How To Choose The Best French Bulldog Harness? 5 Best Picks

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On June 20, 2024

Choosing the perfect harness for your French Bulldog can be a bit overwhelming given the variety of options available. With their unique body shape and sometimes stubborn nature, French Bulldogs require a harness that offers both comfort and control. In this guide, we’ll explore how to measure a French Bulldog for a harness, the different types of harnesses available, and tips on how to put a harness on a French Bulldog.

Why Choose a Harness Over a Collar For French Bulldogs?

Before we get into the details, it’s essential to understand why a harness might be a better choice than a collar for your Frenchie. French Bulldogs have a compact, muscular build with a short neck, which makes them prone to respiratory issues. A collar can put unnecessary pressure on their throat and exacerbate these problems. A harness distributes pressure more evenly across their chest and back, making it a safer and more comfortable option. So, should a French Bulldog wear a collar or harness? For most Frenchies, a harness is the way to go.

How to Measure a French Bulldog for a Harness

To ensure you get the right fit for your Frenchie, accurate measurements are crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to measure a French Bulldog for a harness:

Neck Measurement: Wrap a soft measuring tape around the base of your dog’s neck, where a collar would normally sit. Note the circumference.
Chest Measurement: Measure around the widest part of your French Bulldog’s chest, typically just behind the front legs. This is the most crucial measurement for ensuring a comfortable fit.
Back Length: While not always necessary, some harnesses might require you to measure the length from the base of the neck to the base of the tail.

Make sure your dog is standing still and relaxed during the measuring process to get the most accurate results.

Types of French Bulldog Harnesses

As a newby dog owner, you might be confused about choosing the right harness for your Frenchie. That’s why we decided to list all the possible types of French bulldog harnesses and how to pick the right one.

1. Back-Clip Harness

A back-clip harness has a D-ring on the back where the leash attaches. This type is excellent for everyday walking and is gentle on your French Bulldog’s neck and throat. It’s also straightforward to put on and take off, making it a popular choice among Frenchie owners.

2. Front-Clip Harness

Front-clip harnesses have the leash attachment on the chest and can help reduce pulling by steering your dog back towards you. However, for French Bulldogs, this might not always be the best option because of their short-nosed (brachycephalic) skulls. The front attachment can sometimes put extra pressure on their chest and neck, which isn’t ideal for their unique shape. If your Frenchie is a puller, it might be better to look for a harness that spreads out the pressure to keep them comfy and safe.

3. Dual-Clip Harness

As the name suggests, dual-clip harnesses offer both front and back leash attachment points. This versatility allows you to switch between different training and walking styles. It’s an excellent option for Frenchie owners who want the benefits of both back-clip and front-clip harnesses.

4. Step-In Harness

Step-in harnesses are designed to be easy to put on. Your Frenchie steps into the harness, and you fasten it over their back. This type is ideal for dogs who are a bit squirmy or dislike having things put over their heads. This is also one of the most recommended types of harnesses for English bulldogs. Since they have wide chests and necks, step-in harnesses will be a live-savior solution.

5. Vest Harness

Vest harnesses provide extra comfort and security with their padded, vest-like design. They distribute pressure evenly and are often equipped with both front and back clips. These harnesses are perfect for Frenchies who need a bit more support and comfort during walks.

6. No-Pull Harness

No-pull harnesses are designed to minimize pulling by applying gentle pressure when your dog tries to pull away. These often feature front-clip designs and can be beneficial for training purposes.Since frenchies can be quite stubborn during training lessons, this type of a harness might sound like the perfect choice.

How to Put a Harness on a French Bulldog

Now that you know the types of harnesses available, let’s go over how to put a harness on a French Bulldog. Here are some general steps that apply to most harness types:

Back-Clip Harness:
- Unbuckle the harness and lay it flat on the ground.
- Have your Frenchie step into the harness with their front legs.
- Pull the harness up and around their body, securing the buckles around their chest and neck.
- Adjust the straps to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
- Attach the leash to the D-ring on the back.
Front-Clip Harness:
- Similar to the back-clip harness, start by unbuckling and laying it flat.
- Guide your dog’s front legs into the appropriate openings.
- Secure the harness around their chest and back, adjusting as needed.
- Attach the leash to the front D-ring.
Step-In Harness:
- Lay the harness on the ground, creating two open loops.
- Have your Frenchie step into the loops.
- Pull the harness up over their shoulders and secure it.
- Adjust the fit and attach the leash.
Vest Harness:
- Place the harness on the ground or hold it open.
- Guide your French Bulldog’s legs through the openings.
- Fasten the harness around their body, adjusting for comfort.
- Attach the leash to the appropriate clip (front or back).

