A New York Times guide this year named the best dog harnesses for 2025 after hands-on testing and product research.

The guide walks readers through harness styles — head-in and step-in models, and variations such as vests and strap designs — and stresses that a proper fit and secure hardware are central to a harness’s safety and comfort for everyday walks. Notably, using a harness instead of a collar generally helps protect a dog’s neck and trachea by distributing leash pressure across the chest and shoulders rather than concentrating it on the neck, which is especially important for dogs that pull or have respiratory or spinal issues. general benefits of using a harness instead of a collar

Merchandise manager for dog and cat supplies Stephen Carnes of Petco said owners should pick styles with a dog’s size in mind: “For smaller dogs, step-in harnesses are preferred, while over-the-head options are the more popular choice for larger dogs,” he said. With the increasing trends, ergonomic and adjustable designs are now popular, improving both comfort and control for varying dog sizes.

Sizing, experts told the guide, depends on measurements more than weight. “Don’t rely on weight either—harness sizing depends on measurements, not weight. If it doesn’t fit properly you may have an escape artist on your hands,” said Zach Neumann, merchandising director at Chewy. To properly measure your dog, use a soft measuring tape to measure your dog’s chest girth by wrapping it around the widest part of the chest just behind the front legs while the dog is standing, keeping the tape snug but not tight. Practical measuring tips — measuring chest girth and neck circumference and comparing them to manufacturers’ charts — help translate those warnings into a usable fit for most dogs (see Baydog for measuring guidance).

Fit matters beyond keeping a dog from slipping free. Some harness designs press at the armpits and can cause rubbing or discomfort. “A harness with a strap under the barrel of the chest instead of the armpits can avoid this,” Trout advised in the guide, and Carnes added owners should monitor the skin: “Pay attention to make sure your pet’s skin is not bunching up, nor should there be an indentation in your pet’s hair when the harness is removed.” Additionally, increased demand for eco-friendly and stylish materials in harnesses reflects growing consumer awareness.

Dog trainer Vikki Murphy highlighted adjustability as a safeguard against poor fit. “The ability to have multiple points of adjustment (neck and girth) are critical to ensure a perfect fit every time,” she said, noting that incremental adjustment lets owners tune a harness as a dog grows or changes condition. These features not only enhance comfort but also improve overall safety.

The guide compares clip placement and control features and frames many of its recommendations around everyday walking rather than specialized uses. It also situates harnesses as an alternative to collars because they shift pressure away from the neck — a point echoed in consumer resources that explain how harnesses distribute force across the chest and shoulders (see Hardypaw on harness benefits). Some experts and retailers report growing interest in ergonomic, adjustable, eco-friendly, and more stylish harness designs.

Readers will find practical notes on hardware, durability and leash attachment points in the guide’s product reviews, which weigh comfort, control and ease of use. The reporting combines product testing with expert quotes to show why some harness shapes suit certain body types and walking behaviors better than others, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right design for a dog’s habits.

The guide’s advice aims to help owners match a harness to a dog’s build and habits: choose a style that stays secure without digging into skin, verify measurements against sizing charts, and prefer models with multiple adjustment points for the best long-term fit.

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