6 Best Harnesses for French Bulldogs in 2023

It’s no surprise that the French Bulldog graces the list of top 10 most popular dog breeds with it’s playful, smart and adorable demeanor. This compact yet curious breed has a stocky, muscular build which can often be difficult to fit into a standard harness.

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French Bulldogs are a flat-faced breed, which can lead to issues with breathing during extensive exercise and in hot, humid temperatures. Choosing a harness for your beloved family Frenchie can seem more challenging than picking one out for other breeds, but it’s not impossible!

We understand the necessity of buying the very best harness for your French Bulldog. We’ve done the research to bring you this comprehensive list of dog harnesses that will be fit for your Frenchie no matter their size, build or exercise regimen.

What to Look for in a Good Harness for French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs have a very front-heavy build. They have broad chests and thick necks that could make choosing the perfect harness a daunting task. When picking out a harness, you’ll first want to look at size. A dog harness with a wide chest piece and multiple points of adjustment will be best. French Bulldogs can differ in muscular structure, so one size does not fit all.

Although French Bulldogs don’t require a large amount of exercise, it’s important that they have a comfortable harness which won’t affect their breathing when you do go for walks. You’ll want to be sure that there’s no strain on your Frenchie’s neck or throat. Since they already struggle to breathe under certain circumstances, you want to be careful that you’re not increasing difficulty.

A breathable material or design is critical when choosing a dog harness for your French Bulldog. The breed is known for overheating easily due to their breathing restrictions. A good French Bulldog harness will be made from mesh or other lightweight fabrics to help this heat sensitive breed.

Step-in dog harnesses are a convenient option for French Bulldog parents. Since Frenchies are stocky, a harness with a step-in design will make it easy to equip them for walk time. If your French Bulldog happens to have a lot of energy and they get antsy at the sound of their leash, equipping a harness could turn into a wrestling match. If you purchase a dog harness with too many straps and features, you and your pup could end up frustrated.

Of course safety is a priority when walking your dog, no matter what breed they are. It’s common that dog harnesses come equipped with some safety features such as LED lights, reflective trim and strong, durable D-rings for secure leash attachment. If you and your French Bulldog enjoy outdoor walks and hikes during the early morning hours or at night, you’ll want to consider a harness with reflective properties.

Without further ado, here is our list of best harnesses for French Bulldogs.

Different Types of Harnesses for French Bulldogs

No dog is built that same, but we do know that French Bulldogs have a large head, chest and neck. When determining which harness for to purchase for your Frenchie, aim for one that has several adjustment points. A thick, muscular build can be hard to fit with a basic harness. The more adjustment options your dog harness has, the more secure and snug you can fit it to your dog’s body.

French Bulldogs may not be the most athletically inclined but that doesn’t mean they won’t pull on the leash! A no-pull French Bulldog harness might sound attractive to you if your furry friend is constantly challenging you to go faster with the leash. Most no-pull dog harnesses are created with a V-neck chest piece of sorts, which will also help keep pressure of your Frenchie’s front end.

Some dog harnesses are built to act as seatbelts, which is great for adventures in the car. Car safety harnesses can clip into your vehicle’s seat belt, then be unlatched to act as a regular harness. Multi-use dog harnesses are fantastic for budget and less clutter. Plus they offer safety in the car, which is on the forefront of any pet parent’s mind.

If your French Bulldog is sassy and fancy, a stylish, simple dog harness may be best for them! When they don’t pull on the leash and they have a smaller build, more options become available in terms of fashionable harnesses. Add some flair to walk time with premium quality, high-fashion dog harness. Dogs have personalities too, and now you can equip them to strut their stuff!

We like mesh harnesses for French Bulldogs because they are breathable, which is absolutely necessary during warmer months of the year. Mesh harnesses are generally designed with nylon features, meaning they are also tough and sturdy in case your Frenchie likes to take you on a walk.

Overall Best French Bulldog Harness

2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness

Our pick for the best French Bulldog harness is the 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness. Although the no-pull design of this dog harness is a helpful attribute, we like that it has a simplistic design which has several adjustment points. Every French Bulldog has a slightly unique build, but this no-pull dog harness can fit dogs of all different sizes and muscle structures. This harness has two points of leash connection and the heavy nylon material is tough for even the strongest Frenchie pulling on the leash. Our overall best French Bulldog harness choice is made in the USA with comfort and safety in mind.

Mighty Paw Vehicle Safety Dog Harness

Overall Best Car Safety Harness for French Bulldogs – French Bulldogs love to go on car trips so we chose the Might Paw Vehicle Safety Dog Harness as the best car safety harness for Frenchies. It’s fun to head to the drive thru for a treat with your pup, but always remember to make safety a priority! This car safety dog harness was built with durability and strength to ensure your dog is protected on your journeys. We like this dog harness for the car because the fabric is lightweight and breathable, perfect for your Frenchie who may struggle with the heat.

