French bulldogs have an irresistible charm that makes them a treasure to everyone who owns them. They have big soft eyes, upright ears, and that classic punched face. When we look at this along with the undying affection and loyalty that dogs have, it is no surprise just how popular this particular breed is.
The French bulldog is great for domestication, since it’s quite small as far as dogs go. On average, it would weigh around twenty pounds or ten kilograms. This means that it is perfect for taking in and keeping in residential structures. As an added bonus, these dogs can also hunt out rodents and other pests that could made a house uncomfortable. This means that it’s also a great pet for keeping in rural areas.
Nevertheless, the French bulldog is also a bit tenacious and could be difficult to handle. Hence, it is only reasonable to choose a decent harness for your beloved pet if you want to keep them in control. We’ll be discussing a few aspects of harnesses for French bulldogs before we get down to the best options for such products on the market.
Why We Need a Harness for Our Pets
Keeping your French bulldog at home all the time is not a feasible or kind option. Most pets, especially dogs, need some time outside in order to stay happy. Otherwise, they would waste away and even get depressed cooped up inside all day long. Even going outside for half an hour every day would rejuvenate their spirits. Plus, it would also keep them healthier and better able to be great pets.
If you have a private garden or lawn where your French bulldog could run free every day, that’s great. However, not every dog owner has that option, and getting to see the outside world is a must for humans and dogs alike. In any case, you would have to put your dog on some kind of leash when going to the vet, the store, or any other place.
There are several options for keeping French bulldogs comfortable while still being in their owner’s control. When one is with their French bulldog in public, anything can happen at any moment if you’re not careful. If the quality of the leash or harness holding the dog is not strong or of good quality, this small but powerful dog could easily break it and run off.
Since French bulldogs are impulsive and adventurous, they can easily get into dangerous places such as into the middle of a busy road. They may also scare some children or anyone, really, thus resulting in an accident and hurting others as well as themselves. Hence, it’s very important to set a nice harness in place before you go out to walk your Frenchie.
Even if your French bulldog is a gentle old thing and wouldn’t run off, some places still make it a law to have all dogs on a leash or harness. If nothing else, this could be a precaution that can veer off many problems. Other than all this, there are several benefits to keeping a dog affixed to yourself in public:
- It would help control the dog when it’s undergoing important training
- Preventing the dog from relieving itself in inappropriate and awkward places
- Helps in tying the dog to a nearby post, pillar, or whatever else if you have to leave them for a short while. For instance, you may have to pop into a shop that doesn’t allow dogs inside.
- Generally guiding the dog along the path they’re supposed to take. This could prevent them from wandering off, getting lost, or leaving you alone when you may need protection
- Puts other people at ease and assures them that you have your dog under control.
Choosing a Harness Over a Leash:
Many French bulldog owners consider a harness as immensely preferable to a leash. While a harness is a kind of leash in itself, there are many ways in which it is more effective and beneficial than a regular leash. If you have a very strong and stubborn French bulldog on your hands, it is therefore infinitely better to get a harness instead of a leash that goes around the neck of the dog. We’ll be discussing some of these benefits below:
1. More Control
If one really wants to keep a French bulldog under firm control, they would be better off investing in a suitable harness. This is because it actually covers a significant part of the dog's body and makes it more susceptible to even slight tugs and signals from the owner.
2. More Comfortable
Needless to say, harnesses are much more comfortable for French bulldogs than just about any other kind of leash. Some dogs can worry at a leash or even feel choked by it. A harness, on the other hand, provides a much more natural feel and is also easier to get used to. There are even no-pull harnesses available in order to resist those Frenchies that pull a lot.
3. Choices
Harnesses themselves come in a wide variety of choices, including both front and back clipping styles. If your dog is well trained, they could probably be fine with a back clip. However, if your dog has a tendency to jump suddenly or pull away, a front clip harness would be best.
4. A Specific Syndrome
French bulldogs may be among the cuter breeds of dogs around, but they do tend to suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by difficult breathing. Since bulldogs are generally not blessed with long snouts, this could make it harder for them to breathe than other breeds.
The French bulldog has the typical flat face that bulldogs in general possess. Along with this, their palate is quite soft and has a great length. Their windpipes are narrow, as are their nostrils. On the other hand, their tonsils are large. Taken all together, this makes is quite a chore for French bulldogs to get enough air even in normal cases.
