10 Best Harnesses for Shih Tzus — 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Finding the right harness for your Shih Tzu isn’t an easy task. There are plenty of products on the market, and all of them boast that they are the best of the best. But which ones are actually great?

To help you make the smart purchase, we have compiled a list of our favorite harnesses for Shih Tzus. In this article, you will find our in-depth reviews of each product as well as a buyer’s guide that will help you make informed decisions about which harness is right for you and your dog. If you are ready to take your first step toward finding the perfect harness, keep reading.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

The 10 Best Harnesses for Shih Tzus

1. Chai’s Choice Premium Reflective Dog Harness – Best Overall

Our pick for the best overall harness is Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Reflective Dog Harness. This harness has a sturdy build and design, with many pet parents reporting that their harnesses have endured plenty of adventures while remaining intact. Plus, this harness can be easily cleaned and dried, so if your dog explores the beaten path, you won’t have much trouble cleaning up the remnants.

The material is reflective, providing an added safety measure for you and your dog during nighttime walks. It’s also a helpful feature for spotting your dog if he is loose.

Many customers reported that the harness fits their dogs well, so chafing and discomfort won’t be an issue. As a bonus, there are plenty of color and size varieties for you to choose from.

On the downside, some have noted that the harness can be a bit on the heavy side for smaller dogs. For a Shih Tzu, this could be a problem.

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2. Best Pet Supplies Voyager Plush Suede Dog Harness – Best Value

The Best Pet Supplies Voyager Plush Suede Dog Harness is the best harness for Shih Tzus for the money. This affordable harness is made of natural fabric, providing a soft material for your dog rather than something stiff or scratchy. The harness is easy to attach as well, meaning you shouldn’t struggle to get it on or off your dog.

The color options are limited to shades of brown, but they are no less adorable. If color customization isn’t a huge deal, this could be a great harness for your dog. Several pet parents have reported that the sizing on this dog harness option runs small.

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3. Puppia RiteFit Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness – Premium Choice

The Puppia RiteFit Polyester Back Clip Dog Harness is a premium choice with a lot to recommend. Many users say this harness fits their dogs snugly, ensuring that it isn’t too loose. The polyester mesh material offers your dog breathability and stays cool no matter what fun activities your dog gets into. The RiteFit harness is easy to get your dog into and out of.

Some pet owners who purchased the RiteFit harness mentioned that the buckle is difficult to clip. This may only occur in some products, but the reports were frequent enough that we thought it best to mention it.

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4. Barkbay Reflective Puppy Harness – Best for Puppies

If you are looking for a harness for your Shih Tzu puppy, check out the Barkbay Reflective Puppy Harness. Barkbay’s harness is designed especially for young pups in size and function. There are multiple D-rings to clip your leash to, giving you better control over an unruly puppy. The harness allows you to adjust the fit, which is perfect for a growing dog.

As an added safety measure, the material is reflective. If your puppy wanders too far in the night, it will be much easier to spot him if he has the Barkbay harness on. This harness is difficult to figure out at first. However, once you get used to the design, putting it on your puppy should be much smoother.

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5. Frisco Small Breed Soft Vest Step-in Dog Harness

Frisco’s Small Breed Soft Vest Step-in Dog Harness is an affordable option. It comes in a few colors if you are interested in personalization. The step-in design makes this harness easy to put on and take off your dog. Likewise, the vest is reported to fit excellently, as it isn’t too tight or too loose.

There are reflective strips on the vest, offering a safety measure during nighttime walks. With this vest on, it will be much easier to spot your wandering pup. Unfortunately, the Velcro on this harness is not very durable. Since the Velcro is instrumental in fitting the harness on your dog, this can be a serious issue that may require you to replace the harness sooner.

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6. Rabbitgoo Dog Harness

The Rabbitgoo Dog Harness is designed to prevent pulling or accidentally choking your dog. On the vest, there is a handle that gives you better control over even the most hyperactive dog. The buckles are adjustable, allowing you to alter the vest as you see fit. Plus, the materials and design of Rabbitgoo’s harness are durable.

However, some users have reported a concerning incident; sometimes, the adjustable straps have come undone on their own. This can cause the harness to become loose and ineffective. This seems like a product defect rather than a feature of the harness.

