7 Best Dog Harnesses for Rottweilers in 2024

Originating in Germany, Rottweilers (or Rotties) are known for their intelligence as well as their mellow yet highly protective demeanor. Bred as working dogs to herd cattle and haul small wagons and carts, they are extremely muscular and have a great deal of stamina.

Despite their reputation as guard dogs or attack dogs, Rottweilers are more laid back than some of the other breeds that work in this capacity.

They are observant, often waiting to engage in any activity or approach unfamiliar people or environments. But once they do engage, they are ferocious and can do a great deal of damage.

However, that doesn’t mean you discount them as a breed for a family pet. As long as you are willing to properly socialize, train, and give your Rottie a “job” to do, they are a good choice if you want a protective family dog. They are gentle giants who don’t know their own strength when it all comes down to it.

Note that some communities have banned Rottweilers, so you may want to investigate what your city’s regulations are before you adopt or buy from a reputable breeder.

If you do decide to introduce a Rottie to your family, you will probably want to invest in a harness rather than a leash for your daily walks and other activities.

Due to a Rottweiler’s size and strength, a collar and leash will probably not be adequate to control your pup. When it’s time to go for a walk, they might end up taking you for a spin around the neighborhood.

Different Types of Dog Harnesses for Rottweilers

Because Rotties are so big and so strong, you will need a harness that can withstand the test of time, more so than with smaller breeds.

You will also want to research what type of leash attachment a harness has, how durable it is, what materials were used, what kinds of buckles it has, and if it has a handle on the back for extra control in stressful situations.

Leash Attachments and Back Handles

Harnesses come in three different styles, depending on where the leash attaches to the harness: front-clip, back-clip, and dual-clip.

Does your Rottie pull too much on his leash? Then you’ll want to go for a front-clip or dual-clip harness because when they start to pull on the leash, it will turn your dog toward you and away from whatever it’s pulling towards.

Durability, Material, and Comfort

Your Rottie will more than likely push any harness to its limits. For that reason, you’ll want one that is made out of heavy-duty fabric. Nylon is the strongest with polyester as a close second. Most harnesses for Rottweilers are either nylon or polyester.

While durability is essential, don’t discount comfort. You’ll want a harness with padding, usually neoprene, to keep your dog’s skin protected from friction. Mesh is also comfortable because it stretches and moves with your pup.

Buckle Style and Overall Fit

Tough dogs like Rotties require tough hardware, usually metal rings and clasps, as opposed to plastic. If you must buy a harness that uses plastic, quick-release buckles, then make sure they are substantial.

You’ll also want to look for one with several adjustment points and straps for the ideal fit. A harness that doesn’t fit well may end up being uncomfortable if too tight or easy to escape from if too loose.

If your dog is an escape artist, flat buckles are better for preventing an escape. They are harder to put on, but it’s better to have the peace of mind in knowing your Rottie can’t wiggle out of his harness.
Still feeling overwhelmed? We’ve done extensive research and found seven of the best harnesses on the market for your adult Rottie plus one for your puppy.

Best Dog Harnesses for Rottweilers

Best Overall: Julius-K9 Powerharness

Key Features :

• Sturdy
• Comfortable
• Water-resistant
• Adjustable loop and strap

At the top of our list is the Julius-K9 Powerharness. This harness looks and feels like harnesses used by service dogs and K9 police dogs, so it’s no wonder that it’s a popular harness for parents of Rottweilers.

The back-clip leash attachment is steel rather than plastic, and it has a sturdy back handle for superior control over your Rottie should you find yourself in a stressful situation.

Despite its rugged appearance, this harness is comfortable for the dog to wear thanks to the breathable mesh inner lining and water-resistant outer layer.

You’ll also like the fit as well, as it has an adjustable hook and loop chest strap. The quick-release buckle is plastic, but owners say that it is sturdy enough for large dogs like Rotties.

