The Best 5 Mushing Dog Sled Harnesses
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Embarking on the exhilarating world of dog mushing requires more than just a team of eager sled dogs; it demands the right equipment, and at the forefront of this gear lineup is the harness.
Did you know that Dog sledding originated over 4,000 years ago?
Whether you're a seasoned musher or a novice adventurer, finding the perfect harness for your canine companions is paramount to a successful and enjoyable mushing experience. In this guide, we'll delve into the realm of the best mushing sled dog harnesses, exploring top-notch options that prioritize comfort, performance, and safety.
Credit: Amazon
Neewa Sled Pro Harness
If you're seeking a top-notch harness for dog sledding, I highly recommend the Neewa Sled Pro Harness.
Crafted from lightweight polypropylene with comfortable padding, it boasts an x-back design for even pressure distribution. Ideal for Nordic breeds like Huskies and Malamutes, it comes in sizes Small to XXX-Large.
No adjustment points, so opt for a larger size if in doubt. Perfect for sledding, skijoring, and more, with reflective bands for visibility. Developed with input from mushers and trainers, Neewa ensures top-notch performance for your adventurous dog.
Pros:
Comfortable Design: The lightweight polypropylene construction, padded rib cage, and neck ensure your dog's comfort during pulling activities.
Even Pressure Distribution: The x-back shape spreads pressure evenly across your dog's body, promoting a comfortable and efficient pulling experience.
Versatile Use: Ideal for various pulling activities like sledding, skijoring, carting, and bikejoring, offering a versatile solution for your active dog.
Cons:
Limited Adjustability: The harness lacks adjustment points, making it essential to choose the correct size for your dog, and if in doubt, opt for a larger size.
Breed Specific: While well-suited for Nordic breeds, it may not be the best choice for dogs outside this category, limiting its universal applicability.
Size Selection Challenge: Choosing the right size is crucial, and without adjustment options, finding the perfect fit may be challenging, especially for dogs between sizes.
Credit: Amazon
PET ARTIST Dog Sled Weight Pulling Training Harness
Introducing your dog to sledding requires a thoughtful approach, and the Training Harness is an excellent choice for the task. This harness stands out with its longer design, perfect for initial training sessions where your dog gets accustomed to the pulling sensation before connecting to a sled.
Featuring a classic x-back style and a generous neck opening of 31.5 inches, this harness is crafted from durable nylon webbing with reinforced stitching for reliability. Additional padding around the neck ensures your dog's comfort during training.
While lacking adjustment points, this harness is tailored for larger breeds, particularly well-suited for classic sledding companions like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. It's also a great fit for medium to large breeds such as Rottweilers and Boxers. Choose the Training Harness to kickstart your dog's sledding journey.
Pros:
Versatile Design: The PET ARTIST harness is crafted with a versatile design suitable for various activities, including sled pulling and weight training. This versatility makes it a valuable investment for different dog sports.
Durable Construction: Built with durability in mind, this harness features sturdy materials and robust stitching. It can withstand the rigors of weight pulling activities, ensuring longevity even during intense training sessions.
Comfortable Fit: The harness prioritizes your dog's comfort with its well-padded construction. The padding not only enhances comfort but also provides additional protection, minimizing the risk of chafing or discomfort during pulling exercises.
Cons:
Sizing Challenges: Some users may encounter challenges in finding the perfect size, as individual dogs vary. It's crucial to carefully follow the sizing guide to ensure a proper fit, and some adjustments may be needed for an ideal match.
Limited Adjustability: While the harness offers a secure fit, it has limited adjustment points. This can be a drawback for dogs that fall between sizes, making it essential to choose the size that aligns most closely with your dog's measurements.
Not Ideal for All Breeds: The harness is primarily designed for medium to large breeds, and may not be the best fit for smaller dogs. Pet owners with smaller breeds should explore alternative options tailored to their dog's size and build.
Credit: Amazon
Neewa Adjustable Sled Pro Harness
Finding the right sled dog harness can be challenging, especially for unique breeds. The Neewa Adjustable Sled Pro Harness stands out with eight customizable points, ensuring a perfect fit. Unlike many sled harnesses, it offers adaptability for those harder-to-fit breeds.
