Dog harnesses are essential accessories for the safety, comfort and well-being of our four-legged friends and their owner. Whether for a daily walk, a hike in the countryside or mountains, or simply to provide better management in town, a dog harness offers many advantages over a traditional collar, though wearing both of them is not an issue. It all depends on your dog and how you use each of these dog accessories. 

However, choosing the right harness is crucial. In this article, you’ll find all the advantages of a dog harness, the different types of harness available on the market, with a focus on the specific benefits of the Y harness with a particular attention to the Carcharodon Carcharias harness by MAURICE, a brand-new French harness made from high-quality vegetal-tanned leathers and guaranteed free of toxic chemicals.

Why should your dog wear a harness?

Harnessing your dog offers many advantages in terms of safety, comfort and control. 

Dog harnesses help prevent injuries: a high-quality dog harness is designed to distribute pressure evenly over the dog’s body. Unlike a collar, which can cause damage to the trachea and neck, a harness minimizes the risk of injury, especially for dogs with a tendency to pull on a leash. For dogs with respiratory problems and delicate throats or brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and pugs, the harness is a safer, gentler alternative to the collar. It reduces pressure on the throat and airways, facilitating freer, less stressful breathing.

Enjoy a relaxed walks with your dog: harnesses give you better control over your dog, especially with larger, more powerful breeds. It allows the dog to be led more effectively without causing pain or stress, which is particularly useful during training.

Extra security against escape: dogs can sometimes slip out of their collars, especially if they are badly fitted. Harnesses are generally more difficult to remove, offering extra security on walks.

The different type of dog harness

The Y-HARNESS (or H-harness) and its benefits

The Y-harness, often called the H-harness because of its shape, is one of the most popular models recommended by vets and dog trainers. This type of harness fits around the dog’s neck and chest, forming a Y shape on the chest. 

• Optimum comfort: the Y-shaped harness distributes pressure evenly over the dog’s body, avoiding any excessive tension on the neck, unlike a collar attached to a leash.

• Freedom of movement: thanks to its design, this harness allows great freedom of movement, which is ideal for active dogs or those who like to run.

• Improved control: the Y-harness offers greater control, particularly useful for dogs that pull on a lead. It allows you to lead your dog without risking injury.

The X-HARNESS

This type of harness crosses over the dog’s back and belly, forming an X shape. Although it is less popular than the Y harness, it is appreciated for its simplicity and effectiveness. 

• Simple to use: easy to put on, this harness is ideal for dogs that don’t like to be handled for long periods.

• Lightweight: generally made from lightweight materials, this harness is comfortable for small breeds or older dogs.

The T-HARNESS

The T-harness is designed to offer a large contact area with the dog’s body, forming a T on its back. It is often used for large dogs. 

• Greater stability: this type of harness is particularly suitable for large dogs, offering greater stability.

• Back support: thanks to its design, it supports the dog’s back well, which can be beneficial for those with spinal problems.

The benefits of a leather dog harness

Leather is a noble, durable material that is particularly suitable for dog harnesses. Here’s why a leather harness is an excellent choice:

• Quality and craftsmanship: leather harnesses are often handmade pieces with particular attention to detail. Choosing a leather dog harness means opting for a top-quality product that reflects craftsmanship.

• Adaptability and safety: leather harnesses can generally be adjusted more easily than their synthetic counterparts. This adaptability ensures a perfect fit for every dog, which is essential for the comfort and safety of your four-legged friend. The leather harness, with its different adjustment points, can follow your dog throughout its growth. When well chosen and of the highest quality, leather is a robust material that offers great tensile strength. For powerful dogs or those who pull a lot, a leather harness offers greater safety than harnesses made from nylon or other synthetic materials.

• Exceptional durability: a well-maintained leather harness can last for many years. Leather stands up well to wear and tear, the elements and the forces exerted by strong or active dogs. Unlike some synthetic materials, although leather softens, it does not easily deform and remains strong over time.  With proper care, leather harnesses retain their appearance and functionality for many years. Leather can be cleaned and conditioned to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking. Good quality leather is also known to improve in appearance over time.

• Long-term investment: although leather harnesses can be more expensive to buy, their durability and longevity make them a worthwhile long-term investment. At MAURICE, we choose high quality leathers from the food industry recycling as well as upcycled leathers. The Carcharodon Carcharias leather dog harness is designed and made entirely by hand in the Sarthe department of France. A pet accessory that presents all the know-how of the French excellence. 

The MAURICE leather dog harness: a guarantee of ethical choice

With its multiple attachment and adjustment points, the Carcharodon Carcharias leather dog harness is the brand’s very first harness developed specifically for the well-being and safety of small and large dogs.

The Carcharodon Carcharias dog harness is uniquely handcrafted from vegetable-tanned leather, a process that uses natural plant extracts to treat the leather instead of the chemicals commonly used in the industry. 

Here are the reasons why the Carcharodon Carcharias harness is an excellent choice:

• No toxic chemicals: vegetable tanning is an environmentally friendly process that does not involve toxic substances such as chromium, which is often present in traditionally tanned leather. This guarantees not only the safety and well-being of your dog, but also that of the dog owner and as well the environment.

• High-quality leather: vegetable-tanned leather is not only kinder to your dog’s skin, it also develops a unique patina over time, giving your dog a harness that becomes even more beautiful and softer over the years.

• Ethical commitment: by choosing a MAURICE dog harness, you are supporting an ethical and sustainable approach that promotes responsible, animal-friendly production methods, made in France and the local economy.

• Optimum comfort and hypoallergenic: we choose high-quality leathers that soften over time, adapting to the shape of each dog for greater comfort. Naturally breathable and unlike some synthetic materials, leather is less likely to cause allergic reactions and skin irritations in dogs with sensitive skin.

• Timelessly elegant aesthetics: as well as its functional qualities, the MAURICE leather dog harness brings a touch of timeless elegance that is found in all the brand’s creations. Its noble appearance adapts to all styles, from the most classic to the most contemporary.

• Flexibility and ease of use: with 4 adjustment brass buckles, the Carcharodon Carcharias harness is easy to put on and adjust. This harness is also suitable for dogs who don’t like being handled. Once the harness has been adjusted to your dog’s morphology, you can take it off and put it on again by removing just one buckle!

Choosing the right harness for your dog is essential to ensure his safety, comfort and well-being. Leather harnesses, especially vegetable-tanned ones such as those from French brand MAURICE, offer a sustainable and ethical solution, ensuring your dog has the best possible accessory for his daily walks. Although they may represent a higher initial investment, their longevity and superior quality make them a wise choice for many dog owners. 

Whether for daily walks, sporting activities or even competitions, a leather harness is a stylish and practical choice that will meet the needs of your faithful companion.