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Walking an American Bulldog that pulls is hard work, and a collar makes it worse. A harness spreads the pull across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck. Below are six harnesses to consider, plus how to choose the right size and what else helps with pulling.
The American Kennel Club quotes a vet on why: a harness “secures the dog with multiple contact points which helps distribute pressure around the chest and shoulders.” The same vet recommends a harness for bulldog breeds, because “their neck is almost as wide as their head, it’s easy for dogs with this shape to slip out of a collar.”
PetMD (by a vet) goes further for flat-faced breeds: “A dog collar only adds strain to the already compromised airways of flat-faced breeds.” If your American Bulldog snores, snorts or tires quickly on walks, ask your vet to check their breathing.
Product details below come from the Amazon listings and we have not tested the harnesses. We earn a commission if you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you. Listings are for the US store, so check availability where you live.
Why Use A Harness On An American Bulldog?
- Less pressure on the neck. Pulling on a collar puts the strain on the neck and throat. A harness spreads it over the chest.
- Harder to slip out of. A bulldog’s neck is thick and wide, so a collar can slip over the head.
- More control. A front clip turns a dog back towards you when it pulls, and a top handle gives you a grip near the dog.
You will still want a collar for ID tags. Our guide to collars for bulldogs covers that.
How To Choose A Harness
- Measure first. The AKC page says to take two measurements: “the area at the base of the neck where it meets the shoulders” and “the widest part of the chest, which is usually behind the front legs.” Use a cloth tape, and check the size chart on the listing. Sizes run small to large and the same product comes in several.
- Front clip for pulling. Per the AKC page, “Front-clip harnesses are helpful if your dog tends to pull.” A dual-clip harness lets you start with the front clip and move to the back clip as your dog improves.
- Fit it snugly. The vet quoted by the AKC says you should have to “squeeze two fingers underneath, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable.” Check that your dog cannot back out of it.
- Breathable padding. PetMD suggests mesh for flat-faced dogs, which gives better breathability.
6 Harnesses To Consider For An American Bulldog
American Bulldogs are a large breed, so check the chest size on each listing. Conversions to centimetres and kilograms are ours.
#1 Rabbitgoo No-Pull Harness
The listing describes a no-pull harness with two metal leash clips (front and back), padded breathable mesh, two quick-release buckles, four adjustable straps, reflective strips and a top handle. The large size is listed for chests of 17 to 33.4 inches (about 43 to 85 cm). It showed as in stock with an add-to-cart button when we checked. Use the front clip for training and the back clip for easy walks.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the rabbitgoo No Pull Dog Harness on Amazon
#2 Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness
The listing describes a harness with steel buckles, a padded chest plate, five adjustment points and a crash-test-certified fit, sold with a short seatbelt tether, so it doubles as a car harness. It is not a front-clip harness, so it will not do much to discourage pulling on its own. We could not confirm current stock, so check the listing.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Harness on Amazon
#3 Doggie Design No-Choke Step-In Harness
The listing describes a step-in mesh vest, sold as pulling from the chest only so there is no pressure on the trachea. It has double D-rings and reflective strips. It showed as in stock when we checked. The AKC page says step-in harnesses suit escape artists, and are easy to put on without lifting anything over the head. This one has a back ring, so it is for easy walks rather than training.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the No Choke Dog Harness step-in vest on Amazon
#4 Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness
The listing describes a harness made in Europe with front and belly straps, a breathable inner liner and reflective edges. The size 3 listed is for chests of about 83 to 118 cm and dogs of 40 to 70 kg (88 to 154 lb). It showed as in stock with an add-to-cart button when we checked, and is the strongest build of the six. Measure first, because it comes in other sizes.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness on Amazon
#5 PoyPet No-Pull Harness
The listing describes a vest with two metal leash attachment points (front and back), a padded handle, reflective stitching and four adjustable straps. It showed as in stock with an add-to-cart button when we checked. The listing we checked was the small size, so pick the size for your dog from the size chart.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the PoyPet No Pull Dog Harness on Amazon
#6 Eagloo No-Pull Harness
The listing describes a no-pull vest with front and back leash rings and padded air mesh. It showed as in stock when we checked. The size listed is for medium dogs, with chests of 14.6 to 29.9 inches (about 37 to 76 cm), so it may suit a young or small American Bulldog. Check the larger sizes for an adult.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.See the Eagloo Dog Harness on Amazon
How To Stop An American Bulldog Pulling
A harness helps, but training does the work. A few steps that many owners use: stop walking when the leash goes tight, wait for it to loosen, then go on, and reward your dog when it walks beside you. Avoid jerking the leash. Our guide on whether bulldogs are hard to train has more, and a trainer can help if your dog is strong and excitable.
Safety Notes
- Check the fit each time you put it on, and again if your dog gains or loses weight.
- Take it off at home. A harness is for walks, not for wearing all day.
- Stop and rest if your dog is panting heavily, snorting or struggling, and phone your vet if it happens often.
- Our guide on whether American Bulldogs can swim covers a life jacket if you go near water.
Before You Go
Measure your dog, choose a harness with a front clip if pulling is the problem, and fit it snugly. Pair it with calm, steady training. More in our dog care guide.
