10 Best Harnesses for Boston Terriers: Our 2024 Guide

Boston Terriers are cute, cuddly and make great family dogs. Though they were originally bred as fighting dogs – and for rat hunting – modern Boston Terriers are gentle, though they still tend to be quite protective of their family, and can be a bit territorial.

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Because Boston Terriers can be territorial – and also suffer from breathing issues and spinal problems – a harness is a great way to keep them safe on walks. A harness can help you control your dog and prevent pulling and aggressive behavior. It also provides more padding and better weight distribution for your dog – which can help prevent choking and damage to your dog’s spine.

Not sure where to start when it comes to buying a Boston Terrier harness? In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know – from common harness types and materials to key qualities you should look for in Boston Terrier harnesses. We’ll also provide you with some of our top picks for the best harnesses, and answer a few FAQs.

Read on, and get all the information you need to pick out the best harness for your Boston Terrier.

Popular Types Of Boston Terrier Harnesses

Wondering what types of harness styles are the most popular for Boston Terriers? Here are just a few of the common harnesses you’ll see when shopping for your dog.

• Hiking harnesses – Boston Terriers love being active, and hiking harnesses are great for long intense walks, whether on the sidewalk or on a trail. They usually are padded and ventilated to provide comfort during long outings, and typically feature a handle to control your dog, and reflective trim that helps you stay more visible during low-light conditions.
• Walking harnesses – Walking harnesses are commonly strap-based, and use plastic buckles to provide you with the ability to put the harness on and take it off in just a few seconds. They are usually not heavily padded, but are very lightweight, and are intended for quick walks – not all-day wear.
• Harness leads – A harness lead consists of an all-in-one harness and lead, which usually wraps around your dog’s chest and back, and is secured with rubber stoppers and a metal hook. When properly used, this type of harness makes it almost impossible for your dog to escape, and they are also very chew-resistant. They’re also popular due to their “one size fits all” design.
• Car harnesses – If your Boston Terrier tends to move around in the car a lot, buying a harness that can be tethered to a seat belt is a great way to enhance your dog’s safety while you’re driving, and in the unlikely scenario where you get in a car accident while driving.
• No-pull harnesses – Boston Terriers are stout and low to the ground, and can pull pretty hard despite their small size. No-pull harnesses usually use a front chest ring, which helps you redirect your dog, and guides it gently to the side when it pulls ahead. Some no-pull harnesses also gently tighten on your dog when it tries to pull too hard – relaxing when it stops pulling. Both of these styles of harness are popular for Boston Terriers, because they help provide you with more control over your dog.

Different Boston Terrier Harness Materials

While there are a huge number of diverse harness styles out there, most modern harnesses are made out of the same materials. The most common types of Boston Terrier harness materials are listed below:

• Nylon – Nylon is a synthetic fabric that is extremely popular for dog harnesses because it has a number of versatile, useful properties. It’s water resistant and dries quickly, strong when wet, slightly stretchy, and very strong – while remaining relatively soft.
• Polyester – Polyester is mostly the same as nylon and has similar properties like water-resistance, stretch, and breathability. Polyester is also more abrasion-resistant than nylon, but is not quite as strong.
• Neoprene – Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is often used to provide additional padding on dog harness straps. It is lightweight and conforms to your dog’s body, making it very comfortable.
• Leather – While some harnesses are still made out of leather or incorporate leather trim, it has become much less common thanks to the rise of nylon and polyester. This is because leather is relatively expensive and requires regular maintenance, like oiling. It’s also quite heavy, making it a better choice for large and giant breeds. It is very strong and durable, though
• Cotton – Cotton harnesses are not that common, but are available from some manufacturers. Cotton isn’t quite as versatile or strong as nylon or polyester, but it is a natural organic fabric, so some dog owners may prefer it over synthetic materials.
• Mesh – Many modern harnesses incorporate nylon or polyester mesh, which provides extra stretch and breathability. This is important for Boston Terriers, which have a tendency to overheat – but we’ll discuss that more in the next section.

