Dachshunds, with their long bodies and playful spirits, need a harness designed for their unique build. A poorly fitting harness can lead to back problems, so choosing the right one is crucial. This 2024 Buyer’s Guide covers the 8 best harnesses for Dachshunds, considering comfort, safety, durability, and style. Whether you’re looking for a no-pull option, something for everyday walks, or a secure harness for adventures, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for your little sausage dog. Let’s keep those Dachshund backs healthy and happy!
Jack Black, David Bowie, Adele… What links all three of these celebrities?
Your first thought might be music – and you’d be right. But they’ve also all been proud owners of dachshunds! They’re far from the only ones though. In fact, dachshunds have seen a surge in popularity over the last few years – and as soon as you meet one, it’s easy to see why.
Known for their short legs and long body, you don’t need to be a genius to see why they’re affectionately known as ‘wiener dogs.’
However, it’s harder to find the best dog harness to fit their unique shape. It’s not as easy as just picking out any old harness for small dogs; if you pick the wrong one, they’re prone to slip out and escape.
Still, when it comes to dachshunds, it’s always better to opt for a support harness than a collar. They’re particularly vulnerable to spinal diseases like IVDD.
But dog harnesses for dachshunds minimize this risk by reducing the strain on their neck and back, instead spreading the pressure around the body when they pull.
Product
Details
Best Overall
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
- Size: Small
- Material: Polyester
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Most Lightweight
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
- Size: X- Small
- Material: Polyester
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Most Comfortable Fit
Gooby Comfort X Head in Harness
- Size: Small
- Material: Polyester
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Best Decorative Designs
Muttitude Dog Harness
- Size: X- Large
- Material: Cotton Blend
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Most Convenient
DJANGO Adventure Dog Harness
- Size: small
- Material: Neoprene, Mesh
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Best Adjustable
Chai’s Choice Premium Dog Harness
- Size: large
- Material: Mesh
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Best Flexible
EcoBark Dog Harness
- Size: Medium
- Material: Trinity Air Mesh
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Range of Sizes
SlowTon No-Pull Dog Harness
- Size: small
- Material: Nylon
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Our Top Picks of the Best Dog Harnesses for Dachshunds
As a dachshund owner, you’re likely more than familiar with their unusual shape. As adorable as they are, it can be difficult to shop for dachshund harnesses.
After all, not everything fits them! But here are eight options that would make the best dog harness for dachshunds.
1. Puppia Soft Dog Harness
While not necessarily made with them in mind, Puppia’s support harness is one of the best dachshund harnesses.
Dachshunds may be on the small side, but it’s still important that their harness is durable; fortunately, the Puppia harness is. The D-rings are double-coated and resistant to both humidity and dirt, so there’s no risk of them breaking when your dog pulls on the leash.
The buckles may be made from synthetic plastic rather than metal, but they’re no less durable – it actually makes them more lightweight! They’re made from the same material as professional mountaineers’ equipment and will survive various weather conditions… so there’s no chance of your dachshund breaking it!
The harness itself is made from soft polyester and high-quality air-mesh material. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and breathable enough for your pup to keep cool when they run about. It’s water-repellent and machine-washable too, meaning it’s easy to clean and will survive a quick dip in a lake.
With 15 colors to choose from, there’s a huge selection to suit your dog’s personality. Puppia offers plenty of size options too, with X-small all the way up to XX-large, as well as an adjustable chest strap to find the perfect fit.
However, sizing can be an issue; if your dog is between measurements, opt for the bigger one since Puppia dog harnesses tend to run small.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Adjustable
- Affordable
- Range of colors and sizes
Cons
- Sizes can be difficult to get it right.
- Polyester prone to stretching if your dog pulls
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
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2. Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
Another affordable dachshund harness, the Voyager Step-In dog harness’s design is perfect for everyday wear. It’s so easy to put on and take off that your pup will be ready for their walk in seconds. And with a huge range of colors and patterns available, as well as a matching dog leash, the two of you will stand out when you take a stroll.
It’s a comfortable dog harness for dachshunds, made of a soft, lightweight, and breathable mesh that keeps your dog cool even in the summer. As it’s also a reflective harness, it includes reflective strips on the side, boosting visibility to keep you both safe on any nighttime walks.
In fact, safety and security are a priority with this dachshund harness. Its vest-shaped design protects your dog’s neck and stops any possibility of them wiggling out, making it perfect for dachshunds.
It also has a triple safety feature, including a buckle, Velcro, and double D-rings; if any fail, there are still two more acting as backups.
You can’t adjust the Voyager dog harness though, meaning the wrong size can lead to discomfort and rubbing. Still, there is a range of sizes, going as small as XXX-small – so small it could even fit a cat! Just be aware that you might need to round up if you’re between sizes because they run small.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight and breathable
- Machine washable
- Easy to put on
- Secure fit
- Huge range of color options
Cons
- Sizes run small
- No adjustment options
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
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3. Gooby Comfort X Head in Harness
Like other best harnesses for dachshunds, Gooby’s Comfort X dog harness is made from a soft polyester mesh to keep your dog cool and comfortable even when it’s warm outside.
