🦴 Updated on July 17th, 2023
Despite being branded as an aggressive breed, Pitbulls are as lively and friendly as other dogs. However, they’re also stubborn and strong, so owners have to pick an ideal Pitbull harness and collars to maintain control during daily walks.
The Best Harnesses for Pitbulls Reviewed
Finding a suitable harness can be overwhelming when balancing your pet care budget, so we compiled this review and guide to help you narrow down what makes the best harness for Pitbulls.
In a hurry? If so, here’s our top pick. Our best overall option for the best harness for Pitbulls is the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness. Although every dog harness on our list is impressive, this model’s dual-clip design, molle strips for carrying supplies, and durable top handle enhance your Pitbull’s walking experience.
Read on for the complete list.
Best Option: ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness
First up on our list is our best overall Pitbull harness option, the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness. While this harness comes in many sizes for large and small dog breeds alike, the larger model is an excellent option for fully-grown Pitbulls or sizing up for younger puppies.
Additionally, it’s a wise strategy for saving extra funds on supplies instead of buying new harnesses as your Pitbull outgrows them. The harness also has a handle near the back D-clip for restraining your dog and carrying them over steep ledges.
We consider the ICEFANG a versatile dog harness for proud dog owners to use because of its dual-clip design, sporting a front and back D-clip for you to attach a leash during your walk.
Do you have a Pitbull who likes getting messy? If so, the ICEFANG’s nylon material is best for owners who spend most of their time cleaning after their pup. A simple handwash with clean water and safe detergent is all you’ll need to maintain it for years.
It incorporates five hooks on both molle straps on the vest’s left and right sides. This handy tool frees up space in your hands by attaching supplies, such as water bottles and scoop bags, onto the straps for easy access.
Best for Car Travel: Mighty Paw Car Dog Harness
Although you can find a sturdy dog harness for Pitbulls in many places, it might be challenging to find one that dog owners can use to keep their dogs secure while driving a moving vehicle. Thankfully, the Mighty Paw Car Dog Harness remedies this issue with its enhanced adjustability and overall structure.
It has a dual-clip design suitable for sticking a seat belt through to ensure your dog’s safety as you drive. This feature is an excellent tool for Pitbull owners who love casual walks or prefer having more control while training their dog to heel.
This design choice keeps you from swapping out a seat belt harness with a traditional one when you exit your car.
The Mighty Paw has soft and breathable padding that makes car rides and hikes more comfortable, no matter how much time passes. You can use the four adjustment points to loosen and tighten the harness to ensure it fits your Pitbull’s body. Its metal hardware ensures durability while driving and is weatherproof.
Although its color options are limited, it comes in several sizes. The medium and large models match most adult Pitbull neck and chest measurements, so it would be wise to size up instead of replacing smaller ones.
Best No-pull Harness for a Pitbull: ALBCORP
Next up on our list is the ALBCORP Tactical Dog Vest Harness. Although it’s far from our top option, we do consider it the best no-pull harness for Pitbull owners who prefer having more control while walking.
This model comes in three sizes suitable for larger breeds: medium, large, and extra-large. Regardless of your dog’s size, the vest harness’s heavy-duty nylon material provides enhanced comfort for extended periods.
This model is a popular option for training dogs for fieldwork, it's also great for training dogs who tend to jump or pull while on a leash.
Besides its handy molle loop side panels, the ALBCORP incorporates several elastic string bands for you to attach water bottles, bowls, or treat containers if you can’t carry them in your hands or pockets. Some dog owners like attaching ID tags to the front and back D-clips when their Pitbull doesn’t wear their collar.
We also enjoy this model’s high-quality buckles. This feature is ideal for Pitbull owners worried about their companions slipping out of their harnesses while tugging their leash or pouncing after any distractions. The side clips have a locking feature that keeps the vest secure when adjusted to match your dog’s proportions.
Most Comfortable: Embark Adventure Dog Harness
This harness is made with military-grade rip-stop nylon that’s easy to clean and soft to the touch. The reinforced design can withstand excessive amounts of pulling strength to keep it from snapping off your dog’s body or hurting your dog’s back or neck, making it a better walking tool than a collar and leash combo.
Additionally, its padding keeps your dog’s neck comfortable after a vigorous workout.
Its lightweight design is easy to equip and remove when preparing your dog for a walk or taking them home.
The Embark’s front D-ring is another feature that ensures less pressure on your dog’s neck while walking them because of its positioning on the harness’s chest.
Despite its thick padding, it won’t overheat your dog after a long walk, making it an excellent option for the best harness for Pitbulls during the most intense summer weather. If you love stylish harnesses, this model comes in four color options: black, orange, teal, and pink.
Embark’s medium-sized harness accommodates Pitbull chest measurements between 24 to 30 inches, so you can easily adjust its tightness to match your dog’s girth. If you prefer using the back D-ring on this model, it works like regular Pit Bull pulling harnesses.
Best Harness & Leash Combo: TobeDRI No Pull Dog Harness
Another Pitbull harness that caught our attention is the tobeDRI No Pull Dog Harness. Unlike the previous entries on our list, this one comes with a durable and thick rope leash.
