Sturdy, fluffy Bernese Mountain Dogs were developed in the Swiss Alps to serve as versatile farm dogs. These sweet, mellow dogs might not be the most energetic, but part of their original job description was pulling carts, which they were very good at! If you’re walking a Bernese Mountain Dog, you want to ensure you can control their pulling.
To help you find the best accessory for your pet, we’ve gathered reviews of what we think are the 10 best harnesses for Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2023. After you read our thoughts on these products, check out the buyer’s guide for even more details on finding the perfect harness for a dog with a talent for pulling.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Elite Field Padded Reflective |
Extra-large size is available Option for front leash attachment Padded and reflective |
Check Price |
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Frisco Padded Nylon No-Pull Harness |
Affordable no-pull option Easy to put on Lightweight and comfortable |
Check Price |
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Julius K9 IDC Power Harness Nylon |
Water-repellent with freeze-proof buckles Easy to put on Durable |
Check Price |
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Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure |
Versatile harness Adjustable in multiple locations Padded on the chest and back |
Check Price | |
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PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness |
Designed to stop pulling Easy to put on Lightweight |
Check Price |
The 10 Best Harnesses for Bernese Mountain Dogs
1. Elite Field Padded Reflective No-Pull Harness– Best Overall
| Materials: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 24-inch to 43-inch chest |
Our pick for the best overall harness for Bernese Mountain Dogs is the Elite field Padded Reflective No-Pull Harness. This harness comes in large and extra-large sizes, perfect for fitting the deep-chested Berner. User reviews note that it fits extra-large dogs comfortably. The Elite field offers the option of attaching the leash on the front, allowing greater control of pulling dogs. It also has a back clip and an additional handle on the back, giving you another way to hang onto a pulling dog if needed.
It’s padded for comfort and features reflective material for safety when walking at night. Overall, users found this harness was durable and comfortable for their dogs. Some mentioned that the straps could loosen if your dog is a heavy puller and recommended adjusting them carefully and frequently.
2. Frisco Padded Nylon No-Pull Harness – Best Value
| Materials: | Nylon, synthetic fabric, polyester |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 32-inch to 50-inch chest |
The best harness for Bernese Mountain Dogs for the money is the Frisco Padded Nylon No-Pull Harness. This affordable harness gives you a choice between front-clip and back-clip leash attachment. It features a unique wide, padded chest piece for maximum comfort and weight distribution when your dog pulls. The harness is easy to put on and secure, but some users reported difficulty adjusting the straps properly.
Despite the chest piece, this harness is light and not bulky, making it comfortable for your dog. Most customers said this harness worked well to stop their dogs from pulling but noted that it was not durable enough to resist chewing. If your Bernese Mountain Dog is a chewer, don’t leave them in this harness unsupervised.
3. Julius K9 IDC Power Harness Nylon Reflective No Pull Harness– Premium Choice
| Materials: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 5-inch to 45.5-inch chest |
The Julius K9 IDC Power Harness Nylon Reflective No Pull Harness is designed for working dogs and features water-repellent materials and freeze-proof buckles. It is designed for durability and comfort and has a breathable inner lining and wide straps that don’t restrict your dog’s natural movement. It has a back clip leash attachment and a handle on top for improved control of your Bernese Mountain Dog.
The Julius K9 harness is reflective for safety when walking or working in dim lighting. Although it’s listed as “no-pull,” you have to purchase an additional attachment to convert it to a true, front-clip no-pull product. Users give this harness high marks overall, especially noting that it’s durable and easy to put on. Several owners found that it did seem to help with pulling, even without converting it.
4. Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Dog Harness – Best for Puppies
| Materials: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 32-inch to 42-inch chest |
The Chai’s Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure 3M Polyester Reflective Front Clip Harness is adjustable in four spots, allowing you to customize the fit as your Bernese Mountain Dog puppy grows up. This harness provides excellent versatility, with a front or back clip leash attachment option. It can also be used to buckle your puppy into the car and has a handle on the back so you can quickly grab your dog if needed.
The Chai’s Choice is comfortable and lightweight, with padding on the chest and back area. It also features reflective strips for safety. The harness is well-reviewed, with users especially appreciating the color options and adjustability. Some mentioned that the sizing chart was not entirely accurate when they tried to get the right fit for their dogs.
5. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
| Materials: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 32-inch to 50-inch chest |
The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness is one of the original “no-pull” harnesses designed to make walks safer for owners of heavy-pulling dogs. It only has a front-clip attachment, so you’ll need to purchase a different harness if you want to switch to a traditional leash location. The unique design of this harness helps you maintain control of your dog as they try to pull and redirects them to focus on you, and it’s ideal for a training tool.
Although it is lightweight, the PetSafe isn’t padded or reflective. The chest and back straps are two different colors to help make it easier to put on correctly. Most users reported good results when using this harness to control pulling. Some mentioned that repeated use could cause chafing and hair loss at the pressure points, so monitor your dog carefully.
6. Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness
| Materials: | Nylon, metal |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 6-inch to 41.7-inch chest |
The Rabbitgoo Tactical Dog Harness is an affordable working dog harness with multiple features ideal for a Bernese Mountain Dog. With front and back leash attachments, this harness can be used as a no-pull or traditional harness. It has a handle as well for additional control options. The durable harness is padded, reflective, and adjustable in four spots.
