I am the proud owner of 2 chiweenies at home, and I can tell you that they are truly energetic dogs. They need to burn their excess energy, either by themselves or with your help. You can walk with your chiweenie to tire it out. But this begs the question, what are the best harnesses for a chiweenie so you can walk them better?
The best harnesses for your chiweenie are those that consider these 5 factors: comfort, convenience, number of adjustment points, size, and visibility. The perfect harness is comfortable for your chiweenie, convenient to you as an owner, has multiple adjustment points for the perfect fit, and is highly visible even in low light conditions.
I have scoured the internet for the best harnesses you can use for your chiweenies. And I didn’t just find the best harnesses. I also learned about the importance of walking chiweenies and learning how to put on a dog harness. I will share everything I have learned in detail below.
Reasons to walk your chiweenie
You should buy a harness so you can walk your chiweenie properly. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should walk your chihuahua-dachshund crossbreed.
Your chiweenie needs exercise
Thanks to their chihuahua parents, chiweenies are energetic dogs. The best way to burn all their excess energy is through exercise. You can let your chiweenie play in the yard so it can be physically active. But you can also bond better with your chiweenie by walking with it outside.
If you don’t give your chiweenie enough exercise, it may get obese. Its extra weight can put too much stress on its body. This can result in back problems. It doesn’t help that chiweenies are already prone to back problems to begin with. If you don’t keep your chiweenie physically fit, you are just increasing its chances of getting back problems.
Your chiweenie is clingy
Thanks to their dachshund parents, chiweenies are very loyal dogs. They always like to be with their owners. Because they are so clingy, chiweenies are prone to get separation anxiety.
One good way to deal with separation anxiety is to bond with your dog. Assure it that you are there and that you care for it. And walking your dog is a great way of achieving that. Walking your dog is not just great for its physical health. It’s also great for its mental health.
Factors to consider in a harness for your chiweenie
You don’t just buy a random harness for your chiweenie to avoid the hassle of choosing from a lot of options. If you do, you may end up hurting your dog or inconveniencing yourself. Here are the biggest factors you should consider when looking for a harness for your chiweenie.
Comfort
Chiweenies can be very hard to train because of their stubbornness. It’s best to train them while they are young so they don’t form bad habits that will be hard to get rid of when they are already adults.
You’re not doing yourself any favors if you don’t choose a comfortable harness. Your chiweenie is already uncooperative in itself. Don’t make it any harder to convince it to wear a harness by giving it an uncomfortable one. Give preference to harnesses that are breathable, lightweight, and soft.
Convenience
A good harness for your chiweenie is one you can easily put on and off. For your sake, a harness that is easy to put on and off will encourage you to use it often. You can’t say the same thing for a complicated harness. A complicated harness can even dissuade you from putting a harness on your dog and walking it.
For your dog’s sake, a harness that is easy to put on and off will make it more cooperative. After all, your chiweenie can be very stubborn. That stubbornness can only get worse if you spend a lot of time trying to put a harness on your dog.
Number of adjustment points
One thing that affects the comfort of a harness is its number of adjustment points. Remember that your chiweenie is unique. Your dog may not fit perfectly on a typical harness. But you can make up for this by buying an adjustable harness.
If your harness is too big, your chiweenie may slip out easily. If it is too small, your chiweenie may find it harder to breathe or move. It’s important to buy a harness that has several adjustment points so you are sure that it will fit perfectly to your chiweenie.
Size
Chiweenies are generally small dogs. But their sizes can be very inconsistent. Their size will depend on which side of the family they will get their size – the chihuahua or the dachshund side.
This can be a problem when you are looking for a harness for your chiweenie. It’s important to measure your dog properly before even thinking of shopping for a harness. Also, consult manufacturers or follow their guidelines for sizing to ensure that you are buying a harness that will fit perfectly.
Visibility
Chiweenies are courageous and loyal dogs. These traits make them great watchdogs. But this doesn’t mean that they are not vulnerable. If you are going to walk your chiweenie outside, be aware of the potential dangers. You or the people around you may not be able to spot your chiweenie immediately. This can be a bigger problem if you plan to walk your chiweenie during nighttime or winter. The low lighting will put your chiweenie at greater risk.
