9 Best Harnesses for Bulldogs: Our Walking, Hiking & No Pull Picks

If you’re the proud owner of a Bulldog, you may be wondering what the best harness is for your pup. Bulldogs are a powerful, curious, and friendly breed – so you have to make sure that you’ve purchased a harness that can keep your dog under control, and help break bad habits such as pulling.

But if you’re not sure which harness is right for you and your dog, you may not be sure where to start. In this guide, we’ll be able to help you learn everything you need to know about Bulldog harnesses – from discussing the various materials available to different styles of harnesses, and a few common FAQs about picking out a harness for a Bulldog.

Then, we’ll go over a few of our top picks for the best Bulldog harnesses for 2024, and help you choose the one that’s right for you and your pup. Let’s get started now.

Popular Types Of Bulldog Harnesses

If you have a Bulldog, there are a few popular types of harness which may be right for you and your dog. Typically, the most popular Bulldog harnesses on the market include:

• No-pull harnesses – No-pull harnesses utilize a design that discourages pulling, which is good for strong, curious dogs like Bulldogs. Most no-pull harnesses use a simple front attachment ring, which naturally moves the dog to your side when it attempts to pull away from you. By doing so, it discourages the dog from excessive pulling, making these harnesses an excellent training tool. Many no-pull harnesses also incorporate escape-proof features and extra grab handles to help you keep your dog under control in situations where you may need to ensure your dog stays close to you.
• Walking harnesses – Walking harnesses are typically the simplest and most affordable type of Bulldog harness, and they’re ideal for short walks and excursions due to their simplicity, ease of use, and ability to quickly be put on and taken off of your dog. However, they are often a bit less strong than purpose-built no-pull harnesses, so they may not be ideal if your dog is not used to walking on a harness, or pulls excessively.
• Harness leads – Harness leads are a unique type of harness that use a single loop of heavy-duty nylon rope, which is gently wrapped and secured around your dog. The primary advantage of harness leads is that they are nearly impossible to escape, because the rope is rounded and more difficult to chew through, and your Bulldog won’t be able to slip it’s shoulders free, which is the most common way that dogs escape other harnesses. Most harness leads also will gently tighten around your dog when it starts to pull excessively, and then release when it stops pulling – which helps discourage excessive pulling.
• Hiking harnesses – Hiking harnesses are a great option if you like to go on trips with your Bulldog, and go on longer walks or hikes. Hiking harnesses typically incorporate features like padded straps, removable reflective patches, extra storage pockets and a ventilated design which helps keep your pup comfortable when it’s walking for a long period of time. Most hiking harnesses also include a seatbelt strap which helps keep your Bulldog safe in the car, and prevents it from moving around while you drive.

Depending on your Bulldog and its needs, any of these harnesses for Bulldogs may be a good option. In fact, buying multiple harnesses for different situations is often the best option, as you’ll have the right option for every activity.

Different Bulldog Harness Materials

There are a wide variety of harness materials that can be used for Bulldog harnesses, but we’ll just discuss the most common ones here.

• Nylon – Nylon is the most common type of material for Bulldog harnesses. Nylon offers plenty of strength with a little bit of give so that it is not overly-restrictive. As an artificial fabric, it’s also water-resistant and easy to clean, so it’s great for dog harnesses, which must hold up to the elements and be washable.
• Polyester – Polyester is the second most common material used in Bulldog harnesses, and it shares many of its qualities with nylon, because it’s also a synthetic material. Polyester materials offer good strength and some stretch, and also hold up well to the weather and wear and tear, with easily washable designs.
• Cotton – Cotton is a little bit less common than nylon and polyester because it is not quite as strong. However, many Bulldogs have very sensitive skin. If your Bulldog has sensitive skin, cotton may be a better option for you, because it is a natural fabric that is less likely to irritate your pup.
• Leather – Leather harnesses are a great long-term investment, but usually quite expensive up-front, and require regular oiling and maintenance to keep them in great shape. Thanks to the rise of affordable nylon and polyester harnesses, leather harnesses are a bit less common. However, a leather harness is still a good choice for a Bulldog, as long as you know that the leather straps won’t irritate its skin.
• Neoprene – Neoprene is a rubbery foam material that is often used as padding for dog harnesses. It has the ability to adapt to the curves of your dog’s body, which makes it great for heavily-padded dog harnesses, and ensures that the harness fits like a glove.
• Mesh – Mesh harnesses usually use a polyester or nylon material in a loosely-knit mesh design. The mesh design allows for additional ventilation and stretch, so mesh harnesses are usually a great option for hot days when your pup will be uncomfortable in a more heavily-padded, thick harness.

