Dog Harness Types: Choose The Right Style

Dog harnesses come in H-shape, Y-shape, front-clip, back-clip, dual-clip, head halters, easy-on and step-in designs. You can break harnesses down into two types: front-clip (redirects pulling) and back-clip (comfort for casual walks). Y-harnesses allow free shoulder movement; H-harnesses distribute weight evenly.

We Categorize Our Two Harnesses As Step-In And Easy-On:

Step-In Harness

This is our original design, perfect for dogs with broad chests or pups who are Houdinis in harnesses. It features a chest strap and a back clip, plus customizable embroidery or buckle engraving. It’s a snug, secure fit for daily walks, just step in, clip up, and go.

👉Shop The Mimi Green Step-In Harness

Easy-On Harness

This simpler, streamlined style skips the chest strap, making it a favorite for dogs with sensitive chests or who dislike bulky gear. It’s back-clip only, available in all our signature fabrics, and great for quick, fuss-free walks.

👉Shop Our Most Popular Mimi Green Easy-On Harness

What Are the Main Types of Dog Harnesses?

Back-Clip Harnesses: The Everyday Choice

The back-clip harness is one of the most familiar designs. It features a simple D-ring located on the dog’s upper back where the leash attaches. For calm dogs who walk politely on leash, this style offers comfort and ease. There’s no risk of leash entanglement, and the design avoids any pressure on the neck.

However, if your dog tends to pull, the back-clip harness provides little control. Since the force of pulling isn’t redirected, strong dogs can leverage their full body weight to continue pulling forward, often making walks challenging for their handlers.

Front-Clip Harnesses: For Pullers In Training

For dogs who haven’t yet mastered loose leash walking, front-clip harnesses can be a useful training tool. That being said, we’ve found they often shift off-center and create uncomfortable friction under the dog’s legs, especially with rough materials or high-tension pulling. 

We prefer well-fitted back-clip harnesses like our Step-In and Easy-On styles, which provide effective control without causing chafing or disrupting your pup’s natural movement. These harnesses are adjustable and gentle on sensitive chests.

Dual-Clip Harnesses: The Versatile Hybrid

Dual-clip harnesses offer attachment points on both the back and front, giving owners flexibility. Use the front clip during training sessions to reduce pulling and switch to the back clip for relaxed walks. Some owners also use both clips simultaneously with a double-ended leash for additional guidance.

However, there is some debate about whether dual-clip designs are always necessary. For many casual walkers, a single well-fitted front-clip or back-clip harness can meet their needs without extra hardware.

Mimi Green’s Harness

Featured Product 👉 Step In Designer Dog Harness.

Mimi Green offers handcrafted dog harness styles: with a simple over-the-head design and with  step-in option. Both feature washable fabrics, secure construction, and personalized details. A well-fitted harness helps protect your dog’s neck while making walks and playtime more enjoyable for you both.

The step-in design works well for dogs who tend to slip out of other harnesses, thanks to its adjustable chest strap for a snug fit. However, for dogs new to harnesses, guiding their front legs into the openings may take a little practice.

If you prefer an easy, streamlined option that’s lightweight and quick to put on, the Easy-On style is a great choice.

What’s the Difference Between H and Y Harnesses?

H-Shaped Harness

The H-shaped harness consists of a horizontal strap across the chest and a vertical belly strap, forming a clear “H” when viewed from above. This design distributes pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders, reducing concentrated strain on the neck.

However, for certain dogs, especially active or athletic breeds, the horizontal chest strap may slightly restrict shoulder movement. Dogs who require full shoulder freedom for activities like running, agility, or hiking might find this design less accommodating.

Y-Shaped Harness

The Y-shaped harness features a V-formation over the chest, with straps running along the sides of the neck and meeting at the breastbone. This allows the dog’s shoulders to move freely without obstruction. 

Specialized Harness Styles: Beyond Daily Walks

Step-In Harnesses: For Wiggly or Nervous Dogs

Step-in harnesses are exactly what they sound like. You lay the harness on the ground, the dog steps into it, and you fasten it over their back. This design avoids slipping anything over the dog’s head, making it an excellent choice for nervous or head-shy dogs who freeze or resist traditional harnesses.

Because of their easy-on, easy-off nature, step-in harnesses work well for small breeds or senior dogs who need gentle handling. However, they generally provide less control for heavy pullers compared to front-clip models.

Head Halters: For Extreme Pullers

A head halter controls pulling by gently steering the dog’s head, much like a horse halter. When the dog attempts to pull forward, the halter redirects their head toward the handler, naturally limiting forward motion.

This tool can be highly effective for managing large, strong dogs that are difficult to control. Still, some dogs strongly dislike the feeling of a strap across their nose or muzzle, and proper acclimation is critical to avoid stress or resistance.

No-Pull Harnesses with Tightening Mechanisms

Some no-pull harnesses incorporate tightening mechanisms that gently apply pressure when the dog pulls. This added tension encourages the dog to ease off pulling, but if used improperly or excessively, it may create discomfort or anxiety. These designs are best used under the guidance of a professional trainer and only as temporary tools in a larger training plan.