To prevent visibility issues, consider getting a harness made with reflective materials or strong colors.
Best harnesses for your chiweenie
These are the best harnesses for your chiweenie. They consider all of the factors mentioned above.
1. Bark Appeal Mesh Step-in Dog Harness
The Bark Appeal Mesh Step-in Dog Harness is very simple, but it gets the job done without the technicalities. Being a step-in harness, this is perfect for a chiweenie that doesn’t like to put anything over its head, like a pull-over harness.
It is made with a breathable and soft mesh to ensure that your chiweenie will be comfortable and safe from neck strain. There are also a lot of colors to choose from, including camouflage for your adventurous dog.
2. EcoBark Classic No Pull and No Choke Dog Harness
The EcoBark Classic No Pull and No Choke Dog Harness is made of breathable and double-layered mesh fabric. But don’t be fooled. Despite its comfortable makeup, this harness is very durable. It’s specifically designed for small dogs who can pull whenever you walk them.
It also has anti-rub technology to prevent chafing and other skin problems that can occur from the friction between your dog and the harness. This is a great feature, considering that chiweenies generally have sensitive skin.
3. EzyDog Quick Fit Adjustable Dog Harness
At first glance, the EzyDog Quick Fit Adjustable Dog Harness looks like a complicated harness. But don’t let the dangling straps confuse you. It has the EzyDog One-Click Fit System that is convenient not just for you but also for your chiweenie.
It has a neoprene padded chest sleeve that is both comfortable and durable. It is also water-proof for the more adventurous chiweenies. This harness also gets top marks in the visibility department. It has reflective stitching throughout its body, so you won’t have visibility issues if you plan to walk your chiweenie in low light conditions.
4. GingerLead Dog Support and Rehabilitation Dog Harness
As a small dog, your chiweenie can be prone to injuries and back problems. Thanks to the traits it has inherited from its chihuahua and dachshund parents. The GingerLead Dog Support and Rehabilitation Dog Harness is the best for old and physically-challenged dogs. In fact, this harness is being used a lot in veterinary hospitals throughout the United States.
It is also easy to put on and adjust. The sling is adjustable so you can walk your dog in a comfortable standing position.
5. Gooby Comfort X Step-in Small Dog Harness
Gooby Pet launched in 2002. They have been in the dog industry for a long time, so you are sure that they are bringing quality to the table. The Gooby Comfort X Step-in Small Dog Harness doesn’t disappoint.
This harness is specifically designed for small dogs like your chiweenie. Thanks to its simple step-in design, it’s easy to put on and off. Just put the paws of your chiweenie in the designated holes in the harness. This harness also has 4 adjustment points, so it can fit perfectly to your dog. The best thing about this harness is the fact that it has a patented no choke design that distributes the force of pulling in the chest area.
6. Hurrta Weekend Warrior Adjustable Dog Harness
The Hurrta Weekend Warrior Adjustable Dog Harness is specifically designed for an active dog, which is exactly what a chiweenie is. This harness gets perfect scores in adjustability, convenience, and visibility.
This harness can be adjusted both in the neck and chest for the perfect fit, and these adjustment points have been tested on hundreds of dogs during product development. The buckles of this harness are in the chest strap, so the harness is easy to put on and off. You don’t have to lift your chiweenie’s legs. The harness also has reflective prints and piping for improved low light visibility.
7. Pawtitas Reflective Step-in Dog Harness
Like the Bark Appeal Mesh Step-in Dog Harness, the Pawtitas Reflective Step-in Dog Harness is perfect for chiweenies that don’t like stuff going over their head. Because it is a step-in harness, you can just spread it across the floor, put your chiweenie’s forelegs inside the loops, and wrap the straps in your dog’s shoulders. The harness also has reflective stitching for improved low light visibility.
If you are the type of person who likes customization, this harness is for you. It has more than 20 different colors, including orange habanero, pink cherry blossom, and teal turquoise wave.
8. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
The PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness was designed by a veterinary behaviorist 15 years ago. The fact that it is still around proves that it is a great harness. What makes this harness truly great is that it teaches your chiweenie good leash manners. The harness is designed to minimize pulling and stir your dog to the direction you are walking. It’s perfect for energetic and untrained dogs. But there’s no need to worry about the strain. This harness rests in your dog’s chest and not in the throat.
Another great thing about this harness is that it has a very simple and minimalistic design, unlike other harnesses that have a lot of straps that can be confusing and uncomfortable.
9. Puppia RiteFit Dog Harness
No dog is the same. You may have a hard time finding the perfectly-fitted harness for your chiweenie because of your dog’s unique measurements. It’s a good thing that the Puppia RiteFit Dog Harness is specifically designed for dogs between sizes.
It’s made with a breathable mesh for maximum airflow, breathability, and general comfort. It’s easy to put on and off because of its quick-release buckle. And most of all, it has 2 adjustment points, in the neck and in the chest, to make sure it perfectly fits your unique dog.
10. Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
The Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness may look simple at first glance. But simple can sometimes be the best. This harness checks all the right boxes. This harness is comfortable because of its foam-padded strips in the belly and chest areas. It is convenient because you can easily put it over your chiweenie’s head and lock it in place with its side buckles. It has 4 adjustment points for easy fitting and moving. And it has a reflective trim for improved low light visibility.
This harness is simple, efficient, and durable.
11. Voyager Air Step-in Dog Harness
The Voyager Air Step-in Dog Harness is made with breathable and soft mesh. It is not just comfortable and lightweight. It is also designed for all weather conditions. Moisture can easily evaporate from your chiweenie’s coat.
It’s very easy to put on and off like other step-in dog harnesses. Put your chiweenie’s forelegs inside the loops, wrap the straps, and do the buckles. It’s also highly visible because of the two reflective bands on the sides. It’s perfect for early morning and late evening walks with your chiweenie.
Learn the general ways of putting on a dog harness
As you can see above, there are different kinds of dog harnesses that have their own unique features and mechanisms. They may sound confusing, but once you get them in your hands, you will realize that dog harnesses in general are not complex at all.
Generally, there are 2 ways to put on dog harnesses. The other ways are just variations of these ways.
- Put the dog harness over your dog’s head. Some harnesses are designed to be put on by slipping them over your dog’s head and securing them in the back or chest area.
- Put the dog harness under your dog’s forelegs. Some harnesses are designed to be put on by slipping them under your dog’s forelegs and securing them in the back or chest area.
Don’t forget to measure your chiweenie
Before buying any of the great harnesses above, make sure to measure your chiweenie first. I can’t stress this enough. You don’t want to end up with a great harness that doesn’t fit your dog properly.
Sizes are very inconsistent too. A “small” size from one company can be a “medium” for another. Make your harness shopping fail-proof by knowing the exact measurements of your chiweenie. Use a tape measure. There are 3 main measurements to know: the chest area, length, and neck area.
- Chest Measure the widest area of your chiweenie’s chest. The widest area is usually the part just beyond the forelegs. Wrap the tape measure around this widest area to get the measurement.
- Length Measure your chiweenie from the collar to the base of the tail. Run your tape measure across the top of your chiweenie to get the measurement.
- Neck If your chiweenie has a collar, you can just take the collar off, spread it, and measure it. If your chiweenie doesn’t have a collar, you can measure its neck size by putting the tape measure around its neck.
If you don’t have a tape measure, you can use yarn, rope, or any other flexible material. After using the material on your chiweenie, lay down the material, and measure its length using a ruler. That can give you a measurement that is just as accurate as a tape measure.
Buy a harness for your chiweenie now
Chiweenies are clingy and energetic dogs. They want to bond with you and burn excess energy. Is there a better way to accomplish these two at the same time than walking? Buy a harness now and walk with your chiweenie.
The harnesses I have compiled above are diverse enough to accommodate you and your chiweenie’s needs, wants, and preferences.