When they’re exercising, like on a walk or during training, French bulldogs are even more likely to lose their breath. Getting it back is difficult, and they need all the help they can get. Having them on a regular collar leash is hence quite a risk. A harness, however, can save your dog from breathing problems, perhaps even a heat stroke.
How to Choose the Best Harness for a French Bulldog
You need to choose a proper harness for your French bulldog’s safety, along with other people’s safety, and your own peace of mind. While making your decision, you need to also consider the following:
- The exact purpose for which you need it most. For instance, you may consider a more flexible harness for a French bulldog with a peaceful nature
- The material of the harness should be of good quality
- The kind of fastener and handle
- The brand and the reviews it gets. General feedback from consumers is usually more reliable than the claims of the manufacturer or company. Go for 4+ Amazon rating stars for best results.
The Size Required
Along with the functions of the harness itself, a French bulldog owner would also need to consider the size of the dog. The most important thing here is measuring the chest. This would enable you to order the right size or see if the harness is adjustable to the size you want.
Too loose a harness would compromise the dog’s safety, since it could easily break free of it. This could cause a panic or several other issues, as discussed above. If it’s too tight, the harness would make the dog uncomfortable and even cause it injury.
Measuring Correctly
If you want to get the right size of harness, you should know how to measure your French bulldog. For this, you would have to look at no less than three kinds of measurements:
- The Neck’s Circumference—this would be measured at the base, not the top or middle of the neck
- The Girth—starts a couple of inches just after the front legs starts. This would allow you to measure the rib cage all around
- The Chest—the harness would have a chest strap, so measure the dog’s chest. Start from some distance underneath the throat.
You may notice your French bulldog jumping around a bit too much while measuring. This is why it’s important to take the measurements a few times, just to be on the safe side. You may also find that your French bulldog is between sizes. In such cases, get the larger size. Most harnesses are at least a bit adjustable, so it shouldn’t be a problem to get to the right size.
What’s in the Best French Bulldog Harness?
Since there are so many kinds of dog harnesses on the market, you want to get the best one possible for your beloved French bulldog. The more effort you exert on making sure the harness is perfect, the more comfortable your pet would be. As a result, they won’t worry at the strap of the harness or try to pull away. Hence, make sure your choice is the best by looking at the factors below:
1. The Fabric:
When you’re looking for a harness, you will find all sorts of fabrics, materials, and combinations used to make sturdy and not-so-sturdy contraptions. You want to look for a material that is both comfortable as well as light enough to let the dog move freely. You don’t want to weight down your dog any more than you want to weigh down a child and deprive them of quality play time.
Additionally, the fabric should be breathable. This would be ideal since dogs tend to sweat quite a bit during training, exercise, or just a brisk walk. Trapped moisture underneath the harness could lead to lice, itching, and general discomfort.
Furthermore, make sure the material is also durable. This is necessary because your French bulldog isn’t a delicate creature. Such breeds are usually strong, muscular, and may not always appreciate being strapped into anything, even the most comfortable of harnesses. Ideally, then the harness should be:
- Double-stitched to prevent tearing or breaking apart
- Adjustable in order to allow for changing sizes or for dogs that are in between sizes
- Not loose enough for chafing to occur, nor tight enough for breathing problems
2. The Clip
Having a properly clipped harness is a must, especially if your French bulldog is a bit too pull-happy when you’re out with them. A back clip would do for a dog that’s relatively peaceful, but a front clip provides an extra level of security. This way, when the dog tries to pull away, its force would have the opposite effect. Its body would actually be turned back towards you or whoever is walking the dog.
This effect may frustrate the dog in the beginning, but it is up to you to give them the freedom they need. Make frequent stops to let them run and keep the strap long enough for them to wander with safety. Too tight a hold would eventually make a French bulldog quite miserable. If you’re patient and understanding enough, your dog would soon not try to pull away at all.
3. Adjustable Size
An ideal harness for French bulldogs should be of an adjustable size. Not all dogs can fit perfectly in the sizes provided by manufacturers, just as humans are sometimes between dress sizes. Additionally, you wouldn’t want to purchase a new harness for every growth spurt your French bulldog goes through.
Hence, it’s imperative that the harness you buy can be made a bit larger or smaller. No matter how carefully you measure your French bulldog, there should always be a margin left for error.
