best harnesses for greyhounds

9 Best Harnesses for Greyhounds: Our Walking and No Pull Picks

Greyhounds are a historically favorite breed of humans; their gentle natural and athletic prowess emanate from the breed. They are coursing hounds, which means they were bred to seek prey by sight and pursue it without any human command.


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This breeding intention has contributed to Greyhounds’ now-famous speed; they can reach a max speed of around 45 miles per hour. Though their physical abilities are impressive, they are not necessarily a selling point for the breed as pets.

These dogs are affectionate with their owners and love to be involved, but their speed, strength, and independent instincts can make them difficult to train—but the process is made easier with a good harness.

The right harness will help put you in control of independent, prey-driven Greyhounds without wounding their sensitive feelings or harming their unusual necks.

Want to shop for an appropriate Greyhound harness but feeling a little lost over where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This guide will explain some popular types of harnesses for Greyhounds and list our favorites in several different categories. Read on for a thorough Greyhound harness education!

Popular Types of Greyhound Harnesses

Not only do Greyhounds have a unique temperament, their shape, coat, and total lack of fat for insulation play roles in selecting a harness as well. Here are some popular types of harnesses for Greyhounds.

  • No pull harnesses — The high prey drive, agility, and speed of Greyhounds are a recipe for pulling problems. Though they may not pull consistently during a walk, you can be almost certain that Greyhounds will lunge at small animals they encounter while out and about. No pull harnesses generally work by applying a painless but firm amount of pressure to the front of the chest, and allowing owners to redirect their dogs with a leash attachment at the chest or over the shoulders.
  • Padded harnesses — Just looking at a Greyhound you can tell that there is little to their lean bodies besides bone, muscle and skin. Combined with their thin, short coats this means that harnesses can easily cause chafing for Greyhounds. A harness that is padded at the chest/belly, back, or both ensures that your pup will remain comfortable even on longer walks, runs, or hikes, and that they won’t have painful chafing to contend with later.
  • Hiking harnesses — Hiking harnesses are built with durable materials meant to withstand the elements and to keep dogs safe in potentially dangerous situations. This means that these harnesses are equipped with particularly strong hardware. Even if hiking with your Greyhound isn’t on your agenda, this kind of harness can be useful for this large, athletic breed.
  • No escape harnesses — A motivated Greyhound can be difficult to hold on to when they catch a glimpse of a small animal. Their slim bodies and smooth coats make it easy for them to slip the grasp of many harnesses. A no escape harness will ensure that your Greyhound cannot back out of your control, regardless of how excited it becomes. This usually means additional straps further down the body that must be properly tightened.
  • Insulated harnesses — Because of the fact that Greyhounds have virtually no insulation on their bodies in the form of either fat or fur, they are not well-equipped to deal with even cool climates (let alone cold ones).

Once the temperature begins to fall, it is advised that owners take other measures to keep their Greyhounds warm when outdoors. An insulated harness will keep you from having to buy a sweater for your pup.

Different Greyhound Harness Materials

Now that you know about some of the popular Greyhound harnesses and what exactly they do, let’s talk about what they’re made of.

  • Mesh — Mesh is generally made of Nylon or Polyester, and it is useful as both a cooling and warming fabric. The perforated design allows heat to escape when it is warm, but the extra insulation provides some warmth when it is cold.
  • Nylon — A very durable and versatile material, Nylon is the most common material used for harnesses in general. For the most part, Nylon is soft enough that it won’t irritate your Greyhound’s relatively unprotected skin.
  • Polyester — Similar to Nylon, Polyester is a strong synthetic material with a little bit of give. Though versatile, Polyester can be a bit more rigid than Nylon, and potentially uncomfortable for your Greyhound pup.
  • Leather — One of the less common harness materials, leather is a great natural alternative to some of the artificial materials we have listed so far. While it is strong, leather takes a fair amount of upkeep or it will dry out and crack.
  • Cotton — Cotton is another natural material, but it is much softer than leather. Though not necessarily all that strong, cotton is soft enough that it won’t cause any pain for Greyhounds with especially sensitive skin.
  • Neoprene — Since some harnesses can be uncomfortable, Neoprene padding is a great addition to harsher designs. It is a versatile, rubber like material. This padding will ensure that your Greyhound isn’t uncomfortable during longer uses.

5 Key Components of a Harness for a Greyhound

Not all harnesses are created equal, especially when you are shopping for a very specific breed. Here are 5 of the most important features to look for in a harness for a Greyhound.

