We Reviewed the Best Leather Dog Harness: Updated

Written by Volia Schubiger
Updated: November 18, 2022
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When it comes to keeping your dog healthy and safe, you always look for the best products. Whether it’s the best dog food, the coziest beds, or the most exciting toys, you make the best choices for your pup. Harnesses are an essential dog care item that should not be overlooked. There is no substitute for leather when it comes to quality, beauty, and luxury. Besides looking great on your dog, a leather harness can also keep him safe. The leather’s natural properties make it feel like a dog’s skin, making it more comfortable for them to wear. Unlike nylon harnesses, this harness won’t irritate your skin. Furthermore, the harness won’t fail and your dog won’t escape because leather is so durable and long-lasting.

With so many leather harnesses available, choosing the right one can seem like a challenge. Below are our top picks from some of the best options.

  1. Peshouco Handmade Leather Dog Harness
    • Durable black genuine leather harness
    • Features back handle, back leash ring, adjustable straps
    • Sizes M (24"-28" chest) and L (28"-32"chest)
    • No-pull design
    Check Amazon
  2. CollarDirect Rolled Leather Step In Back Clip Dog Harness & Leash
    • Genuine leather harness with matching leather lead
    • Buckle closure
    • Available in XS and S sizes
    • 10 color varieties
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Dogs Kingdom Soft Leather Dog Harness
    • One-size leather dog harness with nickel-plated hardware
    • 5 adjustable straps for maximum comfort with D-ring on back
    • Dimensions: Neck size:17.5"-23.5" Chest size:26"-34"
    • Suitable for large dogs
    Check Amazon
  4. Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness
    • Genuine leather dog harness with 3 adjustable buckle closures
    • D ring on back
    • Chest sizes: 13"-20", 19"-24", 24"-29.5"
    • Matching accessories sold separately
    Check Amazon
  5. Dogline Soft and Padded Round Rolled Leather Step in Harness
    • Soft, padded genuine leather dog harness
    • Sold as separate harness with ring, or with attachable lead
    • Rivet less design
    • Size Small


    Check Amazon
  6. PET ARTIST Heavy Duty Leather Dog Harness
    • Heavy duty leather harness for large and muscular dog breeds
    • Buckle closures and nickel-plated hardware
    • 2 lead ring options and back handle for better control
    • Sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Leather Dog Harnesses Today

#1. Best Overall: Peshouco Handmade Leather Dog Harness

The Peshouco Leather Dog Harness was our top pick out of all these leather dog harnesses. There are two sizes of this harness available to fit medium and large dogs whose chest circumference ranges from 24 to 32 inches. The straps can be adjusted to ensure that your pup is snug and secure.

The harness is designed with a no-pull design that evenly distributes pressure to a dog’s entire body to teach them not to pull. You can also lift your dog up quickly if an emergency occurs with the handle on the back of the harness. Snapping buckles make this harness easy to put on and take off. There is a visible grain in the leather, which makes it 100% genuine. There are two colors of this harness to choose from: dark brown and black.

This leather harness has only one major drawback: there are no sizes for smaller dogs. Medium-sized to large dogs are the only ones who can use this harness. 

Pros and Cons of the Peshouco Handmade Leather Dog Harness

ProsCons
There is no synthetic material used in the manufacture of this harness.Small and puppy dogs cannot use it because only medium and large sizes are available.
You can gain additional control when needed by using the handle on the back of the harness.
A no-pull design evenly distributes pressure over the entire body.
Best Leather
Peshouco Handmade Leather Dog Harness
  • Durable black genuine leather harness
  • Features back handle, back leash ring, adjustable straps
  • Sizes M (24"-28" chest) and L (28"-32"chest)
  • No-pull design
Check Amazon

2. Best for Small Dogs and Puppies: CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Harness

For puppies and small breed dogs, the CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Harness is an excellent choice. It is available in two sizes (extra-small and small) to fit dogs with chests girths between 11 and 25 inches.

This harness features an easy-to-use step-in design so you can easily dress your pup or dog for walks. This collar is made of genuine rolled leather that won’t tangle or irritate a dog’s fur. Wearing the harness is easy and requires no manipulation of the ears, head, or legs.

This is also a great choice if you’re looking for a colorful leather harness. The harness comes in ten different colors: blue, dark blue, pink, purple, red, beige, black, mint green, white, and brown. The leather harnesses come with matching rolled leather leads that are four feet in length. The leather harness, however, is quite limited in size since it is made specifically for smaller dogs. For owners of large breed dogs, this can be a major drawback.

Pros and Cons of the CollarDirect Rolled Leather Dog Harness

ProsCons
There are a variety of colors available for this leather harness.It is available in a limited number of sizes.
It is made from specially treated soft leather for a step-in fit.
This collar comes in small and extra small sizes, making it the perfect collar for smaller dogs.
Best for Small Dogs & Puppies
CollarDirect Rolled Leather Step In Back Clip Dog Harness & Leash
  • Genuine leather harness with matching leather lead
  • Buckle closure
  • Available in XS and S sizes
  • 10 color varieties
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Large Dogs: Dogs Kingdom Soft Leather Dog Harness

If you are looking for a harness for large dogs, the Dogs Kingdom Soft Leather Dog Harness is another great choice. Soft, yet sturdy leather is used to make this harness, which keeps dogs comfortable and secure.

The harness also features five adjustable straps for the perfect fit to keep your dog safe. It is designed to fit large dogs whose neck circumference is between 17.5″ and 23.5″ and whose chest circumference is between 26″ and 34″.

As far as the quality of the harness is concerned, Dog’s Kingdom took care. Using 1-inch-wide leather straps and nickel-plated hardware, they added strong D-rings for attaching leashes. A choice of four attractive colors is available: black, red, pink, and pink leopard. There is a downside that some customers have noted, which is that it may not hold up against very strong breeds. Several dog owners have reported that their strong dogs were able to rip the harness apart.

Pros and Cons of the Dogs Kingdom Soft Leather Dog Harness

ProsCons
There are five adjustable straps on the harness.The harness has been reported to be broken by strong breeds of dogs.
It comes with heavy duty D-rings and nickel-plated hardware.
The leather harness is specifically designed to fit larger dog breeds.
Best for Large Dogs
Dogs Kingdom Soft Leather Dog Harness
  • One-size leather dog harness with nickel-plated hardware
  • 5 adjustable straps for maximum comfort with D-ring on back
  • Dimensions: Neck size:17.5"-23.5" Chest size:26"-34"
  • Suitable for large dogs
Check Amazon

4. Most Affordable: Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness

The Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness is a great choice whether you’re walking or hiking with your dog. With this budget-friendly option, you get all of the advantages of a leather harness, but at a lower cost.

Designed to last for a long time, the leather harness is handmade and highly durable. There are two sizes available for dogs whose chest circumference is between 13 and 20 inches and 19 to 24 inches. For a perfect fit, each size has three adjustable straps.

Aside from the high-quality leather construction, this harness features alloy-metal hardware, including a pull ring and buckle. Designed to resist rust, the pull ring and buckle will hold up well to repeated use.

Featuring attractive brown leather, the Beirui Leather Dog Harness looks great on all dogs. This leather harness does not stretch, which is one of its main disadvantages. Consequently, if you have a large dog, this harness may not fit them well.

Pros and Cons of the Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness

ProsCons
It’s an incredibly budget-friendly leather harness.There is not much stretch in the harness, so it runs small.
Among the harness’s alloy-metal hardware is a pull ring and buckle.
Rust is not an issue with the harness.
Best Affordable
Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness
  • Genuine leather dog harness with 3 adjustable buckle closures
  • D ring on back
  • Chest sizes: 13"-20", 19"-24", 24"-29.5"
  • Matching accessories sold separately
Check Amazon

5. Most Color Choices: Dogline Soft and Padded Round Rolled Leather Step-In Harness

You don’t have to be boring to wear leather when you wear the Dogline Rolled Leather Harness. A total of 14 attractive color options are available including aqua blue, beige, black, brown, royal blue, rust orange, and lime green.

The harness is made from genuine rolled leather that is padded and soft so that it will not damage your dog’s hair or irritate its skin. It also features a rivetless design and is handcrafted for exceptional quality.

Each harness comes with a matching leash made of rolled leather. A dog weighing between 12 and 22 pounds should be able to fit comfortably into these harnesses. Overall, this is a great option for dog owners who really want their pet walking around looking stylish. Although the leather harness is excellent, some users have found that the straps are a bit thin, almost like string, so when the dog pulls, the thin straps are painful. This is definitely something to keep in mind!

Pros and Cons of the Dogline Soft and Padded Round Rolled Leather Step Step-In Harness

ProsCons
This leather harness comes in a variety of colors.Several customers have reported that the straps can be a bit thin and hurt their dogs if they pull too hard on them.
Genuine rolled leather is used to make this harness, which is padded and soft to the touch.
The harness is handcrafted with high-quality leather.
Best Color Choices
Dogline Soft and Padded Round Rolled Leather Step in Harness
  • Soft, padded genuine leather dog harness
  • Sold as separate harness with ring, or with attachable lead
  • Rivet less design
  • Size Small


Check Amazon

6. Best for Extra Control and Attachment Options: PET ARTIST Heavy Duty Leather Dog Harness

The PET ARTIST Heavy Duty Leather Dog Harness is perfect for owners looking for a little extra control. Handcrafted with genuine leather, this harness is strong and lightweight at the same time. In addition to nickel-plated rivets and heavy-duty hardware, waxed threads are used for stitching.

A custom fit is also possible with PET ARTIST harnesses, which feature an adjustable design for maximum comfort, flexibility, and mobility. Featuring three adjustable straps, it fits most small, medium, and large breed dogs.For added control, we appreciate the back handle and the dual rings that allow you to attach the leash behind the neck or mid-back.

A 100% quality guarantee is also included with the leather harness. Pet Artist guarantees to replace unsatisfactory items or refund your money if you are unsatisfied with the quality of their products. Overall, this leash is a great option. The only downside is that there is only one color available: dark brown. Additionally, many customers would like to see a black option.

Pros and Cons of the PET ARTIST Heavy Duty Leather Dog Harness

ProsCons
There are three adjustable straps on the leather harness, so it can be fitted to almost any type of dog.There aren’t many colors to choose from when it comes to the leather harness.
A 100% quality guarantee is included with the harness.
Strong and durable genuine leather gives owners more control without harming their pups.
Best Control and Attachments
PET ARTIST Heavy Duty Leather Dog Harness
  • Heavy duty leather harness for large and muscular dog breeds
  • Buckle closures and nickel-plated hardware
  • 2 lead ring options and back handle for better control
  • Sizes XL, 2XL, 3XL
Check Amazon

How to Choose the Best Leather Dog Harnesses

In comparison to nylon, leather harnesses have many advantages over other materials commonly used for harnesses. Leather is a very durable material that is designed to last a long time. Consider the other leather items you own. They have stood the test of time well, haven’t they? 

A harness made from leather is different from one made of nylon or any other material most manufacturers use to make them. In this way, it will be more comfortable on your dog’s skin. If your puppy or dog suffers from allergies or sensitive skin, then leather may be a good choice. As opposed to other materials, leather won’t irritate their skin. Should your dog have allergies or sensitivities to dyes or chemicals, you can look for a leather harness that has only been treated with natural chemicals and dyes. How can you choose the best leather dog harness for your best friend, given the abundance of leather dog harnesses on the market?

There are three main factors to consider when deciding on the best outdoor dog bed for your pup:

  • Harness design 
  • Size and fit 
  • Budget 

In the following sections, we will explore each of these factors in greater detail:

Harness Design

Choosing a harness begins with deciding what type you want. If you’re looking for a no-pull harness, go for one with a front clip so that you can better control your dog. Leather harnesses with back clips may be appropriate for small dogs and well-trained dogs.

You should also consider the overall design of the harness along with the type of harness you want. How do you like the color of the leather? Is there any additional decoration, such as rhinestones or other embellishments? Is the harness color going to complement your dog’s coat? These are all factors that you must consider.

Size and Fit

It is imperative to ensure the leather harness you choose offers a safe and secure fit for your dog. The skin of a dog can be irritated or discomforted by a harness that is too tight. In contrast, if a harness is too loose, your dog may escape.

Take measurements of the chest circumference and neck circumference of your dog to find the right fit. Then, you can compare these measurements with the sizing charts provided by each manufacturer. In the event that your dog’s measurements seem to fall between two sizes, most manufacturers recommend sizing up.

You should be able to adjust the straps on leather harnesses to ensure they fit your dog perfectly.

