If you’re the lucky owner of a beagle, then you’re already aware of the need for regular exercise. Beagles are happy, lively dogs by nature but if they aren’t given ample opportunity to burn off all that pent-up energy, they can make life for you, and your neighbours, unbearable with their trademark baying. For a happy pup, you’ll need to be getting outdoors for at least an hour a day, which is why having a good quality dog harness is important. Finding the right harness for your beagle may seem like a daunting task, but there are a few tips to keep in mind so that you can narrow down the list. 

Best Harnesses for a Beagle

• Kurgo Adventure and Air Dog Harness
• True Love Adjustable No-Pull Dog Harness
• Elbert Mountain Dog Harness No Pull No Choke Adjustable Vest
• Ruffwear Web Master Multi-Use Dog Harness
• Bolux Dog Harness, No-Pull Reflective Breathable Adjustable Pet Vest with Handle for Outdoor Walking

Temperament

What type of harness you choose for your beagle will largely depend on his temperament. You need to keep in mind that beagles are scent hounds which means that they always have their nose to the ground in pursuit of an interesting trail. This also means that they are likely to wander off if they catch an exciting scent. (Source) While it’s always fun to watch those comedy scenes with a rampaging dog dragging along his helpless owner, you certainly don’t want that to be you. If your pooch is likely to become overly-restless when walking, then you’ll need a harness which gives you the most control possible. If, however, your beagle is a mellower, perhaps senior, dog, then you might not need such a restrictive harness. 

Another thing to consider is whether snoopy is a Houdini. If yes, then he’ll most likely be trying to wriggle his way out of any harness he tries on for the first time so you’ll need one that’s designed for escape artists. 

Types of Harnesses

Generally speaking, collars are not appropriate for leash pullers as they can cause stress on the neck, restrict the airway and create pressure in the eyes. (Source) For this reason, it’s best to opt for a chest harness as it will eliminate these risks. 

Back-clip harnesses have a D-ring attachment which rests on the upper back area of the dog, away from the throat. This type of harness doesn’t prevent pulling or lunging as well as a front-clip harness does, but there is a smaller chance of the dog getting tangled in the leash.

Front-clip harnesses clip from the front, in the chest area of the dog. They are designed to prevent pulling without causing pain or discomfort. If a dog pulls while wearing this type of harness, his body turns towards the walker. There is, however, a greater chance of entanglement in the leash.

Dual-clip harnesses have both front and back clip options so you can see what works best for your dog. Keep in mind that the webbed design common to most of these harnesses may cause chafing around the shoulder area. (Source)

Measuring for a Harness

Beagles come in two sizes – those standing up to 13 inches at the shoulder and those 13 to 15 inches. Be sure to measure your dog correctly so that the harness you choose fits properly. (Source) Use a dressmaker’s tape measure for accuracy.

The two most important measurements you’ll need for your beagle’s harness are his neck girth and chest girth. The neck girth is the measurement needed for a standard collar. To find the chest girth measure around the widest part of the rib cage, behind the two front legs. 

While your dog’s weight alone is not accurate in determining his harness size, it can be useful in conjunction with other measurements. When looking at harness sizes, add two inches to the measurements you took and check the weight range. If it falls within the recommended weight range, then the size is ideal. If your dog is between sizes, opt for the bigger size. You can always tighten a harness, but if it’s too small, it won’t fit properly. (Source)

Fitting a Harness

How you fit your dog’s harness will depend on the type of harness you choose. Step-in harnesses are those which have a hole for each front leg and clip from behind. Dual harnesses involve passing the dog’s head through the harness, one foreleg through a hole and then passing a strap around to clip from behind. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions, as harness designs and types vary. (Source)

To check whether it fits properly, try placing two fingers between the dog and the harness. If you can’t, it’s too tight. If the harness slides to one side more than the other, it’s too loose. Also, check that all harness points have been properly buckled before heading out. (Source)

Kurgo Adventure and Air Dog Harness

This dual-clip harness, with added back handle, is ideal for dogs who may need extra control. The lightweight design is aimed at active dogs, with an athletic V cut to allow full range of motion and a padded chest area for extra comfort. The rust-free hardware also makes this harness a good choice for dogs who love water and the reflective trim ensures good visibility at night. While there are four adjustment points for easy customization, keep in mind that it hasn’t been designed as an escape-proof harness so it might not suit all beagles. 

