Some dogs don’t fit into standard sizing charts. We learned this firsthand when we brought home our adorable longhaired dachshund, Django, in late 2015.
As a tiny puppy, Django could wear just about anything. Soft little harnesses. Cute t-shirts. Dog apparel and accessories that worked fine for a five-pound doxie who barely pulled and mostly just toddled beside us (or caught a ride in his city-friendly pet tote carrier).
But as Django grew into his adult dachshund body — with a strong chest, long lean frame, and confident strut on his short legs — everything sizing-wise changed. Suddenly, the harnesses at the big box pet store near our Brooklyn apartment didn’t fit quite right.
The neck would gap even when the chest felt snug. Or the chest would fit, but the straps would sit awkwardly under his arms. Many harnesses didn’t have much adjustability — especially around the neck — so if one part fit, another part didn’t. Some felt stiff and bulky across his back or were made from materials that felt rough against his thin-haired coat. Others twisted slightly when he walked, which made me nervous. And a few didn’t feel secure at all, especially once he started pulling with more confidence.
This experience is what led us to start designing our own dog harnesses at DJANGO.
If you live with a dachshund, French bulldog, Boston terrier, corgi, pug, or another small dog with a pronounced chest or unique body proportions, you probably know exactly what I’m talking about. This guide walks through why standard harnesses can feel “off” on these unique body types, and what actually makes a difference.
Why Most Harnesses Don’t Fit Deep-Chested and Broad-Chested Small Dogs
If you’ve ever put a harness on your dog and thought, “It technically fits… but something feels off,” you’re not imagining it.
Not all small dogs are built the same. Some have a deep, narrow rib cage. Others have a broader, more barrel-shaped chest. Some have longer backs with shorter legs and lower ground clearance. And many have a combination of these traits.
When a harness is designed around a more “average” dog body, those structural differences start to matter. Strap angles change. Neck openings sit differently. Pressure distributes differently. And what looks fine at first glance can feel subtly misaligned once your dog starts moving.
Examples of deep-chested small dogs (deep, narrow rib cages):
- Dachshund (miniature and standard)
- Italian Greyhound
- Whippet
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Poodle
Examples of broad- and barrel-chested small dogs:
- French Bulldog
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Pembroke and Cardigan Welsh Corgis
Examples of small dogs with variable chest proportions:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Chihuahua (including deer-head types)
- Cavapoo and other small poodle mixes
And honestly, any small dog with a pronounced rib cage, a broader chest, narrower shoulders, or a longer back can run into similar harness fit issues (even if their breed isn’t listed here).
The above dog breeds don’t fit the “lab-shaped” template many harnesses are patterned after. When a harness is cut for a straighter torso and moderate chest depth, small misalignments start showing up quickly.
And because a harness is something your dog wears every single day and something you rely on for their safety and wellbeing, these small misalignments matter.
Common Harness Fit Problems in Deep-Chested, Broad-Chested, and Long-Backed Small Dogs
Here’s what we’ve seen over and over again, both with DJANGO and from customers who came to us after struggling with other harnesses over the years.
1. Gaping at the Neck
The chest fits, but the neck doesn’t.
When the neckline floats away from the body, it’s not just annoying. It can increase the ability of a dog to slip out of the harness and escape.
2. Pressure on the Lower Back
If a harness sits too far back or doesn’t properly distribute pressure across the chest, tension can travel toward the lumbar area. That’s especially concerning for long-backed breeds like dachshunds who are genetically prone to Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) and spinal issues.
3. Restricted Shoulder Movement
Poorly shaped front panels can creep toward the throat or restrict natural shoulder motion, which makes walks less comfortable over time.
And for breeds that rely on a natural, free-moving gait for overall physical well-being, that restriction isn’t just annoying. It can subtly change their stride, which over time may place unnecessary strain on joints and muscles — especially in long-backed breeds.
4. Escape Risk
Narrow shoulders + loose neckline + sudden backward movement = a dog stepping right out of the harness. It’s something we hear about all the time from customers describing what happened with other harnesses before they found DJANGO harnesses for their dog.
5. Straps Rubbing Under the Arms
Shorter legs and deeper or broader chests change strap angles. If the harness isn’t shaped correctly, friction becomes an issue.
