What’s not to love about the French Bulldog? They have consistently topped the list as one of the most popular breeds in the United States for the last five years, so if you have a Frenchie now or are considering getting one, you’re in great company.
One thing you’ll need for your Frenchie is a well-fitting harness. Since this breed has a bit of a unique body shape and tends to pull when they’re excited, you need to find a harness that suits their needs.
Keep reading to find our reviews of the top ten best harnesses for Frenchies.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Best Pet Supplies Voyager |
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Best Value | Frisco Back Clip Dog Harness |
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Premium Choice | Julius K9 Powerharness |
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Best for Puppies | Frisco Padded |
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Puppia Mountaineer II |
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The 10 Best Harnesses for French Bulldogs
1. Best Pet Supplies Voyager – Best Overall
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Step-in |
Materials | Mesh, polyester |
The Best Pet Supplies Voyager is the best overall harness for French bulldogs for several key reasons. First, the soft and breathable mesh fabric used in the construction of the harness will hug your Frenchie just enough for them to be secure while still being comfortable on their skin. The mesh fabric makes the harness very lightweight and will keep your Frenchie cool as you go on walks.
The harness is a step-in style which is great if your pup is less than thrilled about having to pull a harness over his head.
The harness’ fit is adjustable thanks to the fastener strap on the back, and the snap-in buckle provides additional safety.
- Harness reduces strain on dog’s neck
- Many color and size options
- Great for all life stages
- Sturdy and durable
- Two rings for hooking your dog’s leash attached
- May run a bit bigger than expected
2. Frisco Back Clip Dog Harness – Best Value
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Back clip |
Materials | Mesh, polyester |
The Frisco Back Clip Harness is an incredibly affordable pick making it the best harness for French Bulldogs for the money. Despite its low price tag, this harness is still high-quality and functional.
The over-the-head design of this product makes it easy to get on and off your Frenchie. The fast-release buckle is an additional feature that allows you to get your pup in and out of it quickly. There is an adjustable slide on the tummy strap that will help you get the perfect fit so your pup stays safe and secure.
This harness is made with breathable material to keep your dog comfortable on long walks. The mesh material also ensures he won’t overheat too fast in warmer temperatures.
- Easy to get on and off
- Adjustable to fit the right fit in the belly
- Soft material for comfort
- Sturdy design
- Not chew resistant
- Neck not adjustable
3. Julius K9 Powerharness for Dogs – Premium Choice
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Over the head |
Materials | Eco-Tex |
If money is no object and you want the absolute best harness for your Frenchie, the Julius K9 is the right pick for you. This durable and adjustable harness has many features that set it apart from other options on our list. It has reflective edging and a glow-in-the-dark side badge, so you and your dog are easy to see on your night walks.
The chest strap is designed to keep pressure off your dog’s neck and the materials are skin-friendly so he’s safe and comfortable on your walks.
The outer shell of the harness is water-repellent. Pair that feature with the harnesses’ sturdy construction and you’re left with a product that can hold up well during all your outdoor adventures.
- Highly adjustable
- Breathable and comfortable
- Sturdy and freeze-proof buckles
- Reflective for nighttime walks
- Can be slipped out of
4. Frisco Padded Dog Harness– Best for Puppies
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Over-the-head |
Materials | Nylon, polyester |
Frisco’s Padded Harness is a no-pull style that’s perfect for your Frenchie puppy. This harness is an over-the-head style with two buckles on both sides of the belly. This feature makes it simple to get it on and off wiggly little pups. The adjustable slides on the shoulder and belly straps ensure you can find a most comfortable fit and secure for your dog.
The padded chest piece is made with a mesh material to keep your dog cool. It has an O-ring attachment which can deter pups from pulling without putting any strain on their necks.
- Simple to use
- Highly adjustable
- Deters pulling and tugging
- Lightweight
- Not chew resistant
- Not for tie-out
5. Puppia Mountaineer II
Closure Type | Backside zipper |
Harness Type | Step-in |
Materials | Polyester |
If you and your Frenchie do a lot of outdoor exploration in the cooler months of the year, you might consider a harness that can double as a jacket. The Mountaineer II coat from Puppia is a stylish harness that also acts as a winter vest. It’s lined with a 100% polyester material and has a waterproof outer shell to keep your Frenchie warm and dry on your winter walks. This harness is easy to get on and off thanks to the backside zipper. If your pup hates having anything pulled over his head, you both will appreciate this harness’s step-in design.
- Available in many colors
- Warm and comfortable
- Hard to wiggle out of
- Lightweight
- Finding the perfect size can be a challenge
- High price tag
6. Chai’s Choice
Closure Type | Quick release |
Harness Type | Front clip |
Materials | Mesh, nylon, oxford |
If you take your pup on a lot of nighttime walks, you need a harness that will ensure that he doesn’t go unnoticed. The 3M reflective material on the Chai’s Choice Harness will keep your pup visible even in super low lighting.
The harness has padded belly and chest straps to evenly distribute pressure to keep your Frenchie comfortable and secure. The placement of these straps also ensures your pup won’t have too much pressure on his neck. The straps are adjustable so you can find a customized fit for your Frenchie’s exact body type.
This harness comes in nine different color options and five size options so you can find the right size in a style that suits your dog’s personality.
- Simple to adjust
- Handle on back
- Great for pullers
- Sturdy hooks
- Heavy
7. Blueberry Pet 3M Dog Harness
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Back clip |
Materials | Mesh, nylon, oxford |
The Blueberry Pet Harness is much like the Chai’s Choice one we just reviewed. It has reflective strips for night safety and is also made of the same materials. The Blueberry harness has a dual vest design which allows for great pull control and weight distribution to keep your dog comfy. If your Frenchie is a bit of a puller, this harness can help give you more control.
The inner layer features a lightweight mesh material for comfort and the outer layer is made from an oxford material for durability.
- Comfortably cut
- Reflective at night
- Well made
- Hooks in front and back
- No handle on the back
8. Kurgo Tru-Fit
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Dual clip |
Materials | Polyester, nylon |
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness is great for walks as well as car rides. It comes with a seat belt loop tether so you can attach it to your car’s seat belt system so your Frenchie will be safe during car rides. The company has done crash tests for dogs up to 75 pounds.
There are leash attachments on both the front and back of the harness. The buckles are steel to add further durability to the harness.
This harness is not a step-in or over-the-head model. It clips at the top on both sides.
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable to wear
- Great for walks and car rides
- Heavy
- High price
9. Puppia Back Clip
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Back clip |
Materials | Polyester |
This harness from Puppia is made with 100% polyester material. Its chest belt is adjustable and the quick-release buckles are easy to operate. The neck opening is padded so your Frenchie won’t find putting it on or wearing it uncomfortable.
The harness features lightweight but durable plastic buckles. They are the same type of buckles that you’d find on mountaineer equipment, so you know that they’re strong and long-lasting.
This harness is machine washable which is a bonus in our books, though the manufacturer does recommend air drying it.
Puppia offers this product in five different colors as well as five size options.
- Easy to put on and take off
- Soft material
- Reasonable price
- Sizing is difficult
- Not much stretch in the collar
- Clip placement feels awkward
10. Mighty Paw Padded Harness
Closure Type | Buckle |
Harness Type | Dual clip |
Materials | Polyester |
The Mighty Paw Padded Harness features a dual clip design which allows you to attach the leash to the front or back. The front attachment is great for dogs that are notorious for pulling while walking and the rear is great for use during jogs or in the car.
The non-restrictive style of this product will allow your dog’s shoulders to move naturally during his walks and runs. It has adjustable straps so you can find the right fit for your dog’s size as well as quick-release buckles so getting it on and off your Frenchie is a breeze.
- Sturdy design
- Helps with pulling
- Handle on top for better control
- Neck not adjustable
- Rigid
- Hard to remove
Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Harness for French Bulldogs
There are a lot of things to think about as you begin your hunt for the best harness for your Frenchie. Though we’ve narrowed it down to the ten harnesses we think are the best on the market today, you will still need to take the following factors into account as you shop.
Material
The material the harness is made of is one of the most important features to consider. It needs to be made of a material that your pup finds soft and comfortable. It should also be a breathable material, so your Frenchie won’t overheat as he’s wearing it. Mesh, nylon, and polyester are the most common materials you’ll find in the world of harnesses.
Safety Features
Your dog’s harness should have several safety features in place to keep your dog safe.
Reflective strips are a great feature to have if you go for a lot of walks when it’s dark outside.
A handle on top of the harness is great for Frenchies who are just getting used to being on a harness. The handle will give you control if your pooch starts misbehaving.
Some of the harnesses on our list include clips for safer car rides. They allow your pup to stay tethered in your vehicle so they will be safer in the event of an accident. If you go on a lot of car rides with your Frenchie, look for harnesses with seat belt tethers to get more bang for your buck.
Another thing to be on the lookout for is secure connectors. Manufacturers use a wide variety of connector types in the construction of their harnesses. Keep an eye out for options with durable and secure connection points. You might need to sacrifice a bit of convenience as durable connectors can be a bit harder to take off and put on, but if your Frenchie is an escape artist, you need that extra strength for his safety.
Harnesses with back clips are better than ones with front clips when Frenchies are concerned. French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed and front-clip style harnesses tend to put a lot of pressure on the throat region especially if the dog is a puller when leashed.
Ease of Use
The last thing you want is to spend money on a harness that’s like a puzzle to put on. While your harness may be difficult to put on the first and second time, it shouldn’t always be a long process that stresses both you and your Frenchie out.
The harnesses on our list are all fairly simple to put on. Most either have a step-in design or an over-the-head design. The one that you ultimately choose will depend on your dog and his comfort level. Some pups don’t like having things go over their heads, so an over-the-head harness would be a recipe for disaster for those dogs.
How to Fit Your Pup for a Harness
Before you click “Add to Cart” on any of the above harnesses, you need to take the proper measurements to ensure the one you buy will fit your Frenchie. If you choose a size that’s too large, your pup could escape. If you choose one that’s too small, your dog will be uncomfortable and could even get his skin pinched.
Here are some general guidelines for measuring your Frenchie for his new harness.
- Step One—Measure the Chest: Take a cloth tape measure and measure the widest part of your Frenchie’s chest. This should be a few inches behind his front legs. Take this number and add a few inches to allow for growth and movement.
- Step Two—Measure the Neck: While measuring his neck, wrap the tape measure just below the narrowest part of his neck. This should be the same spot where his collar sits if he wears one.
- Step Three—Read the Size Chart: Each company that sells dog harnesses will have its sizing chart. Use the measurements you’ve taken to determine what size will be best for your Frenchie.
How to Get Your Frenchie Used to His Harness
If your pup has never worn a harness before, it will take some getting used to before you can go out of the house together. Harnesses can be very scary to dogs at first, so you’ll need to practice your patience as you get your Frenchie used to it.
Start small by allowing him to smell the harness when you bring it home. Put one of his favorite treats on top of the harness and let him eat it off it. Touch his body with the harness and use his favorite praise words and phrases while doing so to help him create positive associations with the harness.
If the harness you choose has a buckle, the sound can be loud and frightening at first. Practice opening and closing the buckle in his presence and offer him a treat when it clicks.
Once he feels comfortable with the smell and sounds of the harness, you can try putting it on him. Never force it onto him; instead let him lead the way. If he backs away from the harness or takes a nip at you, you’re moving too fast and need to back down a bit.
Let him wear the harness around the house. Once he is comfortable, add a leash.
Can I Leave My Dogs Harness on All the Time?
You should only put your dog in his harness when you’re going out for a walk. Harnesses are not designed to be worn 24/7 as they can pose certain safety risks. For example, allowing your dog to sleep in his harness is risky because it can get caught on something and choke your dog.
Your dog would be very uncomfortable in his harness day-in, day-out.
You also should never leave a wet harness on your dog for an extended period as it could trap water and bacteria and cause an infection.
Conclusion
The best overall dog harness for Frenchies is the Best Pet Supplies Voyager with its comfortable, secure fit and high-quality construction. For the best value, the Frisco Back Clip takes the prize thanks to its affordable price and easy-to-use design. If money is no object, the Julius K9 Harness is the clear winner with its highly adjustable design and numerous safety features.
Now that you’ve read our reviews, you can find the best harness for your Frenchie based on his needs, size, and personality.
Featured Image Credit: Puppia, Chewy
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2024)
- The 10 Best Harnesses for French Bulldogs
- 1. Best Pet Supplies Voyager – Best Overall
- 2. Frisco Back Clip Dog Harness – Best Value
- 3. Julius K9 Powerharness for Dogs – Premium Choice
- 4. Frisco Padded Dog Harness– Best for Puppies
- 5. Puppia Mountaineer II
- 6. Chai’s Choice
- 7. Blueberry Pet 3M Dog Harness
- 8. Kurgo Tru-Fit
- 9. Puppia Back Clip
- 10. Mighty Paw Padded Harness
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Find the Best Harness for French Bulldogs
- How to Fit Your Pup for a Harness
- How to Get Your Frenchie Used to His Harness
- Can I Leave My Dogs Harness on All the Time?
- Conclusion