  • Padding — As we mentioned above, your greyhound’s light coat and lack of fat mean that chafing is especially possible while wearing a harness. Padding in the chest and back will allow the bonier parts of your Greyhound’s body to stay comfortable during your walks.
  • Insulation — This feature goes hand in hand with padding. It is very easy for Greyhounds to get cold, even when it doesn’t feel all that chilly to people. If you live in a climate that dips down into potentially dangerous territory, finding an insulated harness is an especially good idea.
  • Adjustable sizing — Because of their unusual shape, it can be difficult to find a harness that perfectly fits a greyhound. Choosing one that allows you to adjust the sizing beyond just choosing a “large” or “medium” harness will ensure that your Greyhound is properly fit in their harness.
  • Heavy duty material — Though they are thin, Greyhounds are strong. Choose a harness made out of durable material, or you may find that it loses some of its strength after being repeatedly pulled by your muscular pup.
  • Metal hardware — Their tendency to forcefully pull away abruptly means that Greyhounds can greatly benefit from a harness with strong hardware. Metal rings and clips will not break as easily as plastic ones.

Our Picks for The Best Harness for a Greyhound

Now that you know about the different kinds of harnesses that are common for Greyhounds and the components you should keep an eye out for, we’ll reveal our favorite Greyhound harnesses!

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

Key Features:

  • Chest and back padding
  • Steel nesting buckles
  • 5 points of adjustment
  • Seatbelt loop included for car safety
  • Crash tested up to 75 pounds

Best Overall — Perfect for Greyhounds who are inclined to bolt every time they see small prey, this heavy duty harness checks all of the boxes you could possibly have for a harness. The chest and back padding ensure that your pup is comfortable and protected; 5 points of adjustment mean that your dog’s unusual shape is no problem for this harness.

Not only does this harness feature all metal fixtures, it can also be easily turned into a safety device for the car if you love traveling with your dog. Crash rated at 75 pounds, this harness should be safe for all Greyhounds.

Pros:

  • Highly adjustable for unusual shape
  • Chest and back padding protection
  • All metal hardware

Cons:

  • Adjustable straps may slide
  • Could be heavy during long stints of wear
  • Can be difficult to get on and off

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features:

  • Reflective vest style design
  • Padded in the chest, belly, and back
  • Front and back ring attachments
  • Adjustable shoulder and belly straps
  • 9 color options, 5 sizing options

Runner Up — If you plan on venturing outside with your Greyhound during low light times, like early in the morning or after sunset, a reflective harness is a huge safety benefit. This one features reflective material woven into the Nylon straps as well as the chest and back pads they are connected to. This padding provides support and comfort for your Greyhound.

Since the belly strap is highly adjustable, there are no worries over this harness not properly fitting your pup, and the chest ring allows for easy correction if they should start pulling during your walk.

Pros:

  • Reflective for added safety
  • Multiple points of adjustment
  • Chest ring to prevent pulling

Cons:

  • Plastic buckles are somewhat vulnerable
  • May need to size up for large chested Greyhounds
  • Straps can be difficult to adjust

Frisco Padded Front Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

  • Mesh chest/belly pad
  • Adjustable chest and belly straps
  • Chest and back ring attachments
  • Step in design
  • Soft, thinner straps

Most Affordable Pick — At just under $15, this harness is an absolute bargain for those of you who have already managed to train your Greyhounds pretty well. It is not necessarily the strongest design, but the chest pad will offer some comfort and insulation, and the front ring gives you a no pull attachment option.

This harness may not hold up to aggressive lunges or prolonged pulling, but it will do a great job of keeping tamer Greyhounds near your side and comfortable for the duration of your walks.

Pros:

  • Very cost effective
  • Pad adds comfort and insulation
  • Chest ring gives a no pull option

Cons:

  • Not as sturdy as other designs
  • Straps may come loose when pulled
  • Plastic buckles are vulnerable to pulling

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

Key Features:

  • Open design allows for full range of motion
  • Very sturdy materials
  • Water repellent exterior
  • Reflective strip
  • Wide chest strap and padded shoulders

Best No Pull Harness — As the name indicates, this harness is an absolute powerhouse in terms of preventing pulling. The design is simple: a padded shoulder strap, a wide chest strap that connects to the shoulders via velcro, and a belly buckling belly strap that keeps the shoulder pad sturdy. When your dog pulls, they will experience mild pressure against their chest which encourages them to stop.

Your leash will attach directly over the shoulders, so you have a high degree of control over your dog and can act quickly if they begin pulling or if you see a small animal they are likely to lunge toward.

Pros:

  • Heavy duty harness that can withstand a lot of pressure
  • Shoulder attachment allows a high degree of control
  • Pad maintains comfort

Cons:

  • May fit the Greyhound body oddly
  • Velcro wears out over time
  • Requires some strength on the part of the owner for correction

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seatbelt Loop

Key Features:

  • Padded v-neck chest plate and back pad
  • Made of heavy duty Nylon
  • Includes reflective strip
  • All metal hardware
  • Control handle on back

Best Hiking Harness — This harness features all of durability and toughness that we would expect from a Kurgo product, and it has the added bonus of lots of coverage to protect and insulate your Greyhound. With padding on both sides of the body and heavy duty hardware that won’t give up if your dog lunges, this harness is a great tool to have during a hiking adventure with your Greyhound.