If any of the above sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And it’s not your dog being “hard to fit.” You just haven’t found a proper fitting harness yet.
What to Look for in a Proper Harness for Deep-Chested and Broad-Chested Small Dogs
If you’re shopping for a harness for a small dog with a deep, broad, or barrel-shaped chest (or a long-backed build), here are the design details that truly matter.
Adjustable Neck and Chest
This is huge. If only the chest adjusts, you’re forced to compromise somewhere. A properly adjustable neckline helps dial in fit for narrower shoulders and fuller rib cages — which is often the trickiest part.
A Y-Shaped Harness Front
A well-shaped Y-front allows for natural shoulder movement and distributes pressure along the strong chest rather than the throat.
Strong Chest Support
The goal is for pressure to sit across the sternum (the strong chest bone), not travel upward toward the neck or backward toward the spine.
When you’re looking at a harness online, pay close attention to where the front panel sits on the dog. The top of the harness should rest below the neckline, not dig into the base of the neck where a collar would sit.
Lightweight Back Construction
Small dogs don’t need bulky material across their backs. Structured doesn’t have to mean heavy.
Escape-Proof Harness Fit
A properly adjusted neck circumference and balanced proportions go a long way toward preventing back-outs.
If you’re currently adjusting a harness every single walk, that’s usually a sign something about the shape isn’t quite right.
How We Designed Harnesses Around These Principles
When we started designing our own harnesses, we didn’t begin with trends or colors. We began with fit.
We also didn’t want to simply tweak a generic, one-size-fits-most template. Instead, we built from the ground up around the proportions we were trying to solve for: deeper or broader chests, narrower shoulders, longer backs, and smaller frames.
Every DJANGO harness was designed with those body types in mind, but the result is a thoughtful, well-balanced fit that works beautifully for most dogs — not just deep-chested breeds.
Both dog harness styles we currently offer, Adventure and Tahoe, are built around the same core ideas: adjustability where it matters, chest-first support, careful shaping, and materials that feel comfortable on smaller frames while still being durable enough for everyday adventure.
From there, the designs diverge slightly depending on use case.
The DJANGO Adventure Dog Harness
The Adventure Dog Harness is our more lightweight, streamlined option. It is intentionally designed for small dogs who need something comfortable enough for everyday wear, secure enough for confident walks, and thoughtfully made with premium materials that can handle more rugged adventures, too.
This Y-shaped harness was built with proportion in mind, which is especially helpful for harder-to-fit breeds. It features:
- One back D-ring for standard leash attachment
- A flexible webbing back panel that moves naturally with your dog
- Solid cast hardware for peace of mind
- Adjustable neck and chest straps for a dialed-in fit
- Sizes S–L, ideal for small to medium breeds up to 25-30 lbs
Because of its thoughtful shaping and adjustability, it’s become a favorite not only for deep-chested breeds like dachshunds and sighthounds, but for broad or round-chested breeds like corgis, too — and for many small dogs whose owners have struggled to find a harness that truly fits.
It’s lightweight without feeling flimsy, structured without feeling bulky, designed to support natural movement on everyday walks, and crafted to last.
Shop the Adventure Dog Harness
The DJANGO Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness
The Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness was designed for dogs who need a bit more structure and owners who want an added layer of control — without sacrificing comfort or proper fit.
Like the Adventure Dog Harness, the Tahoe harness was built around thoughtful shaping and adjustability first. The difference is in the added versatility.
This DJANGO dog harness features:
- Two D-rings (front and back attachment options)
- A padded neoprene back panel to support front-clip use
- Silver plated zinc alloy hardware
- Sizes S–XXL for dogs 10 to 100 lbs
The front D-ring offers an additional training option for dogs who pull, while still maintaining chest-focused support.
Shop the Tahoe No Pull Harness
Because the two harnesses are constructed differently, sizing varies slightly between them — so measuring and checking the size chart is always important.
And if you’re unsure of which size to order, you can always email us at hello@djangobrand.com — we truly love helping our customers, and we are always here for you.
Which Harness Is Right for Your Dog?
There isn’t always a “right” answer. Sometimes harness style comes down to your dog’s preference and your own preference, too.
Some dogs genuinely prefer a lighter, more flexible feel. Others (and their owners) feel more confident with a bit more padding and structure.
Here’s the simple breakdown.
