I’m ashamed to say I didn’t really know about harnesses when I first met my dog Leia. But a few years back, we thought to try one for her, and I’m so glad we did.
A leash attached to a harness is a lot gentler on her tender, little neck than a leash attached to her collar, especially if I have to apply any pressure to the leash to guide her.
We’ve really only used that original harness with her; we hadn’t tried any other designs. So when Beast and Buckle reached out and asked if we’d like to review their harnesses, we were thrilled at the paw-portunity!
Beast & Buckle Sent Us A Bunch Of Harnesses To Try
I honestly can’t say enough good things about these harnesses. They are the best quality harnesses I’ve ever seen, and they are the prettiest and most adorable, too.
Beast & Buckle was very generous to send us four different designs for our little girl. Also, they worked with us to determine the best size for Leia.
Just like for humans, sizes can be inconsistent for dogs. Sometimes, she is an extra small (XS), and sometimes, she is a small (S). The company determined she should wear the XS size of their products.
At first, I was concerned the neck hole would be too small for Leia, that maybe we should have requested a size S, not XS. My husband said, “I think you over-estimate the size of Leia’s head.” And… he was right! Her little ears are all fluff and make her head look wider than it is.
The designs the company sent us to try were ladybug, cupcake, watermelon, and neon leopard print.
The Adorable Ladybug Harness
Hold. The. Phone. How cute are these??
Beast & Buckle harnesses are not only beautiful on the outside, but they are adorably detailed on the inside and on the straps — things maybe only you and your dog would notice, but enough to give an extra confidence pop to your pup’s step or give you heart-eyes all day.
I loved the adjustable straps, extremely versatile for fitting a wide variety of bodies. There are two adjustable slides on the waistband and two sets of clasps.
The neckline of the harness sits just below the collar, so you can tuck your dog’s tags inside or put them them outside of the harness, if you wish.
The fabric is very durable, slightly shiny and slick, showing its waterproof qualities, but also rugged enough to hold up to rough play or scratching.
Inside the harness, though, it’s all about softness and comfort, with breathable mesh and a slightly cushioned filling between fabric layers. Are these fashion harnesses or pajamas?
The Cute Cupcake Harness
The cupcake harness is naturally very festive and has become Leia’s go-to party outfit. She has already worn it to the It’s All About the Paws ice cream social and her cousin’s puppy shower!
Just look at those adorable sprinkle details on the straps and interior of the harness.
Because I’m that Dog Mom, Leia asked me — I swear — to help her put together a reel with this harness from our It’s All About the Paws ice cream social. I hope you enjoy it as much as Leia enjoyed her ice cream and harness!
The Summery Watermelon Harness
It’s really hard to pick a favorite from the set Beast & Buckle sent us, but watermelon might be it! Or maybe I’m just biased, since that’s the one Leia chose to try first.
The straps are striped, just like a watermelon rind, and the interior is red with black watermelon seeds printed onto it. I am swooning over the details!
I’m also just swooning over this beauty over here. Do you think she knows?
We actually decided to take the watermelon harness on our summer vacation with us. It was a great idea; Leia loved the comfort, and well, I loved the photo ops.
More Than Cute: These Harnesses Are Strong & Easy To Use
You already read how much I love the durable fabric and adjustable straps on this harness.
I’d like to point out another feature that I love — the strong loop where you hook the leash into the back of the harness. It also clips very nicely into Leia’s car seat, as I imagine it would for a variety of car seats.
I really like the placement of that loop. It helps to evenly distribute pressure when you need to exert it to guide your dog.
It’s also a fantastic location in relation to the wide front fabric to be able to lift your dog easily and gently, should they, oh, decide to jump in the lake for the first time in their lives, for example. Leia was much more calm than we were; she rather enjoyed her “dip”.
That broad coverage over the dog’s whole chest makes lifting them a better and more comfortable experience for them. I also like that it only covers the chest, so your dog doesn’t get too hot.
The company’s website notes that while their harnesses can withstand water, other agents in the water, like algae or salt, may damage them over time.
The Beast & Buckle design is very different from Leia’s usual strappy harness, but she finds it comfortable and actually scratches less at it than her usual one. Plus, the use of more fabric allows for those adorable designs.
Leia was a little confused the first time I tried to slide the harness over her head, but she didn’t resist it, and every time thereafter, she actually helps me put it on her by sticking her nose through the neck hole herself. I melt each time!
Pulling it off is even easier. Leia is helpful in pulling her head out herself, but even if your dog doesn’t “get” it, it’s still easy to put on or take off.
The neck hole may seem too small, but it has to be small enough that your dog won’t slip off the harness easily. There’s still plenty of wiggle room; you can place a few fingers underneath, so it’s not squeezing your dog’s neck or chest.
In terms of care for the harnesses, Beast & Buckle recommends spot cleaning as the best choice but notes that they are able to be machine-washed, but they should be air-dried.
Beast & Buckle: Inspiring Origins & Giving Back
I knew we would love these harnesses as soon as I opened the package. Enclosed was a hand-signed note, detailing the very moving story of the company.
You can read about it on their website, and you can watch the video above that Stewart Anderson created with his “co-founder” (love that), his dog, Clark.
After Stew tragically lost his father, he found himself in a “dark, sad place.” His family encouraged him to adopt a dog, and not only did he fall in love with Clark, the French Bulldog, but he credits Clark with saving his life.
Stew wasn’t happy with the quality and boring appearance of the harnesses he found on the market, and he wanted to “create a harness that reflected Clark’s fun personality.”
The Verdict: Get A Beast & Buckle Harness For Your Dog!
I can definitely say Leia and I are customers for life of Beast & Buckle. I’m not sure who enjoyed the harnesses more — Leia wearing them, or me gazing admiringly and photographing her in them.
I’m excited to read that our larger friends can also enjoy Beast & Buckle’s beautiful harnesses. Note how they even designed the layout to be different for bigger breeds, not just larger.
In fact, you can click the “Shop by Breed” pull-down on Beast & Buckle’s website to get the customized design to fit your dog’s breed best.
I already mentioned how much I loved the personal note that came with the package. The brand also offers free shipping and free returns or exchanges 30 days post-purchase, both within the US. They are happy to work with you to identify the best size for your pup.
While I love those interior details on the harnesses they sent us, Beast & Buckle also offers fully reversible harnesses for two cute designs in one!
If you’d like to get your own Beast & Buckle harness for your dog, visit their website.
To follow Beast & Buckle on social media, visit their Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter pages.
And if you’d like to see more of Leia, follow her on social media on her Instagram and Facebook pages.
Do you think your dog would look as adorable as Leia the Maltipoo in a Beast & Buckle harness? What’s your dog’s favorite harness to walk with? Let us know in the comments below!
