You often see it on the street: a small dog on a leash suddenly pulling sharply towards another dog, and the owner instinctively pulling back. Not a big moment, but for a dog with a delicate neck, that short jerk can have more consequences than you think. It's precisely this situation where the choice between a harness and a collar suddenly becomes very real.
Why a collar isn't always the best choice for small dogs
A collar sits around the neck. For larger, more robust dogs, that's not a problem in itself, but for small breeds, it's different. Dogs like Maltipoos, Bichons, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus naturally have a more delicate build. Their trachea is smaller and more vulnerable, and some of these breeds are genetically more susceptible to tracheal collapse, a condition where the trachea narrows under pressure.
A collar concentrates all the force of a jerk or a sudden pulling motion on one point: the throat. It doesn't even have to be hard to lead to irritation or damage over time. Veterinarians largely agree: for small dogs, a collar is fine as an identification method for the tag, but for daily walks on a leash, there are better alternatives.
What a harness does differently
A harness distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders. If your dog pulls briefly, steps sideways, or moves quickly? The force is spread over a larger surface area and doesn't go directly to the throat. For small dogs, that's a significant difference.
Well-fitting harnesses also offer more control without having to use more force. You can gently guide your dog without having to pull on the leash. That works more pleasantly for both of you, especially if your dog is still learning how to walk on a leash.
There's also a practical advantage that small dog owners often mention: a harness prevents the dog from 'backing out' of its gear, backing up and stepping out of it. A collar, with enough panic or resistance, allows more room to escape. A well-adjusted harness is more secure.
When do you still choose a collar?
A collar isn't a bad choice in all situations. For dogs that are good at walking off-leash, rarely or never pull, and only occasionally walk short distances on a leash, a collar can work perfectly fine. And as mentioned: for the tag with your contact details, a collar is practical, even if you walk your dog daily in a harness.
Some dogs also have a clear preference. There are dogs that find a harness unpleasant, especially if they are introduced to it as adult dogs. In that case, it's worth making the transition calmly, with positive associations, so that the harness doesn't become something they run away from.
What to look for when choosing a harness
Not every harness is the same. For small dogs, a few things are extra important. The fit is crucial: the harness should not be too loose (then it will chafe or the dog can get out), but also not too tight (then it restricts shoulder movement). Always check if you can place two fingers between the harness and the skin.
Also pay attention to the material. Soft, padded fabrics are more comfortable for small dogs with fine coats. And look at the leash attachment: a D-ring on the back gives you the most control for daily walks.
A harness that looks good is a nice bonus. But it always starts with how it fits.
In the Holy Moly collection, you'll find harnesses for small dogs designed with precisely these things in mind.