Be mindful that Greyhounds have unusually long necks, so where harness may hit a normal dog on the chest, it may still be near a Greyhound’s throat. Be sure to measure carefully, so your pup isn’t at risk of tracheal damage.

Pros:

  • Lots of padding for comfort and insulation
  • All metal hardware adds strength
  • Durable material

Cons:

  • V-neck may be a bit too high on a Greyhound
  • Heavy for long periods of use
  • Can be difficult to get on and take off

Harness Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

  • Slip lead made of Nylon rope
  • Soft material, comfortable for short-haired dogs
  • Tightens around body when pulled
  • Highly adjustable sizing
  • Tensile strength up to 3,700 pounds

Best No Escape Harness Lead — This slip lead is made of one long woven Nylon cord, and is by far the simplest harness featured on our list of favorites. You simply slip the loop around your dog’s head and chest, position the rubber stops at the top back of their front legs, and walk.

When your pup pulls, the loops around their body will tighten, signalling them to stop without requiring you to give a verbal command. This same chain of events makes escape impossible with this harness. The soft, rolled design of this harness ensures your Greyhound will not experience any skin reactions or chafing.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and fit to your Greyhound
  • Will not cause irritation or chafing
  • Prevents excited Greyhounds from getting loose

Cons:

  • Not the strongest at preventing pulling
  • Rope may fray over time
  • May sit oddly on the large Greyhound chest

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features:

  • 3 Nylon straps attached by an O-ring
  • Chest ring attachment with Martingale loop
  • Quick snap buckles to put on and take off easily
  • All 3 straps adjustable
  • 7 color options, 8 sizing options

Best Walking Harness — This harness aims to simplify the walking experience with your dog, and it does just that. From putting the harness on, to the walk itself, to taking it off again, there is nothing complicated about this harness. The chest strap slips over the head, then the back and belly straps can be easily adjusted and snapped into place.

For especially difficult lungers or pullers, this harness will not twist up despite being comprised entirely of straps. It also runs the risk of skin irritation, since the straps will be rubbing directly against your Greyhound while you walk.

Pros:

  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Chest ring with Martingale loop prevent pulling
  • Highly adjustable sizing

Cons:

  • May cause skin irritation or chafing
  • Not an especially strong design
  • Chest strap requires frequent re-adjustment

2 More Top Rated Harnesses for Greyhounds

We love the harnesses we have told you about so far, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some other fantastic options on the market! Here are 2 more top rated harnesses that didn’t quite make it to our list of absolute favorites.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness

This harness’ straps come down across the chest, under the front legs and meet at the back of the shoulders. This prevents pulling by applying pressure to the chest and shoulders when your dog tries to lunge away. The padded straps and mesh chest pad ensure your Greyhound will experience the utmost comfort while remaining under your control.

Best Pet Supplies Voyager All Season Mesh Dog Harness

If you live in a climate that jumps from hot to cold throughout the year, this is a great all around harness for your dog. Mesh is a great material for letting heat escape or trapping it in depending on what is necessary at the time, and this high coverage designs helps add some insulation to your Greyhound’s slim frame.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Greyhounds Harnesses

Trying to make the best choice for your pet can be stressful, and can leave you with a lot of questions. That’s why we have taken the time to answer some common FAQs related to Greyhound harnesses!

  • What size harness should I get for my Greyhound? – Greyhounds usually need a large harness, sometimes a medium, but this is not an absolute rule. Every brand uses different measurements for their sizing, so measure your dog and check the size chart before purchasing any harness. The unusual shape of a Greyhound may pose some difficulties when harness shopping, so try to be mindful of where the straps will sit on your dog’s body when you are measuring them.
  • What kind of harness is best for a Greyhound who lunges? – A particularly sturdy no pull harness with metal hardware will work well for a Greyhound that lunges forcefully. Look for a harness that is very well made, so you won’t be stuck with a ripped mess of fabric the first time your dog sees a squirrel. A harness with a chest ring for leash attachment, or that is specifically made to prevent pulling should do the trick.
  • Should my Greyhound wear a sweater under its harness? – If your harness doesn’t provide any insulation, then yes. If you had the foresight to find a harness that adds a little extra warmth of its own, a sweater may not be necessary! Harnesses with more coverage, and insulation like mesh (or a less breathable material like Neoprene) will give your Greyhound a little boost of warmth.
  • Can I let my Greyhound off leash? – Yes—but only if you are in a completely enclosed area, like a dog park. Greyhounds are known for chasing after prey without heeding owners’ commands, so they should be left in their harness and on the leash in any open area.

Conclusion

These gentle, sensitive dogs have so much more to offer than just their ability to run. They can be more difficult than many other breeds to train, but putting in the effort pays off hugely, and the right tools simplify the training process.

If you have the good fortune of being loved by a Greyhound, show your pet a little love in return and make your adventures together as comfortable and easy as possible with a high quality harness!

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