Other Things to Watch Out for In a French Bulldog Harness
There are several other aspects one has to look for before they buy a harness. Having high-quality features can make your walk with your French bulldog an enjoyable one. However, a compromise on quality in favor of low prices can lead to the need for frequent purchases and end up in unexpected accidents. Since we want to avoid such a thing at all costs, we should look at the following features:
1. The Anchor
The harness should have a very strong and durable leash anchor. This is especially important of the French bulldog it’s for is an active and adventurous one. Hence, the best harnesses for French bulldogs would have a couple of layers, maybe made from something like nylon webbing. This webbing should also extend some way around and across the harness itself.
This sort of anchor leash would ensure that the harness is sturdy and wouldn’t jerk the dog nor give the owner any unpleasant surprises. This would also see that you can control your dog without exerting too much pressure. Hence, you can enjoy walks, trips, picnics, and even hikes without worrying about your dog being in danger when it’s in the outside world.
2. Handles
At the human’s end of the anchor leash, there should be a strong, sturdy, and durable handle. It should also be soft or smooth, so that gripping it wouldn’t result in chafing or redness. French bulldog owners may find themselves pulling on their dog’s leash or harness quite often. Thus, they need a certain comfortable grip which the best harnesses can give them.
The right sort of handle would add another level of control to the whole harness contraption. When the owner takes hold of that handle, they would know that they can guide the dog along the right path without worrying about hurting themselves.
3. Identification Pocket
Since a harness for a French bulldog is usually like a little minimal jacket, it only makes sense to have a sort of pocket inside it. No, not to hold dog treat; that would drive a dog crazy! However, a pocket that closes with the help of Velcro could be really handy to keep an identification card in.
In this manner, even if a dog does get lost, they would soon be returned if they have their owner’s name and contact information on them. Some harnesses even come with an ID label inside them. A pocket is better than hanging the identification tags on the harness. This results in less jingling, tangling, or threat of loss.
Top 5 Best Harnesses for French Bulldogs
1. The Eco Bark Maximum Comfort Padded Vest
This vest is an excellent choice for your new arrival, no matter how old or young they are. The Eco Bark Padded Vest is not just extremely comfortable, but also comes in several sizes and colors to suit every dig size and its owner’s taste.
What’s more these vests are made from non-toxic mesh and environmentally friendly straps. The straps are made from recycled plastic bottles and hence service to decrease the carbon footprint of such products. By purchasing this item, you would not only assure yourself of a better walking experience with your French bulldog, but also have done something towards saving the planet.
This eco-friendly harness is called the Harness hug and is available in no less than five different sizes and nine colors. The colors include Sky Blue, Orange, Yellow, etc. It comes in a no-choke design as well as a comfortable grip for maximum control over your French bulldog.
The environmental factor of the vest does not compromise on its quality. In fact, the recycled material straps are resistant to fading and are extremely durable. Thus, one can use this harness while hiking, running, walking, training, and doing all sorts of activities with their beloved pet.
At any point, if you need to release your French bulldog quickly, this harness features Quick Release clasps that make this possible. At the same time, they would resist any attempts by the French bulldog to break free of the harness. Since the belt of the harness is adjustable, there is no problem in a dog being slightly bigger or smaller than the size you select in the Eco Bark vest. The belt is double-stitched for extra durability.
When purchasing this harness, however, one must take into account that their sizing process is somewhat unique. Hence, it is highly recommended that you look at the weights and measurements that go with each harness size before placing an order. The sizes for this harness would not be according to the usual sizing charts in the market. It’s easy to look up sizes for the Eco Bark Vest online.
A few of the main pros and cons of the Eco Bark Maximum Comfort Padded Vest are given below:
Pros:
- Webbing is ROSH-Tested, lightweight, and non-toxic polyester
- Plush piping around the throat area gives testimony to the No-Choke factor
- Air-Mesh that is flexible enough to provide air passage and enable free movement
- Contains a Reinforced Hook for the Anchor, making for better control and more durability
- An environmentally responsible purchase
- Soft and comfy enough to introduce a young French bulldog to the concept of wearing harnesses
- Has several attractive colors and almost every size required for a French bulldog
Cons:
- Sizes may get confusing. Double checking the measurements is a must
- Head hole is not adjustable due to the vest design
- May need to get a new vest as a puppy French bulldog grows bigger
2. The Ruffwear All-day Adventure Harness
The main reason for the high comfort level of this harness is its adjustability. This is a particularly important point when it comes to a harness for a French bulldog, since its head is usually disproportionately large to the rest of its body. The head is usually supplemented with fine, large ears. Hence, there is a great need for any harness to adjust itself if it is to fit over those adorable but bulky heads.
