5 Compact Best Harnesses for Chihuahua in 2024

Last Updated/Info Checked on January 10, 2024 by Linda Michaels

Chihuahuas are small dogs with big personalities. Their feistiness borders on aggression and sometimes it is aggression all along. Some even go through “small dog syndrome,” which is a fancy name given to small dogs misbehaving – ironic but still very potent. 

You have to be careful when choosing products, especially harnesses for such dogs because they can make simple walks hard for you. Their pulling, trying to reach for things, and chasing other animals pose hurdles that only a crafty harness can control. 

Is Harness Better for A Chihuahua?

Harnesses are far better for Chihuahuas than collars because this breed has a small neck. Using collars on it causes choking in many instances as the dog pulls.

I always recommend using harnesses with them because they not only provide better control but also a sense of security to the dog. For a breed that is prone to anxiety and aggression, this could serve as a stepping stone toward calmness.

I’ve tested 5 Best Harnesses for Chihuahuas below that will help you with all these things, making your walks more enjoyable and your dog safer. 

Chihuahua Harnesses Quick Glimpse

Harness Name	Chest Girth	Neck Size	Dog Size	Adjustment Points	D-Rings
Orange Joyride	17″ to 22″	11″ to 15″	10 lbs to 19 lbs (S)	2	3
ShawnCo Essential	13.7″ to 19″	9.7″ to 12.6″	10 lbs to 25 lbs	4	1
Tactical Service	13.7″ to 19″	9.7″ to 12.6″	10 lbs to 25 lbs	4	1
Bolux	16″ to 18.5″	12.5″ to 14″	11 lbs to 20 lbs	2	1
PHOEPET	10″ to 20″	10″ to 12″	10 lbs to 25 lbs	4	2

My List of Best Chihuahua Harnesses

Let’s get to the list directly, shall we?

1. Orange Joyride Harness for Chihuahua

Orange Joyride harness has a robust quality that feels sturdy, just the kind of beefy material you’d want to ensure that your tiny fur baby doesn’t wriggle free.

More than that, it’s the three heavy-duty loops one on top and one on each side that provides versatility to the harness in terms of leash attachment that I like.

Ease of use

Among many harnesses that I’ve tried over the years for small dogs, the joyride stands out for its simplicity. It took me mere minutes to make a one-time adjustment using the Velcro strap across the chest.

After this, getting it on and off was a breeze. All I had to do was slip it over the dog’s head, snap the belt in the undercarriage area, and be done. 

Besides the easy use, I think one of its major highlights is a space for contact information. It ensures added security for your pup if it ever gets lost.

Reflective Stripe

There’s also a reflective stripe present to help you take the dog outside in the dark, but I also found out that some people don’t receive this. That is kind of weird.

Sizing

As for the size, I’d suggest starting with XS and adjusting based on your pet’s body should work. I must say the size range is extensive.

Pulling

Obviously, there are some caveats in the design of the product. The first one is the clasp being a bit stiff.

Secondly, it does not control pulling as effectively as I’d hoped. I’d also like to mention that the proximity of the side D rings to the central one takes away its function.

Why do I recommend Orange Joyride Harness?

I love its ease of use and the fact that you can include your contact information.

What makes it different from other harnesses?

The front loop is not adjustable but it does get hold of a small dog’s chest to keep it from wriggling out.

Pros

• Soft material
• Multiple leash attachment points
• One unit front strap makes putting it on the dog easier
• Handle to control the dog 

Cons

• The side D-rings are too close to the top one. 

Love the harness? Watch how it looks on a small dog:

2. ShawnCo Essential Dog Harness

Just like the Orange Joy Ride Harness, the ShawnCo is also phenomenal when it comes to ease of use. 

Ease of Use

Through my years as a dog trainer, I’ve realized that putting on and taking off the harness can sometimes be a chore, especially with squirmy dogs such as Chihuahuas.

I’ve also dealt with ones going through the small dog syndrome, but this harness changes the game even for them. Even when testing it for this very review, there was no fumbling around or struggling. With just its simple mechanism, the dog was ready for its walk in no time.

Adjustability

Needless to say, the harness is also quite adjustable, a feature that I always look for when buying a harness for a small dog. You see, its snug fit is essential for their safety.

I bought the small size that catered well to my Chihuahua-dachshund mix with a 19 1/2 inches chest, but this is by no means a reference for your dog’s size. Always measure your approach before ordering and this is the best way to go forward.

Design

Design-wise, the ShawnCo harness focuses on your dog’s safety but gives you complete control over it without putting pressure on its throat or windpipe as traditional colors do. This is especially crucial for breeds such as Chihuahuas that are susceptible to tracheal collapse.

Escaping

With all its captivating features that stood out in my tests, I’d like to raise concerns about the potential for a dog to get out of it. This might be something to be cautious of, especially if you have an escape artist.

Additionally, you should definitely take into consideration the position of the velcro near the tracheal area, which may not be suitable for Chihuahuas with special health considerations.

Why do I recommend ShawnCo Harness?

It has breathable mesh lining but more than that the tracheal-friendly design makes the harness a better option for small dogs prone to its collapse.

What makes it different from its competitors? 

It has a small back plate that doesn’t seem to work at first glance but it does deliver.

Pros

• Breathable mesh makes it a suitable option for summers
• One snap buckle use
• Choke-free chest strap
• Reflective strap

Cons

• Not for pullers

3. Tactical Service Small Harness for Chihuahua

Why would a Chihuahua need a tactical harness? The answers to this question could be many but I’d say why not? Some Chihuahuas give a tough time to their owners when it comes to pulling during casual walks. They are such hard pullers that the normal harnesses do nothing to control or contain them.

