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Best dachshund harness In 2022: my guide and reviews

Written by: Peter Laskay
Reviewed by: Amber LaRock
Last updated on:

If you are in a hurry and want to know right away:

I choose Ruffwear Front Range All-Day Adventure Dog Harness as the best dachshund harness. 

Do you have a dachshund? You probably have one of these small dogs, because you are here. When my parents and I moved to the countryside many, many years ago, we “inherited” a dachshund along with the house. The poor little dog is already dead, but we have fallen in love with this breed so much, so since then, we have became dachshund owners again. 

Although the plot is large and she doesn’t really need a walk because of that, we got her a harness. I had no idea what to choose based on, so I researched the topic a bit. You can read these experiences below. I hope I can help you make the decision.

In this article, I am going to review the following Dachshund harnesses:

Anyway, you might want to read the full article because I’ve put together some helpful tips on the subject.

Why choose a harness for your Doxie?

Each dog breed has a different shape. In addition, each dog’s pulling habit is different too. Therefore, the harness should be chosen carefully. It needs to fit perfectly and teach your dog properly how to behave on a leash.

About a quarter of dachshunds have some form of back problem. Most often, this disease is Intervertebral Disc Disease. Humans have a similar disease, something like a disc herniation

A properly chosen harness helps a lot with back problems. Unlike a collar, it evenly distributes the load that results from the pull. Not to mention that it is usually a choke-free, comfortable solution in their behavior training.

So collar or no pull harness?

You may want to invest in both. A dachshund collar is ideal for storing your dog’s ID tag. However, a collar alone is not a good solution for walking if your dog is not “well behaved”. 

In this case, a no pull dog harness provides better control without any throat injury or discomfort. Hard-puller dogs can easily injure their necks or throats. 

If you buy a properly fitting harness and train patiently with your puppy, that can reduce pulling behavior. 

While the products listed in this article are all excellent, it is possible that your dog will not love the one you choose. In that case, you either have to be patient or try another one.

One will be perfect for you little doxie and believe me, it’s worth buying the best for her or him.

Types of Harnesses

If you’ve been looking after dachshund harnesses then you may have noticed that there are several varieties. They have different designs, features, materials and so on. Each has some benefits as to why it is worth using. I have tried to compile these below.

Vest harness for dachshunds

This is a basic and fairly common version among harnesses. It is very lightweight, cheap and does not have many features. 

It’s best for dogs who do not pull, for seniors or the ones using a harness for the first time. 

Front and back clips harness

Perhaps these are the most common varieties. Used to reduce pulling. 

For back clip harnesses, the leash attachment point is at the top of the harness. In contrast, front clip dog harnesses have this point on the chest area. 

The back clip harness is easier to put on the doggie and is usually more comfortable. The leash does not get down to the legs, so it does not obstruct your dachshund in walking. It is completely safe for the neck. Although not suitable for preventing behavior issues. If your little friend likes pulling on the leash, jumping, or displaying aggression, you should not choose this version. 

Front clip harnesses give more control over pulling on the leash. The owner can also easily guide the dog to turn in the right direction if needed. Jumping can also be easily prevented with it. Despite, it should be borne in mind that another walking tool may be needed in addition to this harness. An example of such a tool is a head halter.

Tightening harness

This kind of harness will tighten and add pressure if your dog pulls. While there are those who think this can be a useful accessory because your dog learns not to pull the leash, I don’t recommend it.

Some of these harnesses can cause pain and this has a negative effect on your dog’s health and even the whole training.

Back Support Harness

These are made for dogs who have some form of back problem. Or who have some mobility issues, problems with their spine, legs, or torso.

We first discussed the major harness varieties. Now come to some materials from which the best kind of harnesses are made.

  • Nylon harnesses: These are very popular because they are cheap and durable. They are easy to adjust and easy to clean. They are also available in several colors.

  • Mesh harnesses: These are also quite popular, although not as durable as those made of nylon. However, in warm weather, it is a very good choice to give this to your dog because it provides adequate airflow.