Choose Adventure if:
- You have a small breed
- You prefer a lighter, more minimal feel
- Your dog doesn’t need front-clip control
- You want something flexible and streamlined for everyday walks
Most small dogs love how comfortable and lightweight this harness feels, and most small and medium dog owners love how natural the harness sits on their dog’s frame.
View the Adventure Harness
Choose Tahoe if:
- Your dog pulls or is still working on leash manners
- You prefer (or would like) the option of front-clip attachment
- You have a larger dog
- You prefer a slightly more structured and padded harness
View the Tahoe Harness
Still unsure? Send us your dog’s breed, weight, and chest girth. We’re happy to help guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a no-pull harness safe for small dogs?
Yes, when it’s properly fitted and used correctly. The key is that pressure should sit across the chest (not the throat), and the harness should be adjusted so it feels snug and secure without restricting movement.
If you’re shopping online, check where the harness front panel sits in photos: it should rest below the neckline, not up high like a collar.
For long-backed breeds, is a harness generally a better everyday option than a collar?
For many long-backed dogs (like dachshunds), a harness can be a more comfortable everyday walking option than relying on a collar alone, since it helps reduce direct pressure on the neck.
The most important factor, however, is fit. A well-shaped harness should support natural movement and distribute pressure across the chest rather than the throat.
How snug should a harness fit?
A good rule of thumb is the “two-finger rule.” You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the harness straps at all times. Snug, but not tight.
If the harness is gaping at the neck (too loose) or rubbing under the arms (too snug), it usually needs adjustment — or simply may not be the right shape for your dog.
Can a harness help prevent back injuries?
No harness can guarantee prevention of injury, and no piece of gear replaces proper conditioning, weight management, or veterinary care.
That said, harness fit absolutely matters. A well-shaped and well-designed dog harness distributes pressure across the chest rather than the neck and allows for natural shoulder movement — both of which support comfortable, balanced motion.
For long-backed dogs especially, many veterinarians recommend minimizing unnecessary neck strain during walks. A chest-focused harness with proper adjustability can help reduce pressure in sensitive areas and support more natural movement.
What’s the difference between front-clip and back-clip harnesses?
A back-clip harness means the leash attaches to a D-ring positioned on the top of the harness and along your dog’s back. This setup tends to feel the most natural for many dogs and works beautifully for everyday walks, especially if your dog isn’t a strong puller.
A front-clip harness means the leash attaches to a D-ring located on the chest panel, at the front of the harness. When a dog pulls while attached at the chest, their body is gently redirected to the side rather than allowing them to lean fully forward into the pull. Over time, many dogs learn that pulling doesn’t “work” the same way.
Not every dog needs a front clip. But for dogs who are still working on leash manners, or for owners who want an added training option, it can be a helpful feature to have.
Why does my dog keep backing out of their harness, and how can I prevent it?
If your dog keeps backing out of their harness, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common fit issues we hear about.
In many cases, the problem isn’t the dog — it’s the design of the harness. A loose or poorly shaped neckline, limited adjustability, or straps that sit too high near the throat can make it much easier for a dog to step backward and slip free.
To help prevent back-outs, look for:
- An adjustable neckline (not just chest adjustment)
- A front panel that sits below the neckline, not up like a collar
- Balanced strap placement that stays secure when your dog moves
- Quality materials that hold their structure rather than stretching out over time
A well-designed harness should feel secure without being tight, and it should stay balanced even if your dog makes a sudden backward movement.
If you’re unsure what’s going wrong with your current setup, email us at hello@djangobrand.com with your dog’s breed, weight, and chest girth (a quick photo helps too). We’re always happy to help you troubleshoot and find a better fit.
Final Thoughts: Why Fit-First Design Matters
You don’t need a harness designed for the “average” dog. You need one that makes sense for your dog’s proportions: the way he or she is actually built and the way they actually move.
For deep-chested, broad or barrel-chested, long-backed, and uniquely shaped dogs, those details really matter. And if you’ve ever stood in your apartment adjusting straps for the fifth time wondering why nothing quite fits, you know exactly what we mean.
That frustration is what led us to start designing our own harnesses years ago. And it’s still what guides every decision we make today: fit first, comfort always, and security you can feel confident in on every walk and outing with your dog.