11 Best Harnesses For Poodles: Standard and Miniature Poodles Picks

Poodles are fun, easy to take care of, and are great companions for families. They’re typically ranked as the second most intelligent dog behind only the Border Collie and available in the Standard, Miniature and Toy Poodle breeds.

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Each Poodle is different, with a unique personality – so you may be wondering what type of harness is right for your Poodle. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about choosing a harness for your Poodle. Whether you have a Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Toy Poodle, this guide is sure to help you pick out the harness that’s right for your furry friend. Let’s get started now.

Popular Types of Poodle Harnesses

Wondering what types of Poodle harnesses are the most popular? Let’s discuss a few of the types of harnesses that are the best for Poodle breeds.

• Car harnesses – Keeping your Poodle from moving around in the car can be tough unless you have a car harness. While there are some purpose-built car harnesses, most harnesses with a rear handle can be used with a seatbelt, providing them with multi-purpose utility.
• Hiking harnesses – Hiking harnesses usually are lightweight and breathable, and have features like reflective strips and handles to help you keep your dog safe on the trail. If you like taking your Poodle on adventures, a hiking harness may be a good choice for you.
• No pull harnesses – Larger Standard Poodles can be quite heavy and strong, and the natural intelligence and curiosity of Poodles makes them serious pullers. No-pull harnesses use a front ring that leads your dog to the side when it pulls, or a design that gently constricts your dog when it pulls to discourage excessive pulling.
• Escape-proof harnesses – Thanks to their intelligence and relatively narrow shoulders, some Poodles can slip out or back out of over-the-head harnesses. Escape-proof harnesses are designed to resist escape, even by the most fearless canine Houdini!
• Harness leads – Harness leads are a great choice for an escape-proof harness, as they consist of a single rope, usually made of nylon, which wraps around your dog and is nearly impossible to get out of. Harness leads also usually discourage pulling by tightening when your dog tries to pull away from you.

Depending on your needs, one or more of the above harness types may be right for you and your dog.

Different Poodle Harness Materials

Beyond the different types of harness available, there are also quite a few different materials available for Poodle harnesses. Here is a brief overview of some of the most commonly-used materials.

• Nylon – Nylon is the most common harness material. As a synthetic fabric, it provides water resistance, durability, plenty of strength, and a bit of a stretch to help keep your Poodle comfortable.
• Polyester – Polyester is also a synthetic fabric, and shares most of its qualities with nylon. Polyester usually dries more quickly than nylon, but is not quite as soft or strong.
• Mesh – Mesh can be made of almost any material, but nylon and polyester are the most common. Mesh provides more stretch and better ventilation, and most padded harnesses feature mesh ventilation.
• Neoprene – Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that is sometimes used in heavily-padded dog harnesses, as it can conform to your Poodle’s shape, providing plenty of comfort.
• Leather – Leather is durable and extremely strong, but it is quite expensive and requires regular oiling and maintenance to keep it in great shape, so it’s not as common in modern Poodle harnesses.
• Cotton – For Poodles with sensitive skin, cotton is a good choice because it’s a natural textile. Some poodles are prone to seborrhea, which is a disease that can cause dry, flaky skin. Cotton is gentle and ideal for Poodles with skin conditions.

While there are some other materials you may run across when looking at Poodle harnesses, the ones we’ve listed above are the most common, and most Poodle harnesses use one or more of these materials.

5 Key Components of a Harness For A Poodle

So, what should you be looking for when searching for the best Poodle harnesses? Here are 5 key qualities and attributes you should try to find in a harness for your Poodle.