Many harnesses on this list are not made of just one of these materials, but from a combination of multiple materials – such as neoprene and nylon. Do a bit of thinking about your needs and your dog’s preferences, and you’re sure to choose the right harness for your Bulldog.

6 Key Components Of A Harness For A Bulldog

Now that you understand the basics about Bulldog harnesses and materials, let’s discuss the essential attributes and components that you should be looking for when you’re buying a Bulldog harness. When you’re shopping for a harness, you should pick one that has the most – or all – of the following qualities.

• Strong hardware – Bulldogs are medium-sized, usually topping out at 50 lbs for the heaviest males and females. But that doesn’t mean you can skimp out on high-quality hardware. Bulldogs are very compact and muscular. Pound for pound, Bulldogs are one of the strongest breeds. For this reason, you should look for a harness that is built with strong hardware – with buckles and attachments made of metal or strong, durable plastic materials. If you don’t invest in a harness with strong hardware, your dog may be able to escape, which could lead to dangerous situations.
• Chew-resistant straps and materials – If your Bulldog is a chewer – and many are – you’ll want a harness that can hold up to a bit of chewing. Your Bulldog isn’t too likely to chew on its harness while you walk – especially if you discourage this behavior – but a chew-resistant harness is still a good investment to ensure your Bulldog won’t escape.
• Gentle design that spreads pressure evenly – Due to their shorter snout and genetic heritage, many Bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues. This means you should avoid a harness that puts too much pressure on their chest. Many Bulldogs – particularly older animals – also suffer from issues like back problems and hip dysplasia. Because of this, you should be looking for a harness that spreads your dog’s weight evenly across its chest, shoulders and belly. An overly-restrictive harness could make these health issues worse.
• Padded straps – Bulldogs have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation and abrasion, so a harness that has padded straps is a good option if you know that your dog has sensitive skin. Extra padding and cushioning will help keep your pup comfortable during its walks.
• No-pull design – As mentioned, Bulldogs are a powerful breed – and they’re curious! This can lead to issues with pulling on walks. Because of this, we recommend a no-pull harness – at least until your dog has been trained not to pull.
• Ventilation – Bulldogs are quite prone to overheating once the weather turns hot and sunny. If you live in a warm climate where temperatures reach 80+ degrees regularly, you’ll want to pick a harness with adequate ventilation, such as a mesh design, to keep your pup comfortable.

If you can find a Bulldog harness that meets these requirements – or pick multiple harnesses for different situations – you’re sure to keep your dog happy and comfortable during its walks.

Our Picks For The Best Harness For A Bulldog

Ready to see our top picks for Bulldog harnesses? We’ve put together a few of the best products in each category below, so take a look and see if you’re interested in any of the harnesses we’ve reviewed.

Our 2024 Picks: Best Harness for a Bulldogs (French and English)
	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness With Steel Nesting Buckles Crash-test rated for dogs up to 75lbs Extremely strong and durable Price: $$	CHECK PRICE
	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Plenty of padding and cushioning Included back handle for better control of your Bulldog Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness Durable buckles and hardware Reflective material for enhanced safety Price:  $$$	CHECK PRICE
	Frisco Small & Medium Breeds Soft Mesh Dog Harness Extremely comfortable, lightweight Easy to put on, take off Price:  $	CHECK PRICE
	Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness With Seatbelt Loop Includes carabiner and strap Handle for better control of bulldogs Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Harness Lead Dog Harness Rated for up to 3,700 lbs tensile strength No sharp buckles or stiff straps to irritate the skin Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness Simple clip-in design for ease of use Front attachment ring to control pulling Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	PetSafe 3 In 1 Dog Harness Every-day harness provides a standard back clip and no-pull front clip Five points of adjustability ensure a reliable fit Price:  $$	CHECK PRICE
	Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness Features a veterinarian approved Designed to stop the hardest pullers humanely without any choking Price:  $	CHECK PRICE

