Things to Look for in a Harness for a Boston Terrier
When you’re looking for the best harness for a Boston Terrier, you should look for the following:
Correct Size for Your Dog
It’s crucial the harness is the right size for your dog for both their comfort and safety. A harness that’s too small will be uncomfortable for your pup. A harness that’s too big may rub on your dog’s skin. It will also give you less control and mean that they could escape from their harness which poses a safety hazard.
Check the size guide of the harness and measure your dog carefully. We’ll cover more measuring tips later.
High-Quality Materials
High-quality materials will be more comfortable for your dog, stand up to wear better, and ensure that your dog is getting the best possible harnes.
Comfort for Your Dog
A comfortable harness will be made from good materials and be the right size, but you can also look for other features. Some materials will be softer, some harnesses might have padding to reduce rubbing, and some may be breathable to ensure your dog doesn’t get too hot.
Control
A good harness will give you plenty of control. The amount of control you need will depend on your dog’s behavior and training. A lot of this comes down to the type of harness you choose.
Some harnesses will have rings on the back or front of the harness (or both for extra control). Some will have an additional handle to allow more control when needed.
Durability
Since Boston Terriers are very active breeds and will likely be wearing their harness a lot, durability is very important. Quality materials are key, as well as other features such as reinforced stitching.
Style
Some owners like their dog to wear a specific style of harness or a specific material because it looks smart. Harnesses often come in multiple colors so you can find 1 to suit your dog’s style.
Additional Features
Some harnesses will have additional features, such as being water-resistant or having reflective strips. Take your time to figure out what will work best for you and your dog.
Harness Versus Collar
When it comes to a Boston Terrier, typically a harness is better for walking your dog. This is because the breed is brachycephalic, meaning they have a short head and muzzle. This means they can be prone to breathing difficulties.
A harness spreads the weight over your dog’s chest rather than putting pressure on their throat, which is safer and more comfortable for your Boston Terrier. This is particularly important if your dog pulls on the lead. Harnesses also tend to give you more control and be more secure, which is helpful if your dog is an escape artist.
Some Boston Terriers may wear a collar as well as a harness to display their ID, but in general a harness is a better option for walking your dog.
Tips for Measuring Your Boston Terrier
As we mentioned earlier, getting the right sized harness for your dog is important. Here are some tips for measuring your Boston Terrier:
- Check the size guide carefully, ensuring you look at the measurements rather than just the breed recommendations
- Measure your dog with a flexible measuring tape, ensuring you measure the widest part of their chest (and neck depending on the type of harness)
- Dogs don’t tend to want to stand still while being measured, so it’s a good idea to measure them 2 or 3 times to get it as accurate as possible
- If the harness is adjustable, you can add a couple of inches to your measurements, so you have room to adjust it if your dog’s weight changes (this is particularly handy if your dog is still growing)
- Check the reviews for extra guidance to see if the harness runs small or large
Boston Terrier Harness FAQs
Do Boston Terriers need harnesses?
Yes, it’s better to walk your Boston Terrier on a harness rather than a collar as it’s safer and more comfortable for them.
How do you stop your Boston Terrier from pulling?
A quality harness paired with reward-based training (and high-value treats) can help you to stop your dog from pulling.
Conclusion
The right harness will ensure your dog is safe and comfortable on walks, making walks more pleasant for both of you. You can step out in style together.
