Best Harness For Pugs (Our 2023 Top 6 Pug Harnesses)

This article will discuss the best dog harnesses for pugs, the harness types available, pug harness sizes, how to measure your pug as well as general hints and tips on choosing the perfect harness for the breed.

After rigorous testing of several of the best dog harnesses for Pugs recommended to us as well as hours of research to look for factors such as no-pull, fit, design, strength and comfort – we concluded that the Rabbitgoo no-pull harness was the ideal harness for the breed.

Our Top Pick

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	rabbitgoo Dog Harness Small Dog No Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded Pet...	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

During our research on Pugs harnesses, we’ve concluded that the Rabbitgoo passed our pug harness review criteria and offered the best support for the breeds size, temperament, physical requirements, and pulling habits. Although it was a close call with the Ruffwear, we found the Rabbitgoo won us over was an ideal fit for our little troublemakers. You can read more of our review on this dog harnesses as well as our other top picks later in this article.

Pugs were originally bred in China before being brought over to Europe in the 16th century. In films, they came no cuter (and stranger) than Frank the Pug in Men in Black.

They’re easily identifiable by their wrinkly, short-muzzled face, and curled tail.

The Best Harness for Pugs – Our Top Six Reviewed

1. 🏆 Rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness, Small

Best Affordable Pug Dog Harness

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	rabbitgoo Dog Harness Small Dog No Pull Pet Harness with 2 Leash Clips, Adjustable Soft Padded Pet...	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

The Rabbitgoo dog harness is very popular in both the UK and USA.

It’s not only well made and designed but also looks good and reasonably distinct.

The harness uses a mesh lining with soft padding underneath with its outer material made from breathable nylon.

This harness has two adjustable side straps. When selecting a harness, you need to find one that fits properly.

Too slack and your pug could escape, too tight and it could cause discomfort.

You can check out our guide for measuring a harness for your pug here but if you find they are between two sizes – it’s recommended to go for the slightly larger and then use straps to adjust accordingly.

One adjustment strap is located on the neck and shoulder of the harness with the second chest strap on the front. We have noticed that the harness straps can be a little rigid  – so be careful not to tug too hard when adjusting.

It is easy to put on. To take the harness on and off – use the quick release buckle.

The outer trim has reflective (hi-vis) 3m stripes to help locate your Pug in the dark, for crossing roads at night etc.

The Rabbitgoo is an example of no-pull dog harnesses for Pugs complete with metal leash/lead attachments. The first leash attachment is located at the back (top) and can be used for normal dog walking.

The second point is located at the front (chest area). Usually, this would be used for controlling your Pug as well as training. For example, the HALTI Training Lead has two clips which can be used on either one or both attachments when required.

2. Ruffwear All Day Adventure Dog Harness

Best Overall Pug Dog Harness

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	RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness, Adjustable Comfortable Padded Everyday Walking Harness, 2 Lead...	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

Ruffwear appears on many of our collections as a well established and trusted no-pull harness.

Ruffware harnesses are front range meaning there are two lead attachments, one at the back – the other at the front.

The product is designed as a non-pull which means by using both attachments it will help reduce pulling in your Pug, allow better control and aid with training.

Though the harness can be used with a standard lead when clipped to the back – to utilise the harness best, a training lead should be applied.

About Training Leads

There is a range of double-ended leads available – one particular one popular with trainers is the HALTI leash. The central clip attaches at the back, but the second clip – which can either form part of the lead or be attached to the harness, clips to the front section of the harness.

Using both attachments on the harness allows better control of your Pug and helps teach non-pulling behaviour without putting additional pressure on the Pugs neck.

Material

Nylon and closed-cell foam makes up the Ruffwear harness. The harness has a padded chest, high-visibility reflective trimming for walking in dark conditions, and a dog ID storage pocket.

Because Pug dog harnesses are best fitted to reduce slippage, this harness is well adjustable –  four strap adjusters help create the perfect fit.

3. Julius-K9 PowerHarness

Best Back Clip Pug Harness

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	Julius-K9 IDC-Powerharness, Size Mini-Mini, Purple	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

The Julius-K9 is a heavy-duty and strong type of harness popular with both dog owners and trainers.

Their design is relatively distinct, and sometimes they are referred to as a police dog harness because of their style.

This water repellant harness is sleek, well designed and reassuringly sturdy.

We often hear them mentioned with all sorts of breeds as the best alternative to a front range harness like the Ruffwear.

The harness has a robust metal ring on top for leash attachment.

One popular feature is the large, adjustable handle at the top.

This can help to control your dog.

It can also be used for secure grip, holding your Pug in place when they’re naughty, training and lifting of the dog where required.

The belly strap has an adjustable reinforced plastic buckle.

There is a strap on the underside with an adjustable hook and loop fastener.

The harness also has 3m reflective trims on the sides. You can also change the logo to one of a number of available designs (or design your own).

The Julius-K9 is strong, waterproof, practical and overall a great harness and popular among both dog owners and dog trainers. If you’re looking for that little bit of added strength for a real puller – this may be one to check out.