This incentive might be valuable to you if your Pitbull pulls or chews through flimsy leashes. Why spend extra money on a separate leash when you can take advantage of this bundle’s deal?
This nylon harness has a soft and breathable padded mesh that dries quickly, making it an excellent option for owners who frequently wash them after their dogs run through mud or dirt. It's also machine-washable and helps cut down cleaning time exponentially.
The tobeDRI has four adjustment sections to match your dog’s measurements on their chest and neck. It comes in four sizes and six colors, giving you more options for a custom Pitbull harness. The large and medium options are best suited for the average Pitbull size, so be sure to take precise measurements for this model.
Are you concerned about your Pitbull running loose or walking at night? The tobeDRI has two sturdy side buckles with a safety lock to keep it from slipping off accidentally. The harness and leash have reflective stitching, enhancing your visibility during a late-night walk.
Best Military-Style Design: OneTigris Tactical
Several dog owners prefer getting a Pitbull harness that matches their dog’s personality or aesthetic. For example, a determined and loyal dog breed like them would look dashing wearing a military-like vest, so we recommend the OneTigris Tactical Dog Harness for any Pittie owner who wants to show off their dog’s strength.
It’s available in several colors, including a multi-colored camouflage look.
Can't decide on a no-pull or pulling dog harness? The OneTigris has a front and back D-clip that encourages owners to choose their favorite walking method based on their leash placement and control preferences.
The harness has a sleek nylon surface that won’t chafe your Pitbull’s skin and cause discomfort while walking or playing. Its water-resistant surface is the perfect solution for Pitbull owners who walk their dogs through light rain or small puddles. The breathable mesh is an ideal addition for anyone living in humid climate zones.
Another advantage the OneTigris has is its expanded storage compartments. It has molle strips on its sides that let you hook on extra pouches or a water bottle for easy access if your hands are full. It has several bungee loops on top for holding more lightweight objects.
Best Budget Option: Eagloo Dog Harness
If you’re looking for a stylish and functional Pitbull harness that’s within your budget, look no further than the Eagloo Dog Harness. Unlike collar and leash sets, this model wraps around your dog’s chest area, keeping pressure off of their neck and reducing pain or breathing disruptions.
It has sturdy metal rings on its front and back to accommodate casual walks and no-pull training.
Its breathable mesh padding and Oxford nylon fabric keep your dog extra comfortable while enjoying a walk or hike. The elastic band under your dog's shoulder prevents chafing sensitive areas.
The harness comes in several colors, including black, purple, red, and pink, to make your dog look cool or cute. Best of all, it’s easy to slip and clip-on.
It’s available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes and typically fits dogs with chest measurements between 15 to 35 inches. If you have a Pitbull puppy, start with a small harness and size up to a large one as they mature.
It has two adjustable straps for the chest and two for the neck. Its durable metal rings keep the leash from dislodging when your dog pulls. Let others know your dog’s presence in the dark with the Eagloo’s reflective thread.
Most Flexible Size Options: RUFFWEAR Front Range
The RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness is an excellent solution for owners trying to find the best harness for Pitbulls at any stage of their lives. Although this model is a bit more expensive than many of our other options, it’s one of the few on our list that offers extra-small and 2X-small harness sizes.
The harness has two leash attachment points to match your walking preferences: an aluminum V-ring on the back and a reinforced webbing loop on the chest. It has four adjustment points to match your dog’s girth and prevent unwanted tightness from disrupting your dog’s movement.
The harness comes in several eye-catching colors, including Hibiscus Pink and Campfire Orange. If you want to spot your dog from a distance, you can’t miss them while wearing this harness.
Its simple design makes it an excellent harness for everyday use. It’s light enough not to hinder movement in intense weather and easy to put on and take off. It also has a reflective trim and a top loop for a compatible beacon to enhance your nighttime visibility.
Although this model lacks a back handle and molle storage compartments, it has a small ID pocket for storing extra tags if your dog walks without a collar.
Least Bulky Design: JUXZH Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness
Suppose you find the perfect harness for Pitbulls to stop pulling during a walk, but they feel uncomfortable wearing a bulky vest. We recommend the JUXZH Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness to keep your dog cozy while walking without putting extra weight on them.
It has two leash attachment points, reinforced with a stainless steel O-ring on the chest and an aluminum-alloy V-ring on the back. Their durability makes it less likely for the leash to snap off.
The JUXZH Truelove Harness is made with durable polyester and Oxford fabric that comes in 11 vibrant colors.
The harness comes in five sizes: extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large. We recommend sizing up to a medium or large harness for your Pitbull as your puppy transitions from the extra-small and small models.
It’s also scratch-resistant, making it an ideal choice for owners whose Pitbulls like rolling around on hard pavement or running through bristly bushes and can withstand outdoor elements.
One factor Pitbull owners want to overcome while picking a no-pull harness is making sure their dogs won’t strain themselves while on a walk. Thankfully, the JUXZH’s front O-ring position is low enough on your dog’s chest so that it won’t pull on their neck.
Best for Friction Protection: Auroth Tactical Dog Harness
We consider the Auroth Tactical Dog Harness one of our list’s top contenders for the best harness for Pitbulls because of its extended underside padding. Unlike other harnesses that strap directly onto a dog’s body and rub against their skin, this model protects your Pitbull’s skin from friction with its curved design that balances its holding capacity.
It has two molle strips for lightweight supplies and is made with durable, wear-resistant 900D nylon to withstand any walking environment. It also incorporates four metal adjustment rings that won’t loosen when your Pitbull tugs their leash or tries to run.
The Auroth Tactical Dog Harness incorporates a dual-clip design for leash training and casual walks
The Auroth harness has a durable nylon handle on its back to help restrain your dog in stressful situations and lift them into your car more efficiently. It has fluorescent edges for spotting your dog in the dark.
If you have a fully-grown Pitbull or plan to size up the harness for a puppy, we recommend getting their medium or large model, based on the average Pitbull’s neck and chest girths and weight range. It has several solid and camo-printed color options to make your dog stand out from the rest.
Buying Guide for Finding the Best Harness for Pitbulls
Before narrowing down your favorite picks for the best harness for Pitbulls, there are several factors you should consider when it comes to your dog’s comfort and safety. Therefore, when we chose our top ten options, we wanted to answer as many questions that are on your mind to simplify your selection process.
Remember, a functional Pitbull harness gives you the best control.
The Best Features to Look for When Choosing the Harness
When selecting the best harness for Pitbulls, it’s essential to know what you want while using it on your dog. Although many harnesses and collars share the same functionality and features, most of them aren’t the same. The features you like might be less desirable to others.
Materials
Leather, polyester, fleece, and nylon are standard fabrics from which many Pitbull harnesses are made. Although their quality depends on their brand, you can easily wash them by hand or using a washing machine.
Padding
Ideally, you should search for a harness with comfortable padding that won’t chafe your Pitbull’s skin. Many models have breathable padding that dries quickly to combat unwanted moisture.
Safety Enhancements
Many harnesses aim to keep pressure off your dog’s neck to prevent injuries. Some models incorporate reflective stitching for enhanced nighttime visibility and buckle locks for preventing accidental dislodging.
Adjustability
Suppose you find the perfect Pitbull harness within your dog’s size range but don’t want it to slip off them while jogging around the neighborhood. Finding a model with easy-to-use adjustment points saves time while ensuring that it won’t be too loose or tight on your dog’s neck and chest.
Weight Pulling Harnesses for Pitbulls FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions that owners ask when looking to buy the best harness for Pitbulls:
How Do I Pick the Right Harness Size for My Pitbull?
Before buying any harness for your Pitbull, it would be wise to measure your dog’s body to ensure that you don’t waste money on getting one too big or small. The most common areas you should measure are your dog’s chest and neck.
However, some sizing charts recommend a weight range for their harness sizes. For example, most Pitbulls typically weigh between 35 to 60 pounds, so choosing a medium or large harness would be wise based on the manufacturer’s requirements.
You can start with a smaller harness when Pitbull is a puppy before transitioning them into one that fits a larger body.
What Types of Pitbull Harnesses Can I Pick From?
The most common designs you can find for Pitbull harnesses are vests and step-in straps. However, depending on where you look, there are subtle differences between many harnesses that are similar in appearance.
No-pull harnesses are best suited for Pitbull owners who want to discourage disruptive pulling behavior and have more control by walking in front of their dogs. They typically have a D-clip located on the harness’s chest area. While they tend to be more expensive than pulling harnesses, they put less stress on the dog’s neck than collars.
Pit Bull pulling harnesses offer less restraint control and steering than no-pull models but have enhanced padding to accommodate longer walk routines. In addition, since the harness has a D-clip on the back, you can place the leash and keep your dog from tripping during a casual walk or hike.
Dual-clip harnesses have two leash placement options for Pitbull owners who are unsure of what to get. However, you can expect these to be more expensive than single-clip models because of their dual functionality.
How Do I Get My Dog Accustomed to Using a Pit Bull Dog Harness?
While some Pitbulls might not get used to their harnesses as quickly as other dogs, you can make significant progress at any stage of their lives. Leave the harness on them for a short time and build their time spent in it every day by letting them walk around inside your home.
Rewarding them with a treat or toy helps them associate wearing their harness with something positive.
What’s the Best Harness for Pitbulls?
Although Pitbulls can be high-maintenance, finding the best tools for controlling their energy is the best solution for keeping them safe and happy. While all ten contenders for the best dog harness for Pitbulls have their share of advantages, we decided that the ICEFANG Tactical Dog Harness is the best option for Pitbull owners to consider.
We consider the ICEFANG a versatile dog harness for proud dog owners to use because of its dual-clip design, sporting a front and back D-clip for you to attach a leash during your walk.
It’s affordable for most budgets, suitable for front-clip and back-clip walking, and has molle straps for hands-free storage. If you’re looking for something comfortable, it fits nicely on Pitbulls with neck measurements between 14 to 18 inches and chest measurements between 22 to 28 inches.
