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In this blog we answer the question:
What harness do I need for my Dachshund?
In our other blog post, we explained whether your Dachshund needs a harness or a collar. The conclusion is clear: a harness is much kinder to a Dachshund's delicate body. In this blog post, we explain the different types of harnesses and which one is best for you. Your Dachshund (and why!). Here's how to tell if your Dachshund has a good harness or if there's room for improvement. 
Four different types of dog harnesses
Dog harnesses can be divided into four types. Note: This isn't about which harness is best for your Dachshund . We'll first show you the different types of harnesses available. A little further on, we'll give you advice on which type of harness we think is most suitable for a Dachshund and why.
Dog harnesses can be divided into four different types: Y-harnesses , H-harnesses , chest harnesses , and step-in harnesses . All of this tells you something about the type of harness. Within these four types of harnesses, there are different variations and colors available. And of course, all sorts of brands. The trick is to recognize the type of harness to see which one your Dachshund has. A little further on, you'll read whether this is the right harness for your Dachshund according to our findings (scientifically substantiated).
Y-harness
A Y-harness is shaped like a Y when viewed from above. The part that rests on the dog's sternum is also padded. A Y-harness is often also characterized by the fact that only the part around the belly/chest, behind the front legs, is adjustable. Dachshund Y-harnesses also have an adjustable section between the front legs, making them easier to adjust for a Dachshund. The leash attachment ring on a Y-harness is located further back. 
Features Y-harness
1. From above the shape of the letter Y;
2. Chest part is padded;
3. Often only adjustable around the chest/abdomen;
4. Attachment ring lies beyond the shoulder blades.
H-harness
An H-harness is shaped like the letter H when viewed from above. With an H-harness, the part that rests on the sternum isn't padded. Instead, there's a ring. An H-harness is characterized by an adjustable section around the neck and chest. Hashtack H-harnesses also have an adjustable section between the front legs, making them more suitable for Dachshunds. A little further on, we'll explain which harness is suitable for Dachshunds. You can read more about that further down. The leash attachment ring on an H-harness is located further back. 
Features H-harness
1. From above the shape of the letter H;
2. The breast part is not lined, instead there is a ring;
3. Often adjustable around the neck and abdomen;
4. Attachment ring lies beyond the shoulder blades.
Chest harness
The chest harness has a horizontal strap on the sternum (hence the name "breast harness"), a large panel/cover over the shoulders, and a strap just behind the front legs, directly under the armpits. The attachment ring for the strap is located on top of the shoulders/shoulder blades on a chest harness. 
Chest harness features
1. A horizontal band across the breastbone;
2. A hood on the shoulder blade;
3. Strap directly behind the front legs;
4. Attachment ring on the shoulder blade.
Step-in harness
The name says it all: the step-in harness is a harness your dog literally steps into. It has a strap that goes across the sternum (or often hangs below the sternum due to a poor fit) and a strap directly behind the front legs in the armpits. The leash attachment ring sits on top of the shoulders/shoulder blades. 
Features of the step-in harness
1. Band on the breastbone (which often hangs);
2. Band directly behind the front legs;
3. Attachment ring on the shoulder blade.
What should a good Dachshund harness meet?
In the explanation of the four different types of harnesses, you can already read a bit about our preferences. But which harness is suitable for a Dachshund? A good dog harness should fit like a second skin. We always use the example of human shoes: something you wear every day, walk for many meters, and shouldn't bother you. Shoes should fit well, not slip off, and be comfortable. The same goes for a good dog harness: you put a harness on your dog several times a day. It should be comfortable, shouldn't slip, shouldn't leave any chafing or abrasions, and definitely shouldn't slip off. Unfortunately, we see all this a lot in our store, and sometimes we're left speechless. Customers who show us the chafing in their Dachshund's armpits with sad faces (sometimes even bleeding). We cry too! Or customers who tell us that their Dachshund was on the street because it escaped from its harness. Imagine how such situations can end. 