4. Puppia Soft Mesh Jacket Dog Harness

Best Pug Mesh Walking Vest

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	Puppia Soft Jacket Harness, Small, Black	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

Adorable is the word I would use to describe the Puppia.

If cute is on your radar – this soft jacket harness may be just the thing you are looking for. This Pug harness is made from a soft air-mesh material which is not only comfortable but looks more like a sweater than a harness.

A clip at the back is used to put the harness on your dog. There is also velcro on the harness to help adjust it.

The Puppia dog harness comes with a choice of fifteen different colour styles available, including black, green and sky blue.

It’s a no-frills harness, which is fine if you have a Pug who is well behaved on the leash. If you have a real puller or are training your dog on the lead, this may not be for you.

Reviews for this harness are positive though they agree with a personal experience that the snug-fitting of this harness can get to be problematic.

Before purchasing a Puppia, make sure you measure your dog properly as these tend to be too tight/loose if measurements are off. If in doubt, check out our guide for measuring for a harness, or check with the manufacturer.

5. Pet Love Dog Harness

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	PETLOFT Dog Harness, Adjustable Soft Leash Padded No Pull Dog Harness for Small Medium Large Dogs,...	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

A very basic, very inexpensive harness. The harness has few features but is the ideal Pug harness if they’re/you’re new to harnesses.

This is very similar in looks to the Julius K9 and includes a handle on the top. Available in a range of six colours, this Pug dog harness is made from Lightweight Mesh Lining.

The chest area has a soft sponge padding for comfort. The outer layer also includes a 3m reflective trim for better visibility in the dark.

As previously mentioned, these inexpensive harnesses could be a good starting point for a pug or a little pug puppy who is not used to wearing one.

6. ThinkPet Reflective Harness (Medium)

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	ThinkPet Reflective Breathable Soft Air Mesh No Pull Puppy Choke Free Over Head Vest Ventilation...	No ratings yet	Buy on Amazon

Yes, this Pug body harness is a little limited in terms of features, but those new to body harnesses may consider it as a starting point.

Some people and their dogs are unsure about harnesses and look to experiment.

The ThinkPet is a low cost, easy and basic walking harness which many people get to experiment with.

It also has the additional benefit of being brightly designed and highly reflective.

The central layer of this harness is designed from a breathable mesh.

There are two separate points of adjustment located at the neck and chest, which makes this harness not only easier to put on but to adjust to your Pugs body shape.

Despite the reflective strip surface, which is cleverly piped into the harness material, this harness can be easily cleaned by hand or machine wash.

It’s also a very lightweight harness and is available in a range of colours.

This may not be the most robust of harnesses if your Pug is a puller, but it’s undoubtedly one of the brightest and most stylish we’ve seen.

Why Choose A Harness for your Pug?

As with all dog breeds, training is key to a pleasant walk. If you have a Pug that pulls on the leash – you probably find it frustrating and worry they may be hurting themselves.

This can be especially true with a flat-faced breed like a French Bulldog or a Pug where breathing can become difficult, and the airways should be kept clear.

A good dog harness should help to control this behaviour as well as aid in training your pug.

Pug zoomies (that mad moment when your dog is bursting with energy and suddenly dashes everywhere) can also require a lot of energy to control.

A good Pug harness should help to control this behaviour as well as aid in training your dog. This is particularly beneficial while they are still a pug puppy as it introduces good practices.

A good harness can also help with health problems such as canine hip dysplasia (CHD) as well as mobility issues for older Pugs.

There are also support harnesses specially designed for issues such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, knee and mobility problems. They can also help with carrying or lifting your dog if needed.

These are outside the scope of this article, though it is worth investigating or asking a veterinary expert if your Pug requires additional assistance.

Developing hip dysplasia in dogs can be familiar with some breeds. Legg-Perthes disease, for example, can affect the head of the femur (thigh bone).

Over time the femoral head deteriorates, causing a break down of the hip joint. This may be restricted to a single hip socket and cause arthritis in the hind legs.

Although surgery can help, a good harness in formative years can help balance weight, and a rehabilitation harness can aid in recovery.

Other minor issues sometimes associated with pugs include elongated palate, Stenotic Nares, and obesity – all of which may affect your choice of harness.

Collar or Harness for a Pug?

Pugs are a brachycephalic breed (flat-faced breed) of dog which unfortunately leads to breathing problems. While collars are generally safe, dogs which pull can put additional pressure on the neck and throat.

Throat injury can lead to breathing issues in many breeds and could exacerbate those in Pugs. It is, therefore, worth considering investing in a harness to walk your Pug safely.

Not only will this reduce pressure on the Pugs thick neck, nasal airways, windpipe and head, but it also helps control your Pug, train your dog and reduce pulling behaviour.

Also, you should factor in the dog’s safety; collars can also slip off from a Pug’s head.

Harnesses may not solve this problem entirely as some can still be slipped out of, we will discuss this later, but this has been considered in the collection.

Finally, harnesses are much more comfortable and adjustable than a regular collar.

