10 Best Dog Harnesses for Basset Hounds in 2024

Kate Barrington

Researched & Written by

Kate Barrington


At Pawster, we are committed to presenting the most accurate and up-to-date information to assist you in your pet care journey. When appropriate, we consult licensed and practicing veterinarians to fact-check our professionally written articles.

With their stout legs, wrinkled faces and irresistible puppy-dog eyes, basset hounds remain one of the most easily recognizable dog breeds around. While they might not win any races, these dogs have a lot more stamina than you would think.

Historically, basset hounds began popping up in sixth-century France, where hunters used their keen noses to drive small prey out into the open. In fact, the basset hound’s acute sense of smell is only rivaled by their close cousin, the Bloodhound. Other than cuddling with their human companions, a basset hound’s favorite activity is usually exploring outside.

Although most basset hounds will happily follow you on any outdoor adventures you take, they will often need to wear a harness—not only does a harness make it easier to manage your basset hound as you walk, but harnesses don’t lead to the same health issues that collars do. Unlike a collar, an eager basset hound who pulls on his harness won’t strain his neck or irritate the skin underneath.

However, finding the best basset hound harness for your furry friend is not always easy: because of their unique body types, finding a harness that fits your dog comfortably can be a challenge. Basset hounds tend to have short, powerful legs, but unusually long torsos and wide chests. The good news is that you don’t need to guess which harness will be a perfect fit—we’ve already compiled a list of the best ones for you.

Different Types of Dog Harnesses for Basset Hounds

Although many dog harnesses might look identical at first glance, there are actually several different types—and the kind you should purchase will depend on the behavior of your basset hound.

One of the most common dog harnesses frequently used for basset hounds is the back-clip harness. You can recognize a back-clip harness by the D-ring attachment located on the dog’s back. For senior basset hounds (or just those with sensitive throats), the back-clip harness may be ideal since it places the leash far from the throat and prevents tangling.

However, dogs that tend to pull on the lead may require a no-pull harness or front-clip harness. While basset hounds are usually a mild-mannered, easy-going breed, they can get excited once they’re outside—especially if they’re around other people.

No-pull harnesses can stop a dog from excessively tugging on the lead while a front-clip harness can make it difficult for the basset hound to pull and give the owner more control.

Dual-clip harnesses tend to give basset hound owners the best of both worlds since there is both a rear attachment and a front attachment. On slow, laid-back walks, you can attach the leash to the back-clip, but if your dog begins to jerk or pull, you can switch the leash to the front attachment in a matter of seconds.

The vest harness is one of the most easily recognizable dog harnesses. Although they’re most often used with service dogs, some basset hound owners choose to use a vest harness for its extra padding. During cold winters, a vest harness may be able to keep your dog a little warmer while also reducing the risk of chafing or skin irritation.

What to Look for in a Good Harness for Basset Hounds

As far as energy levels go, basset hounds are typically laid-back, even-tempered dogs. While friendly and people-oriented, they aren’t usually “in your face”—although they may try to climb into your lap the minute you sit down. Generally, most adult or senior basset hounds will only require a daily walk to meet their energy needs while growing puppies might need a little more activity.

When you do take those daily walks, you’ll need a good harness for the journey. Most brands will boast that their harnesses are the best, but identifying a good harness comes down to a few key features: control, durability, and comfort.

All harnesses give owners control, but not always to the same degree. If you’re currently leash training a basset hound puppy or trying to reign in an uncooperative adult, the amount of control you get from your harness is especially important. A no-pull harness or front-clip harness, for instance, tends to give owners a lot more control than a back-clip harness would.

Durability is another key feature to look for when trying to find the best basset hound harness. In general, padded harnesses can sometimes stand the test of time while a low-quality braided harness might come undone after a little rough use. If you’re planning on taking your basset hound on a lot of outdoor adventures, finding a durable harness is essential.

A comfortable harness is also crucial—regardless of where you plan to take your dog. Low-quality harnesses can sometimes chafe or irritate the skin underneath, making it difficult for basset hounds to exercise. On long journeys, a harness with extra padding or padded straps can provide more comfort and support for your furry friend—especially for senior dogs who may have sensitive skin.

Best Dog Harnesses for Basset Hounds

Chai’s Choice Outdoor Adventure 3M Reflective Dog Harness

Our Top Pick

For a harness that offers control, while fully supporting your basset hound, there’s no better option than the Chai’s Choice Outdoor Adventure 3M Reflective Dog Harness. Although it looks intricate, snapping this adjustable harness only takes a couple of seconds.

