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10 Best Harnesses for Border Collies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Chris Dinesen Rogers

By Chris Dinesen Rogers

black border collie wearing harness

Few breeds are as intelligent and easy to train as the Border Collie. This pup is the definition of playful and energetic. While all dogs benefit from mental stimulation, this dog needs it. Walks offer an ideal way to introduce your pet to new experiences to keep it mentally sharp. A harness is an excellent choice for these canines. It can keep your pet at your side instead of chasing a passing rabbit or squirrel.

Our guide includes everything you need to know about choosing the right one for your pet Border Collie. We’ve provided detailed reviews of some of our favorite products, discussing the types and features to consider. Check out some of the best options on the market below.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Dual clip made from durable steel
  • Many sizes available
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Dog Harness Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Dog Harness
  • Cute design
  • Affordably priced
  • Lots of color choices
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Chai's Choice Rover Scout Backpack Dog Harness Chai's Choice Rover Scout Backpack Dog Harness
  • Waterproof materials
  • Reflective
  • Well-made product
  • Best for Puppies
    Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness
  • Dual clip
  • Value-priced
  • No-pull design
  • PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
  • Waterproof
  • Reasonably priced
  • Easy to use
  • The 10 Best Harnesses for Border Collies

    1. Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness – Best Overall

    Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness

    Check Price on Chewy
    Material Nylon, polyester, plastic
    Type Front clip
    Closure type Buckle
    Available sizes X-small to X-large

    The name of the Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness caught our eye, but it was the lifetime warranty that sealed the deal. Everything about this product says it’s well-made. That puts it at the head of the class for our pick for the best overall harness for Border Collies. It has a dual clip to give you the choice of how you control your pet, plus we appreciated its flexibility.

    The clip is all steel, making for a durable closure. It’s easy to use, although reluctant pets may need a treat or two to sell them on the idea. The harness is secure and sticks to its name for a true fit. It also has a seatbelt loop to keep your pup safe when traveling. On the downside, it is pricey, but you surely get what you pay for with this product.

    Pros
    • No-pull design
    • Lifetime warranty
    • Dual clip made from durable steel
    • Many sizes available
    Cons
    • Pricey

    2. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Dog Harness – Best Value

    Voyager Step-in Lock Pet Harness

    Material Polyester, plastic
    Type Step-in
    Closure type Buckle
    Available sizes XXX-small to X-large

    The Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Dog Harness is a good choice if your Border Collie is new to wearing a harness. The large design does an excellent job of distributing the weight around a pet’s chest. It provides a secure fit that your pup won’t be able to slip out of. The price is another selling point, making it the best harness for Border Collie for the money.

    The size range is impressive, going from 10.5 to 28 inches. We could see a pup growing up wearing this harness. Did we say it’s also adjustable? We liked the design because of its simplicity and ease of use. There’s nothing fancy, just a well-made product at a budget-friendly price.

    Pros
    • Cute design
    • Affordably priced
    • Wide range of available sizes
    • Lots of color choices
    Cons
    • Reports of an inaccurate sizing chart

    3. Chai’s Choice Rover Scout Backpack Dog Harness – Premium Choice

    Chai's Choice Rover Scout Backpack Dog Harness

    Material Canvas, polyester
    Type Standard
    Closure type Quick release
    Available sizes Medium to X-large

    We’ll admit that this product isn’t for everyone because of the design. However, that’s why we liked it. We think it looks cool and would attract some attention on the trails. The Chai’s Choice Rover Scout Backpack Dog Harness is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something more than just your everyday harness. Your pup can carry its own bag of treats and then some with this product.

    The construction is top-notch, down to the D-ring on the back. It’s also ergonomic to ensure your pooch stays comfortable. It’s practically inescapable. You can have peace of mind when you use this harness on your Border Collie. Yes, it’s not cheap for a product you won’t use every day. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a secure product that’s worth the higher price tag. We also like the color choices, although some may find them too limited.

    Pros
    • Waterproof materials
    • Reflective
    • Good-sized pockets
    • Well-made product
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Limited everyday use

    4. Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness – Best for Puppies

    Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness

    Material Polyester, nylon, plastic
    Type Step-in
    Closure type Buckle
    Available sizes Small to X-large

    The Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness offers excellent weight distribution with its padded chest. It’s a good compromise that had the added material where necessary to make it appropriate for year-round use. It’s a step-in design, but you still need to put it over your dog’s head. We can see some pets balking when you try to put it on.