Remember to praise and reward your Frenchie during this process to make it a positive experience.

Key Features to Look for in a French Bulldog Harness

When shopping for a harness for your French Bulldog, keep the following features in mind:

1. Adjustability

A good harness should be adjustable in multiple places to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Look for harnesses with adjustable straps around the neck and chest. This is especially important for Frenchies, who are famous for their wide chests, ensuring a perfect fit without causing discomfort. As your Frenchie grows, you’ll be able to easily adjust the size to maintain a snug and secure fit.

2. Padding

Padding can make a harness more comfortable for your Frenchie, especially for longer walks. Padded chest and back panels can help distribute pressure more evenly. Since these little gremlins have sensitive skin, hard fabrics can irritate their skin and cause redness. That’s why we always recommend our customers to buy dog harnesses with padded edges.

3. Durability

Choose a harness made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand your dog’s activity level. Nylon and polyester are popular choices due to their strength and durability. Besides, we always recommend you to choose a quality over quantity. Your Frenchie doesn’t need to have several harnesses. It’s fine to have only one that will be well-made and that will allow your pet to walk comfortably.

4. Ease of Use

Opt for a harness that is easy to put on and take off. Step-in harnesses and those with quick-release buckles can make the process simpler, especially if your dog is squirmy.

5. Visibility

When you often walk your Frenchie in low-light conditions, it’s crucial to consider a harness with reflective strips or bright colors. These features significantly enhance visibility, making it easier for drivers, cyclists, and other pedestrians to see your dog, which greatly reduces the risk of accidents.

Reflective strips catch the light from street lamps, headlights, and other sources, making your Frenchie stand out in the dark. Bright colors, on the other hand, are easily noticeable even in dim lighting, ensuring that your pup remains visible. Prioritizing these safety features can provide peace of mind during early morning or late evening walks, ensuring that both you and your Frenchie stay safe.

6. Size

Ensure the harness is the right size for your French Bulldog. Check the sizing chart before you order and compare it with your dog’s measurements.

What Are The Best Harnesses For French Bulldogs? Top 5 Picks

Unicorn French Bulldog Harness

Why not to unleash a world of magic and comfort for your furry friend with our Unicorn French Bulldog Harness? The inner layer is made of mesh and the outer fabric is a soft neoprene that provides a gentle chest support to your Frenchie. This dog harness also has padded edges which means that it will be a good pick even for puppies. The straps on the back are adjustable which is a big plus when choosing a harness for a Frenchie.

Pupreme French Bulldog Harness

Another pick of French bulldog harnesses that we put on this list is a popular choice of dog owners whose dogs don’t love multiple straps around their bodies. Since it features only one strap over the chest area, your Frenchie won’t feel unpleasant during strolls. There’s another thing that you’re gonna love about this dog harness. Its design is inspired by the popular fashion brand, so your little gremlin will also become the main trendsetter in the neighborhood.

LuxPaws French Bulldog Harness

If you want to give your dog a dose of glam when going outside, then this Frenchie harness will be the right pick. It features a gorgeous luxury print and the quality fabric that is gentle to the skin.

Your dog will love the mesh inside the harness because it will improve ventilation in hot weather. For the ultima fashion statement, we recommend you to check our collection of French bulldog jackets as well.

No-Pull French Bulldog Harness

If someone would ask us to describe the best French bulldog harness for untrained puppies, this is exactly how it should look like. This type of harness provides a full body support and helps you in teaching your pet how to obediently walk on the leash.

The harness is made from a neoprene with a mesh padding and features adjustable straps around the dog’s body. Since it’s available in so many colors, you surely won’t have problems finding the one you consider the best for your Frenchie.

PupCream French Bulldog Harness

Why not to add a touch of sweetness to your Frenchie’s daily walks with the PupCream French Bulldog Harness? This delightful harness is specifically designed to accommodate the unique build of French Bulldogs, combining adorable aesthetics with practical features for both comfort and control. Thanks to the mesh and neoprene fabric, you can dampen this harness in the water to protect your French bulldog from heat stroke.

Choosing the Best French Bulldog Harness: Final Thoughts

Choosing the best harness for your French Bulldog involves considering their unique needs and preferences. By taking accurate measurements, understanding the different types of harnesses available, and looking for key features, you can find a harness that keeps your Frenchie comfortable and secure during walks. Whether you opt for a back-clip, front-clip, or dual-clip harness, the most important thing is that it fits well and suits your dog’s lifestyle.

Remember, a well-fitted harness not only makes walks more enjoyable but also ensures your French Bulldog’s safety and well-being. So, take the time to find the perfect harness for your furry friend and enjoy those outdoor adventures together!