Corgis have a long body that puts them at risk of spinal problems. Getting the right harness minimises pressure on the spine and can reduce this risk. Here are four of the best dog harnesses for Corgis, along with tips for choosing the right option.
Corgis make great companions. With their wiggly butts, fun personality, and surprising amounts of energy, it’s no wonder they’re a popular breed. Even the Queen of England loves them!
Unfortunately, the Corgi’s unique body shape puts them at risk of degenerative spine conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial to buy a harness that’s not only suitable for their unusual dimensions, but that reduces the pressure on their spine.
A good harness for Corgis should also be comfortable and durable, so it will keep your furry friend safe and secure during their adventures.
In this article, I’ve put together a list of the four best harnesses for Corgis, so you can find the perfect match for your pup. I’ve also explained why harnesses are better for Corgis than collars, and provided some top tips for choosing Corgi harnesses.
Our #1 Pick: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
Durable, comfortable, and great for Corgis
The Ruffwear Front Range is our top harness for Corgis. It’s easy to adjust and has a low neck, so it’s suitable for this breed’s body shape. It also has both front and rear leash attachments, along with a reflective trim.
Do Corgis Need to Wear a Dog Harness?
Because of their long backs, Corgis are at increased risk of developing a condition known as “intervertebral disc disease”, or IVDD.
IVDD is a serious condition that causes the discs in the spine to degenerate. As the initial symptoms may not be obvious, it can go undetected for several years, until a mild or severe trauma causes a disc in the spine to burst and place pressure on the nerves.
Once this happens, your pup can suffer from pain, stiffness, weakness, incontinence, and find walking difficult. In severe cases, a burst disc can even result in paralysis.
There is no sure way to prevent your Corgi from developing IVDD, but there are things you can do to reduce their risk. Using a harness instead of a collar is one of them.
Why Harnesses Are the Best Choice for Corgis
Unlike collars, high-quality dog harnesses concentrate force onto the broader chest area, which may reduce the risk of IVDD. This is because pressure on the neck leads to stress further down the spinal column that can accelerate disk degeneration.
Another advantage of harnesses is that they protect the delicate throat. This makes walks more comfortable and safer for your Corgi.
Tip: You should also manage your Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s weight and try to avoid activities that involve jumping. This limits unnecessary stress on the spine and reduces the overall risk of developing IVDD.
How to Choose a Harness for a Corgi’s Neck Size and Body Shape
Due to their long backs and wide necks, it’s important to buy a harness that’s suitable for your Corgi’s body shape and is comfortable for them to wear.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a harness for your Corgi.
Harness Shape to Reduce Stress on Spine
Not all harnesses are suitable for a Corgi. Those with high neck straps can be dangerous, as this forces the spine into an unnatural position.
To minimise spinal stress, the chest strap should sit low across the breastbone and loop around the shoulders, not the back of the neck. This also protects the trachea if your dog pulls.
Leash Attachment
There are two locations for a leash attachment: front and back. While there’s no “best” option for a Corgi, each placement has advantages and disadvantages.
Back-clip harnesses are usually the easiest for your dog to get used to wearing. The leash is less likely to catch on your dog’s front legs and pressure is directed to the chest, rather than the neck area. However, back clip harnesses offer less control if your Corgi tends to pull.
On the other hand, front-clip harnesses discourage pulling without hurting your dog, by gently steering them off course. This type of harness is often referred to as a no-pull harness. A drawback to front-clip harnesses is that they can catch under the front legs and cause your dog to trip.
Some harnesses, such as the Ruffwear Front Range, have both front and rear attachments. These are more versatile, and give you the option of using a dual leash for extra control.
Proper Fit
You should never guess your dog’s harness size. Always measure them first to make sure you achieve a good fit. It’s a good idea to repeat the measurements to check you didn’t make a mistake.
Most harnesses will require you to measure the widest part of the neck and chest, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions if they advise differently. Never rely on harnesses that are sized by weight or that are just listed as suitable for “small dogs,” as this is not an accurate sizing method.
Don’t be afraid to send the harness back if it doesn’t fit your dog properly. It’s essential that the harness is secure, but doesn’t rub or limit your dog’s movement.