Budget

Don’t forget to keep your budget in mind when shopping. In addition to choosing a quality harness for your dog, you should also choose one that is affordable. It can be expensive to buy a leather harness, but there are also more affordable alternatives.

The 2 Different Types of Leather Harnesses

As with other types of harnesses, there are both front-clip and back-clip leather harnesses on the market. Each harness type offers its own features, pros and cons, and is useful for different types of situations.

The two main types of leather harnesses are:

  • Front-Clip Leather Harness — This design prevents dogs from pulling when walking on a leash. As a result, owners have more control over their dogs when taking them on a walk. There is a possibility that this could put pressure on a dog’s muscles, leading to future injuries. It is possible for the leash to get tangled on the dog’s legs, however, it makes steering easier.
  • Back-Clip Leather Harness — For dogs who are already leash trained, this is a good option. The collar does not prevent dogs from pulling. While neck injuries are prevented, training is not as effective. The leash won’t get tangled up on the dog’s legs. Small dogs often benefit from this type of harness.

Up Next…

  • No-Pull Dog Harnesses — A no-pull harness may be your best option if you really need better control during walks.
  • Dog Training Books — There’s no magic leash or collar that will fix bad leash manners, but practice and learning will help! Discover the best dog training books.
  • Best Leather Dog Collars — Regardless of your budget, you can find a leather collar that is classy and high quality!

About the Author

Volia Schubiger is a freelance copywriter and content editor with a passion and expertise in content creation, branding, and marketing. She has a background in Broadcast Journalism & Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College. When she's not writing she loves traveling, perusing used book stores, and hanging out with her other half.

We Reviewed the Best Leather Dog Harness: Updated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How do I measure for a leather dog harness?

As with other harness types, you want to ensure the leather harness you choose will provide the right fit for your pup. Harnesses that are too big may make it possible for a dog to escape, while ones that are too small can be too tight and cause a dog discomfort or lead to problems with circulation.

Most harnesses require two measurements: the chest girth and the neck girth. To measure the chest girth, you want to use a flexible tape measure to measure around the belly, directly behind the front legs. Then, use the tape measure to measure around your dog’s neck.

Each leather harness should include a size guide from the manufacturer to help you select the ideal size based on your dog’s measurements. If the measurements you took appear to be between two different sizes, you should choose the larger size to ensure a better fit.

What is the best leather dog harness?

The best harness may look different from one dog to the next. Good leather dog harnesses should offer a snug and secure fit and be made using high-quality leather. You should also choose a clip-style (front or back) that matches your training and control needs. If appearance is important to you, look for a leather harness in a color you like or one that includes rhinestones or other embellishments.

We selected the Peshouco Handmade Leather Dog Harness as our top pick. We chose this leather dog harness for a few reasons. We like that it is crafted from 100% genuine leather with a visible grain. We also found that the no pull feature was good for gaining additional control over a dog on the leash. With the adjustable straps on the harness, we were able to achieve a perfect fit for our pup.

Is leather a good material for a dog harness?

Yes, leather is an excellent material to choose for a dog harness. Leather is very durable and can provide years of use for your dog. As a natural material, your dog may even find that a leather harness is more comfortable than ones made from synthetic materials, like nylon.

Is a leather harness or a leather collar better?

When walking a dog or hiking with a dog, it is better to use a harness than a leash. Harnesses place less pressure on the neck and can reduce the risk of injury. If you want to get your dog a leather collar, use it more for decorative purposes and to hold their dog tags. When you take them out for a walk, use the leather harness.

Are leather harnesses good for dogs with sensitive skin?

Yes, if your dog has sensitive skin, a leather harness can be a very good pick. Leather is a natural material that has similar chemistry to a dog’s skin. This means it won’t irritate their skin as other materials, such as nylon, may.

Should I choose a front-clip or back-clip leather harness?

If you need a no-pull harness to keep your dog from pulling you on a walk, a front-clip harness is best. The clip in the front of the harness works to redirect your dog’s attention to you, which prevents them from pulling and can eventually help them realize that there is no benefit to pulling. Front-clip harnesses can also help when training puppies or hiking with a dog since they offer greater control to the owner.

If you don’t need a no-pull harness, you can consider purchasing a back-clip leather harness. These models are better for dogs who already know how to properly walk on a leash and don’t need reminders not to pull.

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