9 Best Harnesses for Basset Hounds in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks

Basset Hounds were originally bred for hunting small game and can be traced back to 6th century France, so it’s safe to say they share a long history with humans. They’ve adapted well to being companion dogs and are considered a wonderful addition to any family they join.

These dogs are intelligent and affectionate but challenging to train, thanks to more than their fair share of stubbornness. They have also never lost that innate prey drive, so they will be difficult to control if they smell something they find interesting on a walk. That is where the perfect harness comes in. You want something functional and comfortable for the remarkable canine.

While Basset Hounds are considered medium to large dogs, they are sturdy and can be hefty, thanks to a love of food. Harnesses are sized by your dog’s girth, and an adult Basset can be about 25–35 inches in girth. With this information, we’ve gathered reviews for the top 10 best harnesses for Basset Hounds in 2023.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Chai's Choice Premium Reflective Harness	Good selection of sizes Padded and comfortable Front and back clip options for control	Check Price
Best Value		Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness	Affordable and good quality Front and back clip options for control Secure	Check Price
Premium Choice		Julius K9 IDC Reflective No Pull Harness	Simple to put on Comfortable and durable Water repellant	Check Price
Best for Puppies		PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness	Designed by a veterinary behaviorist Lightweight Simple to put on	Check Price
Best Overall		EliteField Padded Reflective Dog Harness	Good choice of sizes Reflective Padded and comfortable	Check Price

The 9 Best Harnesses for Basset Hounds

Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Reflective Harness is our pick for the best overall harness for Basset Hounds. The 3M reflective material makes it perfect for early morning or late evening strolls, and the chest and belly padding is secure and comfortable. Some owners mentioned it is a little heavy, so we suggest a lighter harness if your Basset is young.

It’s suitable for the car, and the design discourages pulling with a front attachment for a lead. It also comes in a choice of nine colors, so you’re sure to find something you like. Some pet parents noted that the harness is made a little smaller than advertised, so make sure you take this into consideration.

The best harness for Basset Hounds for the money is the Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness. This harness is affordable without compromising quality; there’s the choice of a back or front clip for the leash for more control, and the design offers both comfort and even weight distribution. It promises to be secure, although some pet parents mentioned the straps were difficult to adjust.

This light harness comes in different color and size options that are perfect for a Basset. Some owners mentioned it is not particularly durable if your dog chews on things they shouldn’t.

Our premium choice is the Julius K9 IDC Power Harness Nylon Reflective No Pull Harness which offers comfort and durability. It was initially created for working dogs, it’s simple to put on, the material is water-proof, and it features freeze-proof buckles.

This hard-wearing harness is reflective, so it provides safety whatever time of day you enjoy going out for walks. While it does list that it is “no pull,” owners mentioned you need to buy an additional part to adapt it into a no pull, front clip product. However, they did note that it stopped their dogs from pulling as much, even without this addition.

The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness was created in 2004 by a veterinary behaviorist. It’s suitable for puppies and adults, so if this design works for you and your Basset, you can keep getting the larger size until they reach adulthood. There is only access to attach your leash at the front, so you will need a different style if you prefer an attachment at the back. This design is better for training and helps you control your dog more.

The Petsafe harness has a quick-release buckle, which is always a good idea for a puppy—they are much more adventurous and likely to get stuck. If a sticky situation arises, you know they will not hurt themselves further with this harness.

The back and chest straps are different colors, making them much simpler to put on. The simple design means it isn’t heavy or warm. However, there isn’t any reflective material, and it’s not as safe in dim lighting. Some pet parents mentioned that the lack of padding could cause chaffing over time and result in hair loss.

The EliteField Padded Reflective No Pull Dog Harness comes in large and extra-large sizes, which would fit an adult Basset Hound. There is the option for back or front attachment of the leash and a handle at the base for greater control of your Basset, which is perfect, especially if they catch a scent that grabs their attention.

It’s padded for comfort and reflective for safety. Generally, owners were happy with this product, but some mentioned that the straps became loose, so ensure that it fits each time you go out.

The RUFFWEAR Front Range Harness is an excellent choice if your Basset Hound pulls on the leash. There are two attachments, front and back, and release buckles on the side, so it’s easy to adjust and wear. On the whole, owners liked this harness, but some mentioned it was made smaller than promised, and they also had some issues adjusting it.

It’s designed with pads on the straps and belly for comfort but isn’t too bulky and will still be breathable in the summer, thanks to cooling panels. There are reflective strips for safety in dim lighting and a handy pocket for your dog’s ID.

The HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness promises to be a great solution for dogs that like to pull and senior dogs that might need a gentle option. There is no strap for a leash attachment at the front, but on the whole, pet owners seemed happy with this product. It’s comfortable, and the wide design of the straps will distribute the pressure if your dog is pulling. There is also a handle at the back for extra control of your dog if you need it. Some owners mentioned that it is made big, so keep this in mind when ordering one.

The Bolux No-Pull Dog Harness is comfortable and comes in various colors and sizes, so you’re sure to find something suitable for your Basset Hound. There is no front attachment for a leash. However, there is a sturdy handle at the back if you need extra control of your dog.

Owners thought it was unsuitable for smaller dogs, so it probably wouldn’t be a good choice for a Basset puppy. This harness also has reflective straps, so it’s safe on dimly lit walks.

This Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness is another affordable option for your Basset Hound. It offers front and back leash attachments and a handle for extra control. There aren’t as many size options as some of our other harnesses, but it does promise to be easily adjustable. While some owners agreed with this, others mentioned it was also made small.

Generally, people were happy with this harness, as it is comfortable and durable and is also reflective for extra safety. It is not chew-proof; however, it’s not a good idea to have a dog in a harness unsupervised or for long periods of time, so this shouldn’t be too problematic if you are with them. There are also pouches on this harness for you to put gear, a water bottle, and your ID in.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Harnesses for Basset Hounds

What Is the Best Harness for a Basset Hound?

The answer depends very much on your dog and the types of walks you enjoy. If you get home late at night or enjoy early morning walks before work, a reflective harness is a must to keep you both safe.

If your dog pulls on the leash, a product with a front attachment will help you keep better control over them. Dual clips offer you versatility and options; you can use the rear clip if they are being obedient, and if they pull for some reason, you can switch it over.

Will a No Pull Harness Stop Your Dog From Pulling?

The harness isn’t going to perform miracles and teach your dog to stop pulling. Instead, it is designed to aid with training safely; this means you can train your dog with peace of mind that at least they are less likely to injure themselves than they would with a traditional collar.

How to Measure Your Basset Hound for a Harness

The best way to measure your dog for a harness is to start with their chest girth. You might need another person to help you because an easier and most accurate measurement will come from standing your dog up and wrapping the measuring tape around the broadest part of their chest. You will also need to know your dog’s weight, which you can get from your veterinarian.

When the harness is sized correctly, you can fit two fingers between your dog’s body and the harness. It shouldn’t cause the skin around their shoulders or neck to bunch up and shouldn’t leave any indentations in their fur when you take it off. Remeasure your Basset or try a different style if you notice any of these things.

Conclusion

Our pick for the best overall harness for Basset Hounds is Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Reflective Harness, as it provides a good selection of sizes, is comfortable and safe in the car, and is reflective. The Frisco Padded Nylon No Pull Dog Harness is affordable while still being good quality, simple to put on, and offers front and back clip options, which is why it’s our best value option. Hopefully, these reviews have made your search for a suitable harness for your Basset Hound much easier!

Featured Image Credit: Alan Budman, Shutterstock