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness with Steel Nesting Buckles Enhanced Strength

Key Features:

• Durable metal hardware
• Heavy-duty nylon straps
• Padded chest piece
• No-pull design

Best Overall – This harness from Kurgo is our top overall pick for the best Bulldog harness on the market. With its strong padded straps and durable metal hardware and an easily-to-adjust design, it will fit Bulldogs of just about any size and shape, and the no-pull design helps keep your pup under control. The included carabiner and strap are a bonus, designed to keep your dog safe when traveling in the car.

Pros:

• Crash-test rated for dogs up to 75lbs
• Extremely strong and durable
• 5 adjustment points for a perfect fit

Cons:

• Straps are somewhat stiff
• Some dogs may be able to back out of the over-the-head harness design
• Relatively heavy due to all-steel hardware

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Lightweight design
• Strong nylon straps
• Reflective material for low-light conditions
• Extra padding to keep your Bulldog comfortable

Runner Up – This is our runner-up for the best harness, and may be a better choice if your Bulldog has sensitive skin. It’s very light due to the plastic and metal hardware, but still extremely sturdy, and it has plenty of padding to keep your Bulldog comfortable. Combined with the reflective 3M material, this harness will keep you and your dog safe and comfy, especially if you take walks at night or early in the morning.

Pros:

• Plenty of padding and cushioning
• Included back handle for better control of your Bulldog
• No-pull ring to encourage your dog to stop pulling

Cons:

• Difficult to adjust around the neck
• Plastic buckles may not hold up to long-term use
• Escape-prone dogs may be able to slip front paws out of the harness

Frisco Small & Medium Breeds Soft Mesh Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Soft, padded design
• Breathable nylon mesh
• Metal ring for plenty of control
• Fast-release buckles

Most Affordable Pick –This harness is the cheapest option on our list, and we highly recommend it for summer walks if you live in a hot climate with your Bulldog. The polyester mesh is highly breathable and will ensure your pup doesn’t overheat. However, this is not a good option for dogs which pull, due to its minimalist, mesh design and plastic hardware.

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable, lightweight
• Easy to put on, take off
• Great value for the price

Cons:

• Doesn’t help control strong pullers
• Only has two adjustment points
• Not recommended for Bulldogs with respiratory/spinal issues

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Neoprene padding
• No-pull design
• Easy to adjust
• Includes handle for better control

No Pull Harness – If your Bulldog is a heavy puller, this harness from Julius K-9 is a great option. It’s made with heavy-duty polyester and neoprene, and design to gently wrap around your dog. Its padded design makes it good for Bulldogs with spinal and hip problems, and those with sensitive skin, and it’s no-pull design discourages your dog from pulling aggressively.

Pros:

• Comfortable fit
• Durable buckles and hardware
• Reflective material for enhanced safety

Cons:

• Velcro strap may wear down with heavy use
• Relatively heavy
• Not ideal for warm weather walks

Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Dog Harness with Seat belt Loop

Key Features

• Includes carabiner and strap
• Handle for better control
• Strong nylon straps
• Plenty of chest padding

Best Hiking Harness – This hiking harness is great for adventures with your Bulldog. Using the included strap and carabiner, you can easily secure your dog in the car. The light weight design is great for all-day wear, and features like multiple lead attachment points, a handle, and reflective trim help keep you and your dog safe on the trail.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Includes no-pull front clip
• Flexible nylon with reflective trim

Cons:

• Not crash-test rated
• Not recommended for Bulldogs with spinal issues
• Neck cannot be adjusted

Harness Lead Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Simple, one-piece design
• One-size-fits-all
• Escape proof
• Helps control pulling

No Escape Harness Lead – This all-in-one harness lead is perfect for Bulldogs who tend to escape their harnesses, as it features a design that wraps securely around the chest and neck. It also helps control pulling, as the rubber stops will gently tighten around your dog when it pulls away, and release when it stops pulling.

