7 Best Harnesses for a Dachshund: Our 2023 Dachshund Harness Guide

What are the Best Harnesses for a Dachshund? In this article we will discuss why we think the following Dog Harnesses are the best for your Dachshund:

Chewy Online Dog Supplies


35% Off at Chewy.com

+ Free Shipping

Save Now
  1. Frisco Small-Breed Soft Vest Dog Harness
  2. ChokeFree Velpro Mesh Pet Shoulder Harness Collar
  3. Puppia Soft Dog Harness (Mesh)
  4. Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness
  5. Harness for Dachshunds (Pretzkin)
  6. Ruffwear – Front Range All-Day Adventure Harness for Dogs
  7. Alfie Pet Vince Sailor Harness & Dog Leash

Low to the ground with long backs, Dachshunds are often the subject of humor. Judging by jokes and memes on the Internet, their owners seem happy to join in the fun. “Weiner dogs,” as they are often called, definitely have a different look from most other dogs. The large chest, strong little legs, and long back of the Dachshund all gave them the ability to dig holes and go after the ferocious badger in times past. Plus, the Dachshund had to have plenty of courage to come face to face with their snarling prey underground.

Today many Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds.

If you have a pet Dachshund you probably love the silhouette of your dog 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 Doxie.

What to look for in a Good Harness for Dachshunds

You can use a collar for your Dachshunds but most owners seem to prefer a harness today. A harness won’t put any pressure on your dog’s throat. Throat pressure can lead to neck problems or tracheal collapse for some dogs. A harness fits around your Dachshund’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 dog’s chest and back. This is a good choice for small dogs like the miniature Dachshund. If your dog is larger or if he pulls a lot, this may not be the best choice because your dog 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 Dachshund or if your dog pulls a lot. This kind of harness tightens slightly when your dog pulls but the pull is felt under your dog’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 dog since it can rub or irritate the skin under your dog’s arms if it doesn’t fit correctly.

There are also some special harnesses made for Dachshunds that provide back support. They can extend farther down the dog’s back and have a second strap that wraps under your dog 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 dog if necessary. You can expect these specialty harnesses for Dachshunds to cost more, especially if they have other special features.

A good fit is important for any Dachshund harness and different harness styles can fit differently. To get the best fit for your dog 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 dog. 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 dog’s measurements. A harness that’s too tight can rub your dog’s skin and be painful. If the harness is too loose your Dachshund can wiggle out of it.

Keep the harness package until your dog 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 Dachshunds may pull on the leash quite a bit when wearing a harness. If your Dachshund 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 Dachshund not to pull on the leash.

Different Types of Harnesses for Dachshund

Along with their distinctive shape, Dachshunds also come in two different sizes: standard and miniature. When looking for a harness for your Dachshund, you’ll need to make sure that you’re looking for the right size. The standard Dachshund is 8-9 inches tall and weighs up to about 32 pounds. The mini is only 5-6 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs up to 11 pounds. So, there’s quite a difference in size. A harness for a standard Dachshund won’t fit a miniature-sized Doxie and vice versa.

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 Dachshund 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 dog’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 Dachshund 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 dog. Poor quality leather may be stiff and it won’t soften with wear.

Most dog harnesses and leashes are not too expensive so your Dachshund could have several. You could choose to use a different harness for different occasions and have a harness for daily use.

dachshund walking using a harness

Overall Best Dachshund Harness

ChokeFree Velpro Mesh Pet Shoulder Harness Collar

This one-piece, non-choking mesh harness gets our vote for the best overall Dachshund harness. The Vel-Lock closure (velcro) keeps the harness secure with a D-ring on the back for your leash. Your dog 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 dog’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 dachsund harness and also work well for standard Dachshunds. Comes in multiple colors. Machine washable. This harness does tend to stretch a little after your dog has worn it so take that into consideration when purchasing. We think this lightweight, comfortable, simple harness is a great choice for Dachshunds.

5 more High Quality Dachshund 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 Dachshunds. It’s easy to use as a comfortable, everyday harness. We think it’s functional and convenient – easy for your dog to wear and for you to put on your dog. 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 Dachshunds.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness 

The Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness is recommended for Dachshund that love to pull on the leash. It features an elasticized, flexible padded mesh chest piece that “gives” when your dog pulls. The harness can humanely control even the worst pullers without choking your dog. 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 Dachshund’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 dog. 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 Dachshunds (Pretzkin)

This standard harness for Dachshunds 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 Dachshunds, Corgis, 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 dog’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 Dachshund 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 dog; and one in the back when you’re taking a relaxed walk with your dog (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 dog. 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 Dachshunds with four adjustment points. You can also put your dog’s ID into the built-in pockets. This adventure harness also has reflective trim for those times when you are your Dachshund are starting early and getting home late. (Hey, we know some of you compete in earthdog and other events with your Dachshund!)

Alfie Pet Vince Sailor Harness & Dog Leash

We couldn’t wrap up the best Dacshund harnesses without finding something completely adorable for your dog 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 Dachshunds.

Conclusion

We’ve discussed the ins and outs of harnesses for Dachshunds along with our recommendations for the best harnesses. Most Dachshunds 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 dog 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 dog to stop pulling on the leash so much – even dogs as determined as Dachshunds.

Be sure to measure your dog 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 dog with the harness for the first time. Remember that your dog 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 Dachshund can be off for some new adventures!Picks for the Best Overall Harness for Dachshunds

 

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *