Pet Harness 360: Classification, Customization Keys and Testing Benchmarks

1.The Development History of Dog Harnesses: From tool to Human Care.

The development of pet dog harnesses has gone through three stages.

• First stage:  Dog straps were originally used for working dogs such as military dogs, sled dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs, providing stable support and controlled traction for their tasks.
• Second stage:  As smaller dog breeds were developed, dogs gradually transitioned from working partners to family members. At this stage, dog harnesses began to be used in daily life, but the early products primarily focused on "control" and "durability."
• Third stage:  With the rise of health awareness, pet owners began to pay more attention to the pressure on their pets' necks. Dog harnesses evolved from mere control tools to upgrades focused on safety and comfort. In product design, emphasis was placed not only on dispersing traction pressure and reducing movement-related injuries, but also on adding user-friendly features such as reflectivity, breathability, and GPS tracking.

2. Classification of typical dog harnesses, how they are used and the relevantly suitable pets.

From crash-tested dog harness to dog vest harnesses designed to protect the trachea, different types of harnesses vary significantly in structure, force distribution, and application scenarios. Based on their design features and basic functions, dog harnesses can be categorized into the following six main types:

2.1  H-shaped dog harness

• Structural features:

The H-style harness is made up of two horizontal straps and one vertical connecting strap, forming an "H"-shaped frame. This structure is inspired by the "H-beam" principle in engineering mechanics, offering strong tensile strength and lightweight design. It typically features leash attachment points both at the front and back.

• Structural Advantages:

1. Scientific pressure distribution: The H-shaped structure distributes pulling force evenly across the shoulders, back, and chest, reducing stress on any single point.
2. High no-pull performance: When a pet suddenly lunges, the H-shaped design acts like a “brake pad,” effectively reducing collision inertia.
3. Simple structure: Easy to put on and take off, with minimal restriction on shoulder and front limb movement.
4. Minimal fabric coverage: Keeps pets cool in summer and is more comfortable for sensitive skin.
5. Wide adjustment range: Fits different body types,suitable for both cats and dogs, the top choice for an adjustable dog harness.

• Applications they suit：

1. Daily walks, park strolls, and situations where no-pull performance is needed.
2. Hiking, long-distance travel, and other outdoor activities, recommended to choose the Easy Walk Harness.

• Suitable Pet Types:

1. Ideal for cats that are escape-prone, can also be used as a cat harness.
2. Active dogs.
3. High-energy, easily lunging breeds: Border Collies, Corgis, Alaskans, etc.
4. Growing dogs with rapidly changing body weight.

2.2   Dog Vest Harness

• Structural Features:

1. Full-wrap design: Features an integrated or large-area wrap design, increasing contact with the pet’s chest, back, and abdomen.
2. High fit: The fabric is tailored to match the natural body curves of dogs.

• Structural Advantages:

1. Comprehensive pressure distribution :The pulling force is evenly spread across large areas of the pets chest, shoulders, and back, preventing any pressure on the neck and ensuring "zero" pressure on the trachea and cervical spine.
2. High comfort : Made with 3D breathable mesh, it keeps pets cool in the summer and can be paired with a warm lining in the winter，no pressure for extended wear, suitable as a travel dog harness.
3. High stability :The 360° full-wrap design and wide straps ensure a snug fit, preventing fabric movement during forceful pulling.
4. Strong anti-escape ability : The design that fits the pet's shoulder and front limb movement trajectory greatly reduces the chance of escape when the pet suddenly pulls back with force.

• Applications they suit：

1. High-frequency activities like home use and daily walks (comfortable for long periods of wear).
2. Active pets with high energy levels.
3. Car travel (can be paired with a pet seatbelt).
4. Crowded areas and situations where escape prevention is needed.
5. Can be used as a puppy harness

• Suitable Pet Types:

1. Breeds with sensitive skin.
2. Suitable for puppies, senior dogs, or pets with respiratory issues.
3. Playful, active dogs that tend to escape.

2.3  Saddle-shaped Dog Harness

• Structural Features:

The saddle-style harness is named for its resemblance to a saddle. The overall design conforms to the pet’s body curve and covers the main pressure points on the back, with connection and adjustment achieved through 1-2 buckles，it is also a dog Harness with handle.

• Structural Advantages:

1. High pet acceptance: The main pressure points are concentrated on the back, avoiding sensitive areas such as the armpits and trachea. This significantly reduces feelings of restriction and resistance, allowing most pets to quickly adapt and accept the harness.
2. High stability : stays securely in place while walking, preventing the straps from slipping into the armpits or onto the neck and causing discomfort.
3. Handle assistance: an integrated back handle makes it easy to help pets get in and out of vehicles, perform emergency lifting, or control excited behavior.
4. Easy to wear : Step-in design with a buckle strap around the belly, making it quick and easy to put on in two simple steps.

• Usage scenarios :

1. For pets wearing a harness for the first time.
2. Frequent-use situations such as park walks and short outings.
3. Professional training and correcting pulling or lunging behaviors.
4. Post-surgery recovery, helping to avoid pressure on the neck.

• Suitable Pets Types:

1. Dogs that have difficulty adapting to traditional harnesses.
2. Medium-sized, well-proportioned dogs (such as Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Standard Poodles, etc.)
3. Dogs undergoing post-surgery neck recovery.

2.4   Y-shaped dog harness

• Structural Features:

1. Side Y-shape: When viewed from the side, the harness forms a clear “Y” shape. The main strap runs along the pet’s spine, while the two side straps contour precisely around the shoulders and chest, creating a stable triangular support structure.
2. Minimal contact area: Comprised mainly of several key straps, the harness has relatively limited contact with the pet’s body.

• Structural Advantages:

1. Reduced wearing burden: The strap-based design is lightweight, minimizing the load on the pet while wearing it.
2. Cool and breathable: Large open areas allow for excellent airflow, preventing heat buildup and sweating.
3. Ample freedom of movement: The “Y” structure avoids major mobility joints such as the shoulder blades, placing minimal restriction on actions like lifting the legs or running, and providing plenty of movement freedom. 

• Usage scenarios :

1. Short, frequent activities such as neighborhood walks and quick outings.
2. No-pull training (front-clip style).
3. Puppy adaptation and growth transition period (can be used as a puppy harness).
4. Light outdoor adventures (dual front and back clip design).

• Suitable Pets Types:

1. Medium to small active dogs (such as Border Collies, Shiba Inus, Pomeranians).
2. Lightweight small dog breeds.
3. Pets that are sensitive to heat and prone to sweating.

2.5  X-shaped dog strap

• Structural Features:

Front and rear double X structure, the back and chest are designed with an intersecting X shape, which distributes the pulling force across the shoulders, chest, and back.

• Structural Advantages:

1. Prevents neck strain: The crisscross design of the straps creates a deep V-shape that helps absorb impact when the pet suddenly moves or is pulled, reducing sudden pressure on the neck.
2. Easier pulling: The buffer space created by the double X structure reduces the effort needed by the owner when pulling the pet.
3. Lightweight and compact X design: The X-shaped design conforms to the body’s curves, providing a snug fit without causing excess strain on small dogs.

• Usage scenarios :

1. Medium to long outdoor walks (such as dog walks or hiking in the countryside).
2. Daily commuting (such as taking pets on public transport to and from work).

• Suitable Pets Types:

1. Small dogs: Such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Poodles, Yorkshire Terriers, Teddy dogs, etc. 
2. Long-haired dogs: The small contact area of the X-design prevents the harness from tangling long fur.
3. Medium to small cats: The X-shaped structure wraps securely, making it suitable for agile cats, Can also be used as a cat harness.

2.6  8-shaped cat harness

•  Structural Features:

Double-ring cross structure，The design forms an "8" shape, consisting of two interconnected ring structures.

• Structural Advantages:

1. Simple design: Minimalist design with only basic straps, no excessive fabric coverage.
2. Extremely lightweight: Uses the least material compared to other harness styles, reducing the pet's burden.
3. High efficiency for wearing and removal: Ideal for pets that dislike restriction, minimizing the time spent on getting them dressed.

• Usage scenarios :

For daily short-distance, low-intensity walks.

• Suitable Pets:

1. Sensitive pets that dislike restriction.
2. Gentle dogs and cats that don't lunge or pull.

3.   Upgraded Design of the Dog Harness for The Specific Use

3.1  Use in Nighttime/Low-light Environments

The reflective strips on the pet harness primarily serve the purpose of nighttime safety. By reflecting light, they significantly enhance the pets visibility in low-light environments. The specific uses can be summarized as follows:

1. Protecting the pet and enhancing nighttime visibility to prevent traffic accidents: The reflective strips reflect strong light when illuminated by vehicle headlights or streetlights, making the pet visible from up to 100 meters away. Even in complete darkness, the dog will have a clear identifier, greatly reducing the likelihood of accidents.
2. Protecting pedestrians: Prevents others from tripping over the pet or being accidentally pulled by the leash in the dark.
3. Helping the owner quickly locate the pet: In dimly lit environments like parks or woodland paths at dusk, the reflective strips help the owner locate the pet within 3-5 seconds, preventing them from getting lost.

• Recommended Use of Reflective Materials:

3.2  Dust Protection for Outdoor Use

With the upgraded demand for pet health and hygiene, pet harnesses are now entering a more specialized phase, and outdoor dust-proof clothing has become a must-have item on pet owners' shopping lists.

3.3  Medical Assistance

Early pet medical harnesses were primarily universal slings, with simple functionality mainly used for basic restraint or transportation. As veterinary rehabilitation medicine became an official discipline, people began to recognize the importance of scientific support for pet recovery. Products began to be developed through collaboration between veterinarians, rehabilitation therapists, and designers. Based on their function, support areas, and design, they can generally be divided into the following core styles:

3.3.1  Hind Leg/Rear Body Support Lift Strap

• Design Features:

This is the most common type, with the lifting handle located on the pet's back and the main support point at the rear abdomen (near the base of the hind legs). It is usually designed in an "H" shape or with wide straps that include an abdominal support.

• Main Uses:

1. Weak or paralyzed hind legs (e.g., due to degenerative myelopathy).
2. Hip dysplasia, arthritis.
3. Post-surgery rehabilitation walking (e.g., after cruciate ligament repair or hip joint surgery).
4. Weakening of hind leg strength in senior dogs.

• Advantages:

Effectively distributes the weight on the hind legs, helping pets maintain balance and walk.

3.3.2  Front Leg/Front Body Support Lift Strap

• Design Features:

The lifting handle is located on the back, but the support straps mainly wrap around the pet’s front legs (from the armpits to the chest).

• Main Uses:

1. Front limb arthritis, elbow dysplasia.
2. Front limb fractures or post-surgery recovery.
3. Pets with neck issues leading to front limb weakness.
4. Pets with severely impaired balance that require simultaneous support for both the front and rear (often used in conjunction with a hind leg support strap.

• Advantages:

Provides support to fragile front limbs, preventing the front body from collapsing

3.3.3  Full Body Support Harness

• Design Features:

Integrates both front and hind limb support functions into one complete "vest" or "stretcher." Typically features multiple connection points and lifting handles, providing comprehensive support.

• Main Uses:

1. Pets with weakness or poor coordination in all four limbs.
2. Severe spinal conditions or post-surgery recovery.
3. Paralyzed pets that need to be fully lifted or transferred from the ground.
4. Long-bodied dogs (e.g., Dachshunds) with spinal issues.

• Advantages:

Provides the most comprehensive and stable support, allowing for safe lifting of the pet as a whole.

3.3.4   Walking Assistance dog Harness

• Design Features:

The design is lightweight and simple, typically consisting of a wide, soft strap secured with Velcro, primarily covering the abdomen and hindquarters.

• Main Uses:

1. Assists with standing and walking, providing short-term support for elderly pets to rise or climb stairs.
2. Helps pets maintain a standing position while urinating or defecating.

• Advantages:

Easy to put on and take off, especially suitable for cleaning and care.

3.4   Sports Dog Harness

There are significant differences between competition-specific pet harnesses and everyday harnesses in terms of design philosophy, functionality, and standards. Their primary goal is to maximize the dog’s performance, ensure safety, and strictly comply with competition rules. Below are the mainstream types of competition-specific pet harnesses, categorized by major competition types:

3.4.1  Speed Competitions(e.g., Greyhound Racing, Terrier Racing) : The core of this type of harness is minimalism, lightweight design, and zero interference, much like an athlete’s running shoes.

• Design Features:

1. Minimalist design: Utilizes a "Y" shape or simplified into a single strap.
2. Lightweight material: Typically made from specialized nylon or soft leather, ensuring a very lightweight construction.

3.4.2  Pulling Competitions and Weight Pull Competitions (e.g., Sled Pulling, Weight Pulling) : The core of this type of dog straps is efficient force transmission, pressure distribution, and extreme durability.

• Design Features

1. X-shaped Harness: This is the most classic and common sled dog harness. From the side, it forms an "X" shape, evenly distributing the pulling force across the chest, back, and abdomen, perfectly fitting the dog's body shape during movement.
2. H-shaped Harness: Another common type, suitable for dogs with specific body types or working styles.
3. Breathable, Quick-Drying Material: Since dogs sweat a lot, the material must be breathable and easy to dry.

3.4.3  Agility and flyball events : The core of this sports dog harness design is ultimate fit, zero obstruction, and ease of quick on-and-off. Dogs do not wear the harness throughout the entire competition, only when entering and exiting the arena.

• Design Features:

1. Dog vest style/ H-shaped design: Extremely quick to put on and take off (typically in one second), used during dog warm-up or while waiting.
2. No drooping or swinging parts: Ensures no interference with high-speed, precise movements such as jumping and turning.
3. Lightweight, soft, and elastic material: Fits the body snugly without hindering preparatory activities.

3.4.4  Tracking and Search Competitions：the core features of the dog harness are durability, clear grip points, and the ability to connect a long leash.

• Design Features:

1. Vest-style with Sturdy Handle:  A strong handle on the back to allow the handler to briefly assist or control the dog in complex terrains.
2. Multiple Leash Attachment Points: D-rings on the chest or back to connect tracking leashes of varying lengths.
3. Durable and Tear-resistant: Designed to work in environments like brush or wilderness areas.
4. Integrated GPS Locator Attachment: For long-distance search competitions.

3.5  Swimsuit / Life Jacket

With the popularity of family swimming pools and the increasing number of water activities involving pets (such as boating and beach trips), the risk of pet drowning has started to attract attention. The initial "life-saving" concept was very simple, with owners possibly using old clothing or foam materials to create makeshift floatation devices for their pets, which were the earliest forms of life jackets. With the rapid development of the pet industry, modern pet swimsuits/life jackets have now evolved into products that combine safety protection, functional assistance, and fashionable expression.

• Design Features : Made with high buoyancy foam materials, bright-colored waterproof fabrics, sturdy handles (for rescue), and adjustable straps.
• Dog Life Jacket:
  Core Purpose: Prevent drowning and ensure water safety.
  Applicable Scenarios: Boating, sailing, kayaking, white-water rafting, deep water beach areas, and any other water activities with drowning risks.
• Dog Swimsuit / Functional Swimwear:
  Core Purpose: Functional protection and assistance.
  Applicable Scenarios: Daily use in swimming pools, summer cooling, and winter warmth

3.6  Outdoor Raincoat

The early form of pet raincoats dates back to the 19th century. The first pet raincoats were mainly adapted from human clothing, focusing on basic waterproof functionality. Modern pet rain gear, however, has evolved from a simple rain protection tool into a professional piece of equipment that integrates protection, health, safety, and convenience. It has become an essential item in the refined pet care scene.

• Core Technologies and Features:

1.Waterproof and Windproof:

• The fabric surface is coated with TPU, PU, or PVC waterproof layers, creating a lotus-leaf-like water-repellent effect, with a waterproof rating generally exceeding 3000mm.
• High-frequency seamless welding technology, combined with heat-sealed tape treatment, prevents rainwater from leaking through needle holes.
• The windproof layer uses tightly woven fabric, effectively resisting cold wind.

2.Comfort and Convenience:

• Detachable inner layer design: Breathable mesh fabric for summer use and a warm liner for winter, adapting to different seasons.
• Velcro or buckle design at the abdomen: Allows for easy wear without having to slip it on from the legs; the raincoat can be worn by simply putting it on from the back down in 3-5 seconds.

3.Safety :

• Reflective strips on the main seams, with bright colors such as yellow and orange, to enhance visibility and safety in overcast or rainy weather.
• For hairless dog breeds, the raincoat helps prevent direct contact of rainwater with the skin, avoiding bacterial and fungal growth that can cause dermatitis.
• Different Waterproof Ratings Correspond to Different Levels of Rain Protection. Below are the Recommended Usage Scenarios for Pet Raincoats:

In conclusion, there are various styles of dog harnesses available, and we hope the above introduction helps you in choosing the right harness for your dog. Of course, you can also have one custom-made according to your specific needs, such as Tactical Dog Harness, Service Dog Harness, Large Dog Harness, Dog Harness with Handle, Dog Harness with Name, Padded Dog Harness, Adjustable Dog Harness, and more.

nbsp;

4. Key Features to Consider When Customizing a Dog Harness:

5. Testing Standards for Pet Chest Harnesses

Although considered "pet supplies", the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) categorizes these items as "consumer products." Particularly for those designed with cartoon patterns or small accessories, the CPSC mandates compliance with children's product standards. Therefore, if a pet chest harness product is sold in the U.S. market, it must meet the safety standards of CPSIA and ASTM F963. The specific requirements include physical testing, chemical testing, tracking label compliance, and more.

1.Physical Test:

• Tensile Strength Test for Dog Chest Strap (under ASTM F963 regulation): The chest harness must withstand at least 3 times the pet's weight. For example, for a 5kg dog, the chest strap should be able to handle a tensile force of ≥15kg.
• Impact Resistance Test for Dog Leash Snap Hooks (under ASTM F963 regulation): If the snap hook is metal, the static tensile test should be ≥1350N.
• Flame Retardant Test (under 16 CFR 1610 regulation): For non-textile materials, the burn rate should be ≤ 0.1 in/s to pass. If it's textile material, the standards are: Plain-surface fabric: Flame spread time ≥ 3.5 seconds Raised-surface fabric: Flame spread time > 7 seconds, both of which are compliant.

2.Chemical Test:

• All contactable parts must have a lead content ≤ 100ppm.
• Fabrics, linings, and plastic components must be tested for the 8 phthalates (referred to as 8P), with each phthalate having a limit of ≤ 1000 mg/kg (0.1%). The 8P substances are DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIBP, DPENP, DHEXP, and DCHP.
• Metal components with accessible coatings must meet heavy metal migration limits, specifically for 8 heavy metals. For dog chest harnesses, the focus is on Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). The required migration limits are: Cd ≤ 75,Pb ≤ 90, which is considered a compliant product.

3.Label Instruction Requirements:

The label requirements are divided into mandatory federal regulations and non-federal regulations, the latter of which may apply when selling platforms such as Walmart or Amazon list the product for sale.

• Permanent Tracking Label: This is a mandatory requirement under U.S. federal regulations. The product label must include: Manufacturer's name, Manufacturer's address, Date of manufacture, Batch Number, Material information.
• Country of Origin Label: This is also a mandatory requirement under U.S. federal regulations. The product and its retail packaging must clearly indicate the country of origin.
• Product Warning Label: While not mandatory, it is recommended that brands include related content on the Washing Label, especially if the product is a corrective chest harness.

If the chest harness is a corrective type, it must also comply with FDA testing requirements. Further details can be provided upon request.

	Author