german shepherd sitting on a rock looking

10 Best Harnesses For German Shepherds (2024 Edition)

• Updated on August 21, 2023

  • This review contains affiliate links. Read more here.
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what is the best harness for German Shepherd dogs, then we recommend the RUFFWEAR – Front Range Dog Harness as the best one.

Are you searching for a harness for your German Shepherd or another large breed? Perhaps your dog is prone to pulling, and you want to train him using a harness rather than a collar and lead? This article will help you choose the best German Shepherd harness.

Product Reviews

OUR PICK
RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness

Every Dog is an Explorer.

The updated Front Range Harness is a padded everyday harness that is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear.

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Secure and comfortable for everyday use, the RUFFWEAR is also the best harness for training german shepherd dogs, and very easy to handle.

The updated Front Range Dog Harness is a padded everyday harness that is easy to put on german shepherd dogs. The leash attachment is quite simple and the harness is very comfortable for dogs to wear.

Ruffwear have designed their harness to be hardwearing and water-resistant. If you have a german shepherd that pulls this is a great harness to train then to heel. There’s a choice of two places as a leash attachment point. Choose from the metal D-ring on the chest and back.

We consider this one the best harness, made from durable material and designed with your dog’s comfort in mind. It’s padded, with adjustable straps for a perfect fit, this way german shepherds can wear it all day if necessary. There’s also added safety features for your dog; the straps have a reflective trim, and there’s also an id pocket.

  • Pros
  • A well-fitting harness with excellent quality
  • Has an ID pocket
  • Available in six different colors
  • Padded for extra comfort
  • The straps have reflective trims for walking in the evenings
  • D-ring leash attachments
  • Cons
  • There have been reports of some dogs slipping out of the harness. Make sure you measure your dog and respect the sizing guide correctly before buying.
  • Has an ID pocket
  • Available in six different colors
  • Padded for extra comfort
  • The straps have reflective trims for walking in the evenings
  • D-ring leash attachments
RUNNER-UP
rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness

Many dogs tend to pull a lot when they are excited to feel the nature or to meet new furry friends. Our harness features No-Pull Design so that you can have better control of your dog by attaching the leash to the Front Clip.

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The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is a comfortable product with a lightweight design that can be worn all day by german shepherds and can be washed in your machine. That saves time and allows you to keep it cleaner.

The Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness features 2 metal leash rings for safer dog walks. You can use the chest attachment clip to stop your dog from pulling or choking. It’s perfect for dog training or dogs who tend to pull. The back one is great for casual walks, jogging, or hiking with your dog.

So, we may say that the Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is a comfortable wear harness and very easy to handle. These no-pull dog harnesses are affordable for just about anyone and will work for more mellow german shepherds. There is nothing wrong with this type of harness, but if you have a more powerful german shepherd you might consider other options.

  • Pros
  • Lightweight design can be worn all day by dogs
  • Easy to clean, machine washable
  • Easy to handle
  • Low price
  • Cons
  • Not as much durability as other harnesses
  • Easy to clean, machine washable
  • Easy to handle
  • Low price
ALSO GREAT
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness

Simple on and off everyday harness.

You need something that is lightweight & easy to put on your dog because adventures happen every day. The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with quick release buckles is the ideal starter everyday harness for your pet.

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Some dogs manage to slip out of the harness, no matter how well it may fit. Fortunately, this high quality harness prevents any escape attempts by using five different adjustment points so that you can get a highly-customized fit, making the Kurgo Tru-Fit a great walking harness, ideal for everyday activities such as walking around town or running at the park.

On-road trips, this adventure harness uses a nesting buckle system and a seat belt loop that can help keep your German Shepherd secure in the car (and safe in case of a car crash). When your dog pulls on the lead, the increased chest pad reduces the risk of injury by decreasing the pressure on the stress points, such as the neck and chest.

  • Pros
  • This harness design provides maximum control of dogs
  • Very easy to adjust the straps to a safe, comfortable fit
  • Extra padding on chest girth reduces the risk of injury
  • 5 adjustment points
  • Cons
  • The strongest german shepherds could break the buckles and get loose
  • Plastic clip closures
  • Extra padding on chest girth reduces the risk of injury
  • 5 adjustment points
ALSO GREAT
Julius K9 Powerharness

High-quality dog harness manufactured in Europe from German materials. Suitable for home use as well as for working dogs.

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The Julius K9 is an extremely common alternative for German Shepherd owners. A lifepul dog vest harness with the police dog harness look that attracts the extra geek in a lot of people.

