Frenchies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and quite arguably the cutest.

Top-notch pups deserve top-notch harnesses for their daily excursions.

Taking your little guy or gal out for a walk should be fun and hassle-free, but we all know that’s not always the case.

Here’s a look at the best harnesses that make life easier and also cater specifically to the needs of French Bulldogs.

We’ll take an in-depth look at each of these industry-leading harnesses and how they each address the potential challenges we face while on walks with our Frenchies.

Why Your Frenchie Needs A Harness

At this point everyone is pretty much up to speed on the fact that harnesses are, in nearly all cases, superior to collars when it comes to walking your dog.

The main point of a harness is to redistribute the force of the leash to the dog’s body and legs rather than his neck.

This is actually even more important for Frenchie owners because French Bulldogs are Brachycephalic dogs.

That’s a scientific word meaning that Frenchies have substantially shorter snouts than dogs of most other breeds.

Because of this, most Frenchies have one or more physical traits that may impact the amount of oxygen Frenchies are able to take in:

• Narrow Nostrils, which can restrict airflow
• Elongated Soft Palate, which can cause blockage to the trachea
• Hypoplastic Trachea, which means the trachea is more narrow than normal
• Everted Laryngeal Saccules, which is a condition that can further obstruct the airways

As a result, the force applied by a traditional collar typically puts additional stress on Frenchies’ necks, further exacerbating the problem.

Walking and running require more oxygen than the usual activities around the house, so when Frenchies go out for a walk, it is important that they have a good harness to ensure they get the proper airflow that they need.

Two other reasons to get you and your Frenchie a good harness are the fact that most Frenchies are notorious leash pullers and also the fact they have a slightly thicker chest than most dogs their size.

These are two things that the features of a good harness will take care of.

What We’ll Look For In A Good Harness For Frenchies

Below are the main features you should look for in a good harness. You can also check out the article “Dog Harnesses: A Complete Breakdown Of The 6 Types” to understand the significance of each of these elements.

• Dual Leash Attachment Clips
• Dual Buckles
• Padded Vest
• Breathable Material
• Adjustable Straps
• Back Handles
• ID Pocket
• Durability
• Reflectivity

Top Dog Harness Picks For French Bulldogs

Here are our picks for the best harnesses for French Bulldogs. Each of the harnesses on this list have all received outstanding reviews across the net and in-store.

Ruffwear

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is one of the best harnesses on the market today.

It’s an activewear harness that is designed for extended periods of play and exercise outdoors.

It boasts a features list to be reckoned with.

The dual leash attachment clips provide options for your adventure. Attach your leash to the front clip to take advantage of the harness’s no-pull mechanism during casual walks.

It helps your dog not to walk or run too far ahead of you. The back clip is better suited to more rigorous activities like running, biking and hiking; activities where it’s ok to let your little guy or gal lead the way.

This harness has 4 adjustable straps and 6 points of adjustment which ensure that you’re able to get a great fit customized to the shape of your Frenchie’s body without worrying about him slipping out and running away from you.

When it comes to the fit of the Ruffwear Front Range, we’ve found that it has two features at the front of that harness that are particularly good for Frenchies.

These are the padded vest panel and the adjustable neck straps.

In terms of protecting the Frenchie’s sensitive airways, these features work together to keep pressure off of the Frenchie’s neck and allow for a fit that covers the exact size of his neck.

The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is a harness that leaves little to be desired, covering all the bases necessary for a safe and comfortable walk for you and your Frenchie.

Puppia

The Puppia Rite Fit Harness is a simple harness that caters to small-to-medium sized dogs perfectly.

It’s lightweight, breathable and constructed with a padded polyester mesh. The Rite Fit was designed to do exactly what the name suggests – fit correctly.

This harness is one of few dog harnesses that features an adjustable neck which, once again, caters well to Frenchies when sized properly. The simple design also makes it extremely easy to put on.

Style and comfort prevail with Puppia Rite Fit.

This one is already a heavy favorite with small-to-medium sized dogs and has even attracted a niche following of cat owners.

Ecobark

The last harness on the list also comes highly recommended.

The EcoBark Classic Dog Harness was designed specifically not to constrict the trachea.

Its design puts comfort and fit first with features like its dual-layered, all-weather mesh and anti-rub fabric that prevent chafing and other discomfort.

EcoBark claims that their harness is escape-proof as long as the correct size is chosen.

It’s designed to sit up a little higher on the body than a normal harness, making slipping out of the harness next to impossible.

The front of the harness sits around the neck comfortably, while the back leash attachment sits low enough on the back to distribute the leash tension to the shoulders and away form the neck.

Why These Are The Best Harnesses For Frenchies

The Ruffwear Front Range, Puppia RiteFit and EcoBark Harnesses were all chosen specifically for Frenchies because they cater to small-to-medium sized dogs.

Their adjustable straps allow for a completely custom and secure fit and they do not put any unnecessary blockage or constriction at the neck.

Besides that, they’re decked out with features that cater to comfort, style and durability without sacrificing functionality.

Each of these harnesses has also been highly reviewed across the net by satisfied purchasers.

Biggest Problems With Cheap Harnesses

The biggest problem with cheap harnesses is that they don’t protect against a dog walker’s biggest problems – leash pulling and harness escapes.

Most seasoned dog owners have experienced one or the other at some point in time.

We’ve all either had a dog who’s so excited that he almost pulls your arm off or a rambunctious dog whose harness escape skill rivals that of Houdini himself.

Either way, a good harness will protect you from both of these less than ideal situations. 

Conclusion

The right harness will make life easier for you and more comfortable for your Frenchie.

The 3 harnesses recommended in this list have a brilliant set of features that cater extremely well to Frenchies and their needs.

If you’re using an old or out-of-date harness, upgrade today and make your next walk a better experience.