Pros:

• Rated for up to 3,700 lbs tensile strength
• No sharp buckles or stiff straps to irritate the skin
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Difficult to adjust for the first few uses
• Relatively short lead
• Not a good choice for Bulldogs with respiratory issues

PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness

Key Features:

• Simple two-strap design
• Extremely lightweight
• Includes no-pull front clip
• Four adjustment points for a custom fit

Best Walking Harness – For day-to-day walks, this minimalist dog harness from PetSafe is a great option. It’s easy to put on and take off, and the lightweight design is great if your Bulldog tends to overheat, or doesn’t like heavier harnesses. A no-pull ring helps keep your dog under control, and the multiple adjustment buckles make it easy to get the right fit.

Pros:

• One-buckle design for easy wear and removal
• Strong metal rings for better durability
• Helps reduce mild-to-moderate pulling

Cons:

• Straps may twist when improperly fitted
• Not ideal for extremely strong pullers
• Minimal padding

2 More Top Rated Harnesses

Need more options? Here are a couple of harnesses that didn’t quite make our top picks – but are still a great option for your Bulldog.

PetSafe 3 in 1 Dog Harness

This “3 in 1” dog harness from Petsafe is designed to function as a no-pull harness, a standard harness with a back leash attachment, and a car safety restraint, thanks to the rear handle. If you’re looking for a great “multitasker” harness for your Bulldog, this is definitely a good option for you.

Sporn Non-Pull Mesh Dog Harness

If your Bulldog has sensitive skin and a tendency to overheat in warm weather, this harness from Sporn is a great choice. The lightweight mesh won’t irritate the skin and is extremely breathable. The stretchy design keeps your pup comfortable, and helps prevent pulling, though it’s not ideal for dogs who pull excessively.

Frequently-Asked Questions About Bulldog Harnesses

Got more questions about buying a harness for your Bulldog? Here is a quick guide to 4 of the most frequently-asked questions about Bulldog harnesses.

• What Size Harness Should I Get For My Bulldog? Bulldogs are a medium-sized breed, so most harnesses designed for medium dogs will fit. However, Bulldogs do have a thicker chest than most breeds, so we don’t recommend ordering a harness blindly.
  Instead, you should measure the girth of your dog’s chest by using a flexible tape measure, and wrapping it around the broadest part of its chest. Then, you can use this measurement to pick out the proper harness size for your dog.
• Do I Need To Train My Bulldog To Wear Its Harness? No. Your Bulldog may put up a bit of resistance when you put its harness on at first, but it will quickly get used to it, and wearing a harness does not require any special training.
• Can My Bulldog Wear Its Harness All Day? In most cases, we don’t recommend it, unless your Bulldog doesn’t have sensitive skin. Some dogs with thicker coats may wear their harnesses all day, but many Bulldogs have skin and coat issues, so this is not the best choice for the breed.
• Will A Harness Help Train My Bulldog Not To Pull? It depends on the harness you get. If you buy a harness without no-pull features, your Bulldog may start to pull harder – because it’s no longer “choked” by a collar. That’s why we recommend buying a no-pull harness, and using it until your Bulldog has been properly trained not to pull. However, even a harness without a no-pull design will make it easier to control and secure your dog when it does pull.

Hopefully, these answers have helped you learn more about which harnesses are the best for Bulldogs. Think about what you’ve learned and browse our top picks, and you’ll choose the right harness for your dog!

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been educational and informative, and given you all the information you need to get the right harness for your dog. Take another look at the top pick we’ve listed above, and you’ll be able to get a harness that fits your budget, and will keep your Bulldog safe and secure during its walks and adventures!