A dog lead and harness set is a functional and stylish must-have to make sure your pooch is comfortable, safe and secure while out on those all-important walkies. As any pet owner knows, dogs just LOVE a walk. It gives them plenty of opportunity to discover new sights and smells while burning off the endless amount of energy they have. However, the secret to good walks with your pooch lies in making sure they’ve got all the right gear, which is where a high-quality dog lead and a well-fitting harness come in.
A dog lead and harness work together to make daily walkies an enjoyable experience for both you and your pup. A coordinated set is designed to make sure your hound’s harness and lead work seamlessly together, so whether you’re navigating busy city streets or enjoying peaceful countryside strolls, your dog will remain safe and secure by your side. Investing in a good quality harness and lead will reduce any injury or discomfort your pup may experience if they tend to pull while out on walks while also offering you better control over your dog.
Best dog lead and harness set at a glance:
• Best overall dog lead and harness set: Suredoo Pet Reflective Soft Mesh Dog Harness and Leash Set – View on Amazon UK
• Best dog lead and harness set for large dogs: haapaw No Pull Dog Harness with Heavy Duty Dog Lead – View on Amazon UK
• Best dog lead and harness set for puppies: Zunea No Pull Small Dog Harness and Lead Set – View on Amazon UK
As well as many practical benefits, a matching dog harness and lead set will elevate your pup’s fashion game, making them the envy of any other furry friends they encounter on their stroll around the block or run around in the park. They’re available in a variety of colours, patterns and prints so you can opt for your favourite colour or choose a style that reflects your pup’s personality. You can even get matching harness, lead and collar sets for dogs for a completely coordinated walk.
With a dog lead and harness set, your pup can treat every outdoor adventure like a catwalk (or should we say 'dog walk'?), strutting their stuff wearing matching walking accessories while you’re safe in the knowledge that they're comfortable and secure. We’ve searched the web to bring you stylish yet practical dog harness and lead sets.
Best dog lead and harness sets
Best overall dog lead and harness set
Suredoo/AmazonSafe and comfortable, the Suredoo Pet Reflective Soft Mesh Dog Harness and Leash Set offers everything you could want from a matching lead and harness set. Both the harness and the lead are designed with super reflective strips, so they will reflect ambient light under low light conditions to ensure your pup is seen in the dark or when it's foggy. The harness is soft and comfortable with breathable air mesh to keep your pup cool with a Velcro fastening for easy putting on and off and a durable safety buckle for peace of mind.
Customer review: "I have a teacup chihuahua and I've struggled for almost 2 years to find one that fits and not waste money on. He also loves it as he is a fussy monster for keeping things on but he kept on his whole walk. Thank u so much, I will be ordering again very soon..."
Pros
- Reflective strips for after-dark safety
- Easy on-off fastening
- Made from breathable air mesh to keep your dog cool
Cons
- Some customers had issues with trying to find the right size for their pooch using the size guide, so make sure to thoroughly measure your pup before ordering
| Sizes: | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Colours: | Blue Wave, Brown Orange, Lapis Blue, Pink Frosting, Pure Black, Red, White Wave |
Best dog lead and harness set for large dogs
haapaw/AmazonIf you've got a big boy or girl who doesn't know their own strength, it can often feel like they're the one taking you for a walk! With the haapaw No Pull Dog Harness with Heavy Duty Dog Lead, it'll help with reducing the impact of pulling on both you and your pooch as it has two strong D rings on the front and back. It's made with durable nylon webbing with rust-free metal accessories and reflective stitching for more visibility.
Customer review: "Lovely harness & lead set. Strong, durable and seems to be comfortable for my girl.