A good Dachshund harness should not slip, sit in the armpits or come off
A good Dachshund harness must meet the following points:
1. A harness must not slide to the left or right in relation to the Dachshund;
2. A harness must not sit in the Dachshund's armpits and/or slide forward and end up in the Dachshund's armpits;
3. A harness must not hinder the Dachshund's freedom of movement;
4. The Dachshund must not be able to escape from the harness. 
A good Dachshund harness should sit straight, provide room in the armpits and should not go over the head
Why doesn't a regular dog harness fit my Dachshund?
Compared to other dog breeds, the Dachshund has three distinctive features: a prominent sternum , a broad chest , and a long back . The problem is that standard dog harnesses, as shown in the four different types of harnesses, don't fit Dachshunds well. 
A Dachshund has a different body structure than other dog breeds
For example, standard Y-harnesses are not adjustable between the front legs under the belly. Due to the protruding sternum and broad chest, the entire harness sits further forward than with other dog breeds. What we often see with these Y-harnesses, which are not specifically designed for Dachshunds, is that the harness "tips" and digs into the Dachshund's armpits. This results in an unusual walking posture (read: arched back), chafing and chafing in the armpits, and harnesses that slip over the head.
With a regular H-harness, the same thing happens. The part that lies on the back and goes to the attachment ring isn't long enough. These harnesses also end up in the armpits.
Chest harnesses have a horizontal strap running across the sternum. This strap always slides under or over the Dachshund's sternum. This margin causes the entire harness to slip, and we often see the large surface tipping onto the back. The harness sags from side to side relative to the Dachshund, and the strap behind the front legs also sits in the armpits. You can imagine the pull of the strap on such an ill-fitting chest harness: pulling on the throat and armpits.
The boarding harness It essentially does the same thing as a breastplate. However, the pulling force isn't evenly distributed; it ends up on the shoulders. You literally pull the shoulder blades together. You can imagine that a dog doesn't walk comfortably like this, and it might adopt a different posture than its natural one. We often hear about this harness, too, that if Dachshunds stand still during a walk, they can just step out. Not without reason, we often call this harness a "step-out harness."
Why a regular dog harness doesn't fit a Dachshund
The problems mentioned above with regular harnesses are not normal. Sadly, we see and hear that owners still settle for such harnesses. It's not out of reluctance, as everyone wants the best for their Dachshund. But often because there simply aren't any well-fitting harnesses for our long-backed friends: they settle for something that doesn't fit properly.
Phrases we often hear in the store are:
My Dachshund won't walk with a harness!
My dachshund has bald spots in its armpits.
My Dachshund regularly escapes from this harness!
I have a lot of different harnesses hanging in the closet, but nothing really fits properly.
Do you recognize yourself in this? Then read on to find out which harness is right for your Dachshund.
What harness do I need for my Dachshund?
We know what types of harnesses are available, what a good Dachshund harness should be like, and why regular harnesses often don't fit properly. And now, finally, the answer to the question: "Which harness do I need for my Dachshund?"
The Y-harness and H-harness are most suitable for Dachshunds. 
When you Google it, you often read that only Y-harnesses are suitable for Dachshunds. That's not true. A Y-harness works exactly the same as an H-harness. Therefore, we don't differentiate between the two. However, a Y-harness may not fit your Dachshund properly, while an H-harness may. That's why we always say: the right model is the right harness for your Dachshund.
Why is the Y-harness suitable for a Dachshund?
First, the Y-harness has the ring where you attach the leash just past the shoulder blade on the back. When there's tension on the leash, and therefore the harness, it creates pressure under the Dachshund's chest. The chest is a very strong part of the dog, and the Dachshund can therefore absorb this pressure very well. This pressure also doesn't affect the neck and back, which is something we want to see. 
A Y-harness is suitable for your Dachshund because the pulling force only takes place under the breast
Because the ring lies on the back and the pull comes from under the chest, you don't restrict your Dachshund's freedom of movement. The shoulders are free, and there's no pulling on the throat/neck. This harness also often lies further down the back, so it doesn't move in the armpits.
A well-chosen Y-harness will not slip against the Dachshund, won't dig into the armpits, and won't restrict shoulder freedom. Note: Regular Y-harnesses are often not adjustable under the belly, so they still dig into the armpits. The strap that sits on the back is also often not long enough because it's designed for other dog breeds. Check out our Y-harnesses specially made for Dachshunds here .
