In our last post, we talked about why harnesses are great for greyhounds, whippets and all sighthound breeds, but in case you missed it, you can check it out here.
If you're sold and just want to know more about how to pick the right harness for your sighthound, then you're in the right place.
Must have features for your sighthound harness:
- Escape proof - sighthounds have a knack for escaping harnesses. This is due to their wide chests and narrow heads which make it quite easy for them to back out of it. Coupled with a high prey drive, they can sometimes be quite determined which can be a recipe for disaster. Whether this is a common issue or you're just taking preventative measures, it's best to err on the side of caution and go for a sighthound escape proof harness. This is a harness with a third strap as seen below. The third strap tucks behind the chest which prevents the harness from slipping forwards.
- Comfort - sighthounds can be sensitive at the best of times, but in this case, they have reason to be. Most sighthound breeds, like greyhounds and whippets, don't have much fur on their bodies and also very minimal body fat. This means they don't have much natural padding, so it's important to get a harness that takes this into account. That's why traditionally a lot of sighthounds have used fleece harnesses which are super comfy (but aren't escape proof). You're going to want a harness which is padded and has no points that can rub on your sighthound's body.
- Y shaped front - you want a harness with a Y shaped front as this is more comfortable as it allows plenty of room around the arms for unrestricted movement and will prevent chafing which can be quite common with other harnesses. You definitely don't want a harness with a front chest strap as this will restrict natural movement and are a lot easier for your sighthound to slip out of as they can duck their head back and under, rather than having to back all the way out. Below is a picture of the Y shaped front on the Snootiful Hound sighthound harness for reference.
- Highly adjustable - sighthounds come in all different shapes and sizes, so you want a highly adjustable harness so that you can achieve a custom fit.
Additional features you might appreciate:
- Hi-vis detailing for night time visibility.
- Handles for additional control and navigating obstacles.
- Breathable material to keep your sighthound comfortable no matter the weather.
- Machine washable for easy cleaning.
- Quick release buckles to make it easy to put on and take off.
You'll be pleased to know that our harness boasts all of these features as it has been designed just for sighthounds, so all of their unique needs were taken into account during the design process. You can find out more here.
For further reading, you may like these breeds specific guides on a greyhound harness, whippet harness, lurcher harness, sighthound harness or italian greyhound harness.