If you’ve ever tried to find a great harness for your big dog—one that’s padded, comfortable, and built to last—you know it’s not a simple task.
A quick trip to any national pet store proves this point. I visited several in our area recently and couldn’t believe how limited the selection was for high quality and comfortable large dog harnesses. The ones I found were bulky and very rigid; they had harsh edges that could easily cause discomfort or chafing.
What’s more, many of the harnesses I saw didn’t offer enough adjustability or even any real control for walks! It’s clear these harnesses weren’t designed by dog owners or people who truly understand the needs of large dog breeds.
Choosing the best harness for big dogs isn’t simple. In this DJANGO Dog Blog article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to look for when picking a harness for large, XL, and XXL dogs—with a focus on comfort, durability, and control. We’ll help you understand the key factors that make a dog harness great and suggest a premium solution that ticks all the boxes.
As we walk through these essential features, you’ll see why the Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is a top choice among large dog owners.
Above: Bruce is wearing his DJANGO Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness in Dark Teal Green. Bruce is an American cattle dog and wears harness size x-large.
Key Features to Look for in a Harness for Large Dogs
Not sure what features and characteristics define a high quality dog harness for large breeds? Here are the features to look for when shopping for any XL dog harness.
Comfort and Padding
You’d be surprised by how many uncomfortable, thin, and stiff harnesses fill the shelves of pet stores.
Many large dog harnesses found in big box stores and national pet chains are made with cheap, flimsy materials that can cause irritation and discomfort for your pup, especially on longer walks or hikes. They often lack proper padding—the soft, protective layer that rests gently against your dog’s body. A harness without adequate padding can dig into your dog’s skin, leading to chafing or even sores.
When choosing a harness for big dogs, comfort should be a top priority. Look for a dog harness with soft, breathable padding, especially around the chest and neck areas.
The Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness, for example, features cushioned padding and a flexible design that moves with your dog’s natural movements. Its soft, flexible straps are also a deliberate design choice, crafted to sit gently against the dog’s body and ensure a comfortable fit without irritation.
Above: Choose a large dog harness with premium padding, flexible materials, adjustable straps, and comfort-focused details.
Adjustability and Sizing
Comfort is not only about padding—it’s also about how the harness fits your dog. A harness that is too loose can allow your dog to slip out, while one that is too tight can restrict movement and cause discomfort.
Proper harness sizing ensures that your large dog harness functions as intended, keeping your four-legged family secure and making your walks more controlled and comfortable.
Why Adjustability Matters in Large Dog Harnesses: Finding the Perfect Fit
The best harnesses for large dogs offer multiple adjustment points—two on the chest strap and two on the neck strap—ensuring a customizable and secure fit for every dog.
This DJANGO dog harness is one of the most adjustable harnesses for large dogs, making it a favorite among pet owners. With two adjustment points on the neck strap and two on the chest strap, it’s designed to fit a variety of body types. Whether your dog has a barrel chest or a more slender frame, this versatile harness ensures a secure, comfortable, and personalized fit for every dog.
Sizing Guidance is Key
When selecting the right harness size, look for a company that offers a clear sizing chart and encourages direct contact for sizing assistance.
DJANGO, for example, is committed to helping its dog-loving customers find the perfect fit. DJANGO’s customer support team is always available to offer sizing help and ensure its customers choose the best harness for their large dog. Feel free to reach out to us at hello@djangobrand.com with your dog’s breed, weight, and chest girth (if you know it), and their team be happy to assist you!
Above: Odin is a 52 lb heeler mix and wears a size XL no pull dog harness. This is DJANGO’s Tahoe Bundle—a matching harness, leash, and collar set for large dogs—in color Sandy Beige.
Durability and Strength
Big dogs often play harder than most—rugged adventures, energetic play, and wet, rainy walks are part of their daily routine.
Key Features to Look for in a Durable Large Dog Harness
When choosing a harness for large dogs, durability is key. Look for XL and XXL dog harnesses made from weather-resistant, long-lasting materials that can withstand outdoor adventures. A strong harness for big dogs should also feature high-quality webbing that won’t fray or stretch under pressure, along with secure side-release buckles that are easy to use.
Why Neoprene is the Best Material for Large Dog Harnesses
DJANGO designed the Tahoe harness designed the Tahoe harness with the above features in mind. Considered one of the best harnesses for big dogs, it’s made with premium neoprene—the same material used in wetsuits—which is known for its durability, flexibility, and weather resistance. Neoprene is an excellent choice for large dogs, as it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use while remaining soft and comfortable. Its ability to maintain flexibility over time also ensures your dog’s comfort, even on the longest walks or most rugged adventures.
Strong and Resilient Plated Hardware
In addition to its strong neoprene material, the Tahoe harness is equipped with plated zinc alloy hardware. Plated zinc alloy offers enhanced strength and corrosion resistance compared to regular zinc alloy.
Easy to Clean and Maintain: A Customer Favorite
Another great feature? DJANGO’s large dog walking harness is incredibly easy to clean, with many customers highlighting how simple it is to wipe off after muddy walks. Many reviews note that the harness continues to look great even after months of use, maintaining its high quality and appearance with minimal effort.
The Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is truly made to handle the strength and energy of large dogs, ensuring both durability and comfort during all of your outdoor adventures.
Above: Plated zinc alloy hardware is designed for resilience, offering resistance to corrosion and wear for long-lasting strength and reliability.
Control and Safety Features
When it comes to large dogs, control and safety are crucial. A good dog harness should provide the right balance of comfort and control, ensuring your dog stays secure while you’re out on walks, hikes, or adventures.
Large Dog Harness with Front-Ring Leash Attachment: A Training Tool
Look for harnesses with front leash attachments for better control, especially if your dog tends to pull. These features give you more authority over your dog’s movements and allow you to redirect them without excessive strain.
The DJANGO Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is equipped with a front D-ring leash attachment, which acts as a valuable training tool for better control over your dog’s movements. By using this feature, you can gently guide your dog and help reduce pulling over time. While not an instant fix, using a front D-ring is an effective way to encourage proper walking behavior.
Increase Visability with a Reflective Dog Harness
The DJANGO Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness features reflective piping on the front neck strap, enhancing your dog’s visibility during evening walks or in low-light conditions. While this reflective feature is currently limited to the neck strap, DJANGO is already working on a more reflective harness for an upcoming launch, offering even greater safety and visibility for your pup during nighttime adventures.
Below: Brody is hitting the trails in his Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness and matching Tahoe Dog Collar. Brody is 80 lbs and pawfectly wears DJANGO’s XXL dog harnesses.