Escape-Proof Harnesses

Some dogs are masters of the great escape, especially narrow-waisted, deep-chested breeds or extra-flexible pups who can Houdini their way out of standard harnesses. For these dogs, harnesses with extra belly straps and multiple adjustment points can help secure a better fit and reduce the risk of back-outs.

But a quick word of caution: Beware of marketing terms like “escape-proof” or “chew-proof.” No harness is truly immune to a determined dog. Fit, supervision, and understanding your dog’s specific needs are far more important than any product promise. A well-fitted harness—especially one with multiple points of contact—is a much safer bet for tricky body types or dogs who are always plotting their next breakout.

Material Choices Matter

Featured Product 👉Nylon Dog Harness

Nylon

Nylon harnesses are widely available and affordable. They’re easy to find in countless colors and patterns. While functional for many dogs, nylon can fray with heavy wear and may cause friction on sensitive skin if not properly padded.

Biothane: Waterproof Winner

For dogs who live for muddy trails, rainy walks, or water play, Biothane harnesses are hard to beat. Waterproof, odor-resistant, and easy to clean, Biothane offers a durable, flexible alternative to traditional fabrics. Unlike leather or nylon, it resists bacteria buildup, making it especially popular for active outdoor dogs.

Laminated Cotton: For Sensitive Pups

Some dogs struggle with skin sensitivities, allergies, or simply need an extra touch of softness. For these pups, laminated cotton harness options offer a more comfortable solution. Mimi Green’s handmade harnesses feature these gentle materials, paired with custom-fit designs that prevent chafing while adding a touch of personal flair. This material is also water resistant, making the pattern stay fresh for years to come!

Fitting Is Everything: How to Measure for a Harness

A harness that doesn’t fit correctly can turn even the best design into a frustration. A good fit keeps your dog secure, prevents chafing, and allows natural movement. Here’s how to get it right:

Step-by-Step Sizing Guide

1. Measure the Chest Girth: Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the widest part of your dog’s ribcage, typically just behind the front legs.
2. Measure the Neck Girth: Some harnesses require neck measurements. Wrap the tape around the base of the neck where the collar would sit.
3. Add Room for Comfort: You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the harness and your dog’s body. Snug but not tight.
4. Account for Adjustability: If your dog is between sizes, choose the larger option. A quality harness will offer multiple points of adjustment for a custom fit.

Why Sizing Charts Often Fail Unique Body Types

Many dogs don’t fit neatly into standard size charts. Breeds like corgis (barrel chest, short neck) or greyhounds (deep chest, narrow waist) often fall between sizes, leaving owners guessing. Off-the-rack harnesses rarely accommodate these nuances, which is why custom-fitted options offer a significant advantage.

Special Notes for Puppies

Young puppies present a unique challenge: their chest muscles haven’t fully developed, and their proportions change rapidly as they grow. Lightweight, highly adjustable harnesses are best. Avoid rigid designs that may fit poorly during growth spurts. Frequent fit checks are key to ensuring safety as your puppy matures.

When Custom Beats Mass-Produced

No two dogs are exactly alike, so why should their harnesses be? At Mimi Green, every harness is handmade to order right here in the USA, ensuring that your dog’s individual needs come first.

• Handmade Fit for Odd Body Shapes: Whether your dog has a deep chest, tiny neck, or unique proportions, our team can craft a harness that truly fits.
• Material Variety for Lifestyle & Skin Sensitivities: From waterproof Biothane for adventure seekers to soft velvet and laminated cotton for dogs with allergies, we build comfort into every layer.
• True Personalization: Add your dog’s name, phone number, or medical info directly onto the buckle or nameplate, no noisy dangling tags. You can even add your pups hand embroidered name to the harness!
• Durability Meets Style: Each harness is designed for years of wear while showcasing your pup’s unique personality.

When safety, comfort, and individuality matter, custom beats mass production every time.

Quick Reference Chart: Best Harness by Dog Type

Dog Type	Best Harness Type
Pullers	Front-Clip Y-Harness
Small breeds	Padded Step-In
Escape Artists	Escape-Proof Dual-Belly
Outdoorsy Dogs	Biothane Waterproof
Seniors	Lightweight, low-profile

The Right Harness = Safer, Happier Walks

Choosing a harness doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Once you match your dog’s body type, behavior, and lifestyle, the perfect solution becomes obvious.

If your pup needs a custom-fit, USA-made harness that’s built with care, we’re always here to help you find the paw-fect fit.

Ready to Find Your Dog’s Perfect Harness?

Whether you’re frustrated by ill-fitting standard sizes, worried about shoulder strain from poorly designed front-clips, or simply want your dog to strut comfortably in style, Mimi Green has you covered.

• Tailored Fit: Every harness is made-to-order based on your dog’s unique measurements.
• Material Options for Every Need: Waterproof Biothane for muddy trail lovers, soft velvet for sensitive skin, or laminated cotton for lightweight comfort.
• Built-In Safety: Personalized nameplates integrated into the harness remove the risk of lost ID tags.

Handmade with love in the USA, our harnesses feel right. Because your dog deserves more than “good enough.”

Explore Mimi Green’s Personalized & Custom Design harness collection today. Your dog’s next walk will thank you.