long and they may not be as comfortable for your Corgi. Poor quality leather may be stiff and it won’t soften with wear.
Most dog harnesses and leashes are not too expensive so your Corgi could have several. You could choose to use a different harness for different occasions and have a harness for daily use.
Corgi walking using a harnessOverall Best Corgi Harness – ChokeFree Velpro Mesh Pet Shoulder Harness Collar
This one-piece, non-choking mesh harness gets our vote for the best overall Corgi harness. The Vel-Lock closure (velcro) keeps the harness secure with a D-ring on the back for your leash. your Corgi can step into it so it’s on and off quickly without lots of confusing straps. This harness has no clips or extra rings to worry about. The strong, durable Velpro mesh is soft and lightweight. The harness is designed so it doesn’t touch your Corgi’s throat. Even if he pulls, there’s no pressure on his throat or neck. It’s available in five sizes so it will serve well as a good miniature Corgi harness and also work well for standard Corgis. Comes in multiple colors. Machine washable. This harness does tend to stretch a little after your Corgi has worn it so take that into consideration when purchasing. We think this lightweight, comfortable, simple harness is a great choice for Corgis.
5 More High Quality Corgi Harnesses
Puppia Soft Dog Harness (Mesh)
This soft mesh dog harness from Puppia isn’t the most expensive or the most complicated harness made but we think it’s a good choice for many Corgis. It’s easy to use as a comfortable, everyday harness. We think it’s functional and convenient – easy for your Corgi to wear and for you to put on your Corgi. It’s soft and lightweight with air-mesh padding. It has an easy neck opening and it has a re-sizable, quick-release chest belt. It has a D-ring for the leash attachment. Made of cotton and polyester – hand wash. Comes in a variety of colors. Available in multiple sizes so it should fit both miniature and standard Corgis.
Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness
The Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness is recommended for Corgi that love to pull on the leash. It features an elasticized, flexible padded mesh chest piece that “gives” when your Corgi pulls. The harness can humanely control even the worst pullers without choking your Corgi. Sporn’s non-pull system is veterinarian-approved. The one-piece harness is also easy to put on and take off. The “sleeves” that fit under your Corgi’s front legs are also padded for extra comfort – no chafing. The harness is made from the highest quality nylon so it’s durable and long-lasting. Perfect in all weather. This harness is recommended only for walking your Corgi. It’s not designed for use as in your vehicle or as a tie-out. Nickel-plated hardware is sturdy and keeps your leash attached. This harness is available in multiple sizes so it should fit miniature and standard Dacshunds. Machine washable.
Harness For Corgis (Pretzkin)
This standard harness for Corgis is made by Pretzkin. Amazon doesn’t provide much information about the harness but you can find the company online. These harnesses are made specifically for Corgis, Dachshunds, and other small to medium breeds (and cats). According to the company, they are comfortable with no restrictive straps. They provide a balanced fit so the dog’s spine, legs, and lower torso can be evenly supported. The leash ring on the harness is placed so it will put less strain on your Corgi’s neck. The harness is made from durable nylon and it’s machine washable. We like the harness because it has an extra strap in the back to provide some support and spread out the pull of the leash.
Ruffwear – Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness For Dogs
Ruffwear makes several good harnesses that Corgi owners might like. We found the Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness on Amazon. It’s recommended for dogs that are pullers. It has two leash attachment points: one on the chest in the front so you can have more control of your Corgi; and one in the back when you’re taking a relaxed walk with your Corgi (and he’s not pulling). The harness features aluminum attachment rings that are reinforced with webbing for safety and durability. The harness is easy to put on your Corgi. You simply slip it over his head and it stays secure with side-release buckles. It has a padded chest and stomach panel for all-day comfort. Great for long walks and hikes. You can customize the fit for your Corgis with four adjustment points. You can also put your Corgi’s ID into the built-in pockets. This adventure harness also has reflective trim for those times when you are your Corgi are starting early and getting home late. (Hey, we know some of you compete in earthdog and other events with your Corgi!)
Alfie Pet Vince Sailor Harness & Dog Leash
We couldn’t wrap up the best Dacshund harnesses without finding something completely adorable for your Corgi to wear. Made of soft, lightweight, breathable material, the design is good for small dogs because the pull of the leash is evenly distributed across the chest. This harness can be a good way to train puppies or for dogs that pull a lot. The stylish sailor stripe design is an added bonus. The harness has a sturdy D-ring to attach the leash. Machine washable. Comes in multiple sizes so it should fit miniature and standard Corgis.
Related: Best Dog Foods For Corgis
Conclusion
We’ve discussed the ins and outs of harnesses for Corgis along with our recommendations for the best harnesses. Most Corgis will do well wearing a harness. As long as the harness fits properly, they are usually comfortable for dogs and they can help avoid neck problems and issues such as tracheal collapse. If your Corgi does pull on the leash excessively, we would recommend that you talk to a good trainer. There are some fairly easy ways to train your Corgi to stop pulling on the leash so much – even dogs as determined as Corgis.
Be sure to measure your Corgi carefully. Read the packaging and double check the sizing before making your purchase. Some of the instructions for putting harnesses on dogs can be hard to follow so be patient when you are fitting your Corgi with the harness for the first time. Remember that your Corgi can get frustrated, too. It helps to have some treats handy as a reward while you are putting the harness on for the first time. If all goes well, the new harness will fit perfectly. Then you and your Corgi can be off for some new adventures!