Harness or collar for your dachshund? We look at what the research really says about IVDD, when we’d choose a harness, and why getting the right fit matters.
Should a Dachshund Wear a Harness or collar?
It’s one of the biggest debates amongst dachshund owners and one of the questions we get asked all the time.
Spend five minutes in a dachshund Facebook group and you’ll probably find someone who swears by a harness, someone else who will only ever use a collar, and plenty of talk about IVDD thrown into the mix.
It’s a subject that can really be quite controversial amongst dachshund owners, so we’ve pulled together some useful information so you can feel empowered when making a decision.
So, which is actually better for your dachshund?
The answer isn’t quite as straightforward as you might think.
For most healthy dachshunds, choosing between a harness and collar largely comes down to personal preference, how your dachshund walks and what they’re most comfortable wearing.
There’s lots of conflicting advice online, particularly when it comes to IVDD. You’ll often hear that dachshunds should only ever be walked in a harness, with concerns that pressure from a collar around the neck could contribute to spinal problems.
However, the research doesn’t support such a simple rule.
What Does the Research Say About Harnesses, Collars and IVDD?
IVDD can affect discs anywhere along the spine, including the neck, known as cervical IVDD.
However, Dachshund Health UK reports that around 90 to 95% of dachshund disc herniations occur in the middle to lower back rather than the neck.
There is also currently no evidence to suggest that simply walking a healthy dachshund in a correctly fitted collar increases their risk of developing IVDD.
Interestingly, research shared by Dachshund Health UK has actually found a higher incidence of IVDD amongst dachshunds walked in harnesses compared with those walked in collars.
But this is really important:
That does not mean harnesses cause IVDD.
Dachshund Health UK specifically warns against assuming that one causes the other. There could be several explanations for the association, including owners choosing to switch their dachshund from a collar to a harness after an IVDD diagnosis.
In their 2022 to 2023 surveys, 29% of dachshunds affected by IVDD had changed to a harness after their IVDD incident.
So, despite some of the advice you may have heard, there currently isn’t evidence to say that every dachshund needs to be walked in a harness rather than a collar to protect their spine.
For a healthy dachshund that walks comfortably without pulling, choosing between a correctly fitted collar and a correctly fitted harness really can come down to personal preference.
What if My Dachshund Pulls on the Lead?
This is where we would personally choose a harness.
If your dachshund is a strong puller, regularly lunges or spends half their walk trying to tow you towards the nearest interesting smell, we’d prefer a correctly fitted harness rather than having that force concentrated around their neck and throat.
It’s important to separate this from IVDD, though. Choosing a harness for a dog that pulls doesn’t mean that collars have been proven to cause IVDD.
In fact, Dachshund Health UK found that dogs that pulled on the lead rather than walking to heel were no more likely to have suffered IVDD, regardless of whether they were walked using a collar or harness.
Whichever option you choose, encouraging comfortable, loose lead walking is a good idea.
Are Harnesses Better for Dachshunds?
Not necessarily.
A harness isn’t automatically better simply because a dog is a dachshund. The design and fit of the harness matter too.
Dachshunds have particularly unique proportions. Their long bodies, deep chests and short legs mean a generic dog harness can sometimes sit too close to the front legs, restrict movement or rub underneath the armpits.
So, if you do choose a harness, getting the right design, size and fit is really important.
What if My Dachshund Has Had IVDD?
If your dachshund has previously experienced IVDD, we wouldn’t make a blanket recommendation between a harness and collar.
Your vet, neurologist or rehabilitation specialist knows your dog’s individual history and is best placed to advise you.
This is particularly important if your dachshund has experienced cervical IVDD affecting the neck. Dachshund Health UK recommends asking your vet whether a harness may be more appropriate than a collar in these cases.
So, Harness or Collar?
For most healthy dachshunds, there isn’t one correct answer.
If your dachshund walks comfortably without pulling, whether you choose a correctly fitted collar or harness can really come down to personal preference and what your dachshund is happiest wearing.
If your dachshund pulls or lunges on the lead, we’d personally favour a correctly fitted harness so that force isn’t concentrated around their neck and throat.
And if your dachshund has a history of IVDD or another spinal condition, we’d always recommend following the advice of their veterinary professional.
Ultimately, comfort, fit and the way your individual dachshund walks are what really matter.
Choosing the Right Harness or Collar for Your Dachshund
Whichever option you choose, fit, comfort and weight are particularly important when you’re dealing with the unique dachshund shape.
Choosing a Dachshund Harness
If you’ve decided a harness is right for your dachshund, look for one that takes their unusual proportions into consideration.
Say hello to the harness designed for dachshunds.
Our DoxieLite Anti Rub Harness was designed specifically around the dachshund shape, rather than simply making a standard dog harness smaller.
With their deep chests, short legs and sensitive little armpits in mind, every detail has been carefully considered to create a lightweight, comfortable fit for your sausage.
The DoxieLite features:
• A longer chest panel designed around the dachshund’s deep chest
• A slimline anti rub design designed to sit further away from those sensitive little armpits
• Adjustable neck and chest straps for a more personalised fit
• A lightweight design, approximately 33% lighter than our previous dachshund harness
• Reflective detailing for added visibility
• Petite buckles designed with little sausages in mind
But choosing the right harness is only half the job. Making sure it’s fitted and adjusted correctly is just as important.
Choosing a harness? Read our step by step guide to putting on and fitting a dachshund harness correctly →
Shop the DoxieLite Anti Rub Harness
Choosing a Dachshund Collar
Prefer a collar? We’ve got your sausage covered there too.
Our collars have been designed with dachshunds in mind, with petite, lightweight designs that don’t feel unnecessarily bulky around those little necks.
Our Adjustable Dachshund Collar comes in one adjustable size, designed to take your sausage from puppyhood through to adulthood. It’s a simple, lightweight everyday option with plenty of adjustment as they grow.
Or there’s our DoxieFlex BioThane Collar, made from soft, lightweight and flexible BioThane. The wipe clean material also makes it perfect for muddy walks and sausages who have absolutely no intention of avoiding puddles!
Whether you’re Team Harness or Team Collar, the most important thing is choosing something that fits your dachshund properly, feels comfortable and suits the way they walk.
There really isn’t one rule that suits every sausage!
Health information in this article is for general educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your dachshund’s health or IVDD, please speak to your vet.