In addition to adjustable straps, the harness also includes a front attachment for maximum control and helps reduce pressure on the neck and spine. Along with eliminating stress on the throat, there’s a lightweight inner mesh lining and extra sponge padding to add extra comfort for your dog. The outer layer includes durable oxford cloth as well as 3M reflective material that will keep your pet visible at night or in areas with low lighting.

Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness Dog Harness

With a soft, breathable Eco-tex inner liner and a water repellant outer shell, the Julius-K9 IDC Dog Harness’ most appealing feature is its versatility. The breathable material ensures that your basset hound stays comfortable regardless of the conditions while the sturdy, water-repellent fabric makes it durable.

For those that prefer to take their basset hounds out at night, the wide, reflective chest strap and removable, glow-in-the-dark side labels help keep your dog visible.

Not only is the large D-ring attachment sturdy and freeze-proof, but since you attach the leash to the back of the harness, the lead is unlikely to get tangled and may provide your adventurous basset hound more freedom than some other choices.

Kurgo TruFit Smart Harness

The Kurgo TruFit harness features five separate adjustment points so that you get a perfect fit every time. Custom adjustments can really make a difference when it comes to making sure your basset hound is comfortable and secure.

The harness functions as a walking harness that transitions seamlessly to a car restraint system, so your basset hound never has to go without a safety harness. It’s a durable nylon material with steel nesting buckles and comes in a range of sizes.

The buckle is in the back, making it simple to transition from the car to walking and back, but be aware that this may give your pet more power throughout the walk.

Combine this harness with rigorous leash training and you’ll have a wonderful, easy set-up. It’s crash tested and highly rated, so you can drive without worrying about your basset hound’s safety.

4 More Highly Rated Dog Harnesses for Basset Hounds

Let’s take a look at a few more top-rated harnesses for Basset Hounds.

Bolux Dog Harness, No-Pull Reflective Breathable Adjustable Pet Vest

While typically easy-going, a basset hound’s natural instincts can sometimes make them uncooperative while outside. Fortunately, the Bolux Dog Harness prevents any pulling or choking that may occur by evenly distributing pressure throughout the harness.

One of this harness’ best features is its snap-on buckle: instead of trying to wrangle the straps over your pup’s head, you can easily snap the harness over the basset hound’s wide chest. There’s also a bright, reflective strap to ensure you and your dog will remain visible on nighttime outings.

For basset hounds with sensitive skin, the high-quality, waterproof oxford cloth material of the Bolux Dog Harness is designed for both comfort and durability on long journeys.

HDP Big Dog No Pull Dog Harness

For a no-hassle, simple harness that gets the job done, the HDP Big Dog No Pull Harness might be an ideal choice. Unlike some other harnesses, the HDP harness has a “no choke” design, which can decrease the risk of a neck strain or injury.

Senior dogs that may require a more gentle and comfortable harness may enjoy the polyester material and extra padding on this product. In case there’s an unexpected situation, owners can grab their dogs by the rear handle for a quick getaway.

It’s worth noting that the easy-click buckles make slipping your basset hound into the harness effortless while also preventing them from slipping out. The D-ring to attach your leash is located on the back of the harness, which can reduce tangling while still providing your basset hound with plenty of movement.

Frisco Padded Front Lead Dog Harness

If you are looking for a comfortable fit for your dog that will still provide some added control, this Frisco harness might be your best choice. The high-quality nylon webbing is both comfortable and durable, so you’re not only providing your dog with comfort, but you’re sure to get a lot of use out of your harness.

The O-ring leash attachment on the front of the harness redirects your dog’s attention back to you and your walk without causing neck strain and the buckles on either side are fast-release making it easy to get the harness on and off your basset hound pup. Another great added feature is the inclusion of a D-clip on the back of the harness so it can be used more like a traditional harness if you prefer, as well.

Frisco encourages you pet owners to follow their specific sizing instructions to insure a “paw-fect” fit for every dog.

INVENHO Reflective No Pull Adjustable Pet Vest Dog Harness

With a combination of secure, heavy padding and soft, breathable material, the INVENHO Reflective No-Pull Adjustable Dog Harness is all about comfort. The ballistic nylon webbing and scratch-resistant outer layer make it durable but won’t weigh your dog down.

There are two ways to attach the leash on this dual-clip harness: through the rear attachment or the front chest attachment (which may be useful when you’re leash training your basset hound). In tight situations, you can use the sturdy handle on the back to pull or lift your dog away from potential danger.

There’s no reason to limit yourself to daytime walks, either: the INVENHO harness includes reflective strips to keep you and your pup safe in the dark.