I got the size large for my girl who is a 24kg lab, it fits her perfectly. Will definitely be buying more for her collection...Happy doggy, happy dog-mum 💕"
Pros
- Helps with pulling
- Non-rust metal
- Four size adjustors for the perfect fit
Cons
- Some reviewers had to size up on their dog
| Sizes: | S, M, L, XL |
| Colours: | Black, Blue, Pink, Purple |
Best dog lead and harness set for puppies
Zuena/AmazonMade of a high-quality fabric that's soft and comfortable to wear, the Zunea No Pull Small Dog Harness and Lead Set will be a great option for a little bundle of fluff on their first adventures outdoors. It has a step-in design, so it shouldn't be too overwhelming as you get your puppy used to putting it on and off, with Velcro fastening and adjustable buckles so you can get a fit that's not too loose or too tight, ensuring it fits just about right. The plaid design is super cute too.
Customer review: "My doggy is really pleased with his little harness. It's really well made. He loves the colour and style. He's happy that it also has a reflecter sewn onto the material. It's also comfortable. I ordered a small and a medium as I wasn't too sure but I can put the medium on him when he wears a coat. Very happy..."
Pros
- Easy to put on and off
- Adjustable fit to grow with your growing puppy
- Cute plaid design
Cons
- Some reviewers had difficulty selecting the right size for their puppy
| Sizes: | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Colours: | Grey, Pink, Khaki |
Best dog lead and harness set with personalisation
Moonpet/AmazonIf your pooch is known for being a bit of a Houdini, the Moonpet Personalised No Pull Dog Harness Leash Set can have a name and phone number added for peace of mind if your dog does an escape act. The all-purpose harness is breathable and padded for comfort and has a no-pull, no-choke design so it's ideal for walking, jogging, running and generally staying active with your pooch. Both the harness and lead have reflective trim to keep your dog seen in low-light conditions.
Customer review: "A brilliant dog harness, have bought several over the last few months and they have all been flimsy or too small or just naff! This is sturdy, perfect size and love the fact you can personalise it too. Would 100% recommend"
Pros
- Padded yet breathable
- Can be personalised
- Reflective tape on the harness and lead
Cons
- Personalised patches are Velcroed on, so could come off easily
| Sizes: | XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Colours: | Blue, Pink, Red, Black, Green, Purple |
Best soft dog lead and harness set
Bella & Pal/AmazonMade with a soft mesh fabric, the Bella & Pal Dog Harness and Leash Set will feel comfortable against your pup's fur and skin. It's lightweight but sturdy and also easy to clean so if your pooch gets into muddy puddles on their walk, you can quickly get it looking as good as new again. The harness has a step-in design for ease of putting on, and double D rings to ensure no accidental detachment from the included lead.
Customer review: "The harness is well-made and easy to put on and take off. Comfortable against the long fur of my small dogs Lightweight and breathable. I recommend the harness especially. The leads are great quality too, but perhaps too heavy for my small dogs."
Pros
- Soft material
- Lightweight
- Choice of 13 colours
Cons
- Even though large sizes are available, this harness and lead set is not really suitable for large breeds and is tailored more towards puppies and small breeds
| Sizes: | XXS, XS, S, M, L |
| Colours: | Avocado Green, Coral Pink, Emerald, Green Pattern, Hot Pink, Khaki, Lavender, Light Green, Orange, Peach, Red, Red Pattern, Sky Blue |
Best neoprene dog lead and harness set
House of Hugo/Etsywww.etsy.com
Make sure your pooch stands out from the pack in the House of Hugo Blue Polka Dot Harness and Lead Set. It features a gorgeous print of blue, grey, white and black abstract polka dots. The lead is sturdy with a padded handle for your comfort, and the lining of the harness is also padded with added mesh for breathability. You can also upgrade to the full bundle, which includes a matching collar and bow tie as well as a harness and lead, so your hound will be hot to trot!
Customer review: "Amazing sets. I bought two sets and both are stunning. Look even more beautiful in real life! My pups going look adorable in these! Thankyou again superb quality."