  • Fabric harnesses: They are usually much more expensive than their nylon or mesh competitors. However, if you care about the look of your dog, you will definitely like these because they are available in an extremely wide selection. They are usually washable, just always check their label to see if they can withstand the washing machine.

  • Leather harnesses: They are also a good option. The good ones are durable, soft, comfortable, and pliable. Although leather harnesses are very cheap, they still last a long time. Of course, these things are only true if you choose the right quality. You need to be aware that some dogs may gnaw if they have the chance.

Harnesses aren’t usually expensive overall, so you can buy more of them. Experiment with different varieties and materials. In terms of appearance, you can even have several variations for your puppy for different occasions.

How to choose the right size

Of course, it is essential that you buy the right size product for your dog. In most dog breeds, straps are easy to adjust, but standard dachshunds tend to slip out of the harness due to their elongated body shape. That’s why I gathered some advice.

Choose a Small size for a normal size doxie and XS (miniature dachshund) or XXS for a smaller size. Also, choose an XS or XXS size for your puppy, because these are small dogs. Keep in mind that it will grow, so you may only benefit from that harness for a short time. But if you start harness training at this age, it can have a lot of positives later on.

An average dachshund is about 8-9 inches tall, while a miniature dachshund is 5-6 inches. However, it’s best if you measure your little friend’s height too, because there may be differences. 

Measure your dachshund’s girth. It’s best to measure around the widest point of the ribcage. This is usually a few inches behind the dog’s front legs. 

Add two more inches to the number. This way the harness won’t get too tight and at least you can count on a little weight gain or growth. 

A harness does not always have to do with the circumference of the dog’s neck. However, you may want to measure this as well, in case it does.

Tips for harness training

  • If your dachshund is not a puller, get a plain vest that fits well. The same is true if you have a puppy who is just getting to know the harness.

  • Y-shaped harnesses with both back and front clips paired can reduce lead pulling, and also help with training.

  • Prong collars should be avoided. They squeeze the area around the armpits and can cause more serious injuries.

  • When you measure your dachshund, make a note of the numbers in inches and centimeters as well. This is because sometimes the manufacturers specify the parameters differently.

  • The belly and girth of dachshunds are close enough to the ground while walking. For this reason, do not buy a harness that hangs at the bottom. Such a harness will not last long.

  • Some dachshunds may be afraid of harness, as they usually need to be pulled over their heads. Be patient with your doggy.

  • You can scare some dogs by attaching the leash to a front clip harness. In this case, try to adjust the leash to the side or looking for a harness with a side clip.

  • Train your dog at home before you take her out.

  • If the doxie starts to pull, stop immediately. You can start to walk again in a few seconds. This trick can help a lot in getting your dog to learn not to pull.

My top choices of no pull harnesses for dachshunds

In this article, I have listed several variations of harnesses, as well as several materials from which they can be made. This means so many variations and it can be difficult to navigate between them. Below you can see my favorites.

Ruffwear Front Range All-Day Adventure Dog Harness

Ruffwear is one of the best-known brands among harnesses. This is a no-pull harness for dachshunds. Many dog ​​owners are happy with it. It’s available in several colors and each looks great. 

On the harness, there are two dog lead clip attachments on it. One at the front and one at the back. The buckles are made of plastic but they seem fine.

On the back of the harness there is an aluminum V-ring. It can be used for normal walking. On the front there is a strong webbing loop. This is for reducing pulling behavior, and giving better control of your dog. 

The material of the strap is strong but at the same time light nylon. Very durable. Inside, the harness is completely padded. This makes it comfortable and distributes the load properly. 

The straps are of course adjustable on the chest, belly and shoulders. And the reflective trims are on it so you can walk your little pet with a calm heart even at night.