PROS

• Dual-clip with extra handle
• Lightweight design
• V-cut for active dogs
• Padded chest area
• Rust-free hardware
• Reflective trim
• Four adjustment points

CONS

• Not specifically escape-proof designed

True Love Adjustable No-Pull Dog Harness

This double-clip harness is made of durable, scratch-resistant material with double stitching to ensure a lasting product. The two attachment points allow the handler extra control, depending on the needs of his dog. The harness has extra padding in the chest and belly areas for added comfort and the reflective nylon webbing ensures visibility while walking after dark. There is also a range of colours to choose from. Keep in mind this harness might not be full-proof against an expert Houdini. 

PROS

• Durable, scratch-resistant material
• Two attachment points, front and back
• Extra-padded chest and belly areas
• Reflective nylon webbing
• Range of colours to choose from

CONS

• Not escape-proof designed

Elbert Mountain Dog Harness No Pull No Choke Adjustable Vest

This dual-clip harness features an extra handle giving the handler added control. The harness is designed to evenly distribute pressure meaning the risk of pulling and choking is reduced. The padded shoulder and belly areas, as well as the breathable material, increase the dog’s comfort, while the reflective straps allow for visibility at night. While claiming to be “virtually escape-proof”, with only two adjustment points, a true Houdini may be able to escape. 

PROS

• Dual-clip with extra handle
• No-pull, no-choke design
• Padded shoulder and belly areas
• Breathable material
• Reflective
• Reflective Straps

Cons

• Only adjustable at two points

Ruffwear Web Master Multi-Use Dog Harness

This dog harness has been designed for dogs who love adventure, making it an ideal choice if lazy strolls are not your, or your beagle’s, thing. It is suitable for hiking, scrambling, working and mobility assistance, meaning it is a versatile harness designed for tough conditions. There are five points of adjustment, allowing for a customizable fit and decreasing the risk of escape and the foam-padded belly and chest straps help prevent chafing. There is also a reflective trim and safety light loop for a beacon which ensure safety when walking after dark as well as a sturdy handle for extra control. A possible drawback is that the harness might get a little hot in the warmer months. 

PROS

• Suitable for hiking, scrambling, working and mobility assistance
• Five points of adjustment
• Foam-padded belly and chest straps
• Reflective trim
• Safety loop for beacon
• Added handle

CONS

• Might get hot in warmer conditions

Bolux Dog Harness, No-Pull Reflective Breathable Adjustable Pet Vest with Handle for Outdoor Walking

This sturdy back-clip harness distributes the dog’s pulling force evenly to prevent pulling and choking. It is made of durable, breathable, water-resistant material to ensure a lasting product and it comes in more than ten colours to choose from for those style-savvy pooches. The reflective straps allow for night-time safety and the sturdy handle allows the handler greater control. This harness only has two adjustment points so you might have trouble keeping an excitable beagle strapped in and it might get hot in warmer months. 

PROS

• Distributes pulling force to prevent pulling and choking
• Durable, breathable, water-resistant material
• More than ten colours to choose from
• Reflective straps
• Sturdy handle

CONS

• Not escape-proof 
• May get hot in warmer months

With their excitable, lovable personalities and boundless energy, beagles need lots of daily exercise, so a good harness is essential. As scent hounds, beagles are very curious on their walks and are likely to try to run off if they smell something exciting, even trying to escape their harness. A good harness will allow for good handler control and prevent any possible escape. We love the Ruffwear Web Master Multi-Use Dog Harness. The five points of adjustment mean that this harness will be a perfect fit for any dog, thus reducing the risk of escape. There is added padding for comfort and reflective trim for nighttime visibility. Its suitability for hiking, scrambling, working and mobility assistance makes this versatile harness ideal for any beagle, regardless of their energy levels.