Getting the right harness for your dachshund is only half the job. Making sure it’s fitted and adjusted correctly is just as important.
With their long bodies, deep chests and short little legs, dachshunds have very different proportions to most dogs. A harness that isn’t fitted correctly can move around, sit too close to the front legs or rub those sensitive little armpits.
So, how should a dachshund harness actually fit?
Here’s our simple step by step guide.
Why Choose a Harness Designed for Dachshunds?
Dachshunds have a pretty unusual body shape, so finding a harness that fits properly isn’t always as simple as picking the right size.
Their deep chests, long bodies and short legs mean some standard dog harnesses can sit too close to the front legs or underneath the armpits, which can potentially cause rubbing.
That’s why our dachshund harnesses have been designed specifically around those little sausage proportions.
But not every dachshund likes wearing a harness in the same way, which is why we have two different styles to choose from.
DoxieLite vs DoxieStep Mag: Which Harness Is Right for Your Dachshund?
Both of our harnesses have been designed with dachshunds in mind, but they work in two very different ways.
DoxieLite Anti Rub Harness
Our DoxieLite Anti Rub Harness is a great choice if your dachshund has experienced rubbing or chafing from harnesses in the past.
Its super slimline chest design and longer chest panel have been designed specifically around the dachshund shape, helping the harness sit further away from those sensitive little armpits and reduce the chance of rubbing.
It’s also fully adjustable at both the neck and chest, allowing you to fine tune the fit to your individual sausage.
The DoxieLite goes over your dachshund’s head, before fastening around their body.
SHOP THE DOXIELITE ANTI RUB HARNESS
DoxieStep Mag Harness
Got a dachshund who absolutely hates having things pulled over their head? The DoxieStep Mag Harness might be the better choice.
It’s a step in harness, so there’s no need to put anything over your dachshund’s head.
It also features magnetic buckles, making it a great option for nervous or noise sensitive dachshunds who don’t like the loud clicking or snapping sound of traditional harness buckles.
SHOP THE DOXIE STEPMAG HARNESS
So, which should you choose?
If rubbing is your main concern, we’d recommend looking at the DoxieLite.
If your dachshund doesn’t like things going over their head or is sensitive to buckle noises, the DoxieStep Mag could be the better option.
How to Put on a DoxieLite Dachshund Harness
Once you’ve chosen your DoxieLite, getting the adjustment right is really important for keeping your sausage comfortable and secure.
Step 1: Loosen the Straps
Before putting the harness on, loosen both the neck and chest straps enough for the harness to comfortably pop over your dachshund’s head.
Once you’ve found the perfect fit, you shouldn’t need to fully readjust the harness every time you put it on.
Step 2: Pop the Harness Over Their Head
Gently guide your dachshund’s head through the neck opening.
The chest panel should run down the centre of their chest, with the back of the harness sitting centrally along their spine.
Make sure none of the straps are twisted.
If your dachshund isn’t a fan of things going over their head, a treat appearing through the neck opening can work wonders!
Step 3: Fasten the Chest Strap
Bring the chest strap around your dachshund’s body and fasten the buckle.
The strap should sit comfortably behind the front legs, while the longer front chest panel should sit centrally between them.
Have a quick look from the front to make sure everything is sitting straight.
Step 4: Adjust the Neck
Adjust the neck straps so the front of the harness sits neatly against your dachshund’s chest.
It should feel snug and secure, but never tight.
The harness shouldn’t sit high against the throat, and the chest panel should remain centred.
Step 5: Adjust the Chest
Next, adjust the chest strap.
As a general guide, you should be able to comfortably slide around two fingers underneath the straps.
If there’s lots of movement or you can easily pull the harness away from their body, it may be too loose.
If you struggle to get your fingers underneath, loosen it slightly.
You want it secure enough that your little escape artist can’t reverse out of it, without it feeling restrictive.
Step 6: Check Those Little Armpits
This one is particularly important for dachshunds.
Check that the harness isn’t tucked right up underneath the front legs or cutting into the armpit area.
The longer, slimline chest panel on our DoxieLite was designed to help position the harness further away from the front legs and those sensitive little underarms.
Step 7: Do the Sausage Test
Once everything is adjusted, let your dachshund walk around for a minute.
A correctly fitted harness should:
• Sit centrally on the chest
• Sit straight along the back
• Stay clear of the armpits
• Feel snug without digging in
• Allow the front legs and shoulders to move naturally
• Stay in position without excessive sliding or twisting
If the harness shifts significantly as your dachshund moves, go back and make a few small adjustments.