However, its comfort goes one step further by including microsuede trimming on its edges to reduce any risk of rubbing or skin irritation.
It’s fairly durable too. Feel free to throw it in the washing machine to clean it, and the double metal D-rings keep the leash firmly attached. However, the material is noticeably thin and might rip when faced against a particularly aggressive puller.
However, aside from the impressive range of colors, it’s Gooby’s design that makes this dog harness stand out. More than just your average over-the-head harness, this boasts Gooby’s patented choke-free X-frame design.
Made especially for small dogs like dachshunds, it straps just below your dog’s neck, reducing any stress on your dog’s throat and spreading the pressure across their shoulders and chest to keep them safe and comfortable.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Machine washable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Double D-rings for durability and security
Cons
- Thin material prone to ripping
- Sizes can be on the small side
Gooby Comfort X Head in Harness
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4. Muttitude Dog Harness
Not only is a matching harness available for each Muttitude harness, but each harness actually comes with a free matching 4-foot leash! And it’s something we hugely recommend since these designs are so impressive, it’s worth showing them off as much as possible.
The Muttitude dog harness is incredibly decorative, with even more colorful designs than Christmas jumpers! As part of their exclusive World Designs Collection, each style is rustic with bright and vibrant colors alongside intricate patterns.
But although it’s fashionable, it’s still functional and comfortable. The interior is lined with soft mesh and is fully machine washable. And you can count on a secure fit as well, thanks to its adjustable double buckle and heavy-duty hook and loop fastener.
Just be aware that this dog harness is made with small dogs in mind. There may be four sizes, ranging from small to X-large, but even the biggest size isn’t suitable for dogs over 20lbs.
Hint: X-large is the recommended size for dachshunds!
Pros
- Comfortable interior
- Decorative designs
- Secure fit
- Machine washable
- Comes with matching 4-foot leash
Cons
- Not for dogs over 20lbs
- Patterns might be too loud for those who want a simple style
Muttitude Dog Harness
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5. DJANGO Adventure Dog Harness
DJANGO is a family-owned business run by Steph and Mike in the USA. Together, they design high-quality products for dogs who love exploring the world with their humans – and all inspired by their very own dog, Django, who’s followed them on adventures from living in New York to honeymooning in Europe.
And Django is a dachshund himself, so Steph and Mike know the challenges you face when buying dog harnesses for dachshunds!
With a range of nine colors, this is a simple but stylish harness that comes with a matching leash. The design even makes it easy to put it on and off with dual side-release buckles; just pull the harness around your dog – you don’t have to fiddle and manhandle their legs at all.
Since it’s made specifically for adventurous pups who like exploring outdoors, durability is a priority. Made of neoprene, the harness is weather-resistant and fully waterproof. It also boasts a reflective trim for visibility in the dark and a sturdy brass D-ring as a leash attachment.
Despite being so durable, it’s still a lightweight harness with padded neoprene and soft custom webbing for the most comfort possible. The breathable mesh lining keeps your dog comfy and cool, while the narrow chest plate avoids chafing around your dog’s armpit.
Although there are only three sizes available, it offers four points of adjustment on the neck and chest for a perfect fit.
Pros
- Very durable
- Adjustable
- Reflective strips
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Range of colors
Cons
- Expensive
- Only three sizes
DJANGO Adventure Dog Harness
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6. Chai’s Choice Premium Dog Harness
Inspired by a Rhodesian Ridgeback called Chai, Chai’s Choice was founded in 2014 by a veteran who traded the navy for animals. Now, Chai’s Choice makes some of the top-rated products listed in Canine Journal.
Their premium outdoor adventure harness is highly adjustable, with several points of adjustment to help you find a custom fit. In addition to their premium outdoor adventure harness, they also offer a dog lift handle for providing extra support to dogs in need. While there is elasticity in the girth to make this easier, this can result in some clever dogs finding a way to wiggle out of it.
The exterior is stylish but durable, made from scratch-resistant Oxford material. It might not survive when faced with a particularly intense puller, but should be fine with a dachshund! Its lightweight Duraflex buckle makes it more secure and for use as a car dog harness, while the 3M reflective material boosts its visibility so you can be seen at night.
If you have a particularly energetic dachshund who doesn’t stop pulling on the leash, you can take advantage of its design as a no-pull dog harness with two leash attachments. The D-ring on the back is for a more traditional style of walking, while the no-pull O-ring one on the chest discourages pulling by turning the dog back to you.