And that is where the military tactical service harness comes in.

Design

Starting off with the design, it adds a unique flare to your dog’s looks. No matter what your pup’s name is, it will definitely look like a Sarge.

One thing I’m sure of is that you will start appreciating your dog more because the ones I used it for suddenly transformed into serious military personnel. 

Quality

Since it’s a tactical harness, the quality definitely stands out, thanks to the 1050 D nylon material. 

I tested its quality by rubbing it on hard surfaces and pulling it apart trying to see its resilience. My force was obviously more than the Chihuahua. The harness was in a pristine shape at the end of the test. That should be enough to make this product suitable for a Chihuahua’s force limit.

Sizing

Besides quality and toughness, I’m in awe of the convenience of sizing. It even provides a good fit for teacup Chihuahuas, which are even smaller than regular Chihuahuas. Using an XS for a 2 lb teacup Chihuahua after proper adjustments was a breeze that tells about the harness’ worth for the price.

But since it’s a tactical harness, some users will have issues with the way and bulkiness. Well I was able to adjust it for a 5 lb Chihuahua, it was too heavy for the poor guy and it restricted its movements.

I’d also like to mention that the same size does not necessarily cater to two breeds of the same pounds. For example, while it worked for the 5 lb Chihuahua, the size was too big for a 5 lb Yorkie.

I also found some other minor hiccups like the unsewn D-ring on the inside and mismatched flag patches. But these do not reduce the use of an otherwise quality product.

Why do I recommend this harness?

I recommend it for its strength and longevity.

What makes it different from other harnesses on this list?

The handle is bigger and better. It extends the whole length of the back plate.

Pros

• High-quality nylon used
• The four-point adjustment makes it highly adjustable, even for teacup Chihuahuas
• Dogs cannot wriggle out of it easily
• D-ring discourages pulling

Cons

• The handle comes in the way of the D-ring

4. Bolux Harness for Chihuahua Puppy

This harness is more or less the same in design as Orange Joyride 2.0. There are slight differences such as its handle is smaller and it doesn’t have a D-ring to the sides as the Orange harness does. They are also approximately similar in terms of function.

Adjustability

Starting off with the adjustability, there is no doubt that the harness provides comfort and fitting more than the harness is worth. It can be tailored to your Chihuahua’s size by testing it both around the neck and chest. 

For those with small dogs like Chihuahuas, it fits snugly without choking them. However, make sure that the chest strap is properly attached to the velcro to prevent any escape attempts by your companion. 

Ease of Use

In terms of usability, the Bolux harness is user-friendly with an easy slip-over-the-head application followed by a single buckle under the belly. I found this design ingenious because it ensures that the harness pulls from the upper back and not the neck, which is beneficial for long sessions if your dog has back problems.

The D-ring at the top with the handle is an additional pro that I appreciated during my use. I’d like to mention here that I found both of them better in this harness than the rest. The small size of the handle makes enough room for the D-ring to perform its function.

Not A Car Harness

You may ask if this harness is so good why isn’t it on the first slot? That’s because I didn’t find the harness super useful in a car. So, I wouldn’t recommend it to any owner looking for a car harness.

Why do I recommend the Bolux Harness?

I recommend it because of its practical handle and well-placed reflective stripe.

What makes Bolux Harness different from other products?

The neck area is particularly important because its laid-back design does not put any pressure there.

Pros

• Breathable
• Reflective stripe included
• One snap buckle adjustment
• The handle does not put any strain on the owner’s hand.

Cons

• Not for cars 

5. PHOEPET No Pull Dog Harnesses

The Phoepet harness has a unique design, which does not require slipping over the dog’s head. This could be a game changer for your Chihuahua, especially if it gets skittish with a traditional one.

Adjustability

It is designed with one buckle on the neck, which distributes force differently, thus, preventing any breakage. Another notable adjustability feature is the double buckles on the chest strap. I found out that the leash attachment is made of metal and sewn in for security.

However, it’s essential to know that the buckles that are made of plastic showed signs of wear and breakage in some situations when I used the harness for larger dogs like huskies. But for a Chihuahua’s size and force, this wasn’t a significant concern.

I have no doubts about accepting that the harness doesn’t slip off. It allows for a tighter adjustment around the neck than traditional harnesses. However, the extra strap length after adjustment was a bit of a problem, but I think this is based on individual dog sizes.

Reflective Stripes

Compared to other harnesses on the list, this one has abundant reflective elements for nighttime safety.

I also like the additional handle for better control. At the same time, my tests on older dogs show that they might take some time to adjust to the harness’ style.

Why do I recommend this harness?

It’s the most secure product I found for small dogs fond of escaping and pulling hard.

What makes PHOEPET Harness different from other harnesses?

The neck portion fits snugly around the dog as compared to other products that have a round laid-back design.

Pros

• Sturdy yet comfortable handle
• Reflective straps
• Front D-ring discourages pulling
• A single buckle on the neck makes adjustments easier and break-proof there.
• Breathable

Cons

• Some dogs take time to get used to it.

Best Harnesses for Chihuahua – The Winner

Finding the right harness for your small dog is science, whether you like it or not. Besides the factors you consider in the product itself, you first have to keep the nature of the breed in mind.

That’s what I did for the list I shared with you above. Make sure you read the review before choosing. As for my favorite one, I’d go for the Orange Joyride!