Harness for medium dogs — what to check before you buy
'Medium' is not a fixed, standard size across harness brands, so the label alone tells you less than you would expect — a chest measurement, taken with a soft tape around the widest part of your dog's ribcage, is what actually matters when choosing a harness sized for a medium dog. Beyond size, the main practical choice is between a back-clip and a front-clip design, which change how a harness behaves on a walk.
What 'medium' means on a size chart
Every brand sets its own size ranges, so a medium in one harness can overlap with a small or large in another, particularly for breeds that sit right on the boundary between weight categories. Chest girth, not weight alone, is the measurement that decides fit, since two dogs of the same weight can have very different builds.
Measure around the widest part of your dog's ribcage, just behind the front legs, with the tape snug but not tight, and check that figure against the specific harness's own size chart rather than assuming 'medium' on the label matches your dog by name alone.
Front-clip or back-clip
A back-clip harness, with the lead attachment between the shoulders, is the simplest and most comfortable option for a dog who already walks reasonably well on a lead, and it does not discourage pulling in the way a front-clip design can.
A front-clip harness, with the attachment on the chest, gently turns a pulling dog back towards you when they lean into the lead, which many owners find helps with training a dog out of pulling without any extra equipment. Some harnesses offer both a front and a back attachment point on the same design, giving the choice without needing two separate harnesses.
Getting the fit right
A properly fitted harness should sit snugly without rubbing, with enough room to fit two fingers flat under any strap, and should not restrict how freely your dog's front legs move at the shoulder. A harness that is too loose can let a dog back out of it, particularly one who is nervous or startled, while one that is too tight can chafe on longer walks.
Check the fit again after a week of regular wear, since straps can loosen slightly with use and a growing or changing dog's measurements are worth rechecking periodically rather than assumed to stay the same as when you first measured.
What we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Padded No-Pull Dog Harness Vest
A soft padded vest harness that spreads pressure evenly across the chest for comfortable, no-pull control. Adjustable straps, breathable mesh lining and reflective trim make everyday walks safer.
From£35.99
Faux-Leather Dog Harness & Lead Set
A smart faux-leather harness and matching lead set with gold-tone hardware and quick-release buckles. The padded, adjustable harness spreads pressure comfortably for stylish, secure walks. Suits small dogs and cats.
From£13.99
Dog Car Seat Belt Safety Tether
An adjustable nylon car safety tether that clips into your seatbelt buckle and onto your dog's harness, keeping them safely restrained while you drive. Strong metal clasp and durable webbing.
£24.99
Soft Leather Dog Harness And Lead Set
A studded faux-leather chest harness with a matching clip lead, designed for small dogs and puppies. The padded straps spread pressure across the chest for comfortable, secure everyday walks.
From£14.99
MPS Medical PetS Boot – Waterproof Paw Protector
A vet-recommended waterproof boot that keeps bandages, dressings, and casts dry during walks and wet weather.
£30.49
Padded Vest-Style Dog Harness
A padded vest harness that spreads pressure across the chest for no-choke walks.
From£14.99
Dog No-Pull Harness Classic Black
A Red Dingo no-pull walking harness in plain black, spreading a pulling dog's weight across the chest instead of the neck, with a five-year guarantee behind it.
From£13.99
Dog H-Harness Classic Lime Green
A high-visibility lime green H-harness from Red Dingo that takes the pull across the chest rather than the throat, sized XS to large and guaranteed for five years.
From£19.99
Dog No-Pull Harness Classic Red
The same Red Dingo no-pull harness in classic red, chosen when you want your dog visible across a field at dusk, and covered by a five-year guarantee.
From£13.99
Dog H-Harness Design Stars White on Red
The Dog H-Harness Design Stars White on Red brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£22.49
Biodegradable Scented Dog Poo Bags — 50 or 200
Citrus-scented biodegradable poo bags with tie handles — breaking down in months rather than the centuries a standard plastic bag takes.
From£4.49
Dog Padded Harness Red
The Dog Padded Harness Red brings Red Dingo’s signature quality and design to everyday walks. Hard-wearing, comfortable and finished with solid hardware — and, like all Red Dingo gear, covered by their 5-year guarantee.
From£41.99
Common questions
- How do I know if my dog is a medium for harness sizing?
- Measure around the widest part of your dog's ribcage with a soft tape and check that figure against the specific harness's own size chart, since 'medium' varies between brands. Weight alone is a less reliable guide than chest measurement, particularly for stockier or leaner builds.
- Is a front-clip harness better than a back-clip one?
- Neither is universally better; a front-clip design can help discourage pulling by turning a dog gently back towards you, while a back-clip is simpler and comfortable for a dog who already walks well. Some harnesses offer both attachment points, which covers either situation.
- How tight should a dog harness be?
- You should be able to fit two fingers flat under any strap without it being loose enough to slip over your dog's head or shoulders. Check the fit again after a week of wear, since straps can loosen slightly with use.
- Can a harness stop my dog pulling on the lead?
- A front-clip harness can help reduce pulling by redirecting a dog gently as they lean into the lead, but it works alongside training rather than replacing it. A harness changes the mechanics of a pull; it does not teach a dog not to pull on its own.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.