It should be comfortable for your pup thanks to the lightweight and breathable mesh padded with a soft sponge. Not only is this comfier, but it stops the straps from digging into your dog’s skin when they pull. Its chest piece is particularly padded to help distribute pressure from the neck to the chest and shoulders.
There’s a nice range of nine colors to choose from, as well as five sizes from X-small to X-large. However, if your dog fits between sizes, it’s wise to opt for a smaller one since the sizes can run on the big side.
Pros
- Dual clips to discourage pulling
- Reflective
- Highly adjustable
- Range of colors
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Can be too elastic to keep dog secure
- Not for strong pullers
- Sizing can run big
Chai’s Choice Premium Dog Harness
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7. EcoBark Dog Harness
EcoBark is confident that this is the most comfortable medium dog harness your dog will ever wear… Well, we don’t know for sure if that’s 100% true, but it’s certainly likely. With double padding and a breathable mesh, this is one of the softest dog harnesses for dachshunds in their collection.
To make it even comfier, the material is flexible enough to bend with your dog’s movement and is combined with their anti-rub technology to stop chafing and rubbing against your dog’s legs.
Even if you tug with the leash, its no-choke design protects their neck and has extra plush piping around the neck hole for more comfort and safety.
Despite its impressive level of comfort though, it’s still a very durable harness. It uses double-stitching for added strength, especially surrounding the leash attachment point on the back.
The harness does include an adjustable strap to help find a snug fit. But the best part is that it’s made from recycled water bottles, so you can be sure that you’re doing your bit for the environment. However, there’s sadly no adjustable strap for the neck hole.
Still, with the right size, that shouldn’t matter too much. As well as a huge range of colors, there are six sizes, from X-small to XX-large. EcoBark is certain that with the right size, the harness is escape-proof. Just make sure to measure carefully since some customers have difficulty getting the right size.
Pros
- Affordable
- No-choke design
- Durable
- Ecofriendly
- Huge range of colors
Cons
- Can’t adjust size of neck hole
- Sizes can run too small
EcoBark Dog Harness
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8. SlowTon No-Pull Dog Harness
SlowTon’s harness for pulling is a simple one to put on and off, only requiring you to use one quick-release buckle on your dog’s stomach; you’ll have your pup ready for a walk in seconds!
It’s even easier with the right size, and there are adjustment points on the neck and chest to find the best fit. Fortunately, there are five sizes, but a limited choice of colors to choose from.
The vest-style harness is soft and made from a breathable mesh. It includes padding on the neck and chest straps, wrapped by a particularly soft flannelette to reduce any risk of chafing.
There’s even velvet padding for extra comfort, as well as a no-choke design to distribute any strain from pulling. But fortunately, this is a no-pull dog harness, so thanks to the no-pull front leash attachment, pulling shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
You’ll even get a free 4-foot leash that comes with it. Just like the harness, the leash has reflective stitching, maximizing your visibility for any late-night walks you might go on. It’s made from durable nylon as well as a bungee strap that reduces any stress from pulling. There’s even a 360-degree rotation to reduce any risk of tangling.
Pros
- Lightweight but durable
- Very comfortable
- Adjustable on chest and neck
- Comes with matching leash
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Leash can be too big for small dog harnesses
- Limited color choice
SlowTon No-Pull Dog Harness
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Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider Before Purchasing Dog Harnesses for Dachshunds
When you’re looking for the best harness to strap your dachshund in, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Ideally, you want to find the right fit and material to suit them.
Fit
It’s important to ensure that whichever harness you buy for your dachshund fits your dog properly. First, make sure to measure your dog for a harness by measuring around its neck and chest, as well as the length from its neck to tail. You might as well do this while you measure for a dog collar. Even with the right size, it’s wise to use adjustable straps to get the ideal fit. It needs to fit your dog snugly, but still allow full movement without any chafing.
Material
Dog harnesses tend to be made from similar materials, but it’s important to make sure they’re both soft and durable. Mesh is ideal to keep your dog cool in the summer but rips easily if it’s not of high quality.Nylon is a relatively inexpensive material, easy to clean, and still very durable. As a result, nylon is a very popular choice for harness materials.
Conclusion
Dachshunds can be adventurous little pups when given half a chance. They’re full of life and make the perfect companions on any adventure… but for them to join you on your outings, they need to be well-equipped.
Finding the right tactical harness can be a challenge at the best of times, but with a dachshund’s unique body shape, it can be even harder for them.
Still, there are options open to you; with any of these dog harnesses around your fur baby, they’ll be well-prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.
Choosing the right harness for your dachshund is crucial for their comfort and safety. This guide has highlighted eight excellent options for 2024, catering to various needs and budgets. Remember to consider your dachshund’s size, activity level, and any potential health concerns when making your decision. Prioritize a harness that fits snugly but allows for freedom of movement, discouraging pulling and protecting their delicate backs. With the right harness, you can ensure enjoyable and safe walks for years to come.