How to fit a harness properly on a long-haired dog

Lévrier afghan au long pelage clair

On a dog with a thick coat, the straps can almost disappear. A harness may look well fitted while it is mostly resting on the volume of fur; on the other hand, you may be tempted to tighten it too much so it looks stable.

To check the fit, rely on where the harness sits and on what you feel with your hands, not just on how it looks.

Measure without relying on the volume of the coat

Have your dog stand and follow the manufacturer’s guide points. The tape should measure the body without floating above the fur or squeezing your dog.

Don’t add an arbitrary margin “for the fur” if the guide does not ask for it. If in doubt, send the measurements to the seller and mention that the coat is dense.

Check under the straps

Once the harness is on, gently move the fur away from the clips before closing them. Check that no tuft is caught in a buckle.

Then slide your hand under the areas you can reach to check the fit according to the instructions. The often-quoted two-finger rule is only a rough guide: on its own, it does not prove the harness is suitable.

Watch your dog walk

A few calm steps show whether the harness moves a lot or seems to hinder movement. After taking it off, look at the contact areas, especially near the front legs.

The American Kennel Club recommends in particular watching for rubbing and checking the fit again after grooming or a change in weight.

Source: AKC advice on choosing and fitting a harness

Should you readjust after grooming?

Yes, it is worth checking. Losing part of the coat’s volume can change how the fit feels to you.

Get into the habit of checking the clips and straps before walks too. If you notice redness, pain or ongoing discomfort, don’t try to solve it just by tightening or loosening: have it looked at.

A thick coat can hide the contact points. Taking a moment to look at them helps you spot a problem sooner.

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