• Soft, padded fabric – All Poodle breeds are somewhat prone to hip dysplasia and other joint problems. If you have an older poodle or one with joint conditions, we highly recommend finding a padded harness that will offer plenty of comfort, and distribute pressure evenly when your dog pulls and walks.
• Anti-escape features – Poodles are extremely smart, as noted above, which means a motivated Poodle can easily find a way to escape its harness. You should look for a harness that’s chew-resistant and can be adjusted for a perfect fit, to ensure your dog can’t bite at the straps or try to back out of the harness.
• Ventilated material – Poodles have thick coats, and tend to overheat. This is particularly true of Poodles with dark coats, as their coat will catch the sunlight. Proper ventilation is key for keeping your Poodle comfortable when walking it in warm weather.
• No pull design – Pulling can be a problem with any Poodle breed, so if your Poodle tends to pull, we recommend choosing a harness with a front ring attachment, which will guide it to your side when it tries to pull away. This will help break their bad habit.
• Handle and seat belt clip – Poodles, more than some other breeds, have a tendency to move around a lot in the car, which can result in motion sickness. Clipping your dog to a seatbelt and keeping it secure will help reduce this problem, and keep your pup safe if you have an accident.

Our Picks For The Best Harness For A Poodle

Ready to start shopping? Below, we’ve put together a few of our top picks for Poodle harnesses. We’ve done our best to try to pick harnesses that will fit any Poodle breed, including larger Standard Poodles, as well as Miniature and Toy Poodle breeds. Take a look now!

Our 2024 Picks: Best Harness for a Poodle (Standard and Mini)
	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness With Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength Climbing harness-inspired design Includes seat belt attachment strap, carabiner Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Comes in 9 different colors Extremely lightweight Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness Extremely durable design Plenty of padding for comfort Price:  $$$	CHECK PRICE
	Frisco Small & Toy Breeds Soft Mesh Dog Harness Great value for the price Comfortable, ventilated mesh Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness With Seatbelt Loop Padded neck, back and chest Includes both rear and front ring for leash attachment Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Harness Lead Dog Harness Simple, all-in-one design No sharp edges or straps to dig into your dog’s skin Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness Simple clip-in design for ease of use Front attachment ring to control pulling Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness For Toy Poodles Features a veterinarian approved, patented system Only made with the highest quality nylon Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Solvit Deluxe Car Safety Dog Harness Improves safety by reducing driver distraction Crash tested in DOT-approved facility Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Mighty Paw Padded Sports Dog Harness Premium, weather-proof dog harness reduces the strain Comfortable, non-restrictive design Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness Comfortable and easy-to-wear step-through design Makes daytime and nighttime walks safer with the reflective strip Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE

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

Key Features:

• Climbing harness-inspired design
• Includes seat belt attachment strap, carabiner
• Crash tested for up to 75lbs
• 5 sizes available

Best Overall: This harness from Kurgo is our top choice for all Poodle breeds, from Standard to Miniature and Toy breeds. It’s built with a strong nylon design and all-steel buckles, providing it with plenty of strength, and it includes both a front and back ring to assist you in controlling your Poodle, and minimize pulling behavior. It’s also crash-test rated, making it great if you go on a lot of trips with your Poodle.

Pros:

• Extremely strong
• Five adjustment points for a custom fit
• Padded chest piece for additional comfort

Cons:

• Relatively heavy compared to other harnesses
• No rear handle
• Some dogs may learn to back out of the harness and escape

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Lightweight nylon, metal and plastic design
• Reflective 3M material for additional protection and safety
• Easy to adjust
• Comes in 5 sizes to fit all Poodle breeds including miniature (toy) poodles

Runner Up – If you need a more lightweight harness than our top pick, such as for a Miniature Poodle, this product from Chai’s Choice is a great option. It uses strong, adjustable nylon straps and a padded chest and back piece, making it ideal for older dogs who may have hip dysplasia or back issues, and need more comfort. It’s also easy to adjust, and features both a front and rear metal ring and a handle to help you maintain control of your Poodle.