4 More High Rated Harnesses for French Bulldogs

Red Dingo Designer Snake Eyes Dog Harness

This dog harness is cost-effective but also simple and highly adjustable. With a strong nylon design, we like this dog harness for your French Bulldog because it can fit all sorts of body shapes. The Bucklebone is said to be stronger than a basic harness buckle so you don’t have to worry about the harness unbuckling. Plus, it’s stylish! We also like that the ends of the Red Dingo dog harness are cut at a special angle to avoid irritating your Frenchie’s skin. This harness can be adjusted for a comfy fit, and it’s also stylish, coming in a variety of colors and designs.

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness makes our list of best harnesses for French Bulldogs because it has a quick-snap design that is adjustable at three points. This dog harness will reliably fit your French Bulldog because it can be adjusted at the chest, which is the widest point on your dog’s body. The belly and shoulder buckles mean that you can easily slip this harness on and off your French Bulldog. Plus, the snazzy design will be sure to turn heads on your daily walks. Daily exercise will be effortless and comfortable for your furry friend with the highly rated PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness.

Sporn Training Dog Halter

The Sporn Training Dog Halter is one of our tops picks since its good for French Bulldogs who pull and have very wide chest areas. The unique design is made with chest restraints which are covered with a cozy Sherpa material for maximum comfort. The nylon braided sleeves go under your dog’s legs, and they are removable so the harness turns into a collar within an instant. We like that the Sporn Training dog harness is devised to give the handler maximum control while your dog is safe, secure and comfortable.

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness

Is your French Bulldog a fan of hiking and camping adventures? We chose the Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness for these types of activities. Not only is this dog harness padded for comfort and built for outdoor fun, but it also makes a secure seatbelt for road trips and car rides. This Kurgo dog harness is lightweight, and it won’t put any strain in your French Bulldog’s neck or throat. The sides of the harness adjust in case your Frenchie is sporting a wide girth.

Tips for Getting Your French Bulldog Accustomed to a Harness

If you have just adopted your French Bulldog they may not yet be familiarized with a harness. Frenchies are charmers, but that doesn’t mean they will take to a dog harness without a little bit of fuss. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth transition to using a dog harness on your French Bulldog.

  1. Positive reinforcement is the most effective way to train your French Bulldog to be okay with the harness. We want to paint a picture that the harness means walks and fun outings! Use lots of treats and praise.
  2. Never force your French Bulldog into the harness if they are fighting against it. Forcing the issue will just teach them fear and distrust. Take baby steps if you have to, such as laying the harness on the floor and allowing your dog to get used to the smell and sight of it.
  3. Let your French Bulldog walk around the house with the harness on. This will allow them to casually get used to how it feels. If your pup isn’t chewing the harness or trying to escape it, continue to encourage the behavior with lots of treats!
  4. Once your Frenchie feels good with the harness on, it’s time to take a test walk. Treat your pup as you take your first walk with the new harness. After all, it’s about creating a fun, enjoyable experience for everyone.
  5. Take your time with the harness training. It’s easy to get frustrated if things aren’t going how you’d like, but it’s always best to be patient. Continue with the praise and treat rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I choose the appropriate size harness for my French Bulldog? – Before ordering your dog harness of choice, start by measuring your Frenchie’s length, girth (the widest part of their body) and their neck. A sizing chart will assist you in determining which size will be best for your French Bulldog at that point. If your Frenchie is still growing, we suggest purchasing a harness that is true to their current size but is adjustable (as most harnesses are). It’s always important that a dog harness fits snug against their body without restricting movement.
  • I don’t know how to equip my dog’s harness. Where can I find out? – If your dog harness did not come with instructions, the website where you purchased it should have a helpful guide to equipping and adjusting it.
  • What do I do if my French Bulldog’s harness is restricting their breathing? – French Bulldogs are already prone to breathing problems, so you definitely don’t want to make it worse. If you believe the harness is making it more difficult for your Frenchie to breathe, first try adjusting it to take pressure of their throat and neck. If adjustments aren’t enough, you may need to purchase a bigger size dog harness, or a different style.

Conclusion

Your French Bulldog is full of spunk, personality and sass. Their erect, trademark ears gives them that look of alertness and interest. But all of that glamour comes with a need for special care when it comes to protecting their breathing. The harnesses we chose as our top picks are all designed to keep any strain and pressure off of your French Bulldog’s neck.

After you purchase a harness remember to keep track of proof of purchase and any necessary packaging in case you need to send it back. You can also purchase multiple harnesses to account for different needs such as daily walks as opposed to car rides. We’re confident that whatever you choose from our list of best harnesses for French Bulldogs, your precious pooch will continue to live their best life.

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