EXPAWLORER Best No-Pull Dog Harness

For basset hounds that want to spend every moment exploring the great outdoors, the EXPAWLORER Best No-Pull Dog Harness can endure any outside adventures that your furry friend may have.

The scratch-resistant oxford material and nylon webbing provide a comfortable, lightweight design while still remaining long-lasting. You can attach the leash to the V-ring on the back of the harness, or if you need more control, easily switch to the front ring.

Since many outdoor adventures often start with a car ride, this harness includes a handle for easy seat belt attachment—or to quickly pull your basset hound out of danger.

Best Harness for a Basset Hound Puppy

If your Basset Hound is still just a pup or you’re planning on bringing one into your home, we’ve got you covered!

Puppia Soft Black Trim Dog Harness

For everyday use, you don’t want a complicated or heavy duty harness on your puppy. Lightweight, simple, and convenient to use, the Puppia dog harness is your best bet for your basset hound puppy.

The Puppia harness is great for everyday use for your puppy because it has a soft and comfortable design along with a lightweight material. Made from soft air mesh with a quick release buckle, the Puppia harness is comfortable and simple to use, while still durable for all types and sizes of dogs.

Users of the Puppia harness recommend measuring your dog using the sizing instructions so that you can be sure of a comfortable fit for your puppy.

Copatchy No Pull Reflective Adjustable Dog Harness with Handle

As puppies, basset hounds may be unaccustomed or even resistant to a harness—which is why the no-pull, no-choke design of the Copatchy Dog Harness may be the best choice for young, growing dogs. Along with keeping the strain off your puppy’s neck, the harness also uses breathable, high-quality mesh to keep dogs comfortable.

With its dual-clip design, owners can leash train their puppies using the front attachment, and then switch to the rear attachment once they’re used to the harness. Owners that may need to help lead their basset hounds or lift them out of danger can take advantage of the extra handle on the back.

Tips for Getting Your Basset Hound Accustomed to Using a Harness

With the basset hound’s laid-back nature, getting them accustomed to using a harness is usually not too difficult. However, like most breeds, they may not immediately enjoy the feeling of the protective garment on their skin. Fortunately, providing them with a little guidance and sticking to the tips listed below can help ensure a painless, smooth transition.

  1. The first step is always to introduce the harness, usually by allowing your basset hound to sniff it for a few minutes and become familiar with it.
  2. When harness training, positive reinforcement can make the process much swifter. Every time your basset hound shows interest in the harness or allows you to place it on without complaint, you should give your pup a rewarding treat.
  3. Putting the harness on your basset hound and then immediately trying to take them outside can end in disaster. Before venturing outdoors, it’s a good idea to let your dog wear the harness around the house and get accustomed to it.
  4. Once you’re ready to take your basset hound outside, try going somewhere you know your dog will love. The more they associate the harness with positive memories, the easier it will be to get them to wear it in the future.
  5. Don’t forget to be patient. Some dogs may take to a harness right away while others may need much longer to adjust.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I figure out which size harness to purchase for my basset hound? – Dog harnesses aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. In order to figure out your pup’s size, you’ll need to measure their neck and chest girth (and sometimes their body length). These measurements are what you use to determine which size to buy, and many online brands will include sizing charts to reference. Since basset hounds have unusually broad chests, it’s important to pay close attention to their girth measurement.
  • How do I fit my basset hound puppy into a harness? – Since basset hound puppies will continue to grow, finding the right size can be tricky. However, you can eliminate most of the hassle by purchasing an adjustable harness. As your puppy gets bigger, you can adjust the harness to a bigger size. Once you can no longer fit two fingers under the harness, it’s too tight and needs to be loosened.
  • What type of harness is best for a basset hound? – While it may vary from dog to dog, a dual-clip harness usually works best for basset hounds since it provides versatility. If your basset hound is easy-going, you can attach the leash to the rear clip, but if they begin to pull, then you can quickly switch to the front chest clip without much effort. Senior basset hounds that need gentler handling may be better suited for the extra support and comfort of a vest harness.
  • How do I know if my basset hound’s harness is too big? – If your dog can shimmy out of the harness, then you’ll know it’s too big (at which point, you can tighten it or return it for a smaller size). The quicker way to determine if it’s fitting correctly is by slipping two fingers underneath the harness. If you can’t fit two fingers, the harness is too tight, but if you can comfortably fit more than two, then the garment is too loose.

Conclusion

Basset hounds are natural explorers. While collars may be appropriate in some cases, a high-quality harness can provide your pup with the security and support they need on their adventures.

Although finding the best basset hound harness might seem intimidating, the positive news is that we’ve done the hard work for you—feel free to try one of the top-rated harnesses we’ve reviewed above.

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