9 Best Harnesses for Huskies: Our Walking, Hiking, and No Pull Picks

Huskies are appealing to many people for their striking appearances, but there is more to this medium-sized breed than meets the eye.

These dogs are generally very friendly and playful with humans, and their free-spirited attitude can add to their charm, but their stubbornness and high energy can make them more difficult to train than other dogs.

Bred as sled dogs, it is the intrinsic nature of a Husky to pull their owners along. Though this drive is useful for pulling a sled, it is less so when trying to simply take a walk or go for a hike. The training advantages and the pulling discouragement are two of the biggest reasons Huskies should be walked with harnesses.

Maybe you know that you need a harness to properly train and comfortably walk your Husky, but you just aren’t sure where to start. If that is the case, this guide is for you!

We have put together some information about different types of Husky harnesses and listed our favorites for you to browse. Keep reading to find out everything you have ever wanted to know about Husky harnesses.

Popular Types of Husky Harnesses

Huskies have lots of peculiarities to contend with when training, so we will discuss some of the harnesses most effective for this breed here.

• No pull harnesses — As a Husky owner, this type of harness is no doubt already on the top of your list. Though these medium-sized dogs max out at around 60 pounds, they pack a serious punch. Huskies love to move quickly  and forcefully, so a high quality no pull harness will be necessary if you’re even going to take a leisurely stroll. No pull harnesses usually prevent pulling with a chest ring leash attachment (which makes it awkward and difficult for the Husky to pull) or a wide strap across the chest (which applies an even amount of pressure when the harness is pulled).
• Chewing resistant harnesses — Though Huskies are not necessarily chewers by nature, they have no qualms about chewing anything and everything if they are left alone and unstimulated for too long. This is why frequent exertion is so important for a Husky, they can become mischievous and destructive when left to their own devices. A harness made of heavy duty, reinforced material will help ensure that your Husky doesn’t destroy their harness when they get bored.
• Step in harnesses — A step in harness is one where the dog’s front legs (and sometimes head) must step through two holes at the front of the harness, which is then buckled around the body, usually with adjustable straps. This type of harness is common for Huskies for several reasons: it applies more even pressure that they should feel even through their thick coats when pulling, and it offers a little support for older dogs who may be experiencing joint issues like hip dysplasia.
• Tactical harnesses — These harnesses are distinguished by their utility and their endurance, which makes them exactly the kind of harnesses Huskies were bred to wear while working. Since Huskies are prone to vision issues, this sort of full-control harness can be useful to help guide your aging pup if they are having trouble seeing where they’re going.
• Hiking harnesses — Hiking is a great way to let energetic Huskies burn off some of their fuel with a good adventure, but even if you aren’t much of a hiker, these harnesses are sturdy, high quality, durable designs that will hold up to most any abuse a Husky can throw at it. They are usually made with some kind of reinforced Nylon and weather resistant buckles.
• X-Back harnesses — This is the traditional “sled dog” harness that your Husky may feel most comfortable in. The design wraps around the shoulders and crosses in the back; the lead connects with the harness near the tail. To look at an X-Back harness, it may seem like it has an awful lot of straps. It serves dual purpose of distributing the pressure from whatever a sled dog is pulling, and ensuring that they can’t escape should they decide to try.

Different Husky Harness Materials

• Nylon — A synthetic fabric with both a high amount of strength and a little bit of stretch, Nylon is the most popular harness material by far. It is usually soft enough that it won’t cause painful chafing, and it is highly versatile.
• Mesh — Mesh is created with Nylon or Polyester most of the time, and helps to make chest, back, or belly patches on harnesses more breathable. Huskies’ thick coats mean that a properly ventilated harness is crucial during the warmer months of the year.
• Polyester — This material is quite similar to Nylon in that it is an artificial fabric that can be used in many different ways. Polyester may be a bit tougher or more rigid than Nylon, but your Husky isn’t likely to notice this through its coat.
• Neoprene — Comfort is an important consideration for any dog owner, and Neoprene helps ensure that harnesses are as comfortable as possible. A rubber-like, impressionable material, Neoprene creates cushioning in some more full coverage harnesses.
• Leather — Leather is a durable material without a lot of give. It is a good, natural option that will sit well in your Husky’s fur, but it is stiff at the start and requires maintenance to keep from drying out and cracking over time.
• Cotton — Cotton is a less common harness material for particularly strong dogs like Huskies, but it is a soft, natural option for those with skin conditions who may experience reactions to the sturdier, synthetic materials.

5 Key Components of a Harness for a Husky

• Chest ring and strap — As we have already mentioned, it is simply in a Husky’s nature to pull, and they want to pull you (their pack) with them. Common pull prevention methods should help temper some of this Husky tendency and make walking them a more enjoyable experience for you.
• Adjustable sizing — Huskies may be fluffier or less so depending on the year, and they are also prone to thyroid issues, so it’s possible that your dog’s size will change somewhat rapidly. Adjustable straps allow you to ensure that the harness fits properly each time you put it on your Husky.
• Proper ventilation — All that fur makes for a lot of heat, particularly when your Husky is exercising. Even at the warmest time of the year when a Husky has shed their winter coat, they are still heavily insulated. A harness that is properly ventilated (either with breathable material or an open design) ensures that your dog won’t become uncomfortable if you live in a warmer climate.
• Metal hardware — These dogs are strong, and some less secure plastic clips and rings may just not cut it. If these accessories on your harness can’t withstand a great deal of pressure, there is a chance they will break when your Husky exerts its maximum force.
• Escape prevention straps — Huskies are pack animals and they love to be near you, but they are also social and stubborn. If a Husky is desperate to visit with someone, or does not want to go the way that you’re directing them, they can Houdini their way out of many harnesses, so it is important to find one that specifically prevents this.

Our Picks for The Best Harness for a Husky

Now that you know a little bit more about harnesses as they relate to your Husky, let’s dive into our top picks in a number of categories!

Our 2024 Picks: Best Harness for a Husky
	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness With Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength Five adjustment points for perfect fit Compatible with any vehicle seat belt system. Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Padded chest and belly straps 3M reflective material that keeps dogs visible Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Frisco Small Breed Soft Vest Dog Harness Simple mesh, vest-style design Ventilated and perfect for hot weather walks Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness Breathable design allows full range of motion High quality materials designed to withstand working dog pressure Price: $$$	CHECK PRICE
	Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness With Seatbelt Loop Padded V-neck chest plate and back plate Metal chest ring, back ring, and back handle Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Harness Lead Dog Harness Rubber stops make sizing very easy Softness of cord means little risk of chafing Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness Chest strap and ring prevent pulling Adjustable shoulder, belly, and chest straps Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Ultra Paws One Adjustable Pulling Dog Harness Padded through the neck and chest area with soft fleece for added comfort Fully adjustable through the neck, back, chest, girth and belly for a great fit Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness Hassel free application with its one-piece ergonomic structure Only made with the highest quality nylon Price: $	CHECK PRICE

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

Key Features:

• Steel nesting buckles for extra strength
• 5 adjustment points for best fit
• Crash tested up to 75 pounds
• Front and back rings for leash attachment
• Seatbelt attachment included

Best Overall —This highly durable harness from Kurgo should have no trouble keeping your muscular Husky in line. It features thick Nylon straps with all metal hardware, so there will be no busting out of this harness. It is also safety tested in a car for up to 75 pounds, which means even the largest Huskies will be protected from impact. The many points of adjustment allowed with this harness make escape nearly impossible, even for crafty and determined Huskies. Its strength, versatility, and customizable sizing land this harness at the very top of our list of favorites.

Pros:

• Multiple points of adjustment
• Chest ring or back ring option
• Safe for use in the car

Cons:

• Can be difficult to put on
• May be too hot for Huskies in the summer
• Straps can loosen during long walks

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Front and back cushioned pads
• Adjustable shoulder and belly straps
• Reflective portions
• Mesh on inside of padding
• Chest ring, back ring, and back handle

Runner Up — A reflective harness like this one from Chai’s Choice can keep your Husky extra safe if you will be walking, running, or hiking during low light times of day. The chest ring should allow you to temper your Husky’s pulling tendencies without making them uncomfortable, thanks to the multiple padding supports. Straps around the shoulders and the belly can both be adjusted for a more snug, more secure fit to keep an especially rowdy pup in line. The back and belly pads will keep an older Husky from an increased risk of joint issues like hip dysplasia.

Pros:

• Reflective for added safety
• Multiple adjustment options
• Cushioned pads can offer support and joint pain relief

Cons:

• Buckles are plastic, vulnerable to strong dogs
• Difficult to put on and take off
• Adjustments can loosen when dog pulls

Frisco Small & Medium Breeds Soft Mesh Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Over the head design
• Adjustable belly strap
• Back ring leash attachment
• Mesh chest/belly pad
• 4 color options, 5 sizing options

Most Affordable Pick —This simply designed mesh harness rings in at just over $12, so if you aren’t in the position to be able to shell out lots of cash for a harness, this is a great affordable option. The mesh helps ensure that your furry Husky won’t overheat.The front of the harness slips over your dogs head, and then buckles around the waist. The waist strap can be adjusted, but the front of the harness cannot, so it is crucial to properly measure your pup before purchasing.

Pros:

• Highly affordable option
• Mesh adds comfort and breathability
• Several different color options

Cons:

• Will not hold up to chewing
• Plastic buckles are weak to heavy pullers
• No front ring attachment

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Breathable design allows full range of motion
• High quality materials designed to withstand working dog pressure
• Water repellent exterior
• Wide chest strap prevents pulling
• Ring and handle right over shoulders give high level of control

Best No Pull Harness —As a Husky owner, this is probably the pick you were holding your breath for, and we can assure you it will get the job done. The high quality materials are specifically designed to withstand the strength of pulling working dogs.  This harness works by applying evenly distributed pressure to the chest by way of a thick strap when your dog pulls. That strap is fasted to a shoulder pad with velcro, and the shoulder pad is buckled into a belly strap to prevent escape. The position of the shoulder strap allows you a high degree of control when walking your Husky.

Pros:

• Durable material
• Designed for maximum pulling relief
• Will hold up to the elements as well as your dog’s strength

Cons:

• May get hot during extended use
• Velcro strap eventually loses strength
• D-ring connection to shoulder strap may be weak

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seatbelt Loop

Key Features:

• Padded V-neck chest plate and back plate
• Metal chest ring, back ring, and back handle
• Seatbelt loop included
• Lightweight but sturdy
• Adjustable sizing for belly strap

Best Hiking Harness —Another extremely durable design from Kurgo, this one features the same metal nesting buckles that we love about our top pick. This harness also allows for chest or back attachment with metal rings, and features a back handle that allows you to redirect your dog if they’re wandering near potential danger. This stable design would be very difficult to escape for even the quickest Husky, and it would take a lot of concerted chewing effort to damage this harness.

Pros:

• Durable materials, designed for adventurous dogs like Huskies
• All metal hardware safe from damage
• Not weak to potential chewing

Cons:

• Shoulder ring is not adjustable
• Can be difficult to properly tighten
• Edges may fray

Harness Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Slip lead made of Nylon cord
• Tensile strength of up to 3,700 pounds
• Rubber stops make sizing very easy
• Softness of cord means little risk of chafing
• Simple design prevents escape

Best No Escape Harness Lead —The genius of this harness lies in its simplicity. Essentially, this harness is a Nylon cord tied in an adjustable knot. On one end, you fit the cord to your dog’s body using the adjustable rubber stops, and you hold the cord at the other end. This slip lead works by tightening each time your dog pulls and releasing once they stop. Because of the fact that the cord is looped around their chest and right behind their arms, your Husky will simply constrict themself if they try to escape.

Pros:

• Easy to use design
• Extremely strong Nylon cord
• Simple to fit correctly

Cons:

• Weak to chewing
• Lead is somewhat short
• Not a great pulling defense

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Chest strap and ring prevent pulling
• Adjustable shoulder, belly, and chest straps
• Color coordinated for no confusion while putting on and taking off
• Martingale loop at chest to prevent twisting
• Many size options to order

Best Walking Harness —This harness employs a tried-and-true system for pulling prevention. A strap rests across your dog’s chest, and two others buckles across the shoulder and behind the arms, resting on the belly. The chest strap ring is attached by a Martingale loop so even a squirrely Husky won’t be able to twist out of the harness. When your dog tries to pull, the chest attachment point will allow you to easily control and redirect them. This harness is a great option if your main concern is just being able to take comfortable walks with your Husky.

Pros:

• Simple, adjustable design
• Metal rings and adjustments
• Lots of sizing and adjustment options for a perfect fit

Cons:

• Chest strap may come loose with persistent pulling
• Thin straps may be broken or chewed through
• Plastic buckles susceptible to snapping

2 More Top Rated Harnesses for Huskies

Love what you have seen so far, but feel like you could use a few more options to choose from?

No problem! Here are 2 more top rated harnesses for Huskies.

Ultra Paws One Adjustable Pulling Dog Harness

Want to put your Husky in a harness like its ancestors used? Here’s your answer! This x-back harness will allow you a high degree of control while walking, training, or even if you want to let your Husky embrace its strengths and pull a sled, bike, or wagon. This harness combines comfort with function; you won’t have any issues with escape or pulling in this product.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness

This harness prevents pulling with straps that fit over the shoulders and under the arms, intersecting at a chest pad and back closure. If your Husky attempts to pull, it’s front legs will be pulled back, signaling it to stop. Additionally, the chest pad is made of mesh to ensure that your furry pup won’t overheat on your walks.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Husky Harnesses

We know that despite the information we have already given you, you may have some additional questions. That’s why we have answered four FAQs related to Husky harnesses here!

• What size harness should I get for my Husky? Huskies are generally medium-sized dogs, but what exactly “medium” means can change from one brand to the next. Before ordering a harness, measure your dog and check those measurements against the brand’s size chart. Try to take into account things like coat thickness so you will be prepared to adjust the harness at different times of the year.
• What kind of harness is best for a Husky? There are lots of great harnesses that work well for Huskies! The best kind depends on your specific dog, but for the most part, a no-pull, no-escape, or x-back harness are safe bets for Huskies.
• Are Huskies hard to train? They can be. Huskies are pack animals, which means they are very loyal, but they are also always looking to better their rank in your pack’s hierarchy. You need to take a firm stance on training from a young age so your Husky understands that your are the alpha.
• How can I stop my Husky from pulling? A properly fitted, durable no-pull harness will help ease your Husky’s pulling tendencies. Combine the tool of a good harness with a firm training attitude, and your intuitive Husky will start to take the hint that pulling is not acceptable behavior.

Conclusion

Huskies are fun-loving, affectionate, and beautiful. They love adventure, and they love their families, so there’s really nothing they love more than combining the two.

Don’t hold back from fun with your Husky because of their rambunctious disposition, use this guide to find a harness that makes adventuring with your pup easy and fun!