The vast majority of dog harnesses on the market today use at least one – and usually several – of the above materials, along with steel or plastic hardware and buckles.

5 Key Components Of A Harness For A Boston Terrier

Wondering what you should be looking for when shopping for a Boston Terrier harness? Here are a few things you may want to consider when shopping.

• Breathability –  If you live in a warmer climate or a climate with hot summers, we recommend getting a breathable, vented harness that incorporates mesh, or has lightweight straps. This is because Boston Terriers have short snouts, which makes them less efficient at cooling down in hot weather. Combine this with a dark coat – common on Boston Terriers – and a heavy harness could make your dog overheat quite quickly.
• Distributes weight away from the neck – Boston Terriers are prone to brachycephalic syndrome, which can interfere with respiration. To help prevent complications, it’s best to use a harness that distributes weight away from the neck as much as possible, spreading it to the back and chest.
• Soft, padded materials – Boston Terriers only have a thin, slick coat without an undercoat, so they can be sensitive to rubbing and irritation. The best way to avoid this is to buy a properly-sized harness and tighten it correctly, but padding can also help prevent abrasion and skin irritation.
• No-pull features – A no-pull ring can be useful for Boston Terriers, as they may be prone to get excited and pull away from you. A no-pull ring or a design that constricts your dog’s chest gently when it pulls can help correct this behavior.
• Rear handle – A rear handle can help you maintain control of your Boston Terrier in emergency situations, and also usually can be used to attach a seat belt strap, and keep your dog safe while you drive.

If you can find a product that meets these requirements, you’re sure to get a great harness for your Boston Terrier.

Our Picks For The Best Harness For A Boston Terrier

Our 2024 Picks: Best Harness for a Boston Terrier
	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness With Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength Perfect for everyday use, functions as an auto or walking harness. Five adjustment points for a perfect fit on all shapes and sizes. Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness 3M reflective material that keeps dogs visible in low lighting. Padded chest and belly straps Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Frisco Small Breed Soft Vest Dog Harness Has four reflective bands Comes in four different colors Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness With Seatbelt Loop Nesting steel buckles for added strength. V-neck with padded chest plate Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Harness Lead Dog Harness Crafted in the USA for exceptional quality Soft texture with no hard edges Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness 4 adjustment points provide maximum comfort Ideal for training dogs to walk nicely on a leash. Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness Made with the highest quality nylon Uniquely devised to provide ultimate comfort for your dog Price: $	CHECK PRICE
	Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness Comfortable and easy-to-wear step-through design Comes in an assortment of bright colors Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe 3 In 1 Dog Harness Five points of adjustability ensure a reliable fit on any dog. Reflective nylon stitching adds visibility at night Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Gooby Comfort X Step-In Mesh Dog Harness Stylish design comes in 6 different colors Step-in frame makes it easy to put on and take off Price: $	CHECK PRICE

Ready to see our top picks for the best Boston Terrier harnesses? We’ve done the research, tested plenty of products, and selected some of our top choices for the list below. Take a look now, and see if any of these products may be right for you and your Boston Terrier.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength

Key Features:

• Durable, heavy-duty construction
• Includes carabiner and strap for use in the car
• Easy to adjust
• All-metal hardware

Best Overall: This harness from Kurgo is our top overall pick for Boston Terriers. It’s built with high-grade nylon straps and steel nesting buckles, and is durable enough to hold up to even the strongest pullers. Additionally, a front no-pull ring helps you control your dog, while a rear lead attachment also lets you use this product like a traditional harness. The padded chest helps minimize stress on your dog’s neck and spine, and it’s easy to customize the fit with 5 adjustment points.

