Last Updated on September 7, 2022 by Maria
Getting your first dog usually involved buying a few accessories. This often leads to the question of why go with a harness for miniature dachshund dogs, so – here are 5 vital reasons. If you’ve never used a dog harness before, we’ll also cover harnesses in some detail too, including sizes, types, and materials.
Should You Pick A Harness For Miniature Dachshund Rather Than A Collar?
The answer here is a definite “Yes!” While there is a bit of a debate between collar and harness enthusiasts when it comes to other dog breeds, a harness for miniature dachshund and standard dachshund dogs is 100% the better choice.
The 5 Benefits Of Getting A Dog Harness For Miniature Dachshund
Most people think the only reason to get a harness over a collar is not to strangle your dog. And that’s true for any breed so we can count it as a bonus 6th reason here. However, there are 5 even more significant reasons you should keep in mind and a few of them are especially important for miniature dachshunds:
- Harnesses protect the necks and backs of dachshunds much better than dog collars when it comes to IVDD and other skeletal issues
- A harness is much better than a collar for leash pulling
- Harnesses double as a means for picking up your dachshund up stairs and other height barriers
- Many harness models double as dog jackets for the winter
- Harnesses make the little Doxies much easier to notice and stand out in the dark and among crowds
Does all this mean that you should never put a collar on your dachshund? Not at all! Collars are still a great accessory and are very useful for carrying your dog’s ID tags as well as for style points. However, leashing a dachshund by the collar is simply never a good idea.
What Are The Main Types Of Harnesses You Can Choose Between For Your Mini Doxie?
Dog harnesses can generally be divided into 4 different categories based on their uses:
- A Standard Body Harness – this type can be lighter and made of straps only or it can cover the body more fully. In either case, its goal is to redistribute the weight and pull of the leash over your dachshund’s whole body and not stress the neck exclusively.
- No Pull Harness – these harnesses are great for all dog breeds that tend to pull on their leash while walking. Scent hound breeds like the dachshund are a prime example of that.
Joyride Harness for Dogs, No-Pull Pet Harness with 3 Side Rings for Leash Placement
- Back Support Harness – such harnesses are often recommended for dachshunds more so than they are for other breeds as Doxies do need back support more than almost any other breed.
- The Jacket Harness – a lot of dachshund winter coats and jackets are modeled to work as a harness too. Essentially, these are cold-weather harnesses that will keep your dog warm while offering the same back support as a normal harness.
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Types Of Materials For Dog Harnesses
Dog harnesses are usually made out of mesh, nylon, fabric, or leather. Each material has its pros and cons with leather usually being the most expensive and stylish choice while the others are easier to wash and maintain. As long as the harness’ design is good, every material can function very well.
How To Measure Your Dog Before Getting A Harness?
While with collars you only need to measure your dog’s neck, with a harness you need a few separate measurements:
- Chest girth (in front of the front legs)
- Torso girth (behind the front legs)
- Back length (base of neck to base of tail)
- Neck width (same as with a collar)
Every harness will (should) have its measurements listed. For reference, a harness for miniature dachshund dogs will usually be size 18 or S/XS .
;In Conclusion – A Harness For Miniature Dachshund, Why Is It A Good Idea?
Going with a harness and a leash for your miniature dachshund is absolutely the better option than the collar and leash combo. While collars aren’t the end of the world for many other breeds, they are just too harmful for the fragile backs of miniature dachshunds. Picking the right harness is important, of course, but once you find a good fit you will have made a huge step toward ensuring your dog’s good health. The guys at hausarbeit schreiben lassen helped with the design of the article.
FAQ’s
What is the best harness for a miniature Dachshund?
The ideal harness for miniature dachshund dogs is one that fits right, offers excellent back and chest support, allows for an easy and safe pick up when needed, and is comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time in any weather. This means that while other small dog harnesses can often work, it’s best to look for longer harness models that account for your mini Doxie’s longer back.
What size harness do I need for a miniature Dachshund?
Most miniature dachshunds will need an XS size harness or a size 18, depending on the size system the manufacturer uses. Keep in mind that it’s best to customize your dachshund’s harness, however, and not just take something cause it looks like it’d fit. Instead, use a tape measure to see exactly what your dachshund’s chest girth and back length are. Maybe your mini Doxie has a chest girth of 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm) but maybe it’s in the larger size category and has a girth of 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm).
Is a lead or harness better for a Dachshund?
The best way to walk your dachshund is with a harness and a lead rather than a collar and a lead. The lead itself is always necessary, of course, but going for a harness over a collar is invaluable for dachshunds as the harness protects their necks and backs much more than a collar.
How do you put a harness on a Dachshund?
There can be a slight variation here depending on the harness model but the process should be pretty straight forward either way. The two main ways to go about it are to either 1) put the harness on the dog’s back and then strap it across its neck, chest, and torso, or 2) pull the harness over your dachshund’s head and front feet like a pullover and then adjust the straps for a good fit.
Jordan is an animal–lover who specializes in dachshunds. He has owned and cared for dachshunds since he was a child, and his passion for these unique dogs has only grown with time. Jordan is an avid researcher and learner, and spends a large portion of his free time studying the history, behaviour, and health of dachshunds. He has a knack for training and socializing his own dogs, and loves introducing them to new experiences. When not caring for his own pets, Jordan likes to volunteer at local animal rescue shelters, helping to find homes for abandoned dachshunds. He is a true animal advocate, and dedicates his time to ensure that all animals receive the love, respect, and care they deserve.
