Dog harnesses are undoubtedly practical. They can help keep your dog safe, reduce pulling, and give you more control over your canine companion’s movements on walks and during training. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish too! A leather dog harness, in particular, offers the best of both worlds: an attractive appearance and supreme functionality. 

Leather dog harnesses are sleek and trendy, but also durable, reliable, and easy to clean. If you’re ready to say goodbye to flimsy fabric straps and upgrade your dog’s harness game, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the internet and talked to the experts to bring you the cream of the crop: the best leather dog harnesses on the market. 

Our Top Picks 

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

7 Best Leather Dog Harnesses of 2024

Whether you’re looking for a leather dog harness for daily walks or for training purposes, here are our top picks to consider. 

Best Overall Leather Dog Harness

Our pick: Bold Lead Designs Connected Control™ Harness

Bold Lead Designs Connected Control™ Harness
Buy at Bold Lead Designs

The number one factor that makes a harness effective is its ability to help you control your dog while walking or training. That’s why Sharon Wachsler, CPDT-KA, KPACTP, owner of At Your Service Dog Training recommends the Connected Control Harness™ by Bold Lead Designs as the overall best.

This leather dog harness features both front-clip and back-clip leash attachments, enabling you to better control and steer your dog during walks and training sessions. “It allows a lot of versatility and control while still being a humane, comfortable, non-correcting harness that reduces pulling because of the leash attaching to a chest loop,” says Wachsler. “This reduces forward motion by turning the dog slightly if it pulls.”

Plus, function aside, this harness is stunningly beautiful! Depending on the style you choose, it’s made with premium American leather or a durable Brahma man-made leather alternative, along with quality metal hardware for a look that’s seriously sleek.

Pros

  • Premium American leather or Brahma leather alternative 
  • Quality metal hardware 
  • Front and back leash connections 
  • Highly adjustable for a perfect fit 
  • Quick-release buckles make it easy to put on and take off
  • Includes a soft neoprene top pad for increased comfort 
  • Sheepskin padding for chest straps is available as an add-on 
  • Genuine leather is available in tan and black; Brahma leather is available in several different hues (on BLD site only)
  • Made to order 
  • Lifetime warranty 

Cons

  • Not available in small sizes 
  • Because it’s made to order, the turnaround time is 7 to 10 days 
  • Price is higher than other options on our list, but it delivers a lot of bang for your buck 

Best Leather Harness for Large Dogs

Our pick: Signature K9 Leather Tracking Harness 

Signature K9 Leather Tracking Harness 
Buy at Amazon

If you’re looking for a sturdy, stylish, and flexible leather harness for your big boy or girl, Ali Smith, a professional dog trainer and founder of Rebarkable, recommends the Signature K9 Leather Tracking Harness. “This harness is all about functionality,” she says. “Its handle is the right way — vertical along the spine as opposed to across the shoulders.” 

This large leather dog harness is also exceptionally adjustable and made with high-quality leather in the USA, she adds.

Pros

  • Includes five points of adjustment 
  • Offers multiple connection options for leashes 
  • Features a vertical top handle for extra control 
  • Thick leather is stitched and riveted throughout for long-lasting durability 
  • Includes a padded breastplate for increased comfort 
  • Available in three colors 

Cons

  • Not available in small sizes 
  • A few reviewers noted it’s a bit cumbersome to put on and take off due to the number of buckles 
  • Priced higher than a typical harness 

Best Leather Harness for Small Dogs

Our pick: Lurril Leather Dog Harness 

Lurril Leather Dog Harness 
Buy at Etsy

We picked this one as our best small dog leather harness because the size can be customized to fit your petite pup perfectly. This harness is made from genuine black leather and lined with super-soft wool felt (which comes in various color options) for added comfort. For a really posh look, opt for red wool lining!

Pros  

  • Fully adjustable 
  • Custom sizing available
  • Metal gold-effect closure clips 
  • Easy to put on and take off 
  • Felt lining is available in multiple colors 
  • Rave reviews commend its excellent craftsmanship
  • Optional engraving available  
  • Great price point

Cons

  • Only available in black 

Best Faux Leather Dog Harness

Our pick: iDoggos Calvados Dog Harness

iDoggos Calvados Dog Harness
Buy at Etsy

Not a fan of real leather? You can still get the look and feel of genuine leather with the Calvados Dog Harness by iDoggo, which is made with high-quality faux leather. Available in light or dark brown, this elegant harness will turn heads with its heavy-duty gold metal hardware and sleek, minimalist design. It features a sturdy metal snap hook that makes it a breeze to put on and take off your pup. Plus, it comes in at a lower price than a genuine leather harness.