Pros:

• Can handle even the strongest pullers
• Comfortable, ventilated chest pad
• Simple to adjust

Cons:

• Difficult to put on, take off
• Straps are stiff
• Relatively heavy

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Front no-pull ring and rear lead attachment ring
• Soft, ventilated chest and back pads
• Easy to adjust
• Plastic quick-release buckles for easy use

Runner Up: If you need an alternative to our top pick, this harness from Chai’s Choice is a great option, and it’s our runner up for the best Boston Terrier harness. It’s built with a high-quality nylon material and features both a padded back and chest, which makes it a good choice if your dog needs additional padding and protection. The highly-reflective 3M material keeps you safe in low-light conditions, and plastic buckles make it easy for you to put it on and take it off. A rear handle helps you control your dog, and can be used to tether this harness to a seat belt.

Pros:

• Reflective for added safety
• Plenty of padding
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Plastic buckles may not last as long as metal hardware
• Chest strap is difficult to adjust
• Not crash test rated

Frisco Small Breed Soft Vest Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Easy to put on and take off
• Very lightweight and stretchy
• Provides excellent ventilation
• Reflective trim for safety

Most Affordable Pick: This vest-style harness is the most affordable pick on our list, and it’s ideal if you need a simple, everyday walking harness that will keep your pup cool and comfortable. It uses a soft, padded mesh design which has plenty of stretch and ventilation, which can help keep your dog cool even on the hottest days. A rear velcro and buckle closure combination keep it secure, while metal rings provide a strong leash attachment point. Reflective trim also helps enhance visibility and keep you safe in low-light conditions.

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable
• Fast-release buckle for quick application and removal
• Comes in 5 sizes to fit Boston Terriers of all shapes, sizes

Cons:

• Minimal adjustability
• Lacks a front no-pull ring
• Velcro may wear out over time

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seatbelt Loop

Key Features:

• Padded, ventilated neck, back, and chest
• Sturdy, all-metal hardware
• Built with front no-pull ring and rear lead attachment ring
• Includes rear handle for control, use with seat belts

Best Hiking Harness –If you like taking your Boston Terrier on hiking adventures, this harness is an excellent choice. It’s padded for all-day comfort and ventilated to keep your dog from overheating, and also includes a carabiner and seat belt strap to keep your dog safe in the car. Additionally, it features reflective trim tabs for added safety on the trail, and has a handle you can use to help your dog over tough terrain or restrain your Boston Terrier whenever you need to.

Pros:

• Great weight distribution
• Durable yet lightweight
• Four strap adjustment points

Cons:

• Not crash-test rated
• Neck is not adjustable
• May be difficult to fit over your Boston Terrier’s head

Harness Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Rated for 3,700 lbs tensile strength
• Can be adjusted to fit any dog
• Gentle, no-pull design encourages better leash behavior
• Soft, rounded nylon rope

No Escape Harness Lead: If you have had issues with your Boston Terrier trying to escape its harness, or you are having trouble finding a harness that truly fits it properly, this harness lead is a great option. It uses a one-piece, wraparound design that’s secured with a metal clip and rubber stops, and wraps around your dog’s chest and back to keep it in place. When it’s properly fitted and adjusted, it’s nearly impossible to escape. It’s also made to gently tighten when your dog pulls, and release when it stops pulling – discouraging this negative behavior.

Pros:

• One-size-fits-all design
• Completely escape-proof with proper fit
• Convenient and easy to use

Cons:

• Relatively short lead
• Initial setup, adjustment is difficult
• No padding

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Lightweight design
• Quick-release buckles
• Soft yet strong nylon straps
• Front no-pull ring

Best Walking Harness: This simple, three-strap harness uses quick-release plastic buckles and features four adjustment points for a great fit. It’s lightweight and won’t restrict your Boston Terrier’s movement, and features a front no-pull ring to help you control your dog more effectively on walks. It’s easy to fit onto your dog, and buckles make it easy to put on and take off. It’s also available in 9 sizes, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your Boston Terrier.