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7. EcoBark Dog Harness

If you have a passion for helping the environment, the EcoBark Dog Harness is a great choice. EcoBark’s harness contains materials that are made from recycled water bottles, so you can help the planet and get a great harness for your dog at the same time!

The air mesh vest is made with extra padding, providing added comfort for your Shih Tzu. Plus, the harness is created with a gentle design that helps prevent chafing and irritation. Unfortunately, some users complain that the sizing is inconsistent.

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8. Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness

Kurgo’s Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness is a crash-tested harness designed for use in the car; however, it can be used outside of the car as well. The broad chest area is padded and designed for security and comfort. While Kurgo Tru-Fit’s color options are limited, you have a few options. This harness is adjustable and suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Compared to other dog harnesses, the Kurgo Tru-Fit harness is a bit on the expensive side. However, if your budget for a dog harness is high, that may not be a concern for you.

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9. Pupteck Soft Mesh Small Dog Harness with Leash

If you are looking for a stylish harness for your Shih Tzu, check out the Pupteck Soft Mesh Small Dog Harness with Leash. These vests come in unique patterns, including different colors in plaid and polka dots. The breathable mesh keeps your dog cool no matter how active he gets, and the soft design is built to prevent chafing and irritation.

Some buyers have reported that the sizing runs a bit on the small side, which is a common issue with harnesses and dog clothes.

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10. Curli Vest Dog Harness

The Curli Vest Dog Harness is a comfortable vest designed to allow easy mobility for your dog. It doesn’t place added pressure on your Shih Tzu’s sensitive neck. Likewise, it is easy to put on and take off of your dog, so you won’t have to worry about walk time being a hassle. As an added bonus, there are several color and pattern options available.

On the downside, this harness is somewhat costly. It is not the most expensive option on this list, but it is certainly up there.

Buyer’s Guide — Choosing the Best Harnesses for Shih Tzus

Even after reading our reviews, it can be difficult to decide which harness is the right fit for your Shih Tzu. If you aren’t sure what to search for in a dog harness, look at our advice below.

What to Look for When Buying a Dog Harness for your Shih Tzu

The fit of the harness is instrumental to your dog’s safety and comfort as well as to your control over your dog. To determine whether the harness fits your dog, check how it fits around your dog’s limbs and neck. There should be no rubbing or squeezing, as this would indicate that it is either too loose or too tight.

Check the material of the harness as well. You should look for high-quality material that is durable yet comfortable. Also, breathability will be an important factor. Mesh or mesh-like material will keep your dog cool while active.

Consider whether you need a no-pull harness. If your Shih Tzu tends to be a bit bossy or adventurous, a no-pull lead will prevent him from being able to pull too forcefully on his leash.

Other Features to Consider

In addition to size, material, and design, there are other, more personalized features to consider.

For instance, do you want your dog’s harness to be adjustable? Being able to adjust the harness will ensure that you can make it fit as best as possible. This will be especially important as your dog grows. If his harness is not adjustable, he may eventually outgrow it.

How easy is the harness to use? Getting your dog into the harness can be a bit of work, especially if he is excitable. You won’t want the added hassle of an overly complicated harness, but you can look for options that are reported as being easy to use.

Reflective material and handles are two optional features that you should consider. Reflective material will keep you and your dog safer at night, and the handles will allow you to control a hyper dog more effectively than a leash.

How to Pick the Right Size Harness

In order to pick the right size harness, you will need to measure your Shih Tzu. Each product may require different measurements to be taken, but generally speaking, you will need to measure your Shih Tzu’s chest. Once you have the necessary measurements, you can look at the size options for the product you are considering and see if any of them suit your dog.

You will know that the size is correct if you can fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. Your Shih Tzu’s skin should not bunch after wearing the harness, and there should be no damage to your dog’s fur.

Conclusion

Finding the proper dog harness for your Shih Tzu is crucial. Our favorite is Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Harness due to its ease of use and maintenance. Other great choices include the Best Pet Supplies Voyager Harness, an affordable and comfortable option, and the Puppia RiteFit Harness due to its breathability. While the harnesses on this list are all excellent choices, in the end, your experience with your dog will be the best way to determine which harness is right. We hope these reviews help you find the perfect harness for you and your Shih Tzu!

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Featured Image Credit by: Jumpstory