Pros
- Made from neoprene for easy cleaning
- Sturdy D ring attachments for security
- Padded handle on lead and padded harness to ensure you're both comfortable
Cons
- Postage not included in price
| Sizes: | XS, S, M, L |
| Colours: | Vast array of colours and prints available |
Best dog lead and harness bundle
Paws & RU/Not on the Highstreetwww.notonthehighstreet.com
Take a walk on the wild side with this Paws & RU Midnight Leopard Harness Set. Not only does this bundle include a harness and leader, but you also get a matching collar and waste bag holder for the price so it's great value for money. The outer fabric is made from quick-drying neoprene, so the harness won't stay wet for long if you get caught in a shower on your walk, while the inner fabric is breathable to prevent your pooch from overheating in warmer weather.
Pros
- Full bundle with collar and waste bag holder included too
- Made with quick-drying neoprene
- Can be machine washed on a low temperature
Cons
- No customer reviews
| Sizes: | XS, S, M, L |
| Colour: | Midnight Leopard |
How to choose a dog lead and harness set
When it comes to choosing the right dog lead and harness set for your pooch, there are a couple of factors you’ll want to consider for your pup’s comfort, safety and control.
Size and breed of your dog
Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and so do their leads and harnesses. You’ll want to make sure you pick a harness and lead set that is appropriate for your hound’s size and breed. For small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire terriers, a lightweight set will be fine, but for bigger breeds like Labradors and German Shepards, you’ll want to choose a more heavy-duty set that can handle their bigger size and potential lead pulling.
Material
Consider the durability, comfort and ease of cleaning when deciding what material your pup’s lead and harness set is made from. The most common materials are nylon, leather and neoprene.
Comfort
A comfortable harness will prevent chafing and rubbing, especially on long walks, so it’s important that you look for a harness that is padded for comfort. You’ll also want to consider one that has adjustable straps so you can alter how it fits to suit your dog.
Security
Opt for a lead and harness that comes with sturdy buckles and secure attachments to prevent your pup from slipping their lead and escaping. You should also look for reinforced stitching and metal hardware for added security and peace of mind.
Ease of use
To make getting out on walkies with your pup as efficient as possible, choose a harness and lead set that is easy to put on (as well as take off your dog). Quick-release buckles and adjustable straps make it simpler to adjust the fit to your dog’s size and shape and will help speed up getting out of the house before your walk.
Reflective features
Do you often walk your dog at night? Consider a lead and harness set with reflective strips or stitching for added visibility and safety to ensure your pup is seen in low-light conditions.
Training needs
If your dog is prone to pulling or you’ve got a pup that’s still in the stages of learning how to walk properly on the lead, you may want to consider a set with a no-pull harness or harness with front and back attachment points to discourage pulling behaviour. You may also want to consider a set that includes a shock-absorbing lead to minimise the effects felt when your dog pulls.
Budget
In a time where we’re all trying to watch our pennies a bit more, choosing a lead and harness set that meets your budget requirements is also important, Just keep in mind that quality products may cost more but can offer better durability and functionality in the long run so investing from the get-go may end up saving you money in the future.
Style
Last but by no means least, you’ve got to think about style when it comes to choosing your pup’s lead and harness set. There are a variety of colours, patterns and designs available to suit your personal tastes and reflect your dog’s personality, and you can even get a dog harness, collar and lead set to ensure every part of your pup's dog walking kit is completely coordinated. While style is not as important as the overall functionality, it’s still something you’ll want to take into account to make your pooch the envy of all the other four-legged friends in the park.
Dog lead and harness set UK: FAQs
How do I measure my dog for the right harness size?
To ensure you're getting the right size harness and fit for your pooch, you'll want to use a flexible tape measure to get a measurement of the widest part of your dog's chest (typically just behind the front legs), measure the circumference of your dog's neck where the dog collar would sit and take note of the length from the base of your dog's neck to the base of their tail. You can then use these measurements to make sure your chosen harness isn't too tight or too long or short.
Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers.