Pugs are great dogs.
They are huge people-pleasers who are loyal and playful. On top of their great personality traits, they are much loved for their size, which makes them first-choice for city owners.
Thanks to their small size, Pugs are compact and easy to move from point A to point B.
The biggest downside of owning a Pug are veterinarian costs and extra skincare.
Pugs are flat-faced dogs which is why they are breathing faster and are prone to heatstroke during the summer days.
They also tend to be a bit stubborn, which can make daily walks challenging and tough.
Still, no stubbornness should stop you from doing what great dog owners do, and that is keeping your dog’s weight in balance.
A bit of exercise is great for your Pug, especially when you can keep them safe during the walking time.
Are you already a leash user, but you are thinking about making a transition to a harness? This is a decision that should never be taken lightly.
Choosing the right dog accessories, such as a food and water bowl, leash, and of course harness, should be a decision based on research and needs.
Pugs have a small size body that is more of a square body shape, which is why you should choose smartly the right harness, to fit your dog’s personality and physical traits.
If your Pug pulls you need to consider several variables.
It cannot harm to say that what type of harness you choose for your Pug you can probably use for Pug’s mixes as well, such as Porgi and Chug – they are similar in size and shape to Pug.
What to do if you have a large pug mix?
If so, you should get a harness that is the best fit for medium-sized dogs like a Bulldog.
Fast Check: Pug Harnesses That We Love
To let you spend more quality time with your Pug, we have decided to step in and help you with the research.
Not only that we will recommend the best harnesses for Pugs (and Pug mixes of similar size), but we have also prepared a buyer’s guide.
The philosophy behind this guide is to help you how to find the right harness features.
Ready to shop for the best harness for your adorable Pug? Check our recommendations and get that perfect harness today.
Pug Harnesses To Check Now
Pug Harness Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing the right harness for your Pug you need to consider some factors first.
From fitting adjustments, and over comfortability for your pooch, to durable materials.
Keep on reading to learn what features are a must when it comes to having the best harness possible.
Harness Types
Choosing the best harness today isn’t easy. With so many harness types on the market, choosing the best product is beyond challenging. This is why you should focus on products that will compliment your dog’s physique.
Some of the types that are available on the pet market are:
- Adjustable Strap
- Step-In Strap
- Step-In Padded/Mesh/Vest
- Over-the-Head Strap
- Over-the-Head Mesh/Vest
When it comes to buying the best harness for your Pug, the biggest issues that many Pug owners have to face are fit issues.
Here is how to find the harness for your Pug that will keep him both safe and comfortable.
Harness Fitting Adjustments
Before you run to test every harness type that you see, make sure that you focus on what your Pug needs.
That being said the most important thing that you need to look at in your new harness is a fitting adjustment.
Some harnesses are one-size in the neck area, and they are usually easy and fast to adjust. Although this is a great feature you need to check adjustability.
Pugs have bodies that are narrower than their chests which is why neck adjustments are so crucial.
Make sure that you buy a harness with your Pug, so you can test neck adjustment.
You don’t want to restrict the dog’s movement or breathing.
If you are getting a harness for your puppy, get the high-quality adjustable harness, because this way you will prolong the life of the harness.
Aim For The Low-Lying Neck Position
Pugs are small size dogs best-known for their flat faces.
Good to know: Pugs are prone to eye-related issues, so knowing about pug eye problems is something that will help you provide better care and keep dog expenses at its minimum.
Pugs are a brachycephalic breed, which means that they often have many breathing issues. Therefore, if a harness is too tight around the neck area or if set too high (across the area that is also known as the trachea) it can cause your Pug strong discomfort and in some cases injury.
How to know if your harness is too tight? It’s simple actually.
If you notice your Pug choking or coughing once you put the harness on and you start your walk, it’s a clear indicator that your dog has some trachea issues.
In fact, these symptoms are clear indicators that your Pug needs a lower-cut harness that won’t disturb his breathing.
Avoid Pulling With the Right No-Pull Features
Although it’s common for larger size dogs to pull, this behavior can be seen in smaller size dogs, such as Pug as well.
No-pull harnesses are mostly used for large size dogs who need to learn how to walk with a leash.
No-pull harnesses are specially designed to keep the material from choking your dog when they get to excited on a walk.
Plus, no-pull harnesses come with multiple attachment points which enables leading your dog from the front.
Are you a driver? If so, you will love extra attachment points, as they may secure your dog in the car while you are driving.
The Best Harness Should Come With Versatily
It is common for functional harnesses to have either handles or a separate connector for vehicle safety.