Which Dachshunds is the Y-harness suitable for?
We call the Y-harness a "terminal harness." This means it's suitable for Dachshunds that are fully grown or almost fully grown. Why? Because, as we mentioned before, a Y-harness can only be adjusted around the chest/belly. This means the harness can't grow with your Dachshund. For males, you can consider an terminal harness starting at 10 months (they continue to grow until 12 months). For females, you can consider an terminal harness starting at 8 months (they continue to grow until 10 months). During the last two months of your Dachshund's growth, adjustments can be made with a Y-harness.
The Y-harness is generally suitable for the following Dachshunds:
1. Dachshunds that are (almost) fully grown;
2. Males from 10 months;
3. Females from 8 months.
Note: if your Dachshund does not fit the size chart for a Y-harness, we refer you to an H-harness.
Why is the H-harness suitable for a Dachshund?
The H-harness works the same as the Y-harness and therefore offers the same advantages. An added benefit is that these harnesses are often adjustable around the neck and chest. They therefore sometimes fit even better than Y-harnesses because of their wide range of adjustment. They also fit growing Dachshunds, including puppies. Finally, our H-harnesses have an adjustable piece between the front legs, allowing for lengthening on the back. This prevents an H-harness from being worn in the armpits. 
Why an H-harness is suitable for your Dachshund
Please note: regular H-harnesses do not have a long back piece and no adjustable part between the front legs. View our H-harnesses here, which are specially made for Dachshunds.
The misconception we often hear about the H-harness is that the ring doesn't sit comfortably on the Dachshund's sternum. In the store, we always demonstrate the ultimate test: hold your finger under the ring and then pull on the leash. You won't feel any pressure on the sternum. The pressure your Dachshund feels is actually under the chest, at the lowest point of the harness. Therefore, there's no difference in function between a Y-harness and an H-harness.
Which Dachshunds is the H-harness suitable for?
The H-harness is a harness that fits all Dachshunds. Owners often choose a Y-harness online and in our store based on their instincts because of its soft padding. However, this isn't a prerequisite for a well-fitting harness. We look at the aforementioned requirements: sufficient room behind the front legs, no slippage on the Dachshund, and no sliding in the armpits. So, if a Y-harness doesn't fit properly, an H-harness will always fit. This is because it's adjustable at the three points mentioned above, allowing the H-harness to be perfectly tailored to your Dachshund. The H-harness is suitable for all Dachshunds, of all sizes and shapes, and of all ages. This includes puppies! We also call this an adjustable harness.
The H-harness is generally suitable for the following Dachshunds:
1. Dachshunds that are still growing;
2. Dachshund puppies.
If you're reading this blog and have a dog breed other than a Dachshund, our advice is always to choose a Y-harness or an H-harness, even for other dog breeds . The pressure distribution of these two types of harnesses is still the most gentle. This means no pulling on the neck and throat, where many nerves, vertebrae, veins, and glands are located. These harnesses also leave the shoulder area free, giving your dog the most freedom to move freely.
Conclusion: a Y-harness or an H-harness for Dachshunds
Which harness do I need for my Dachshund? A Y-harness or an H-harness.
Which harness do I need for my Dachshund? Both a Y-harness and an H-harness are suitable for Dachshunds . As you've come to expect from us, at Hashteckel you'll only find products we fully support. So, we're also H-harness and Y-harness minded. If you're still not convinced, come visit our store so we can show you the difference between regular harnesses and our harnesses specifically made for Dachshunds. And to complement this blog post, also read the blog post Does my Dachshund need a harness or a collar?
On our On the harness page, you'll find an overview of all our Dachshund harnesses. Measure your Dachshund according to the measurement instructions provided under each harness, or visit our store . A harness specialist is always available so we can work together to determine the best fit.
We hope we've answered your question about which harness your Dachshund needs. And that we've clearly explained why. Do you have any questions or comments? Please contact us. contact us.
Text and images in this blog may not be used without permission.