You should use a Pug dog collar for regular wear, quick toilet trips and for those all-important ID tags. For more intense exercise and walking – it’s best to check out a harness.

Types of Harnesses for Pugs

Choosing a dog harness is not often as simple as picking the best fitting one from the shelf.

Different harnesses do different things with some for general wear and others for helping with problematic behaviours or even mobility issues. These are some of the harnesses you’ll find for Pugs with a description of what they’re for.

These are the simplest and often most affordable harnesses available. They tend to be simple, comfortable, easy to put on and wear and have few features.

Materials can include mesh, plastics and nylon, simple over the head, figure-8 and some are even reversible to give different styles.

Given their simplicity, there are a few reasons to have these harness vest types. The first could be to get your Pug used to wearing a dog harness.

When trying to introduce a dog to collars, harnesses or halters – they can sometimes react badly.

Patience makes a lot of difference, but if they’re naturalising to a harness – a cheap and easy harness can act as a great conditioning tool. Vests can also be great for dogs who are well behaved or do not tend to pull on the leash.

These are probably the more common types of harness you will see. The types available are:

• Back Clip
• Front Clip
• Back and Front Clip

Generally, these harness types are used for several purposes including;

• Reducing pulling behaviour
• Controlling your dog better when out on walks
• Aiding with dog training
• General security, comfort and health

A lot of harnesses are back clipped, this is a leash attachment located at the top (back) of the Pug. Attach the lead, and away you go. If the dog pulls, it should distribute the force, stopping them without putting all the pressure on their throats.

A front-clip harness is slightly less common – these are special harnesses with a clip at the front (chest). Though this may seem odd at first, they can be useful for pullers, with several trainers recommended them. They can be restrictive on your dog’s shoulders and general movements, but worth exploring under the guidance of a professional trainer.

A front and black clip harnesses combine the two. There is a standard back clip, but with the addition of a second lead attachment point at the front (chest) of the dog. When used with a double-ended training lead, such as a HALTI, both ends can be attached to the harness, a little like reins on a horse.

This will not only control the dog better but help you guide your pug and remove more of the force from a quick pulling tug.

These harnesses are usually step in, with clips and adjustable straps allowing for a better fit.

This is another harness type designed for training or reduction of pulling in a dog.

However, unlike the previously mentioned harnesses – these tend to be reserved for dogs who have struggled with regular training.

Mainly they are designed to tighten when the dog pulls. If misused, this can have the undesired effect of hurting the dog and even increasing the pulling behaviour as they attempt to escape from the unpleasant sensation.

These harnesses are best reserved for experienced trainers or under advisement from a dog professional.

How To Measure Pugs for a Harness

Because the size of a Pug’s head can be small in relation to his neck, measure a dog harness correctly is essential.

Like using a collar and leash could slip off or cause injury, a poorly fitting harness could also be escaped from or slip off if there’s too much tugging. Consider the safety of your Pug when choosing a harness.

For more information on how to fit your pug you can check out this article – but here’s a quick guide.

Most manufacturers include a size guide with their harnesses. Although they may suggest breeds – it is often advised to check the sizes anyway as your dog may be larger or smaller than the average.

Often when between two sizes (e.g. mini and small) it is recommended to go with the larger and adjust the straps for a snug fit.

Start by measuring the dog’s chest with a tape measure. This is generally the fullest part of the chest, often roughly three or four fingers distance from the back of the dogs front legs.

Secondly, add a couple of inches to the total to allow for growth, weight gain and avoiding too much tightness.

Next measure the circumference of the dog’s neck. Though this may not be required for all types of pug harnesses, those that do require it – you should check. If the harness is put on over the dog’s head – this will be an essential factor.

What Size Harness for a Pug?

Given the pug’s size, they tend to fit the best with harnesses designed for small dogs. Small fit harnesses tend to measure around 33-60cm chest girth, 33-48cm neck girth and 8-16kg weight.

Always check the product description against your measurements before ordering. A Puppy will often fit these or get XS (where available) but remember they will grow out of this quickly.

We’ve included some inexpensive training harnesses (the Puppia soft mesh harness is often recommended) in the guide.

Harnesses for Pugs – Summary Table

Summary

When choosing a dog harness for your Pug, you must consider one that doesn’t constrict their breathing or is easy to escape from. This is particularly true if your Pug tends to pull.

Pugs suffer from a variety of breathing ailments and adding additional pressure on the throat can result in both discomfort and damage.

Using collars solely on the leash can, therefore, restrict the pug’s airway and cause problems for this flat-faced breed.

A good dog Harness can be used to control your Pug better and train them to reduce pulling. Y

ou want to consider a harness that not only fits well (and can be adjusted with growth) but is comfortable and doesn’t have a tendency to slip off.

In addition to breathing difficulties, you may also want to consider mobility issues such as hip dysplasia and arthritis as well as whether the pug is a puppy or elderly dog.

There’s often a solution to a daily walk regardless of circumstances once the right Pug harness is found.

We hope you enjoyed our best pug harness article. If you have other suggestions, don’t forget to comment below or start a conversation on our Facebook page.