Even if your Fido is the best-behaved canine when in the vehicle, extra safety while on the ride cannot harm you.
They may get excited sometimes easily, or a certain situation may require restraint – making versatility in your harness much appreciated.
If you choose to place a harness on your dog instead of a collar, make sure that you include an ID tag on it, and don’t forget to microchip your dog.
Always Choose A Lightweight Harness
Pugs are sensitive dogs.
They are not only prone to heat, but they are also sensitive to cold weather. To prevent any possible health issues, it’s important to keep the dog’s temperature as consistent as possible.
To achieve this avoid long walks in too cold or too warm weather, and keep indoors as comfortable as possible.
Unless the weather calls for it, avoid using dog sweaters, or any other dog accessory that may fall hard on the dog.
Don’t forget that a heavy or uncomfortable harness can cause your dog extra stress when the weather is harsh.
Such an uncomfortable item can also irritate pre-existing health problems. Do your best to invest in a harness that will support your dog’s health and not worsen it.
A great way to achieve this is to choose a harness that comes with durable materials.
The Importance Of Durable Materials
Would you wear something that is made out of poor materials that can lead to itchiness? The same principle applies when it comes to choosing a dog’s accessories.
This isn’t the only factor that should inspire you to invest in harnesses with durable materials.
Another factor that you should consider is that dogs love to chew on things.
Durable materials are more resistant to chewing. Search for a harness that is made of durable materials, and search for features like double-stitching or reinforced panels.
Don’t forget that Pugs are highly social begins who hate when left alone.
If you decide to leave your Pug alone for too long or too often, be sure that your Fido will demonstrate his discomfort.
When bored dogs usually choose to become destructive. This is something to keep in mind when choosing the right equipment.
Benefits Of Dog Harnesses
Dog owners are in a constant battle about what they should choose between collar and harness.
Is collar more beneficial? Is a dog harness more secure?
Options are different on this topic, but one is for sure – harness provides owners more control over their dog.
This may be great if your dog is too energetic or a dog of larger size, and a harness is a great tool to keep him in control. However, this may work if your dog is already well-trained and you just need extra control over him.
If your dog is just entering the world of ‘how to be a great canine citizen’ a harness may not be the best option.
Why? When it comes to well-behaved dogs, commands are what works.
You want your dog to be responsive to your commands and not to force his behavior.
Once your dog master basic commands and learn how to walk on a leash and how to come when called, you might introduce a harness to your Fido.
Not only that the right harness will give you more control over the dog’s movements, but it can make it easier to hold them back. This is very effective when it comes to dogs that love to pull.
Opposite a leash, a dog harness keeps the dog more secure and safer. When you pull a harness the forces spread the forces across an extensive section of the dog’s body.
This way, your dog will be well-protected from any discomfort level. This is especially true when it comes to small size dogs that are easily hurt when they pull too hard against their leash.
Another great feature of a dog harness is that it’s much less likely to come off than a collar.
One more feature, that makes harness a great option is that it works great on senior dogs. Harnesses are a great choice for senior dogs who might need some help getting up after they had a nap or some chill time.
If this is the case, a harness can be a great tool to keep your back pain-free when picking up the dog and won’t create additional stress on your dog.
All you have to do when a harness is on is to gently pull up to give the dog much-needed support and the rest is on him.
How To Measure A Dog For A Harness
Knowing how to measure your dog for harness will make harness shopping easier.
To choose the best harness know the size of the chest. Why is this important? The harness always goes around the chest.
This measurement is also known as girth. Girth is the measurement of a dog’s chest, the area of his body located behind his front legs.
When measuring make sure that your dog is up on his feet. Place the tape on the broadest part of his chest.
It cannot harm to know the dog’s weight as it can help when finding the best harness.
Always start with the girth. Not sure if you can measure it the right way? Take your dog to the pet store and let professionals help you choose the best model.
Last, But Not the Least… Budget
When it comes to choosing dog accessories you cannot ignore the budget.
After all, some of the greatest decisions in life are based on the budget. Make sure that you have the budget that you can invest in the best harness possible and start from there.
If your dog is just a puppy it’s fine to go for a more affordable option. If your Fido is a senior it is smarter to invest in a more durable harness of higher quality.
All in all, regardless of your budget, you should aim to get a harness with a handle attachment at the back, for easier and more secure handling.
When it comes to choosing the best harness for your Pug, make sure that you consider the above-listed features.
The best kind of harnesses for your Pug is the one that provides the right balance, is stable, and provides comfort.
Make sure that the harness is wide enough around the neck and that it won’t pinch or cut into your dog’s skin.