    While we’re just considering harnesses for Border Collies, we found the sizing ranges odd. It starts at 16 inches for a dog’s girth, going up to 50 inches. It’s a decent product, but we’d question its durability with a pup with a 50-inch chest.

    Pros
    • Dual clip
    • Value-priced
    • No-pull design
    Cons
    • Odd sizing
    • Difficult to put on

    5. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

    PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

    Material Nylon, plastic
    Type Front clip
    Closure type Quick release
    Available sizes Petite to X-large

    The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness sports a classic design with a front clip to make it no-pull. The straps are wide enough to fit well with fewer chances of matting your pup’s fur. It’s an excellent choice for a go-to product when you don’t want all the extra frills. The price is right, too. It has a Martingale loop that makes it more effective as a front clip.

    Even though it has a simple design, it gets the job done brilliantly. While it has a decent size range, it only comes in black, which is sure to turn off some pet owners. It’s a minimalist construction that also is waterproof. That makes it appropriate for year-round use.

    Pros
    • Waterproof
    • Reasonably priced
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Only one color choice
    • No frills or extra clip

    6. Frisco Padded Reflective Harness

    Frisco Padded Reflective Harness

    Material Polyester, plastic
    Type Standard
    Closure type Buckle
    Available sizes X-small to X-large

    The Frisco Padded Reflective Harness is a good-looking product that looks like it would fit like a glove. The padding is well-placed to add comfort without impeding your pet’s movement. The rounded edges ensure minimal chafing. The harness is adjustable to ensure a snug fit that reduces the chances of escaping. We also liked that the material is reflective for those early morning or evening walks.

    It has a dual clip for flexibility. We love the top handle when you have to take swift action to control your pet. It even has a comfortable hand feel. While it’s lightweight, the black color and size of the padding make it hot for a dog to wear on hot summer days.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • Reflective material
    • Handle on the top
    • Dual clip
    Cons
    • Hot in the summer

    7. EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness

    EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Harness

    Material Nylon, plastic
    Type Front clip
    Closure type Snap
    Available sizes Small to X-large

    The EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness is another product that puts flexibility to the forefront with a dual-clip system. That makes these items good choices for training. We hope that pets learn not to pull, making a front clip unnecessary. The harness is durable and able to handle the strength of a determined dog. It has a large top handle just in case you need to dial things back a bit.

    We love products with reflective materials like this one. It shocks us how many manufacturers don’t make it standard. The back clip sits further back on a dog. However, it didn’t affect its performance. It added to the weight distribution, which improved its comfort.

    Pros
    • Large top handle
    • Reflective material
    • Durable design
    • Dual clips
    Cons
    • Only larger size ranges

    8. Julius-K9 Powerharness

    3Julius-K9, 16IDC-DPN-2

    Material Nylon, plastic
    Type Standard
    Closure type Buckle
    Available sizes XXX-small to XX-large

    The Julius-K9 Powerharness looks different from the usual round-up of products. The padding goes over a dog’s back instead of covering its chest. It has reflective material making it safe for night walks. The padding is breathable, but we still thought it might be uncomfortable on warm summer days. We liked that the top handle is optional. After all, you know your pet and whether it’s necessary.

    It has buckles for the closures. They are also freeze-proof, which we rarely see in these products. While we think the manufacturer labels are cool, they are removable if they don’t appeal to you. That’s another first we don’t usually see.

    Pros
    • Reflective material
    • Optional handle
    • Freeze-proof buckles
    Cons
    • Uncomfortable in warm weather
    • Inappropriate for dogs that pull

    9. Red Dingo Classic Dog Harness

    Red Dingo

    Material Nylon, plastic
    Type Standard
    Closure type Buckle
    Available sizes X-small to X-large

    The Red Dingo Classic Dog Harness rocks the standard design with cute touches like the paw-shaped buckles. We liked the large D-ring on the back, which makes it easier to attach the leash. It’s straightforward and easy to use, even for older pet owners. While it has room for an ID tag, the width of the straps makes matting an issue. Nevertheless, it offers a secure fit.

    The harness is easy to use, making it people-friendly. It has soft edges to reduce chafing. You can also toss it in the washer between uses. It has a snug fit to keep your pet secure. It’s affordably priced with a decent selection of colors and sizes.