The most prominent feature you find on the Powerharness is the adjustable handle on the back. This allows both to control your german shepherd and to help lift the dog when needed. The outer layer of these harnesses are made of impregnated, scratch-resistant, water repellent material.

The inner lining is made of breathable fabric and is skin-friendly. The belly strap has a heavy-duty plastic buckle and the chest strap has an adjustable hook and loop fastening. There is also a reflective strip for high when going out in darker weather. The sides have a phosphorescent, reversive hook and loop patch with the Julius K9 logo. Additional patches with your custom text or more than 1000 sample patches are available online.

This harness provides the right load balance for your dog and reduces any pressure when out walking, especially if your fur friend is a puller. Overall a good investment, some owners find this to be the best no-pull harness for german shepherds. Although our personal choice is with the Ruffwear, we believe this product to be one of the best harnesses. Bottom line, if you’re looking for a harness that is strong and resilient but that also looks great – check out the Julius K9.

  • Pros
  • Stylish and well-designed harness
  • Very strong
  • Adjustable features
  • Large handle at the top
  • Cons
  • No front attachment clip
  • Very strong
  • Adjustable features
  • Large handle at the top
ALSO GREAT
ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness

Perfect Tactical Dog Harness.

Alloy Metal Buckle (1000 lb Proof-Load Test ) on Dog Shoulder Position which the most Load Bearing Point When Dog Pulling,

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Most people don’t need a more tactical dog harness, there is a variety of reasons for that. Harnesses such as this one are built for police and military use, so they have to be incredibly resistant. That extra trustworthiness can be a major benefit, even though your dog is not involved in any police or warfare.

The lack of plastic loops and clasps is one thing we like about this product. All the links are made of steel, which makes them highly reassuring. You may tie a leash to the harness at various points so that you have a choice about the dog behavior.

But a few negative reviews should be listed. Most reviews of these items were fine, but we found some complaints about the ring on the chest for the steel connection. Many people believe this ring broke under the pressure of a big dog, and we must admit it seems a bit thin. We would like to suggest you place your leash on the thick nylon truck handle at the top for this purpose.

The velcro on the side allows you to attach pouches to this harness if you want to. They are compatible with MOLLE pouches. These items may be acquired cheaply at any military surplus store.

  • Pros
  • All clasps and connectors are made of steel
  • All important points are reinforced
  • Convenient top handle
  • Can be equipped with pouches
  • Cons
  • A little expensive
  • A few complaints about the chest clip
  • Convenient top handle
  • Can be equipped with pouches
ALSO GREAT
WINSEE Dog Harness No Pull

Easy Walk Everyday.

Winsee Dog Harness creates an eye-catching, stylish look for your pup, keeping him safe and secure. This No Pull Dog Harness is the perfect active harness for hiking in the woods, running around the park, or walks around the neighborhood.

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An easy walk every day. The Winsee Dog Harness creates an eye-catching, stylish look for your pup, keeping him safe and secure. This no-pull harness is the perfect active product for hiking in the woods, running around the park, or walks around the neighborhood. This set contains a harness and a collar.

The harness is available in a variety of sizes and comes with a handy guide so that you can get the correct size for your german shepherd when ordering. The large and x-large harness has thicker and stronger straps, which makes this harness perfect if you own a larger breed such as a german shepherd.

This harness will encourage your fur friend to stop pulling and can be used in training. It also has reflective paneling, which is great if you like going for a walk in the early mornings or evenings.

  • Pros
  • Features a quick snap buckle and a safety lock that makes it very easy to put on
  • Flexible leash attachments
  • Great for training your german shepherd
  • Reflective
  • Available in a selection of sizes and colors
  • Cons
  • Slightly bulky when fitted
  • Flexible leash attachments
  • Great for training your german shepherd
  • Reflective
  • Available in a selection of sizes and colors
ALSO GREAT
JUXZH Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness

Colorful, safe and durable, the JUXZH Dog Harness does the best to prevent injuries. From a training perspective, these harnesses are useful for teaching your furry friend not to pull. The pressure is more evenly distributed around your dog's body.

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This harness is fantastic as it comes in a selection of bright colors to suit your dogs personality. It’s stylish, hardwearing, and well designed. This harness has been made from scratch-resistant material and is lightweight and breathable. Your dog can wear this harness all day without any problems, even in hot weather. It’s also straightforward to put on adjust and take off.

