When it comes to walk gear, one question keeps dog owners up at night (usually right after a 3AM zoomie session): should I use a collar, a harness, or both? You’re not alone. It's one of the most common questions dog owners ask, and the answer depends on your dog's size, breed, walking style, and personality.
In this guide, we’ll help you decide whether your dog needs a collar, a harness, or both, with specific advice for small breeds, powerful dogs like XL Bullies, and everything in between.
Collar vs. Harness: What’s the Difference?
Both dog collars and harnesses serve important purposes. A collar is great for everyday wear and ID tags, while a harness offers more control and reduces strain on your dog’s neck, especially during walks.
🐾 The Classic Collar
Collars are like that one reliable friend, you might not take them on every adventure, but they’re always there when you need them. They're the standard for good reason.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal for holding ID tags and registration info
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Super quick to slip on and off
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Great for lead-trained dogs
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Available in a huge range of styles and materials (we see you, fashion-forward dogs)
⚠️ Cons:
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Can cause neck strain for pullers
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Not recommended for dogs with respiratory issues (hello Pugs!)
✔️ Best For:
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Well-trained walkers
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Short walks and quick outings
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Everyday wear
💪 The Functional Harness
Harnesses are the go-to for dogs that need a little more support, or owners who need a bit more full-body control.
✅ Pros:
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Distributes force evenly across the chest and shoulders
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Reduces pressure on the neck and spine
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Ideal for training, no-pull styles offer more control
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Prevents escape in Houdini-level dogs
⚠️ Cons:
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Can take longer to put on
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Some dogs take a little time to get used to the fit
✔️ Best For:
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Dogs that pull
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Long walks or hikes
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Training sessions
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Breeds prone to breathing or neck issues
🐕 Small Dog Owners – Read This
Tiny but mighty, small dogs often have big personalities... and delicate bodies. For pups under 10kg, collars can put unnecessary strain on the throat if they pull, even a little.
Best Gear for Small Breeds:
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A lightweight harness is your best friend, especially styles designed for chest support without bulk.
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Go for adjustable, padded gear to avoid rubbing or pressure points.
Breeds That Benefit:
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Chihuahuas
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Pomeranians
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Dachshunds
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Frenchies
Pro Tip: Small dogs tend to be wrigglers. Look for a snug-fitting harness with escape-proof features.
🐺 Powerful Breeds & XL Bullies – You Need Reinforcement
Big dog energy? You need big dog control. If you’ve ever been walked by your dog instead of the other way around, you know what we’re talking about.
XL Bullies, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Staffies and other power breeds aren’t just strong, they’re clever. Your gear needs to hold up to the muscle and the mischief.
Best Gear for Power Breeds:
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A heavy-duty harness with anti-pull control
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Padded collars with wide surface area to avoid pressure injury
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Reinforced stitching, metal hardware, and durable materials (no cheap clips here)
Why Both is Best:
A collar gives you quick control, while a harness provides safety and distributes strength, perfect for managing potential reactive moments or sudden pulls. Pair with a strong lead, and you’re ready for anything.
💡 So… Why Not Both?
Still deciding? Here’s the inside scoop: using both a collar and a harness gives you the most flexibility, safety, and control.
Combo Benefits:
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Harness handles the heavy-duty work during walks
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You can attach leads to either (or both!) for extra control
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Your dog looks like the absolute legend they are
Plus, let’s be honest, matching sets just look good.
🎁 Make It Easy with a Bundle
To save you from analysis paralysis, we’ve made it simple: introducing BullyBillows Bundles.
From collars and harnesses to leads and accessories, each bundle is designed to suit your dog’s size, strength, and swagger, at a seriously good value.
Whether you're upgrading your gear or shopping for a new dog, our bundles are:
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💪 Built to last
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🎯 Tailored to your dog's needs
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💸 Great value (because who doesn’t love saving?)
👉 Explore Bundles Now – and find the perfect combo for you and your dog.
Bottom Line:
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some dogs need a collar, some need a harness, and some (let’s be honest) need everything. The key is understanding what suits your dog’s body, behaviour, and lifestyle. And when in doubt? Bundle up.