Pros:

• Extremely easy to put on and take off in seconds
• Minimally-restrictive and breathable
• Four adjustment points

Cons:

• Lacks rear leash attachment ring
• Minimal padding
• Plastic buckles may not hold up to prolonged, hard pulling

4 More Top Rated Harnesses

Interested in browsing a few other top rated harnesses which may be right for your Boston Terrier? The following harnesses didn’t quite make it onto our list of picks but are still great options for some dogs. Take a look and get more details now.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness

This harness from Sporn is a great option for warm-weather walks with your Boston Terrier. It uses a mesh design that is breathable and stretchy, as well as padded under-arm straps that help keep your dog comfortable. The harness itself is made of a durable nylon material and features a strong, metal rear lead attachment ring. It does not have a front ring, though, so it may not be the best choice if your dog tends to pull excessively.

Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness

This harness from Pawtitas is great if you want a heavily-padded harness for your dog, due to spinal issues or airway restrictions. It features polyester straps that are padded with neoprene and trimmed with a reflective material to keep you and your Boston Terrier safe in low-light conditions. The simple step-through design and plastic buckles make it easy to put on and take off of your dog, and multiple strap adjustment points ensure a perfect fit.

PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness

This harness from PetSafe is highly versatile, as it’s designed to function as a traditional walking harness, a no-pull harness, and a car restraint. It features five adjustment points, neoprene padding, and reflective material for additional safety. It also has a strap that allows you to attach it to a seat belt. Note, however, that this harness has not been crash rated, and is meant only as a tether, not a protective device.

Gooby Comfort X Step-In Mesh Dog Harness

If your dog prefers step-in harnesses rather than over-the-head harnesses and tends to get hot in warm weather, this product from Gooby is a great option. A strong plastic rear buckle lets you put it on quickly and take it off in seconds, and the X-shaped mesh chest pad helps spread your Boston Terrier’s weight out properly when it pulls. Multiple adjustment points on the strap help you get a perfect fit, and the double rear D-rings provide a stronghold for your lead.

5 Common FAQs About Boston Terrier Harnesses

Got more questions about Boston Terrier harnesses? We’ve got answers – read on to learn more.

1. What size harness should I get for my Boston Terrier? – Boston Terriers can range in size quite a bit, from 10-25lbs. This means you should always measure your dog before buying a dog harness, to make sure you get the right size. To measure your dog, you should use a flexible tape measure and measure the base of its neck, as well as the broadest part of its chest. Weighing your dog can also help you chose a harness that fits properly. Once you’ve got your dog’s weight and measurements, consult with the sizing charts when shopping for a harness to make sure you choose the right size.
2. Should I buy a harness for a Boston Terrier puppy? – No. We usually recommend leash training your puppy first – and then, once it has developed good leash behaviors, you can switch to a harness. Using a harness from a very young age before leash training can actually encourage your Boston Terrier to pull more.
3. Can my Boston Terrier wear its harness all day? – Yes, as long as it seems comfortable and its skin is not irritated. We do recommend that you remove the harness at night, though.
4. Will my Boston Terrier chew through its harness? – If your Boston Terrier tends to chew a lot, it might. To avoid this, we recommend that you only let it wears its harness under supervision, and keep the harness out of its reach when your dog isn’t wearing it.
5. Should I keep my Boston Terrier’s collar on while using a harness? – Yes, unless the harness interferes with your dog’s collar. This is because your dog’s collar will usually have its tags and information on it, which can help you get your dog back if it escapes. In addition, if your harness breaks or fails, you can attach your lead to the collar until you get back home, which helps keep your dog safe.

We hope these answers have been helpful – if you have more questions, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian, dog trainer, or animal behaviorist.

Conclusion

After reading this guide, we’re sure you have all of the information you need to get the right harness – or harnesses – for your dog. So take another look at our top picks now, think about what may be right for you and your pup, and start shopping for Boston Terrier harnesses now!