The harness features two adjustable sliders on the neck and an additional four on the x-back straps. Comfort is prioritized with a padded section on the neck's back and along the chest plate. Crafted from non-allergenic polypropylene, the harness includes robust metal and plastic naval rings for durability.
Available in three sizes, accommodating neck circumferences from 18-29 inches, and suitable for dogs weighing 33-120 pounds, this lightweight and versatile harness cater to breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Foxhounds, Dalmatians, Newfoundland, and more. Elevate your dog's sledding experience with a harness designed for the perfect fit.
Pros:
Customizable Fit: With eight adjustable points, this harness ensures a tailored fit for various breeds, including those traditionally harder to accommodate.
Padded Comfort: The inclusion of a padded section on the back of the neck and along the chest plate prioritizes your dog's comfort during sled activities.
Durable Construction: Crafted from non-allergenic polypropylene and featuring robust metal and plastic naval rings, this harness is built to withstand the rigors of sled pulling.
Cons:
Complex Adjustments: The multiple adjustment points, while offering a customized fit, may require additional time and effort during the initial setup.
Limited Size Range: Although available in three sizes, the harness might not be suitable for smaller breeds, limiting its versatility across all dog sizes.
Higher Price Point: Compared to basic sled harnesses, the Neewa Adjustable Sled Pro Harness comes at a higher cost, potentially impacting budget-conscious buyers.
Credit: Amazon
Weight Pulling Sledding Dog Harness
If you've got a smaller furry companion eager to join in on the sledding adventure, the Dogs My Love Sledding Harness is the perfect fit. Unlike many non-adjustable harnesses, this one caters specifically to small to medium-sized dogs, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit.
Boasting a classic x-back design, the harness is crafted from durable nylon webbing, featuring a padded chest plate for extra comfort. With a neck circumference of 18 inches, it suits breeds like American Pit Bull Terriers, Border Collies, Labradoodles, Wheaten Terriers, and similar-sized companions.
The innovative double-padded chest plate plays a crucial role in distributing pressure evenly, ensuring your dog's lasting comfort during all your exciting sledding and pulling activities.
Pros:
Perfect Fit for Smaller Breeds: Tailored with a neck circumference of 18 inches, this harness is ideal for smaller breeds, providing a snug and secure fit for dogs like American Pit Bull Terriers, Border Collies, Labradoodles, and more.
Comfortable Design: Crafted with a classic x-back style, the harness features a padded chest plate that enhances comfort during pulling activities. The design ensures that pressure over the dog's entire body is distributed evenly, preventing discomfort or irritation.
Versatile Use: Beyond dog sledding, this harness proves versatile for various pulling sports and activities. Whether you're engaging in weight pulling or other pulling adventures, this harness is designed to keep up with your pup's enthusiasm.
Cons:
Limited to Small/Medium Breeds: The 18-inch neck circumference may limit suitability to smaller and medium-sized breeds. Larger dogs may require a different size, and compatibility is crucial for optimal performance.
Single Size Option: Unlike adjustable harnesses with multiple size options, this harness comes in a single size. While it caters to specific neck dimensions, the lack of adjustability might be a drawback for dogs with unique proportions.
Not Suitable for All Breeds: While perfect for certain breeds, this harness may not be the best choice for larger or differently shaped dogs. Ensuring compatibility with your dog's breed and size is essential for a successful and comfortable fit.
Neewa X-Back Racing Harness
Looking to enhance your lean sled dog's racing prowess? The Neewa X-Back Racing Harness is the key to unlocking their full potential. Specifically designed for dogs with narrow chests, this harness caters to breeds like Huskies, Kugsha Dogs, Seppala Siberian Sled Dogs, and Chinooks.
Constructed from robust yet lightweight nylon, this harness focuses padding on the neck and chest areas. Opting for nylon over polypropylene ensures superior performance in lower temperatures. Reflective strips strategically placed on the neck and rear provide visibility during low-light conditions, ensuring safety on every run.
Available in seven sizes, it's essential to note that the neck opening may be smaller than anticipated. For an optimal fit, consider sizing up, especially if your dog's neck measurement aligns with the upper limits on the sizing chart. Accurate measurements along the lower part of your dog's neckline are crucial for a perfect fit in the harness's intended position.