Pros:

• Ventilated, padded mesh material
• Strong nylon straps
• Simple adjustment for a custom fit

Cons:

• Straps tend to loosen if not adjusted properly
• Not great for chewing-prone Poodles
• Sizing runs small

Frisco Small & Toy Breeds Soft Mesh Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Great value for the price
• Comfortable, ventilated mesh
• Simple over-the-head design for easy use
• Double adjustable chest buckles

Most Affordable Pick for Toy Size Poodles – If you need a comfortable harness at a low price, you won’t do better than this harness from Frisco. It’s designed for toy-to-medium breeds, making it a good option for Poodles of any size. It’s simple to slip on and off of your pup, with its over-the-head design and double rear buckle design. The chest is padded, and the straps are easy to adjust.

Pros:

• Strong metal ring
• Breathable and extremely lightweight
• Sized to fit any Poodle breed, from Standard to Miniature and Toy breeds

Cons:

• Puts more pressure on the neck than some other picks
• Not good for dogs who pull
• Neck is not adjustable

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Extremely durable design
• Helps prevent pulling
• Padded and ventilated for comfort
• Built with a rear handle

No Pull Harness For Standard Poodles – If you have a Standard Poodle, and particularly if you have a larger dog, you may have pulling difficulties while you’re walking your pup. Poodles are naturally curious and surprisingly strong for their size, and the largest Standard Poodles can weigh in at up to 60-70 pounds. The Julius K-9 IDC Powerharness is a great way to control your Poodle, reduce pulling, and ensure you and your dog can walk safely.

Pros:

• Provides great control over your dog during walks
• Easy to adjust with Velcro strap and plastic chest buckle
• Strong rear metal ring for leash attachment

Cons:

• Relatively heavy and bulky
• Velcro strap requires occasional cleaning to maintain proper closure
• Won’t fit Miniature or Toy Poodle breeds

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seatbelt Loop

Key Features:

• Includes carabiner and strap for seat belt attachment
• Rear handle to control your Poodle or help it over difficult terrain
• Padded neck, back and chest
• Includes both rear and front ring for leash attachment

Best Hiking Harness – If you like to go on adventures with your Poodle, this harness from Kurgo is a great choice. It’s an over-the-neck harness that is built with plenty of padding as well as robust metal hardware, and it includes both a rear ring for better control of your dog, and a front ring to help minimize pulling. It also includes everything you need to keep your Poodle secure in the car when you’re driving to a trail, dog park, or another destination.

Pros:

• Lightweight design
• Simple to adjust, put on, and take off of your dog
• Plenty of ventilation

Cons:

• May not fit the smallest Toy Poodles properly
• Not crash test rated
• Neck is not adjustable

Harness Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Nearly impossible to escape
• Can be sized to fit any Poodle breed
• Simple, all-in-one design
• No sharp edges or straps to dig into your dog’s skin

No Escape Harness Lead – If your Poodle is a little escape artist – and many are – this harness lead is a great choice. It uses a unique, one-piece design with rubber stoppers that can be adjusted to fit just about any Poodle, including the smallest Miniature and Toy breeds. The nylon rope is resistant to wear, tear, and chewing, and the design gently tightens when your dog pulls and relaxes when it stops pulling, which helps encourage better leash habits.

Pros:

• Nylon is rated for up to 3,700lbs
• Machine washable
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Initial sizing and adjustment is difficult
• The lead is relatively short
• Improper sizing can put excessive pressure on the neck or stomach

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Simple clip-in design for ease of use
• Front attachment ring to control pulling
• Lightweight and comfortable
• Multiple adjustment points

Best Walking Harness – If you just need a simple, everyday walking harness for your dog, this product from Petsafe is a great option. It’s lightweight, easy to adjust and put on, and uses a front ring to help gently correct pulling behavior in your dog. It’s also available in 8 sizes – so you’re sure to be able to find the size that will fit your Poodle, no matter which breed you have.

Pros:

• Helps control pulling
• Takes only moments to put on and take off
• Metal hardware is durable and easy to adjust

Cons:

• No padding
• Runs small, not ideal for dogs with broad chests
• No rear ring for leash attachment

4 More Top Rated Harnesses

Haven’t quite made a decision yet? Interested in seeing a few other options that didn’t quite make our top picks, but are still a great option for your Poodle? Check out 4 more of our picks for the best harnesses for Poodles below.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness for Toy Poodles

This harness from Sporn is a great option if you have a Poodle that tends to overheat easily in warm weather, or has sensitive skin and a sensitive coat. It’s padded and built with a strong, yet flexible and soft nylon mesh that helps provide breathability and comfort for your dog. It’s available in 4 sizes, so it can fit almost any Poodle. However, there is no front ring attachment, so it’s not great if you’re in need of a no pull leash.

Solvit Deluxe Car Safety Dog Harness

Poodles tend to move around a lot in the car – and are also prone to motion sickness. One of the best ways to avoid this is by securing your dog to a seatbelt, to minimize its motion in your car. This harness from Solvit is specifically built for use in the car, and provides 3,000+ lbs of crash-tested strength. It can also be used with a leash once you reach your destination with your pup.

Mighty Paw Padded Sports Dog Harness

This harness is a good option if your dog tends to try to escape over-the-head harnesses. It clips on your Poodle from the side, and has plenty of ventilated padding, as well as a rear handle and a strong metal ring attachment. It’s available in 5 sizes and will fit most Poodles, with the exception of very small Toy Poodle breeds.

Pawtitas Reflective Padded Dog Harness

This dog harness from Pawtitas has plenty of padding, is easy to adjust, and has reflective strips that help keep you and your Poodle safe during low-light walks. The padded chest and straps keep your pup comfortable, and multiple buckles and adjustment points make it easy to get the perfect fit for your Poodle.

The Top 4 Most Common FAQs About Poodle Harnesses

Got more questions about buying a Poodle harness? Let’s go over a few common FAQs that Poodle owners often have when buying a harness and using it for the first time.

• What size harness should I get for my Poodle? This depends on your breed. Toy Poodles usually need an extra small, while Miniature Poodles may wear a Small, and Standard Poodles can wear a Medium or even a Large.
  The best way to determine the right size harness for your Poodle is to measure its chest and neck. Use a flexible tape measure to measure both the neck and chest across the widest point. Most harnesses will have a sizing chart – so just compare your measurements with the chart, and you’ll be sure to choose the right size.
• Does my poodle need to be trained to wear its harness? No. Most Poodles will get used to wearing a harness quite quickly. You may want to put your Poodle’s harness on it a few times before you take your first walk. If you’re having trouble getting your Poodle to sit still when you put the harness on and take it off, giving your dog a treat every time you put the harness on will change its attitude quite quickly!
• What should I do if my Poodle’s skin is irritated by its harness? First, stop using the harness, and give your Poodle’s skin time to heal. Then, you may want to check the adjustment and make sure the harness is not too tight or too loose – both can cause rubbing and irritation. You should be able to fit at least two fingers between each strap.
  If your Poodle’s skin is still irritated, you may want to consider trying out a new harness with more padding or a different material. However, we also recommend consulting with your vet to make sure that your Poodle doesn’t have a skin condition that could get worse.
• How can I stop my Poodle from chewing its harness? If your Poodle tends to chew on its harnesses, the first thing you should do is make sure you supervise your dog when it wears its harness. If you provide negative feedback when it tries to chew on its harness, it will quickly break the habit.
  Keeping the harness at the proper tightness will also make it difficult for your dog to chew the straps, so make sure you take the time to adjust your harness properly.

We hope the above answers have helped you get more details about buying and using a harness for your Poodle! If you have more questions or concerns, we recommend consulting with your vet or a local dog trainer.

Shop Poodle Harnesses Now – And Find The Right One For You And Your Dog!

Ready to start shopping? With all of the information you’ve learned above, as well as our top product picks and recommendations, you’re sure to find the right harness for your Poodle. Whether you have a Standard Poodle, a Miniature Poodle, or a Toy Poodle, start shopping right away – you’re sure to find the right harness for your precious pup.