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As much as it seems simple, the process of choosing the right size of harness is difficult. There’s no specific answer to what size of harness is for my dog because each dog is unique in shape and size.But wait! Just because they’re different doesn’t mean you can’t find the answer.

How to size a dog harness？

The best way to know what size of the harness will fit your dog's needs is by measuring their body and understanding the harness size category.

Measurement of Dog

The main factors for choosing a Rabbitgoo dog harness are chest girth（A）and neck girth（B）. Accurately measuring these two dimensions is sufficient for most harnesses.

However, for certain specialized styles, such as the Mega Tactical Dog Harness and Lift Assist Large Dog Harness, additional measurements like belly girth, belly length and back length are recommended. These extra measurements ensure a more comfortable fit and a better overall look when your dog wears the harness.

Here’s a brief measurement overview for you:

1. Grab a measuring tape, or use a piece of string and a ruler.

2. Find your dog, preferably in their favorite resting spot.

3. If your dog isn’t cooperating, entice them with some healthy treats.

4. Once your dog is ready, measure the necessary dimensions.

• Neck girth: Measure at the lowest point of your neck, similar to where your neck meets your collarbones.
• Chest girth: The widest part of a dog's chest

5. Compare your measurements with the harness size chart and choose the best-fitting harness.

Pro Tip: Be gentle while measuring to keep your dog comfortable. Reward them with treats to make the process fun and stress-free. Don’t pull the string too tight—leave enough space for about two fingers between the string and your dog’s skin.

Size isn't everything!

Typically, there are four sizes of harness: small, medium, large, and extra large. But don’t be fooled — small always doesn’t mean for small pups, medium and large sizes are for adult dogs. Each brand has its own sizing range — and even within the same brand, different styles can differ in size!

Click here to view Rabbitgoo's dog harness size guide for different series!

• ControlPro Series
• Uplift Pro Series
• Stay Guard Series
• MiniFit Series
• Mega Tactical Series 
• EasyGo Series
• Control Series
• Lift Assist Series

Where to Find Harness Size Information?

If you have a harness and want to know the size, you can find a label on the chest strap. In case you're looking for the size of harness you’ve not bought, then always check the product description.

Most brands include the info on harness sizes in the description. We’ve also listed the size chart with each harness product. Here’s how you can access it:

• Go to the product page of the harness and select the size guide.
• After clicking on “size guide” you’ll be redirected to the bottom part of the page, where you’ll find the description of harness size
• You’ll have two options, either you can click on “size chart” or the “S/M/L/XL” button to view the size.

Should a Dog Harness Be Snug or Loose?

A harness should be loose enough around the neck so the dog can move freely, and it should be snug enough to ensure control. It means you need a perfect balance between security and comfort. 

If the harness isn’t tight your dog can easily slip out of it, and it will be difficult for you to control their movements. While a tight harness around the neck can be dangerous, especially if your dog decides to pull.

Pulling will create pressure on the neck especially if the harness is tight. Therefore, make your decision carefully!

Pro tip: Your harness should fit well but still allow you to slide two fingers underneath it. If you can fit more than two fingers, it means the harness is loose (time to adjust or replace it).

 Here is the guide of How to Put on the Harness Fitted

What If My Dog's Harness Is Too Loose?

There are two possible reasons for a loose harness. The first one is you’ve not adjusted the harness properly and the second is that the harness is actually too large for your dog.

If it’s a matter of improper adjustment, you can easily fix this by using the straps. Just tighten the harness by adjusting the straps until two fingers can slide under it. Once there’s no room for a third finger, you’ve achieved a proper fit.

In case the harness is still too loose, unfortunately, you’ve made a wrong decision. It’s time to consider getting a smaller size or a different style harness that better suits your dog's body shape.

Final Thoughts

The answer to what size of harness is for my dog depends on the chest girth and neck girth of your dog. You need to measure both structures of the dog's body for a perfectly fitted harness.

Without measuring both parts, you may end up wasting money on a product that will not work. To avoid a situation like this, grab a measuring tape and show some love to your dog with treats to take the measurements.

Trust us, your hard work will pay off when you find the well-fitted harness, making walks and adventure a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Dog Harnesses One Size Fits All?

There’s no one-size harness that fits all dogs, even your female dog harness might not fit your male dog. The reason behind this is the overall size and structure of the dog's body. Male dogs tend to be slightly taller and larger than female dogs.

Hence, if you have same-age dogs at home (one male and the other female), the best is to measure both of them to choose the right harness.

2. What Size Harness for a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are generally a large and muscular breed. The average chest girth for a German Shepherd is between 28 to 32 inches, making an XL-size harness the best choice for their body. 

You may need: Rabbitgoo Large Dog Harness with Handle for Lifting

3. What Size Harness for a Golden Retriever?

The average chest girth of a Golden Retriever is around 28 to 34 inches, though some may be even larger. Based on this average size, an XL harness is often a good fit.

You may need: Rabbitgoo Plaid Harness for Large Dogs