Owners also like that this harness does not restrict the movement of the legs, allowing for a wide range of motion for extremely active Rottweilers.

Plus, it has a reflective strip for those times when you have to walk or run with your dog in the early morning or late evening hours.

Six More Top-of-the-Line Dog Harnesses for Rottweilers

Here are six of our other recommendations for harnesses.

Sporn Non Pull – Best for Training, No-Pull

Key Features :

• Deters pulling
• Padded restraints put pressure on legs
• Stretchy mesh and heavy-duty nylon
• Back-clip style

Given Rotties are one of the most substantial dog breeds around, they tug on their leashes without even trying. For Rotties that pull even more on their leashes, we recommend this no-pull harness.

The Sporn harness is a back-clip style, which is unusual for no-pull harnesses. The way this harness deters pulling is with padded restraints that go under the dog’s front legs.

As your dog pulls, the padded restraints create a tickling sensation that most dogs do not care for. You should note that the sensation does not hurt in any way, nor is it harmful to your dog.

The rest of the harness has stretchy mesh and heavy-duty nylon that can weather repeated pulling by big, burly dogs like Rottweilers.

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness – Best for the Car 

Key Features :

• Crash-tested
• Great for the car
• Sturdy and comfortable
• Adjustable

If you have a Rottie that loves to go for a ride, you want a harness that will protect them in the car. The Kurgo Tru-Fit Harness is crash-tested for large dogs.

To help protect your pup in the car, the Kurgo is packaged with an extra clip that secures the harness to your car’s seat belt. This also helps keep him or her from roaming around the vehicle, which can also present a hazard while driving.

The harness also uses a proprietary steel Nesting Buckle System, which, when combined with the extra clip, provides the ultimate level of safety when you take your Rottie on a road trip.

Despite its rugged appearance, this harness is very comfortable. You’ll note that there is padding in the chest piece, and the design allows for pressure to be evenly distributed across your dog’s chest. Getting a great fit is also easy with several places where you can adjust the straps.

Frisco Padded Front Lead Dog Harness – Best for Walking

Key Features :

• Great for walking
• Dual-clip design
• Padded for comfort
• Over-the-head design

 The Frisco Front-Lead harness is an outstanding choice if you’re budget conscious and only need a harness for walking your Rottie.

Thanks to its dual-clip design, you can start off with the front clip to train your pooch to keep from pulling. When she pulls, she’ll end up facing you and not whatever caught her attention.

As your Rottie stops pulling on the leash, you can switch to using the back ring leash attachment for your walks.

Note that this harness goes over your pup’s head, so you’ll need that neck measurement for the perfect fit. It is padded for comfort, and the adjustable nylon straps use a hefty plastic buckle for fastening. Once the harness is on, you secure it with two nylon straps.

Kurgo Journey – Best for Hiking 

Key Features :

• Durable
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Machine-washable
• Dual-clip design

Are you a hiker? Then you should buy this harness. At first glance, you’ll notice that the clips resemble those used on mountain climbing harnesses. Kurgo designed them this way on purpose to give the harness the same durability and safety that mountain climbers require.

And when you come home from a long hike, you can throw this harness in the wash to prep it for your next adventure. Owners also like that it’s comfortable for the dog to wear for long periods of activity.

It is a dual-clip design for versatility, and also has a back handle is useful for helping get your pup out of a car or controlling him or her in a high-stress situation.

Kurgo Journey Air – Best for Running

Key Features :

• Breathable mesh layer
• Rip-stop layer
• Dual-clip design
• Machine-washable

If you’re someone who likes to run, we recommend this harness because of its breathable mesh layer that lies underneath super strong ripstop material. It will keep your Rottie cool as you both jog around the neighborhood.

When you’re finished with running for the day, you can pop it in the wash to keep it smelling clean and fresh.

We also like the dual-clip design and back handle. You never know when you might come across something your Rottie gets overly excited about.

Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness – Best Indestructible/Chew Proof

Key Features :

• Chew-resistant
• Reflective strips
• Durable
• Adjustable

With their powerful jaws, Rotties are notorious chewers. We recommend Chai’s Choice because while it’s not chew-proof, it is chew-resistant. Dogs of all breeds have a hard time chewing through the super strong nylon material.

Despite it being chew-resistant and durable, it is still comfortable for your dog to wear with its breathable mesh padded chest piece and several places to adjust it for a proper fit.

Best Harness for a Rottweiler Puppy

While most of the harnesses above can be used for a Rottweiler puppy, there is one brand of dog harness we think you should take into consideration.

Puppia RiteFit Soft Dog Harness

Key Features :

• Affordable
• Breathable chest plate
• Adjustable
• Soft material

Rottie puppies will outgrow most harnesses almost as fast as you can buy them. That’s why we recommend an affordable yet high-quality harness to get you through the puppy growth spurts.

It’s incredibly comfortable thanks to the soft and breathable chest plate, and multiple adjustment points make it easy to get a good fit for your puppy. You should still measure your pooch for the best fit.

How Do I Ensure the Best Fit for My Rottweiler?

While it’s tempting, don’t go by weight alone when buying a harness. There are a few measurements you’ll need for the perfect fit.

First, take the string or tape measure and wrap it around your dog’s chest at its widest point. Then add two inches in case your Rottie puts on weight or has a heavy winter coat.

Even though some harnesses don’t use neck measurements, it can’t hurt to have this measurement on hand given Rottweiler necks tend to be thick, and their heads are large in proportion to their bodies.

Next, put on the harness, fasten all of the clips, and adjust all of the straps. Can you fit two fingers under the straps? If so, then it’s snug enough to prevent escape but comfortable enough for the pooch.

Rottweiler Harness Comparison Table
Rank	Harness	Price	Rating
#1	Julius-K9 Powerharness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#2	Sporn Non Pull Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#3	Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#4	Frisco Padded Front Lead Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#5	Kurgo Journey Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A
#6	Kurgo Journey Air Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A
#7	Chai’s Choice 3M Reflective Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
Best Puppy Harness	Puppia RiteFit Soft Dog Harness Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A

Tips for Getting Your Rottweiler Accustomed to Using a Harness

Rottweilers, with their sheer strength, will most likely take you for a walk rather than vice versa. A leash will not teach them how to walk without pulling or straining, which despite their size, can damage their windpipe. But the right harness will.

Here are some tips for helping your Rottie grow accustomed to using a harness.

1. Take the harness out of the package and show it to her. She’ll probably want to sniff it look at it carefully. When she shows interest, reward her with a treat or toy.
2. Once she’s forgotten about the harness, leave it lying around the house, so she gets used to seeing it.
3. Next, put the harness on and wear it while inside the house.
4. Finally, take her out for a fun activity, so she associates the harness with fun times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a harness better than a leash and collar?

No matter if you have a small breed or a giant breed of dog, harnesses are a better choice than a leash and collar.

Not only can collars damage a dog’s windpipe if they pull too much on the leash, but some dogs can also escape collars and run off down the street.

What type of harness is best for Rottweilers?

Due to their size and strength, durability is the most crucial feature for Rottweiler harnesses.

We suggest one that is made with the strongest materials available and has sturdy buckles and rings that can withstand a great deal of pressure.

How do I get the best fitting harness for a Rottweiler puppy?

It’s no different than sizing a mature Rottie by measuring their neck and chest. Depending on how old your Rottie puppy is, you may need a smaller size.

Conclusion

Now that you know what goes into choosing a harness for your loveable Rottie and reviewed our top picks, we feel confident that you will choose the right one for you and your pup’s needs.

You really can’t go wrong with any of the harnesses we reviewed because they are all made out of high-quality materials that can stand up to the paces a Rottie will undoubtedly put them through. You’ll need to take a close look and decide which one is right for you and for your dog.