Pros:
Optimized for Racing Performance: The Neewa X-Back Racing Harness is crafted with a focus on lean sled dogs, providing an excellent fit for breeds like Huskies and Seppala Siberian Sled Dogs. Its design enhances the dogs' racing abilities, allowing them to perform at their best during competitions.
Durable and Lightweight Construction: Constructed from strong yet lightweight nylon, this harness strikes a perfect balance between durability and comfort. The material's performance in lower temperatures makes it an ideal choice for sled dogs, ensuring they stay comfortable and unrestricted during races.
Enhanced Visibility for Safety: The inclusion of reflective strips on the neck and rear areas enhances visibility during low-light conditions. This feature not only ensures the safety of your sled dog but also adds an extra layer of assurance, especially during nighttime or early morning races.
Cons:
Smaller Neck Opening: Some users may find that the neck opening of the harness is smaller than expected. This could pose a challenge, especially for dogs with larger neck measurements. Sizing up may be necessary to achieve a comfortable fit.
Limited Padding Areas: While the harness provides padding on the neck and chest areas, some users may prefer a design with more extensive padding. This could impact the overall comfort, especially during longer racing sessions.
Requires Accurate Measurement: Achieving the right fit with this harness requires precise measurements, particularly along the lower part of the dog's neckline. Failing to measure accurately may result in an improper fit, affecting the harness's performance and the dog's comfort.
What to look for when shopping for a sled dog harness?
Selecting the right harness for sledding is crucial, considering the unique design required for this activity. Here are key features to ponder:
Type of Harness:
X-Back: Ideal for classic sled dog breeds, these harnesses form an X shape on your dog's back, distributing pulling pressure evenly.
Side Pull or Pulka: Suited for dogs pulling Nordic Pulka sleds, these harnesses cover the torso with side attachment points.
Wheel Dog Harness: A variant of the X-Back, with a lower attachment point, used for training by attaching weights like tires.
Material: Sled dog harnesses primarily come in:
Nylon Webbing: Known for strength, suitable for extreme cold racing harnesses.
Polypropylene: Offers increased water resistance, crucial in wet and snowy conditions.
Safety: Introducing sledding gradually is essential. Consulting with an experienced trainer ensures a smooth transition. Regularly inspect the harness for signs of wear, damage, or frays to ensure your dog's safety during sledding adventures.
Adjustability: Most sled dog harnesses lack adjustability to maintain strength. Refer to the manufacturer's sizing chart, measuring your dog's back and neck. If between sizes, opt for the larger one. The Neewa Adjustable Sled Pro Harness provides flexibility with eight adjustment points.
FAQs
What is Canicross?
Canicross is a sport that involves running or jogging with your dog, typically attached by a leash. The dog wears a specialized harness, and the human participant uses a waist belt. This activity promotes exercise and bonding between the dog and the owner.
Which Harness is Suitable for Dog Mushing?
For dog mushing, a pulling or sled-dog harness is ideal. A Brand like Howling Dog Alaska and Neewa™ offer quality options. These harnesses are designed to evenly distribute the pulling force, ensuring your dog's comfort and safety during mushing activities.
What's the Difference Between a Distance Harness and a Scootering Harness?
A distance harness is tailored for activities like mushing and canicross, providing maximum comfort for long-distance running. On the other hand, a scootering harness is designed for dogs pulling a scooter and offers control and flexibility during faster-paced activities.
Can I Use a Regular Collar for Dog Mushing?
It's not recommended to use a regular collar for dog mushing. A pulling harness is a safer choice as it reduces strain on the dog's neck and provides better control, especially during activities where the dog is pulling, such as mushing.
Is Fleece Lining Important in a Mushing Harness?
Yes, fleece lining in a mushing harness adds an extra layer of comfort for your dog, preventing chafing or discomfort during prolonged activities. Look for harnesses with quality fleece lining for added warmth and protection.
Can I Jog with My Dog Using a Mushing Harness?
Absolutely! Many mushing harnesses, such as the adjustable racing harness, are versatile enough for various activities, including jogging. Always ensure a proper fit and gradually introduce your dog to the new activity to prevent any discomfort.
Can a Dog Mushing Harness be Used for General Exercise?
Yes, a dog mushing harness can be used for general exercise like walking, jogging, or hiking. Its design allows for controlled and comfortable movement, making it suitable for various outdoor activities beyond dog mushing.
