The best harnesses for large and giant breeds

Clip the leash to the chest ring on this rabbitgoo vest, and a big dog's lunge tugs them gently sideways. They end up facing you instead of the squirrel. Once they're walking calmly, move the leash to the ring between the shoulders for an easy stroll.

A heavy-duty handle sits on the back, so you can hold a big dog close at a busy crossing or help them into the car. Four adjusters set the fit, and it clips shut with a buckle on each side. Reflective strips circle the whole vest. After a muddy walk, zip it into a laundry bag and put it through a gentle machine cycle.

The biggest size, the XL, fits up to a 38 inch chest. Its chart sizes the neck as well, so take both measurements before you order. Past 38 inches, the Front Range's L/XL goes up to 42, and the Easy Walk's X-Large reaches 49.

The Easy Walk's X-Large is the size the other two can't match. It covers a chest of 32 to 49 inches, with the tape wrapped around the ribcage at its fullest point. It has four adjusters, so each strap can be set to your dog's build.

Your leash goes on a loop at the chest, called a martingale. Each time your dog lunges, the loop tightens and presses gently on the shoulders, which slows them and helps you get their attention back. The straps snap shut at the shoulder and under the belly. That belly strap comes in its own color, so you can see which way up the harness goes.

With less coverage than many harnesses, the Easy Walk stays light and cool on a heavy-coated dog in July. It has only the one leash point, at the chest. If your dog's chest is 42 inches or less, the rabbitgoo or the Front Range gives you a ring on the back as well.

Hours into a hike, the foam padding under this Ruffwear's outer shell is what keeps the straps comfortable on a big dog. There are two leash points: an aluminum V-ring on the back for easy walking, and a strong webbing loop on the chest to steer a puller.

Reflective trim shows up in car headlights, and a small loop holds a clip-on light for walks before sunrise. Tags tuck into a little pocket, so they don't jingle the whole way around the trail. Four adjusters set the fit. Washing takes more work: wash it by hand in mild soap, then leave it to air dry.

The biggest size, the L/XL, fits a ribcage of 32 to 42 inches, and if you're between two sizes, take the larger one. Its top size is bigger than the rabbitgoo's. A broad dog who has outgrown the rabbitgoo's XL may still have a size here. For a chest over 42 inches, the Easy Walk comes in a bigger size.