It even features gear storage areas, so your Bernese Mountain Dog can carry their water on hiking trips. The Rabbitgoo harness is a popular product, with users praising its durability and no-pull ability. Some mentioned it is not chew-proof and shouldn’t be left on your dog without supervision. The harness also seems to run a bit small, based on the sizing chart.
7. BarkBay No Pull Dog Harness
| Materials: | Nylon, metal |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 31-inch to 38-inch chest |
The BarkBay No Pull Dog Harness is one of the easiest to put on because it is a step-in harness. It’s available in a dozen colors and is the harness for the Bernese Mountain Dog owner who likes to have style options. With a back handle and your choice of no-pull or traditional leash attachment, the BarkBay is versatile and functional.
It’s made of breathable, anti-chafe materials and is comfortable and ideal for outdoor adventures. It’s also adjustable in 4 different locations. However, the largest available chest size is one of the smallest on our list, so it may only work for all Bernese Mountain Dogs. Users overwhelmingly praised the BarkBay harness, calling it durable, comfortable, and excellent for dogs who pull.
8. Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Harness
| Materials: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 28-inch to 44.5-inch chest |
If your well-behaved Bernese Mountain Dog doesn’t need a no-pull harness, the Red Dingo Classic Nylon Back Clip Harness is a durable, affordable option. We especially like that the buckles are white instead of black, making them easier to find among the dark, thick Bernese Mountain Dog coat.
The Red Dingo is available in multiple colors and is soft but strong. It’s also machine-washable for easy cleaning. However, it is not reflective or designed for use in the car. Some customers reported that the harness could be a bit tricky to adjust. However, most said that the Red Dingo harness is comfortable, durable, and a quality purchase for the price.
9. Kurgo Journey Air Polyester Reflective No-Pull Dog Harness
| Materials: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 28-inch to 44-inch chest |
The Kurgo Journey Air Polyester Reflective No-Pull Harness can be quickly put on and removed, thanks to its four buckles. With front and back leash clips, the Kurgo harness is ideal for Bernese Mountain Dogs that pull and those that don’t. The chest piece is padded for extra comfort, and the harness includes a back handle as well.
With rust-proof buckles and reflective strips, the Kurgo Journey is an excellent choice for outdoor adventures, even in the dark. This harness is adjustable in four spots, but some users reported difficulty getting the fit correct. Some also found that the harness runs small, which could be an issue for Bernese Mountain Dogs.
10. Mighty Paw Padded Sports Reflective No-Pull Harness
| Materials: | Polyester, synthetic fabric |
| Buckle Type: | Quick release |
| Largest Size Available: | 35-inch to 49.5-inch chest |
The American-made Mighty Paw Padded Sports Reflective No Pull Harness is waterproof and non-restrictive, allowing your Bernese Mountain Dog to walk, run, and hike freely. With a back handle and front and back leash attachments, this harness offers the versatility dog owners are looking for as they work on training their pups not to pull.
The Mighty Paw can be used in the car with an additional attachment. Users found this harness to be a good value overall, although several noted that the buckles were tough to use. The Mighty Paw harness doesn’t adjust around the neck, so it can be a little harder to fit properly compared to some other brands on our list.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Harnesses for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Now that you have an idea of what a few of your harness options are for a Bernese Mountain Dog, here are some additional points to keep in mind while you shop.
Sizing & Adjustability
Bernese Mountain Dogs are big animals, but the breed varies in size, especially between males and females. While it’s important to measure your dog accurately before you buy a harness, they all vary somewhat in how they fit. Look for a harness that fits your dog’s measurements but also allows the greatest adjustability, especially if you’re buying for a puppy.
Versatility
Most of the harnesses on our list can function as either a no-pull or traditional harness. Bernese Mountain Dogs are strong, but they’re also smart and trainable dogs. Just because your dog currently pulls hard doesn’t mean it always will. If you’re looking strictly for a training harness, you could consider a pure no-pull harness like the EasyWalk. Older, well-behaved Bernese Mountain Dogs may be fine in a traditional harness like the Red Dingo.
Added Features
Many of the harnesses on our list are similar in the basic functions that they offer your Bernese Mountain Dog. Your shopping decision may come down to some of the smaller, added features that help distinguish each product.
For example, if you take your dog for walks early in the morning or at night, you might prefer a harness with reflective strips. If you and your dog travel by car frequently, a harness that can be used or adapted for use with a seat belt might be a better choice.
Conclusion
As our best overall harness for Bernese Mountain Dogs, the Elite field Padded Reflective No-Pull Harness provides a superior fit for extra-large pups, plus comfort, durability, and versatility. Our best value option, the Frisco Padded Nylon No-Pull Harness, is easy-to-use and comfortable and has no-pull features at an affordable price. As you shop for the best harness for your Bernese Mountain Dog, we hope these reviews helped provide the information and tips you need to make the right choice for you and your pet.
Featured Image Credit: Anton Ogorodov, Shutterstock
The post 10 Best Harnesses for Bernese Mountain Dogs in 2023: Reviews & Top Picks appeared first on Pet Keen.