Cavoodles, the delightful mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle breeds, are known for their friendly demeanour, hypo-allergic coat, and teddy bear nature.
When it comes to walking your Cavoodle, choosing the right harness is super important. Both for their comfort and for your control.
There are literally THOUSANDS of options available online, so finding the perfect harness is a daunting task. With five years experiencing designing harnesses for Cavoodles, we’ve curated a guide to help you choose the best dog harness for your beloved doggo.
First Step: Consider Your Cavoodle's Size
Because the Cavoodle is a cross-breed, there is really no ‘standard size’. They come in so many various sizes, depending on their parentage and breeding.
As a general rule, you’re going to need to select a harness based on their chest and neck measurements - as this is where the straps fit around your Cavoodle. So you’ll need a tape measure.
Steps to Measuring Your Dog
Take the tape and measure the chest. Around your dogs body at the widest part, just behind their front legs.Place 2 fingers between the tape measure and their fur to ensure it’s not too tight. This is the chest measurement.Repeat the process for their neck - at the widest point.
Compare these measurements to the size guide for the brand your buying from. Most brands will have sizing listed.
💡Pro-Tip:
For a Cavoodle PUPPY, we recommend our size Extra-Small harness.
For an adult Cavoodle (4-7kg), we recommend our size Small harness.
For an adult Cavoodle (7.5+kg), we recommend our size Medium harness
Extra-Small Pale Pink Harness on 3kg Cavoodle Puppy
Second Step: Prioritise Comfort
Comfort and safety should be top priorities when choosing a harness for your Cavoodle. Opt for harnesses made from soft materials that won't chafe or irritate your dog's skin - especially under their soft skin between their legs and chest (like their underarms).
An adjustable harness is key to ensure your Cavoodle remains comfortable in their harness as they grow. You might be thinking this isn’t so important, because your dog is an adult. False.
The Cavoodle's coat continues to grow - it doesn’t shed. It’s part of their charm, but it also means they get fluffier and essentially, bigger, as their coat grows. Then, they get a groom, the coat is trimmed, and they suddenly shrink again.
Third Step: Choosing the Style of Harness
There are several types of harnesses available, each with its own set of benefits. When choosing a harness for your Cavoodle, consider their individual needs and preferences:
- Back-Clip Harness: Back-clip harnesses have the leash attachment point located on the dog's back. They are easy to put on and are suitable for dogs who don't pull excessively during walks. However, they may not provide as much control for dogs prone to pulling.
- Front-Clip Harness: Front-clip harnesses have the leash attachment point located on the dog's chest. They discourage pulling by redirecting your dog's attention towards you when they try to pull ahead. Front-clip harnesses are excellent for training and controlling dogs who are prone to pulling.
- Step-In Harness: Step-in harnesses require your dog to step into them before securing around their body. They are easy to put on and are suitable for dogs who don't mind having their legs lifted.
- Over-Head Harness: An over-head harness is a harness that is put on at the neck strap over their head, then fitted/clipped at the chest. This harness is suitable for dogs who don’t like having their legs lifted. The ST ARGO harness is an over-head harness.
- Vest Harness: Vest harnesses wrap around your dog's chest and secure with buckles or Velcro. They offer more coverage and support compared to other types of harnesses, making them ideal for dogs with neck or throat sensitivities. Vest harnesses distribute pressure evenly across your dog's body, reducing strain on their neck and spine.
Finally, Consider Additional Features:
When selecting a harness for your Cavoodle, consider additional features that may enhance your walking experience:
- Adjustability: Look for harnesses with adjustable straps to ensure a proper fit as your Cavoodle grows or if they gain or lose weight.
- Durability: Choose a harness made from high-quality materials that can withstand daily wear and tear.
- Colourways: Don’t forget, choosing a harness can also be fun! Take your time and choose a harness that will accent your pup’s coat nicely.
Final Thoughts:
Selecting the best dog harness for your Cavoodle requires careful consideration of their size, build, comfort, and safety needs. By prioritising comfort, safety, and functionality, you can ensure enjoyable and stress-free walks for both you and your beloved companion. Take your time to explore different options and choose a harness that meets your Cavoodle's specific requirements, allowing them to enjoy every adventure by your side.
Ready to shop for your ST ARGO harness? Take a look at the range here.
Looking for a collar for your Cavoodle? We’ve written a whole article on selecting a ST ARGO collar here.