Most other harnesses have neck openings that are fixed. While the rest of the vest may fit, it may leave too tight a fit around the poor Frenchie’s neck. On the other hand, if one gets the neck fitted properly, the vest itself may be too big for the body. This can result in chafing as well as pose a security problem.
You can avoid all these issues and more when you get the Ruffwear Adventure Harness. It has no less than four points for adjustment according to your preference. No rubbing and chafing for the bulldog in this vest!
The vest itself is padded securely along the chest and all around. If your French bulldog has a tendency to pull away, this would ensure that his or her force simply propels them back to you. There is a foxed D-ring at the back so that there’s some flexibility as well as control when you go for a walk with this harness. Plus, the front webbing is another factor in controlling and training your bulldog.
And last, but certainly not least, the Frenchie harness comes in a range of attractive colors and it has added reflective strips to improve your dog’s visibility in low light levels such as walks at dusk.
There are several pros and cons that could help along your decision in buying the Ruffwear harness. We’ll be taking a look at these below:
Pros:
- Controls dogs who love to pull and run off
- No compromise on comfort or durability
- Two points for attachment; one for training, and one for leisurely strolls
- Rings are attached and reinforced using strong webbing
- Able to be adjusted in order to fit any size of dog with large heads
- Pocket for ID tags
- Reflective trim for night safety and easy detection
Cons:
- Pocket is hard to find
- ID label provided is very tiny
- Some customers have had sizing issues, with the straps being too loose or tight even with adjustments
3. Kurgo Tru-fit Travel Harness
Travelling with your French bulldog requires a whole other level of safety than just going for walks or training sessions. Many laws all over the country may require dogs to be strapped into a car so they can't be a distraction to whoever is driving. However, these laws don’t really talk about the safety of the animal while it’s strapped in.
If there is an unfortunate accident, a restrained dog may very well become trapped inside the car or even propelled through the windshield. This could result in them getting seriously injured. For those travelling French bulldog owners that think ahead for their pets, the Kurgo Tru-Fit Travel Harness is a fitting solution.
This harness goes a step beyond the regular walking harness. If a dog is travelling in a vehicle, they need another special kind of security in order to protect them from harm. The Kurgo Harness includes an additional safety feature that may even save your pet’s life. This is an anchor point that could fit your dog inside your car. That way, the animal is safe from being flung out of the car screeches to a halt or something hits it.
This Tru-fit Harness also serves to distribute the kinetic force of any collision or deceleration. This means that there is no danger of the dog getting choked while being restrained by the harness. Additionally, any form of jerk would be minimized so that no bones or broken and no muscles twisted. Hopefully, a few bumps and bruises would be the most the dog would suffer if there is an accident.
There is a tether provided within the harness that could be slipped around the seatbelt. The tether has a clip that attached back onto the harness. This carabiner is a simple but potentially life-saving mechanism which every responsible dog-owner should consider.
The harness also serves a walking process, so you’re actually getting two products in one. There would be no changing hassles when you get down from the car to stretch your legs and exercise your Frenchie. Both of you can thus arrive at your destination refreshed and safe!
There are several pros and a few cons to consider if you are looking for a travel and walking harness for your French bulldog. Look at the ones below before making your decision:
Pros:
- Has been crash tested and is therefore safe for canines up to seventy-five pounds
- Provides a safe and comfortable travelling experience
- Can be used for walking and travelling
- Has a D-ring that resists pulling
- Can be customized to fit several sizes of dogs and cats
- Chest plat padded for extra security on that area
- Metal hardware for increased safety and durability
- Compatible with almost every vehicle seatbelt setup
Cons:
- Carabiner doesn’t swivel, meaning that a fidgety dog can get tangled in the tether
- Too much movement can result in rub marks on the dog
- Some customers report the harness as being very stiff and potentially harsh on the body
4. Blueberry Pet Classic Solid Color Adjustable Dog Harness
This adjustable harness comes in no less than a dozen colors. A matching collar and leash can be bought separately if required. It also comes in several sizes so that you can have the same quality of harness no matter what the size of your pet is.
