The best harness for a large breed is one that fits your own dog's neck and chest, has a secure fastening and gives you two lead points and a handle for a big, strong dog. On our size chart, the XL size lists Rottweilers, Dobermanns, Boxers, Great Danes, Chow Chows and German Shepherds, and fits a 55-83cm neck and a 71-99cm chest. Be aware that 99cm is the top of our range: some giant breeds and big-chested adult dogs measure more than that, so measure before you order.
Here's how body shape changes the fit for different large breeds, how to read the chart honestly and what to look for in a harness for a big dog.
Large breeds come in very different shapes
Chest size alone doesn't tell the whole story. These are the things to watch for when you measure:
| Breed type | Typical build to bear in mind | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dobermann, Great Dane | Tall, long-legged, deep but fairly narrow chest | Measure the chest at its deepest point, just behind the front legs, and check the neck as well |
| Rottweiler | Broad, deep chest and a thick, muscular neck | The neck can be the limiting measurement, so check it against the 55-83cm range |
| Boxer | Deep, broad chest on a compact, bouncy body | Make sure the chest strap sits behind the front legs once your dog is moving |
| Chow Chow | Very thick coat and a full ruff around the neck | Measure through the coat to the body, or you'll size too big |
Every dog is different, and males and females, working and show lines, and lean and heavy builds can all vary within one breed. Breed suggestions are guidelines only, as individual dogs vary.
How to measure a big dog
- Neck: around the base of the neck, where a collar would usually sit.
- Chest: around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.
- Keep the tape snug against the body, going through any thick coat or ruff.
- Measure with your dog standing square, twice. A second person to hold a treat helps.
Our measuring and fitting video shows where the tape goes.
Reading the chart for a large dog
| Size | Neck | Chest |
|---|---|---|
| L | 40-60cm | 55-83cm |
| XL | 55-83cm | 71-99cm |
- Chest 84cm to 99cm: XL is the size to look at.
- Chest 71cm to 83cm: L and XL overlap here, so check the neck too. If your dog is between sizes, our size guide says to size up for comfort, as the harnesses have wide adjustment ranges.
- Chest under 71cm: L, or a smaller size, is more likely to fit. Young or slim large-breed dogs often fall here.
- Chest over 99cm, or neck over 83cm: your dog is larger than our XL, so our harnesses won't fit. This can happen with giant breeds such as some Great Danes, and with very big-chested adult dogs. It's better to know before you order.
The full harness size chart runs from XXS to XL.
What a big, strong dog needs from a harness
Our Trail & Glow harnesses have:
- Front and back D-rings. The back ring suits relaxed walks, and the no-pull front ring can help with lead control. Our front clip harness guide explains when to use each one.
- A sturdy back handle for a steadying hand at road crossings, gates and stiles.
- Three buckles, including a lockable neck clasp. The harness opens at the neck, so you don't need to lift it over a big dog's head, and the neck and chest adjust separately.
- Breathable, quick-dry mesh lining and reflective strips along the front and back for dark mornings and evenings.
All our harnesses are strength tested. For extra lead control with a strong dog, a double ended lead clipped to both the front and back rings can help. Our double ended dog leads guide shows how.
Check the XL option on the product you like
Not every colourway stocks every size, and some bundles stop at L. Before you order, open the product and check that XL is listed and in stock. Harnesses with an XL option include The Khaki One, The Jet Black One and Heritage Plaid.
Checking the fit on a large dog
- Two fingers under every strap, without forcing.
- Chest strap behind the front legs, not in the armpit, so it doesn't rub on a long stride.
- The harness sits straight. If it twists to one side as your dog moves, adjust the straps evenly.
- Re-check through the year. Winter coats, weight changes and young dogs filling out can all change the fit.
- Wash it cool, ideally inside our laundry bag.
Large-breed puppies
Large-breed puppies grow for a long time and can move through several sizes. Buy for the measurements your puppy has now, use the adjusters, and re-measure every couple of weeks. A young Rottweiler or Dobermann may need M or L long before XL. Our puppy harness guide covers sizing a growing dog.
More large-breed guides
Quick questions
What size harness does a Rottweiler or Dobermann need?
Our chart lists both under XL (neck 55-83cm, chest 71-99cm), but measure your own dog. A younger or slimmer dog may fit L.
Do your harnesses fit Great Danes?
Our chart lists Great Danes under XL, which goes up to a 99cm chest and an 83cm neck. Some Great Danes measure more than that, so check both measurements before ordering. If your dog is bigger, our harnesses won't fit.
Should I use the front or back ring on a large dog?
Use the back ring for relaxed walks and the front ring when you'd like more help with lead control. Some dog parents use a double ended lead on both rings.
