Every dog is unique, but French Bulldogs are even more so when it comes to equipment and even treats. Your Frenchie possesses not only trademark bulldog looks but also a bright personality and a predisposition for some unique challenges, especially when finding the best harness for your French Bulldog. They are quite different from the English bulldog, and their smaller stature will require a smaller harness than you’d equip an English bulldog with.
Frenchies are a similar size to Boston terriers and are often mistaken for the same breed. Just because they are similar sizes, doesn’t mean that the harnesses are interchangeable. The Boston terrier is more likely to pull, while the French Bulldog can be a little bit easier to manage when walking in a harness.
Below you’ll see a quick overview of our favorite harnesses for French Bulldogs, and below that, we go much more in-depth on each product including why it made our list. There’s plenty of considerations you should take into account when shopping and caring for your pup.
At a Glance: Our Favorite French Bulldog Harnesses
Best Overall
Chai’s Choice 3M Harness
Budget Pick
Voyager Dog Harness
Popular Pick
Frisco Padded Harness
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Buyer’s Guide
In the buyer’s guide below, we will dive into each category to find out what harness fits your Frenchie the best. There are a variety of different options on the market today, so you’ll want to analyze all the different brands for your needs to find the best harness for your french bulldog.
There are some details you need to dive into before wasting your hard-earned cash, and that includes weighing if you truly need the harness in the first place as some dogs grow out of pulling on a leash. For heavy pullers, it’s a good idea to look at all your no-pull options to outfit your dog.
French bulldogs have unique personalities and needs, and fitting them has special considerations, too. You might wonder why a harness is preferable for this particular breed, especially if you haven’t brought your pup home yet.
Like with any breed of dog, it’s essential that you do your research before adopting a puppy or mature dog, and French bulldogs have specific traits that require special attention.
Durability & Material Type
Puppies (and plenty of older dogs, too) tend to chew, so opting for more robust materials ensures your dog’s harness will last a significant length of time. Mesh harnesses might help keep your furry friend cool (and they look cute, too), but the mesh isn’t very durable when your pup needs to chew.
Size Adjustment
Because your dog is a stocky yet compact breed, making sure you purchase something adjustable is ideal. You may need to choose from available sizes such as medium or large, but adjustable straps can help customize the fit of the harness and keep your dog comfortable.
Avoiding Strain
For any other breed, you might say the dog needs to learn not to pull. But for Frenchies, their short snouts mean significant breathing challenges already. The solution is to find a harness that allows them to breathe freely and doesn’t put undue strain or pressure on their chest or throat. Even distribution of pressure and lightweight materials are ideal for keeping your pup comfortable.
Ease of Use
A complicated harness with multiple straps, buckles, and connectors can be daunting to use each day. Plus, if your dog gets excited when it’s time to go for a walk, you might spend extra time struggling to get them attached to the leash. For particularly excitable dogs, it’s much easier to find a step-in type model that goes on easily. Adjustability is helpful, but too many options just mean it’s challenging to get ready for a walk.
Additional Features
Other helpful features for your French bulldog’s leash include reflective panels for better visibility when walking at night, dual-function harnesses which double as doggie seat belts in the car, and even harnesses with holders for dog waste bags. Training harnesses are also an option which can help relieve strain on your French bulldog’s chest, as they help eliminate pressure from pulling.
Why They Are Necessary
Many Frenchies are happy as indoor dogs, and the breed doesn’t require a ton of outdoor exercise. Therefore, many pet owners may forego a collar or harness altogether. Especially if your pet already has an identifying microchip, you may not see a reason for a collar or harness with an ID tag.
However, some dog owners might avoid microchipping due to their dog’s skin sensitivities. Some pets develop health issues after microchipping, like irritation at the injection site or a lump in the area. And even if your pet has a microchip, for walks around the city, you will need to use some form of leash to comply with local law.
Dogs must be leashed in most cities, though there’s some flexibility when it comes to enforcement of those laws. Few locations have state-wide leash laws; it’s usually up to the local municipal level whether a code is on the books or not. To be on the safe side, harnessing your bulldog is a smart idea.
Plus, even if your furry friend doesn’t care much for exercise, the breed is susceptible to weight problems, so regular walks can help avoid those issues. A short walk or just a game of fetch in the backyard should be enough to keep your bulldog in good shape—just go easy on the treats, too!
Comparing Collars
Because your pooch has a genetic tendency toward breathing problems, it makes sense to avoid collars. If the collar gets caught on something or is too tight (especially as your dog grows), it could constrict your pup’s airway.
A harness covers more of your dog’s body area, rather than just the neck, and keeps the leash attached securely. When it comes down to a safety scenario, whether it’s a large dog intimidating your Frenchie or your pup getting too close to water (Frenchies have a tough time swimming), having a harness and leash on can help prevent otherwise dangerous emergencies.