  • Pros
  • Comfortable mesh lining
  • Bright colors
  • Perfect for larger dogs
  • It encourages dogs to stop pulling and is excellent for training
  • Cons
  • The straps are a bit stiff
  • Bright colors
  • Perfect for larger dogs
  • It encourages dogs to stop pulling and is excellent for training
ALSO GREAT
EXPAWLORER Big Dog Harness

You get better control, your dog gets safe and comfortable.

Walking with your furry friend is a pleasure, and to equip your big guy with a good harness is very important.

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This is the perfect harness for an active larger dog such as a german shepherd. It’s made from fabric that’s fast-drying, hardwearing, and has a mesh lining for comfort and breathability and durability. There’s also a handle on the back, which is great for training or for having some extra control over your dog. The clasps are easy to open and the straps are adjustable. It’s easy to put on and fit this harness for your dog. There’s a D-ring on the back to attach a leash and a large reflective panel which will allow your dog to be seen at night.

  • Pros
  • No-pull harness, great for larger dogs
  • The reflective panel keeps your dog safe
  • Has a handle for additional control
  • There’s a metal D-ring to attach the leash
  • Cons
  • If not appropriately fitted, the harness can move to one side
  • The reflective panel keeps your dog safe
  • Has a handle for additional control
  • There’s a metal D-ring to attach the leash
ALSO GREAT
BABYLTRL Big Dog Harness

No Pull Dog Harness.

This harness is made from premium durable nylon oxford and soft padded material. The no-pull design will make your dog stop pulling, making walks like a dream.

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This harness lives up to its name. It’s one of the best perfect harnesses for tall muscular breeds. The Babyltrl Harness is also made for dogs with deep chests and strong muscles. The no-pull feature keeps them from dragging you around while walking or running around.

The adjustable straps will give you the perfect fit for your dog. The reflective features of the chest panel and straps keep your dog recognizable and secure. The two D-rings give you the option of controlling your dog’s pulling power with the front D-ring or allowing it to control its own power with the back D-ring. Strong buckles prevent your dog from breaking free, no matter how strong it may be. In addition, the buckles lock in place so that no one can remove the harness without moving the lock switches on each buckle. Finally, the nylon handle on the back panel gives you absolute leverage when you need it most.

  • Pros
  • No-pull and no choke design
  • Easy to wear
  • Locking security on both straps
  • Comfortable and reflective design
  • There’s a metal D-ring to attach the leash
  • Cons
  • Reports of snaps broken from hard pullers
  • Easy to wear
  • Locking security on both straps
  • Comfortable and reflective design
  • There’s a metal D-ring to attach the leash
ALSO GREAT
Dean & Tyler The Boss Harness

Handmade From High Quality Leather.

Adjustable fit and made with easy-release buckles.

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The Boss harness is a hand-crafted harness made of all brass equipment and all beautifully made of leather. It is durable, hard to damage, and has been built to last a long life.

It can resist the harsh elements and your dog will do all the hard times. Your german shepherd dog will practically grow up with this harness with its four adjustable leather belts. Besides its superior endurance, the Dean & Tyler Harness is practically a work of art.

  • Pros
  • Crafted with all full-grain leather harness
  • Handmade and beautifully designed
  • Comfortable and reflective design
  • Four adjustable straps for increased versatility
  • Leather lined with thick felt for comfort
  • Belted straps around the breastplate and between the legs for optimal durability and resistance to pulling
  • Designed intentionally for superior strength and endurance to handle agitation training
  • Multiple options for customization and personalization
  • Cons
  • High price
  • Product inventory may be reduced due to the handmade nature of the harness
  • Shipping takes several weeks
  • Four adjustable straps for increased versatility
  • Leather lined with thick felt for comfort
  • Belted straps around the breastplate and between the legs for optimal durability and resistance to pulling
  • Designed intentionally for superior strength and endurance to handle agitation training
  • Multiple options for customization and personalization

Table of Contents

How to choose the best Harness For a German Shepherd

german shepherd on the grass looking 2

There are several things that you’ll want to consider before purchasing a harness for German Shepherds. You should look for a harness that is fully adjustable as this will allow you to get a good fit and will stop your dog from slipping out of the harness. Most good harnesses come with adjustable straps on the shoulders, belly, and chest.

If you have a puppy or a younger dog, it’s a good idea to buy a harness that has room for growth. Make sure that you measure your dog correctly, using the size chart on the company’s website or Amazon page. Ensuring that you have a perfect fit will make your dog more comfortable.

You should also choose a harness that has good quality plastic buckles, which will hold it securely in place. Look for hard plastic as cheap, plastic from china can easily break. Be aware that your dog could also chew the plastic and break it, so keep your harness out of reach of your dog when not in use.

What are the advantages/benefits of a Harness For German Shepherds?

german shepherd laying down on the grass looking

As you know, German Shepherds are large, strong dogs, and if you own one that’s prone to pulling walks are likely to be less enjoyable. Investing in a harness can help to reduce pulling and will also allow you to train your dog and teach them to heel.

If you plan to walk your dog in the early mornings or at night, look for a harness with reflective straps or paneling as this will help keep your dog safe.

Attributes that differentiate these products.

german shepherd on the grass looking

There are several different harnesses on the market today, which have been specifically designed with the German Shepherd in mind. The main types of harnesses are no-pull harnesses, padded harnesses, and reflective harnesses.

A no-pull harness has been specifically designed for training purposes and will allow you to teach your dog to heel effectively. It’s reported that dogs can learn to stop pulling quicker when using a harness rather than a collar and lead. No pull harnesses use a strap that runs across the dog’s chest. If your pet pulls on the lead, he will be automatically pulled back towards you. This helps in reducing the dog’s pulling strength. A no-pull harness is excellent for younger dogs.

If you own an older German Shepherd with joint problems, you may be looking for a padded harness. A padded harness will firmly hold your dog’s joints and muscles. Padded harnesses can also be used in the same way as non-pull as they reduce the dog’s ability to pull while at the same time offering greater comfort and support to your dog.

A reflective harness may have benefits of both the padded and no-pull harness with the added feature of allowing drivers to see your dog when it’s dark. Reflective harnesses are particularly useful during the winter months when it gets light earlier.

What’s the best way to use Harness For a German Shepherd?

german shepherd running on the grass with a ball on his mouth

If your dog often pulls on the lead, look for a harness with a ring on the front and back. By cliping the leash attachment to the front ring, you’ll be able to redirect your dog and make his legs come off the ground if he pulls suddenly. This will teach your dog to walk nicely beside you. You can use the back ring once your dog is well trained.

Some harnesses have a handle on the back, which will mean you have more control over your dog if necessary. If you own an older door, a dog with mobility condition, a handle will be useful to help it get in and out of cars or go up and down the stairs.

Make sure the harness fits well

german shepherd on the grass with tongue out

The problems owners have had with harnesses include dogs slipping out of them or the harnesses being ill-fitting and causing the dog to develop soars. This problem can be rectified by making sure you buy a high-quality harness and measure your dog correctly first.

You can check out the Youtube video below, which will give you details of how to measure your dog for a harness.

Prerequisites and precautions for using this type of product.

german shepherd on the grass with tongue out

You’ll want your dog to be comfortable when wearing the harness, especially if you’re going to use it for most of the day. Look for a product that has soft padding and a mesh lining as this will make the harness breathable. These features will offer comfort to your dog during walks. Some harnesses also have a water-resistant outer layer; this is great for rainy days but will also make the harness easier to keep clean. Look for a dog harness that’s hardwearing, lightweight and easy to handle.

Before buying this piece of equipment, you should measure your dog correctly to ensure that you get the right size. Using a harness that is too big or hasn’t been fitted correctly could cause your dog discomfort. In some cases, dogs can slip through a harness and escape, if it doesn’t fit correctly.

Still Trying To Decide On A German Shepherd Harness?

german shepherd head on the lap of a person

From the above selection, my favorite harness has got to be the RUFFWEAR – Front Range Dog Harness. It’s been designed using good quality materials, which make it hardwearing and long-lasting. It’s perfect for larger dogs, especially German Shepherds. It’s also a great training harness and is especially effective for teaching young, energetic dogs to heel.

This harness has also been designed to give your dog maximum comfort. It’s padded and easy to adjust. There’s also added safety features, such as the reflective trim, the chest strap and id pocket. Unlike some of the competitors, RUFFWEAR has taken everything into account, including security and comfort. They have also added extra features, such as the ID pocket. This harness is available in a selection of sizes and colors.

About Alex Vicente

Dog Lover, Founder & Chief Editor at Paws Insider

I’ve been rescuing dogs since a very early age. I got my first dog when I was 9 years old and I remember how he, out of a litter of 6 puppies, started running towards me. He’d just chosen me. Ever since then, my love for dogs only grows stronger and I want what’s best for them. My mission is to let our readers know about the best products in the market for our best friends, as well as providing guides and tips on how we can take better care of them.