How to Put on a DoxieStep Mag Dachshund Harness
The DoxieStep Mag works a little differently because your dachshund steps into the harness rather than having it placed over their head.
Step 1: Open the Harness
Lay the harness ready for your dachshund to step into, making sure the straps aren’t twisted.
Step 2: Step Those Little Legs In
Gently guide one front leg into each opening.
Step 3: Bring the Harness Up
Bring both sides of the harness up around your dachshund’s body, making sure everything is sitting straight and comfortably behind the front legs.
Step 4: Fasten the Magnetic Buckles
Bring the magnetic buckles together to secure the harness.
The magnetic fastening makes this particularly handy for dachshunds who are nervous around the louder clicking or snapping noises of traditional buckles.
Step 5: Check the Fit
Make sure the harness is sitting centrally and comfortably, with no straps twisted or digging into your dachshund.
Again, you should be able to comfortably fit around two fingers underneath the straps.
Let your dachshund have a little wander around and check that the harness stays in place while they move.
How Should a Harness Fit a Dachshund?
A dachshund harness should sit close enough to the body to remain secure while still allowing your dachshund to move naturally.
A good way to check the fit is from three different angles.
From the Front
The chest panel should sit centrally rather than pulling off to one side.
From Above
The back of the harness should sit centrally along your dachshund’s back without twisting.
From the Side
The harness should sit comfortably behind the front legs without rubbing or cutting into the armpits.
It’s also worth watching your dachshund while they’re walking, rather than only checking the fit while they’re standing still.
How Tight Should a Dachshund Harness Be?
Think snug, not tight.
There shouldn’t be large gaps between the harness and your dachshund’s body, but the straps shouldn’t dig into them either.
The two finger check is a useful general guide.
Remember that wearing a harness too loosely isn’t necessarily more comfortable. A loose harness can move around more, which may cause rubbing, and it can also make it easier for your dachshund to reverse out of it.
Common Dachshund Harness Fitting Mistakes
Wearing the Harness Too Loose
A harness that’s too loose can slide around while your dachshund walks, potentially causing rubbing and making it easier for them to wriggle backwards out of it.
Wearing the Harness Too Tight
If the straps are digging in or you can’t comfortably get your fingers underneath them, loosen the harness slightly.
Not Adjusting the Harness Properly
Every sausage is shaped differently.
One dachshund might have a tiny neck and chunky chest, while another could be slim all over. Take the time to adjust your harness to your individual dachshund rather than assuming it will fit perfectly straight out of the packet.
Letting the Harness Sit Too Close to the Armpits
Always check where the harness sits around the front legs, both when your dachshund is standing and when they’re walking.
Choosing a Harness Size Based on Weight Alone
There really isn’t a universal “miniature dachshund size”.
Two dachshunds weighing exactly the same can have completely different proportions, which is why measurements are much more useful than weight alone when choosing a harness.
How to Measure a Dachshund for a Harness
For the most accurate measurements, have your dachshund standing naturally on all four paws.
Neck
Measure around the lower part of the neck where the harness will naturally sit.
Chest
Measure around the widest part of your dachshund’s chest - usually right behind the front legs.
Compare both measurements with the size guide for the harness you’re choosing rather than selecting a size based purely on weight.
Still unsure? Send us your dachshund’s neck and chest measurements and we’ll happily help you find the right size.
Should I Check My Dachshund’s Harness Fit Regularly?
Yes.
You don’t necessarily need to check every strap before every walk, but it’s worth checking the fit periodically, particularly if your dachshund gains or loses weight.
For puppies, check it much more regularly. They have an annoying habit of changing size approximately five minutes after you’ve measured them.
Harness or Collar for a Dachshund?
Not sure whether a harness is actually the right choice for your dachshund?
There’s a lot of conflicting information around harnesses, collars and IVDD, so we’ve taken a closer look at what the research actually says.
READ: HARNESS VS COLLAR FOR A DACHSHUND: WHAT’S ACTUALLY BEST?
Need Help Finding the Right Dachshund Harness?
Still not sure whether your sausage would be better suited to the DoxieLite or DoxieStep Mag, or which size they need?
Send us their measurements and we’ll be happy to help, or use our Dachshund Sizing Calculator to find the best fit.