    Pros
    • Chafe-resistant material
    • Machine washable
    • Secure fit
    • Easy to use
    Cons
    • Matting issues

    10. PetSafe Gentle Leader

    petsafe-gentle-leader-padded-no-pull-dog-headcollar

    Material Nylon, neoprene
    Type Head halter
    Closure type Quick release
    Available sizes Petite to X-large

    We had to include the PetSafe Gentle Leader because it’s such an excellent product. It’s one of the best ways we know of to keep a dog under control. Its design will seem odd to pet owners unfamiliar with its use.  Our advice is to trust it and give it a go if you have a puller on your hands. You may be pleasantly surprised by how effective it is.

    The beauty of this product lies in its construction. Your dog can still move freely while giving you control. It looks different than the average harness. Your pup will likely not like it at first. Our suggestion is to be persistent with treats helping the process.

    Pros
    • Effective
    • Padded neoprene nose loop
    • Waterproof
    • Full range of motion
    Cons
    • Hard to use with some pets

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    Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Harnesses for Border Collies

    When you walk your dog, you must put something on your pet to attach the leash. Thus, there is a debate about collars versus harnesses. The main advantage of the former is a place to attach an ID tag. However, many harnesses also have D-rings for that purpose. Of course, there’s the microchip, which solves that problem.

    A harness is the better option for a dog still learning its leash manners. It distributes the force of you pulling on the lead over a greater area and reducing the pressure on your pup’s neck. It also is a safer choice for brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug and French Bulldog. You should consider using one if your dog is prone to tracheal collapse, like the Yorkshire Terrier. A harness can keep the canine Houdinis under control.

    A Border Collie is an energetic dog that may try to outpace you on the trail. A harness is an excellent way to rein it in when the race gets heated. Things to consider when buying these products include the following:

    • Type
    • Material
    • Closure
    • Other features

    Type

    Three main types of harnesses exist, with slight variations on the theme. The standard model is probably what first comes to mind. This style usually has two loops with a D-ring on the back. The front-clip harness puts the attachment point at your pup’s chest. You should consider this kind if your pup is a puller. You’ll be better able to keep your pet under control with this design.

    The step-in harness is named for how you put in on your dog. The pet must walk into it so that you can attach your leash to the D-ring on your pup’s back. An alternative type often grouped with other harnesses is the head halter. It goes over your dog’s head, not unlike the equipment an equestrian would use on a horse. It’s an excellent choice for unruly pets struggling with leash walking.

    border collie dog getting trained
    Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

    Material

    We’ve seen a wide range of materials used for harnesses, from nylon to leather to canvas. Undoubtedly, it’s a personal choice, along with the color or pattern. We suggest paying attention to the harness’s construction, particularly the straps going under the dog’s legs. Rough edges could chafe your pup, especially if you leave it on the pet for long stretches. A scan of the buyers’ reviews will reveal if it’s an issue.

    Many products are more elaborate than a simple set of straps. You may see some that resemble canine clothing, with pads and pretty fabrics. It’s a safe assumption that the fancier the appearance, the higher the price.

    We suggest keeping the weather in mind as well. A thick, padded hardness might be okay in the winter but not so much in the summer.

    Closure

    A common complaint pet owners have with collars is bridging the gap between security and tightness. That’s part of the appeal of a harness. However, the closure is very important. Buckles are one of the most popular types. They are easy to use and provide a good fit. Their only drawback is they take a wee bit longer to fasten. That can make a difference with a Border Collie anxious for its walk.

    Another type you’ll often see is the quick-release snap. You depress the sides to open the closure in a blink of an eye while not compromising on security. Other kinds you’ll find include carabiners, bolt snaps, and Velcro. Many closures compliment the harness’s design to give the product a specific look.

    a close up of Border Collie with collar
    Image Credit: Helix_Games, Pixabay

    Other Features

    Many harnesses have other bells and whistles to set them apart from the pack. Features that we like include a top handle, reflective stitching, and adjustable straps. We’ve also seen products designed for service dogs or for car use. Some may have multiple hooks to give you the option of securing a leash in the front or back.

    We suggest thinking about your usual walks with your Border Collie and the features that you’d find most useful. If there’s an issue you want to fix, the chances are you’ll find a product that fits the bill.

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    Conclusion

    The Kurgo Tru-Fit Dog Harness was the evident leader of the pack after going through our reviews, making it our choice for the best overall dog harness for Border Collies. On the other hand, the Best Pet Supplies Voyager Step-in Dog Harness was the best harness for the money for those looking to save a few bucks. Regardless of which you choose from our list of reviews, make sure you scroll through our buyer’s guide first to ensure you’re making the right choice for your pet.


    Featured Image Credit: Emily-Rose Ashdown, Shutterstock

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