Which is better: a Puppia or a Kurgo dog harness?
Every dog owner wants their pup to feel comfortable and be safe while out for their walks. Clipping a leash to a harness as opposed to a collar is preferable because harnesses disperse the pressure across a dog’s body that’s created when a dog pulls, while collars focus all of that pressure on the neck. This makes harnesses a useful tool for canines who are still learning how to walk on leash, but they’re still good for dogs at any age or stage of training.
Deciding which harness is best for your pet can be a tough choice. Puppia and Kurgo are two popular brands for dog harnesses and each offer quite different benefits, so deciding on one will require considering several aspects of each.
Puppia harnesses
If you’re looking for something affordable, stylish and easy to put on your small to medium breed, a Puppia harness is a good choice. They typically range in cost from $12-$30, depending on the style and size. Puppia is known for regularly putting out new styles of its signature harnesses in bright colors and prints and is a go-to for dog owners who like to have a fashionable pup.
Puppia harness pros
Puppia harnesses are soft, flexible and lightweight, making them comfortable for your pet and easy to store when not in use.
These harnesses feature easy step-in or over-the-head designs that are a breeze to put on and take off finicky pets.
Many styles have a ventilated mesh fabric to keep dogs cool and they’re made of some combination of stretchy spandex, durable polyester and breathable cotton.
Puppia harness cons
Puppia harnesses are mostly only available in sizes for small dogs, with their smallest sizes suitable for breeds as little as Chihuahuas, and their biggest sizes suitable for breeds as big as Beagles.
These harnesses are not strong enough for aggressive pullers or chewers or high-intensity activities. They’re mostly appropriate for mild-mannered pets on simple strolls.
Best Puppia harnesses
Puppia Soft Harness B Step-In Vest: available at Chewy, Amazon and PetSmart
This comfortable vest offers plenty of coverage and features soft lining at the leg holes. It has a quick-release clasp on the back along with two leash attachments, and its breathable mesh fabric should keep a pup cool. It comes in many colors, each with the brand’s rubber logo tag on the back.
Puppia Botanical B Harness: available at Chewy and Amazon
This stylish harness has a tropical leafy pattern and flexible construction and is made of breathable cotton. It comes in a beige and navy color scheme and has a simple buckle closure on the back.
Puppia RiteFit Over-the-Head Dog Harness: available at Chewy, Amazon and Petsmart
This harness is easy to put on and has an adjustable chest belt to help users get the right fit. It’s made from breathable cotton and durable polyester and is padded for comfort.
Puppia Seaman B Dog Harness: available at Chewy and Amazon
If you’re taking your dog along for a day on the boat, they’ll look right at home in this cute nautical vest. It comes in a navy or red striped color scheme, each of which has a collar featuring a stitched anchor. The step-in design makes it easy to get on a fussy pup.
Kurgo harnesses
Kurgo harnesses are famously made of durable materials and come in unique designs made for an active lifestyle and specific uses, such as those that can attach to a wearer’s belt for jogging or cross-country skiing and those that can attach to a seatbelt for road trips. They range in price from around $30 on the low end to nearly $90 on the high end.
Kurgo harness pros
Kurgo harnesses can stand up to aggressive pullers and can fit large dogs, with their biggest sizes suitable for breeds the size of an English Mastiff.
Kurgo harnesses have unique designs that make it easy to do things like hike and camp with your canine. Some even have seat belt loops and pockets to stash treats and poop bags.
These harnesses come with a lifetime guarantee.
Kurgo harness cons
Depending on the style and size, these harnesses can be expensive.
Best Kurgo harnesses
Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Dog Car Harness: available at Chewy, Amazon and PetSmart
If you often bring your pup along for the ride, this harness can help keep them safe in the car. It’s designed to attach to a seat belt and has been crash-tested for safety. It’s compatible with all seat belt systems and is adjustable at five points for the perfect fit.
Kurgo RSG Molle Compatible Townie Dog Harness: available at Chewy and Amazon
When taking your pup along on major hikes or camping trips, this harness can be very useful. Its molle design means you can attach the brand’s compatible accessories (like a hydration flask or first aid kit) right to the vest. It also has reflective trim for night visibility and a breathable mesh fabric.
Kurgo Up & About Dog Lifter Harness: available at Chewy, Amazon and PetSmart
This thoughtful harness is useful for older or arthritic dogs who need help getting up stairs or into cars. It has an ergonomic body that offers support in vital places like the chest and rear, as well as plenty of padding. The handles allow owners to easily grab and lift a pet.
Kurgo Baxter Dog Backpack: available at Chewy and Amazon
While it’s called a backpack, this product has a leash attachment to function like a harness. It’s ideal for dogs who come along on hikes and camping trips as it has two saddlebags so your dog can carry their own food, poop bags and more. It has an ergonomic design and reflective strips for night visibility.
Should you get a Puppia or a Kurgo harness?
The type of dog you have and the lifestyle you hope to lead with your canine will dictate which of these harnesses is best for you. Puppia and Kurgo harnesses serve such different purposes that they aren’t competitors for the same customer.
If you simply need something that provides better control for you and improved comfort for your dog than a collar would, a Puppia harness will do the trick — just keep in mind that it won’t be right for larger breeds. Should fashion be your priority, Puppia harnesses are once again the way to go. As for budget, you can’t go wrong with a Puppia harness.
If you plan on leading an active lifestyle with your dog, bringing them along on everything from road trips to jogs, Kurgo harnesses are excellent. They’re durable and offer special features meant to keep your dog safe in many specific situations. Plus, they come in sizes suitable for larger breeds. They may not be the fashionable or budget-friendly choice, but they’re made to last and built for safety.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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