Fitment Challenges
A French bulldog isn’t a large dog by any means, but the fit for your pup’s harness can prove challenging. Because bulldogs are front-heavy, their chests are larger than many other dogs in their class—at least when it comes to weight and height. Keep in mind that an adjustable harness is the best solution to fit issues, especially if you have a puppy who is still growing.
Best Harnesses for French Bulldogs
Finding the right fit for your Frenchie takes some research. These amazing little pups are a very unique breed, and you have to be considerate about what to put them in because they love to pull if you give them the chance to do it!
While the list below is by no means all-inclusive, we’ve got a pretty good handle on our favorites for your Frenchie. Below you’ll get an in-depth look at our favorite harnesses and feel confident your pup will enjoy them from the moment he/she puts it on.
Frisco No Pull Dog Harness
- Five different sizes.
- Four different colors.
- Budget-friendly.
- Over-the-head design.
- Adjustable slides ensure proper fittment.
- D ring attachment on rear.
- Mesh padding for comfort.
Frisco’s harness has a comfortable chest panel and both front and back rings for attaching a leash. Use the back ring for no-pull features, adjust the straps for comfort, and you’re ready to walk. Reflective webbing materials help with visibility, and the mesh is also breathable to keep your dog cool.
Multiple color options (and sizes) ensure everyone can see your pup no matter where you walk. A handle on the back of the harness helps in emergencies but also works as a loop to put your vehicle seatbelt through on car trips.
Thick straps (with four adjustment points across the two straps) help keep the harness secure, even if your dog is between sizes. Flexible sizing means your front-heavy bulldog can have a custom fit, too. There’s no struggle to figure out what goes where, either. Just two buckles and it’s on—plus the quick-release buckles help make removal easier.
We love that the spongy lining helps keep your pup comfortable. The No-Pull ring attachment avoids tugging on your Dog’s chest. The Back handle for the seat belt attachment is also handy to keep control over your dog. The two straps are adjustable and customizable.
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Harness
- Mesh breathable fabric.
- Two sturdy D-ring attachments.
- Allows for rear leash attachment.
- Vest cross-over for comfort.
- Padding ensures comfort fit.
- Step-in style.
- Great for Frenchies of all ages.
The Voyager harness is one of the most budget-friendly options, especially if you have a puppy who is still growing! Fun prints and multiple size options fit every pup, and the lightweight padded vest prevents skin chafing and breathing issues.
Sizing is a bit unconventional, so you’ll need to read carefully to determine what option will fit your pup the best. The neck measurement is most important, as it’s not adjustable. The girth adjusts via one strap, so that’s a secondary consideration when measuring your dog. Take note of the size guidelines to ensure your dog won’t be able to slip out of their harness.
The comfortable fit makes theVoyager an ideal option for puppies if they aren’t avid chewers. With the lightweight design, puppies can get used to walks without extra bulk, and for larger dogs who carry extra weight on their own, it’s a feather-light fit.
We love that this padded harness is comfortable and won’t choke your dog. It’s made from recycled materials and happens to be environmentally friendly which allows it to reduce waste. It does not rest on the trachea, and this helps it avoid constricting the airway.
Puppia Back Clip Harness
- Five different sizes.
- Five different colors.
- Soft padding for support.
- Cotton and polyester construction.
- Durable for everyday wear.
- Adjustable quick-release belt.
- D-ring for leash attachment.
Two leash attachment points provide flexibility in how you walk your dog with the Puppia no-pull harness. The front loop helps your pup keep up, while the back loop is ideal for dogs who don’t pull.
Four adjustment points let you customize your dog’s harness fit, and this harness is a heavier-weight and more durable option than others. A built-in ID pocket is an excellent addition for keeping crucial identification info on hand, and it’s uncommon in harnesses for smaller dogs.
The absence of a handle is my only complaint with RUFFWEAR, but for most French bulldogs, that’s a minor complaint, since their personalities are relatively easygoing. Durable construction and the ID pocket are highlights, earning this harness a spot on our best-of list.
We love that the chest padding provides comfort and prevents chafing. The reinforced yet lightweight webbing is comfortable for all-day. The four points of adjustment to accommodate dogs of all builds is an excellent benefit. The reflective trim helps keep your dog visible, and a tag pocket keeps your dog from losing vital information about you as the owner.
Chai’s Choice Dog Harness
- Made with 3M reflective material.
- Highly padded.
- Durable design.
- Easy adjustment.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Chest O-ring discourages pulling.
- Rear D-ring for well-trained walkers.