Adjustable Design
Because Corgis have a body shape that’s different from most dogs, finding a well-fitting harness can be a challenge. This is why it’s important to look for a harness with adjustable straps, so you can tailor it to fit them properly.
The best models have multiple adjustment points so you can achieve an almost custom fit that’s secure but doesn’t place any pressure on sensitive areas.
As a general rule, a properly fitted harness should allow you to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s skin.
Comfortable Padding
It’s important that your Corgi is comfortable in their harness. A proper fit is probably the most important factor, but padding can also help to prevent rubbing or chafing. Padding is particularly important if your dog often lunges or pulls.
The straps and edges of the harness should also be made from flexible, breathable material – especially in the region behind the forelegs – to avoid any rubbing in this area as they move.
Durable Construction
Corgis can be energetic dogs, so you should look for a harness that has a durable construction to limit wear and tear over time, as well as keeping your pup safe.
Strong nylon, double-stitched seams, and durable D-ring leash attachments are great features. Adjustable buckles should be made from hard-wearing plastic or metal to limit the potential for breakage that would allow your pup to escape. Just be sure to check that any bulky clips or adjusters don’t chafe during use.
Some models also feature reflective strips, which are great for low-light walks, and handles for easier control. Keep in mind that you should never use a handle to lift your Corgi, however, as this is bad for their spine.
4 Best Corgi Dog Harness Reviews
Here are my top picks for the four best harnesses for Corgis. Not all of these models are specifically designed for long-bodied dogs, but they have several features that make them a great fit for your Corgi.
Our top recommendation for the best Corgi harness is the Ruffwear Front Range. This model is made by a well-respected manufacturer, is available in a choice of five sizes, and has a number of features that make it ideal for Corgis.
One of the best things about this harness is that it can be adjusted in four different places. So, while it’s not designed specifically for Corgis, you should be able to fit it to your pup’s unusual body shape. The Ruffwear Front Range also has foam padding on all contact points for comfort, and it won’t dig into the skin if your Corgi tends to pull.
This harness has two D-ring leash attachment points (front and rear), so you can choose which suits you and your dog best. The entire harness is crafted from lightweight and durable materials that are built to last, and we like that it has a reflective trim for improved visibility on low light walks.
This harness also has a light loop, so you can attach the Ruffwear Beacon light for night time adventures (sold separately). There’s an ID tag pocket on the top of the harness, although we still recommend that your dog wears a collar with an ID tag.
There’s very little to fault about this harness, but there is one disappointing feature.
The rear leash attachment point is made from durable aluminum, but the front attachment point is made from reinforced webbing instead. This front attachment is still pretty tough, but as it’s fabric and not metal, it’s an unfortunate weak point that’s less suitable if your pup tends to pull.
The Ruffwear Front Range Reflective Pet Harness has multiple adjustment points so you can get the ideal fit for your Corgi. The choice of front or rear leash attachments is great for pups who pull, and the comfortable padded design won’t dig into their skin.
- Leash Attachments: Dual
- Adjustable: Yes
- Brand: Ruffwear
- Has four points of adjustment for a close fit
- Foam padding ensures your pup is comfortable
- Front and rear leash attachments
- Front leash attachment isn’t metal, which raises concerns about durability over time.
The Buddy Belt Classic Leather Harness has been designed for long-bodied dachshunds, which makes it a great option for Corgis, too. It comes in a large range of colors and a choice of seven sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your pup.
This harness looks rather different to other dog harnesses, as it doesn’t have nylon straps with padded areas. Instead, it’s crafted from a single piece of durable leather with one adjustable buckle.
Unlike some leather harnesses, this model is soft and flexible, so it’s comfortable for your dog to wear without being so stretchy that they might escape. The clever design reduces strain on your dog’s spine, and the chest strap also sits low on the breastbone, to avoid any pressure on the throat even if your Corgi pulls.
We like that this model is easy to put on. Your Corgi just steps into it and then you can fasten the buckle across their back, making it a good choice for dogs that dislike harnesses being placed over their heads.