The beautiful colors this harness comes in would satisfy your aesthetic sense and make your pet stand out in a crowd. These colors include Florence Orange, Dark Orchid, Neon Green, Medium Turquoise, French Pink, Blazing Yellow, Royal Blue, and Baby Pink. There are others available, but you’d have to see what’s available on the market when you get it!
With this harness, you can be sure of keeping your dog under control when you both go out in public. This can come in very handy for training session, walks in the park, or getting in your daily jog with your best friend.
The nylon fabric of this Blueberry Pet Classic Harness is equipped with a deep sort of webbing. This makes the item durable and able to withstand a lot of pulling. If your French bulldog is a puller, like most of them are, you would be sure to greatly appreciate this feature. It is hence perfect for wearing every single day for the exercise and outing that every dog needs.
This harness is also equipped with several safety features to make sure your dog doesn’t break himself free of it. The heavy buckles and attached D-ring make sure that the dog stays strapped in and unable to put himself or other in danger. Overall, the build of the harness is quite sturdy so dog owners do have to worry about breaking or fraying for years.
Overall, this harness looks good no matter where you go with your dog and makes sure that it wouldn’t pull on your walks. The harness can also be adjusted as your dog grows, negating the need for buying additional harnesses as time goes on. The material, while not chew-proof, is of a very high quality and would satisfy those who have had experience with Blueberry harnesses.
It is recommended that French bulldog owners do not leave this harness on their dog overnight. It is meant for and would only be used for walking, training, or exercise purposes. The bright colors would look incredibly pretty against the dog’s coat and be sure to get a lot of attention when you’re out in public.
Pros:
- Sturdy and heavy-duty D-rings and buckles
- Unique colors to suit your taste
- Able to cater to several sizes and adjust for those in between sizes
- Easy to strap on and off
- Could prevent a dog from tugging
Cons:
- Chest strap not adjustable
- The front attachment could lead to dog chewing up the strap
- Some customers report the adjustment not holding
5. The Puppia Soft Dog Harness
The Puppia Soft Dog Harness comes in several colors, including Black, Beige, Brown, Red, Orange, green Camouflage, Pink, Purple, Yellow, and different shades of Blue. It also comes in several sizes, ranging from XS to 2XL. The harness is made out of polyester and the size charts online are an accurate representation of the real dimensions of this product.
The chest belt on this harness is adjustable and it also features a buckle with quick-release. This enables you to slip the harness on and off quickly. Since walking harnesses should be taken off when the French bulldog is safe at home, this feature really comes in handy. Even when the harness is on, the dog would still feel comfortable with the padded opening for the neck.
Overall, the material of this harness is soft, light, and breathable. This is in part due to its air-mesh quality. Hence, the dog may hardly be aware of or protest when the harness is slipped on him.
When choosing this harness, you should make sure that the measurements are a good fit. There should be a light fit on the neck and chest, otherwise chafing and rub marks could occur. The neck measurement of the French bulldog especially should not be more than the measurement provided by the charts. Since this breed has a tendency to be larger around the neck than others, special care should be taken on this point.
Some dog owners find it convenient to wash their pet’s harness in the washing machines. While you can do this with the Puppia harness it is preferable if you wash by hand. Similarly, you could put it in the dryer, but air-drying is a safer option. This would preserve the long life of this product.
Having a harness like this one by Puppia would mean that your French bulldog is no longer prone to choking when they pull on their leash. This means that your walks, exercises, and training session with your dog are going to be much more comfortable and hassle-free. At the same time, you can be sure of your canine friend being safe and with you at all times. In fact, it is so soft on the body that it is also useful for cats.
Pros:
- Chest belt is adjustable
- Buckles are quick-release for easy opening in any situation
- Neck opening is padded, thus ensuring that the dog would be comfortable
- Can be washed in a machine
- The Puppia Ritefit is adjustable in strategic areas like the chest and neck
- Air-mesh material is soft and light, keeping the dog comfortable
- Excellent customer reviews online
Cons:
- Sizes tend to run a bit small, so one may have to size up when ordering
- Belt with D-ring is a bit loose; can result in tangles when walking the dog
Conclusion
A French bulldog is sure to give you a lot of loyalty as well as fun in your life. The least you can do is make sure they’re comfortable even in situations where you have to keep them under control. A harness would not only do this but also ensure the dog’s maximum comfort at the same time.
Having a proper harness would not only put your mind at ease, but also of those around you. Plus, it would make your dog happier when they can walk with you in comfort and safety. Be sure to look around and read several reviews before you make a final decision!