Pros

  • Two leash attachment points
  • Comfortable
  • Reflective trims
  • Strong and durable
  • Adjustable

Cons

  • Some owners say it would need another handle on top

>>Check the latest price on Amazon<<

Julius-K9 IDC PowerHarness

This brand is more famous for its harnesses made for larger breeds. However, this harness for smaller dogs is also excellent. 

The product is available in a huge range of colors, which also contributes to its popularity. It also has a reflective strip. 

It is quite easy to apply. You just need to place the harness on your dog’s back. Then pinch it at the bottom. 

The product is so robust and durable. The outer layer is water-resistant and easy to clean. The inner layer is very comfortable but at the same time stable for dogs.

You can attach the lead only on the top. Although there is a strong handle on top to hold or lift your puppy.

There is a solid plastic buckle on the belly part. You can adjust the chest strap with a hook and a loop fastening. 

This harness is very easy to put on your dachshund and hard to get out of. This is worth mentioning because it is a common problem for small, small-legged dogs.

Pros

  • Great design
  • The handle is very useful
  • Good fit
  • Durable

Cons

  • There is no front clip

>>Check the latest price on Amazon<<

Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness

This company offers quite a selection of harnesses. All of these are great for smaller dogs. It’s a good choice for an affordable price. 

The harness has a back and a chest lead attachment point. So you can use that with a double-ended lead. As I mentioned with Ruffwear, this design is suitable for normal walking and to reduce behavioral problems.

It has two adjustable straps. One on the neck and one on the front. Unfortunately, the belt straps are a little bit inflexible. 

This harness has quick-release buckles, this makes it easy to put on and take off. Rabbitgoo also has reflective trims. 

Pros

  • It has two clips
  • Reflective trims
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • The straps are inflexible

>>Check the latest price on Amazon<<

Embark Active Dog Harness

This is a very simple harness. It is easy to put on and take off and has few adjustment points. There is a buckle on each side.

This is a no pull dog harness and has a ring on the chest and the back. The inside is very soft and padded. This makes it even more comfortable to wear and reduces the risk of possible injury. 

The defect of the product is to be found in its design. A very pulling dachshund can easily escape from it due to the breed’s short legs and long body shape. Not a common problem, but unfortunately it can happen. 

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Two clips
  • Safety
  • Reflective trims

Cons

  • Puller dachshunds can escape from it

>>Check the latest price on Amazon<<

Puppia Soft Harness

This is a great vest if you don’t want to spend a lot or if this is the first harness you try. Others also recommend this if you have an older, well-behaved dachshund who has back problems.

You can choose from 14 different colors. This makes it very popular, despite its simplicity. Made from 100% polyester. 

The material is very soft, which is important enough if you have an old dog.

However, you should check the sizing before buying, because it can be inaccurate. 

Pros

  • Great price
  • Light and soft
  • Several colors

Cons

  • Not many features
  • One clip
  • Inaccurate sizing

>>Check the latest price on Amazon<<

My pick

My choice is Ruffwear Front Range All-Day Adventure Dog Harness.

Click here to get one for your Dachshund.

The other products also had their advantages and disadvantages. These are worth considering before you buy. Or what I’ve already mentioned, but now I’m bringing it up again, measure your dog properly before making a choice. Dachshunds are special dogs. Not only in their soul, but also in their physique. Fortunately, you can look at the dimensions of each of the products listed above.

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Author:
Hey, my name is Peter, and I am the owner of this site. I have loved animals since I was a kid. I am constantly training myself; I recently obtained an accredited certificate in pet nutrition. But I am constantly learning about training, grooming for dogs and cats. I am currently a happy owner of two dogs, six cats, and two red-eared sliders. My goal is to provide my visitors with the most authentic information possible on any pet-related topic.
Amber LaRock
Reviewed By An Expert:

My name is Amber, and I am a licensed vet tech with 10 years of experience in the field. I spent the majority of my career working in emergency medicine but recently transitioned to creating accurate pet care information online. There is nothing more important to me than helping pet owners understand their furry friend’s health, and giving you the tools you need to offer your pet the best future possible!

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