While this harness has a great design and is very durable, it has a few downsides.
The lack of padding may cause chafing if the fit is incorrect or if your Corgi tends to pull. It’s also expensive and the flexible leather won’t stand up to chewing. Therefore, you should keep it well out of reach of your pup and be sure to supervise them while wearing it.
- Leash Attachments: Rear Only
- Adjustable: Yes
- Brand: Buddy Belts
- Designed for long-bodied breeds
- Easy to put on
- Soft and flexible leather doesn’t dig in
- Leather is vulnerable to damage from chewing
- Expensive
Another great pick for your Corgi is the Puppia RiteFit Back Clip Harness. It’s not as durable as the Ruffwear, but is an inexpensive harness that’s comfortable to wear.
Unlike the Buddy Belt, this model hasn’t been designed specifically for long-bodied breeds, but both the neck and stomach straps are fully adjustable. It comes in a choice of four sizes and a range of colors.
This soft vest harness is made from 100% polyester. It’s flexible for a comfortable fit that reduces chafing. The breathable mesh material also keeps your pup cool during their walk and cushions any pressure if they pull.
Although this is a soft fabric harness, the Puppia RiteFit is still durable, so it can withstand the occasional lunge if your Corgi gets excited. It won’t be able to resist any chewing, though, so be careful to keep it out of reach if your pup likes to nibble.
Like the Buddy Belt, this model doesn’t need to be pulled over your pup’s head, which makes it a good option if your Corgi dislikes harnesses being placed over their face. The tough plastic buckles keep the harness secure, so it won’t shift around as they move, and there are two, durable metal D-rings on the back for easy leash attachment.
Overall, this low-cost harness is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget, but one downside is that the sizes tend to run smaller than advertised. This means you may have to try a couple of sizes to get the right fit, especially if your Corgi measures in between sizes.
- Leash Attachments: Rear Only
- Adjustable: Yes
- Brand: Puppia
- Neck and belly straps are adjustable
- Soft, flexible and durable design
- Low price
- Sizes often run smaller than advertised
- Soft design isn’t as durable
Last on our list we have the Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness. This model is available in a choice of five sizes and features a tough, escape-resistant design that’s built with durability in mind.
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness has five adjustment points, so it can be fully adjusted as required for a good fit. The quick-release nesting buckles are made from steel for enhanced strength and the strong nylon straps ensure your pup stays secure.
We like that this harness has a padded chest plate to cushion any pressure and distribute it across the chest if your Corgi pulls. It also features front and rear leash attachments, so it’s great for leash training.
A downside to this harness is that it can be difficult to get a snug fit on a Corgi’s long body shape, so it may take some trial and error with the adjustments to get it right. There’s also no padding on the underarm section, so there’s a chance that the straps and metal buckles could rub if the harness doesn’t fit properly.
All in all, this is a good harness that’s designed to last – you just need to make sure you get the right fit for your pup before heading out on your walks.
- Leash Attachments: Dual
- Adjustable: Yes
- Brand: Kurgo
- Highly durable design is built to last
- Fully adjustable with five adjustment points
- Padded breastplate for comfort
- Can be difficult to get a good fit on Corgi body shape
- No padding in the underarm area and the buckles can rub if not properly fitted
Summary & Top Pick
Choosing the right harness for your Corgi will help to reduce their risk of developing IVDD and ensure that they’re safe and comfortable during walkies.
My top pick for the best Corgi harness is the Ruffwear Front Range Reflective Dog Harness.
This lightweight, durable harness can be adjusted in four different places, so it’s easy to get the perfect fit for your pup’s unique body shape. It’s also built with generous padding and has both front and back leash attachments.
I hope this article helped you to find the perfect Corgi harness for your dog. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to comment down below. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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Kelly is a full-time freelance writer who’s passionate about pets and animal welfare. In the past, she has volunteered at shelters and veterinary clinics, worked as a part-time pet-sitter/dog walker, and played a hands-on role in rehoming street animals from the Middle East to forever homes in Europe. When she’s not writing about pets, you’ll find her hiking coastal trails with her rescue pup, Sidney.