Pros

  • Made with durable materials 
  • Easy to adjust for the perfect fit 
  • Several reviews mentioned that they get frequent compliments on the harness 
  • Available in sizes mini through large 
  • Great price point

Cons

  • Only two color options 
  • Faux leather may not be as durable as real leather 
  • A couple of reviews stated that the back strap where the leash connects tends to roll to the side

Best Custom Leather Dog Harness 

Our pick: Yup Collars Custom Leather Dog Harness  

Yup Collars Custom Leather Dog Harness  
Buy at Etsy

This made-to-order leather dog harness offers several customization options to fit your pup’s (and your) unique needs. Some of the customization categories include size, leather color(s), hardware color, top handle, and thread color, just to name a few. Customers rave about the quality and craftsmanship of this harness, as well as the incredible customer service.

Pros 

  • Handmade to fit your dog perfectly
  • 100% genuine vegetable tanned leather with sheepskin lining
  • Y-front design
  • Customizable sizing, leather/sheepskin/hardware/thread color, top handle add-on, D-ring number/distance, and more
  • Free shipping 

Cons

  • Not recommended for smaller dogs
  • Because they’re made to order and highly customized, the turnaround time may be a bit longer
  • Higher price point, especially with added customization

Best Heavy Duty Leather Dog Harness

Our pick: PESHOUCO Leather Dog Harness

PESHOUCO Leather Dog Harness
Buy at Amazon

Does your dog chew through every harness he meets? The PESHOUCO Leather Dog Harness could be your knight in shining armor. This no-pull, heavy duty leather dog harness is sturdy and designed to last. In fact, many pet parents rave that their dogs who previously chewed through harnesses can’t destroy this one! 

Pros

  • Offers multiple attachment points
  • No-pull design
  • Easily adjustable 
  • Many reviews comment on the durability and say it’s easy to put on and take off 
  • Good price point

Cons

  • Not available in small sizes  
  • A few reviews reported that it irritated their dogs’ skin
  • Leather may take awhile to soften, according to some reviews 

Most Affordable Leather Dog Harness

Our pick: Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness

Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness
Buy at Amazon

One of the best things about the Beirui Genuine Leather Dog Harness is its price. It’s significantly more affordable than many other leather harnesses on the market while still maintaining good quality and functionality. One excited pet parent even wrote a review saying that she’s purchased many harnesses, from the cheapest to the most expensive, and this is the best one she’s used.  

Pros 

  • Features three adjustable straps 
  • Offers two heavy-duty D-rings for leash attachments 
  • Available in three sizes 
  • Minimalistic design 
  • Reinforced riveting 
  • The least expensive option on our list 

Cons

  • A few reviews said the harness runs small, so be sure to double check the measurements before purchasing 
  • May not be as durable as other options on our list 

How We Chose Our Top Leather Harnesses 

When compiling our list of the best leather dog harnesses, we talked to dog trainers to get their first-hand recommendations and did our research with the following factors in mind:  

Material. Leather is a durable and long-lasting material, but not all leather is created equal. We selected harnesses that use top-grade leather and were praised for their durability by other dog parents, as they’ll be more likely to last.

Comfort and fit. A leather dog harness that doesn’t fit properly can cause irritation and/or pain. We chose harnesses that are designed with your pup’s comfort in mind.

Design. Function comes first, but we understand that having an eye-catching dog harness is important to many. We considered the appearance and design of the harnesses, ensuring you have sleek and stylish options to choose from. 

Reviews. Harnesses that have positive reviews from other pup parents are more likely to be a good fit for your dog, which is why we always take customer feedback into account. 

Price. We understand that cost is a major factor for many dog parents, so we included both budget-friendly and higher-end options.

Leather Dog Harnesses: Tips and Advice 

When purchasing and caring for a leather harness, there are a few important factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your pup — and that it lasts for years to come. 

Size/fit. The most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing a leather harness for dogs is the size. “To get the right size, use a soft tape and measure around their neck and chest, and compare with the measurements on the site of the creator,” advises Smith. “Be careful when you see harnesses with exceptionally wide brackets of measurements that overlap heavily, as it often means that they’re improperly sized at the extremes,” she adds. 

Care and maintenance. Leather dog harnesses are incredibly resilient, but proper care and maintenance are required to keep them in optimal condition. “I care for mine with saddle cream,” says Smith. “Leather remains supple from adding fat to it, so regular oiling is definitely required.” Smith also advises not to submerge it in water and thoroughly dry it after rainy walks. If the harness gets visibly dirty, you can remove dirt with a dry cloth and, if need be, clean it using a PH-balanced leather cleaner like saddle soap.

Potential drawbacks. One of the drawbacks of a leather harness is that it can be more expensive than other types of harnesses. Additionally, “leather doesn’t love getting wet and may go moldy if you allow it to,” says Smith. “You can’t just sling it in the washing machine, and if you don’t care for it properly, it will (over time) crack and break.” 

Lastly, leather has the potential to irritate dogs with sensitive skin, however, many of the options we included are lined to prevent irritation.  

By following these suggestions and tips, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your canine companion, with style that’s worth barking about!