Comfortable padding prevents rubbing with the Chai’s Choice dog harness, which means it can withstand plenty of adventuring without causing your dog discomfort. Thanks to the reinforced seams and high-grade nylon thread, the harness can take a beating—unlike thinner mesh options.
If your dog is a serious adventurer, you’ll appreciate the durability of the harness and the reflective trimming, which helps add an extra layer of safety should your exploits involve nighttime walks or runs. The design is simple, but up to six inches of adjustment between the two straps allow for a decent fit no matter how big your pup is.
This harness comes in five different sizes, and has multiple colors for even the pickiest Frenchie owner. Your leash can be attached to the O ring on the chest, which will help discourage pulling. The lightweight padding will help ensure your Frenchie doesn’t have too many issues with rubbing and irritation.
We love that the handle is built-in for security and efficiency, and the military-grade nylon thread ensures durability over time (even with pulling). The harness adjusts up to six inches, making it a perfect fit for growing dogs. The reflective material helps with nighttime visibility.
Gooby Comfort X Harness
- Four different sizes.
- Six different colors.
- Made with lightweight mesh.
- Stylish design.
- Weight is evenly distributed.
- Step-in frame.
- Soft, comfortable padding.
For smaller French bulldogs or puppies who are still growing, Gooby’s Comfort X harness is a gentle and comfortable option. Ideal for dogs under 30 pounds, the harness is a choke-free model which creates an X across your dog’s chest—missing their trachea and preventing chest pressure.
Polyester mesh is super lightweight and breathable, and although the design isn’t as secure as other harness options, Gooby’s comfy harness works great for dogs who are obedient walkers. A single strap adjustment makes it simple to get on and off, and the D-ring on the back makes for secure leash attachments.
We love that this harness is lightweight and gentle for dogs who already walk well on a leash. It’s versatile for puppies through adult dogs, and the simple design buckle makes for easy on and easy off. If you have a dog who does well on walks, doesn’t pull, and isn’t excitable, Gooby’s Comfort X harness provides a low-profile perfect fit for your adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Love Your Dog we consistently get questions from frustrated Frenchie owners. While we do our best to answer each of them, here are some of the commonly asked questions about French bulldogs and equipping them with harnesses we tend to see.
What are common health issues and can a harness impact them?
According to the American Kennel Club, common French bulldog health issues include breathing problems, skin allergies, autoimmune skin disorders, hip issues, and even cardiac issues. Knowing the potential for these complications, it makes sense to fit your dog carefully for her harness, avoiding too-tight or otherwise constrictive options.
How Much Do French Bulldogs Weigh?
If you’re shopping for a harness for your puppy, be aware that as he or she grows, you can expect plenty of wear and tear on their leash and harness! Although they are relatively small dogs—weighing in between 20 and 28 pounds as adults—they are sturdy and can be rambunctious.
What Harness Size Does My Frenchie Need?
Ideally, you should measure your French bulldog for his harness before making a purchase. But if you’re waiting on a puppy to take home, or your dog’s adoption isn’t final yet, sometimes you must make an informed guess.
Pet stores recommend a medium-size harness for French bulldogs, based on a girth of 18 to 29 inches. At the same time, the size parameters note a medium should fit dogs up to 55 pounds, which is likely more than double that of your pup’s weight.
Should My French Bulldog Keep Her Harness on All the Time?
It depends on your dog’s personality and comfort level with their harness! Some dogs will show symptoms of skin irritation after long periods of wear, and French bulldogs are already susceptible to skin problems. Usually it’s not necessary to keep it on all the time.
Are French Bulldogs Hard to Train with a Harness?
Whether you have a puppy or a mature dog, training is always an area of concern for pet owners. If you’re shopping for your Frenchie’s first harness, it’s understandable to worry about introducing it to them. Fortunately, French bulldogs often respond well to positive reinforcement. Their personality means that if you approach leash training with enthusiasm (and a few treats!), your dog will likely learn quickly!
Are Harnesses or Collars Better For Leashed Walks?
This is personal choice. We believe however, that a harness will allow your frenchie to breathe better, as collars can prevent airflow, especially if your pup likes to pull. A harness is a safer option and will ensure your pup doesn’t have problems on longer walks.
Final Thoughts
When it comes time to adventure with your French bulldog, comfort and attention to their health is crucial. At the same time, security is a top concern: you want your dog to be comfortable but also under your control. Since a collar isn’t often an option for this breed, you need a durable and versatile harness to keep your pup safe.
In terms of durability and features, we prefer the Chai’s Choice 3M reflective harness. Its design is rugged and resistant to chewing and environmental effects, plus there’s padding to prevent chafing while you’re out and about. The handle is also a helpful feature since it adds to your pup’s safety while in the car—just thread the seatbelt through, and your dog is that much safer during your trip.
