Dog harness for Labradors, Golden Retrievers and other active breeds

We've noticed that many of the MEGIN harnesses end up on retrievers, gun dogs, herding dogs and Alaskan huskies. They are active dogs in the 35–79 lb (16–36 kg) range, and they are the dogs the harness has been tested on most – on everyday walks, in the field, in canicross and on skis. This guide shows which weight class each breed typically needs, and what to check when you fit the harness on your own dog.

How sizing works on MEGIN

MEGIN comes in one size. The molded panels are the same for every dog – what changes is the length of the rope. When you choose a weight class, 35–57 lb (16–26 kg) or 60–79 lb (27–36 kg), you are choosing how much rope the harness is made with.

The harness has no fixed adjustment points. You fit it by moving rope length to where your dog needs it, around the neck, the chest or the body, so the harness follows the dog's shape rather than a standardized body. That is why the same harness fits breeds with very different builds, from a deep-chested setter to a broad Labrador.

MEGIN does not fit dogs under 35 lb (16 kg). For dogs over about 66–71 lb (30–32 kg), we don't recommend MEGIN for extensive pulling. On larger dogs, the rope is more exposed along the sides of the ribcage instead of being covered by the molded panels most of the way. Short periods of pulling are fine, and the breathing bridge keeps pressure away from the throat just as it does on smaller dogs.

Breeds and weight classes

The weights below are typical adult weights for each breed. Individual dogs vary a lot, so always go by what your own dog weighs.

Breed	Typical adult weight	MEGIN weight class
Labrador Retriever	55–79 lb (25–36 kg)	Both, depending on the dog
Golden Retriever	55–75 lb (25–34 kg)	Both, depending on the dog
Field-bred Golden Retriever	Usually lighter than show lines	Often 35–57 lb (16–26 kg)
Setters	44–71 lb (20–32 kg)	Both, depending on the dog
Weimaraner	55–88 lb (25–40 kg)	Mostly 60–79 lb (27–36 kg)
Pointer	44–75 lb (20–34 kg)	Both, depending on the dog
Alaskan Husky	40–60 lb (18–27 kg)	Mostly 35–57 lb (16–26 kg)
Border Collie	31–44 lb (14–20 kg)	35–57 lb (16–26 kg)
Australian Shepherd	35–71 lb (16–32 kg)	Both, depending on the dog
Eurasier	40–71 lb (18–32 kg)	Both, depending on the dog
German Pinscher	33–49 lb (15–22 kg)	35–57 lb (16–26 kg)

Notes on the breeds

Labrador and Golden Retriever

Both breeds span the two weight classes, so two dogs of the same breed can end up in different classes. Weigh your dog rather than going by the breed. Field-bred goldens are usually lighter and leaner than show-line goldens and often land in the lighter class. Retrievers are broad through the chest, and their weight can change with season and activity – with no fixed adjustment points, you simply move the rope and refit.

Setters, Pointers and Weimaraners

Gun dogs work fast in rough terrain, with a deep chest and a lot of movement in the shoulders. A harness that shifts or rubs is noticed quickly in that kind of work. MEGIN has no strap across the front of the chest: from the Y at the neck, the harness runs down the breastbone as two parallel lanes, and the only strap sits under the belly. MEGIN is especially well suited to dogs with a narrow, deep chest: the two chest lanes, with an opening between them, keep the harness stable.

Large male Weimaraners can weigh more than 79 lb (36 kg) – we do not recommend using MEGIN on them because the chest panel will be too short.

Alaskan Husky

Huskies are made to pull, and many run canicross, kicksled or skijoring in MEGIN. MEGIN is a multisport harness that handles a fair amount of pulling, but it is not made for heavy pulling or long periods of constant pulling, such as in a sled team. For that kind of work, use a dedicated sled harness.

Border Collie, Australian Shepherd and Eurasier

Herding breeds cover a wide weight range. Most Border Collies fall in the lighter class, but a light female can weigh less than 35 lb (16 kg), which is below what MEGIN fits. Australian Shepherds and larger Eurasiers can land in either class. On dogs with a thick coat, such as the Eurasier, the coat hides how the harness actually sits – check the fit against the body, not the coat.

German Pinscher

A fast, athletic breed with a short coat and a lean body, where any harness that shifts or rubs is easy to see. German Pinschers never reach the heavier class, but a light dog can weigh less than 35 lb (16 kg), which is below what MEGIN fits.

Check the fit with your dog in motion

Many harnesses sit fine when the dog stands still, and shift as soon as it leans forward. Check the fit with the dog in a pulling position, head low:

• The breathing bridge at the front keeps pressure away from the throat, also when the dog leans into the harness. If the bridge sits too high, lower it by sliding the rope lock behind the neck backward and pulling the panel down.
• The harness stays stable and does not rotate or ride up toward the neck.
• The belly strap is snug enough that the dog cannot easily back out of the harness. Keep it behind the lowest point of the chest.
• The shoulders move freely when the dog walks and runs.

Read more about what makes a dog harness ergonomic.

If your dog is one of these breeds, it is the kind of dog MEGIN has been tested on most. See the MEGIN harnesses →

FAQ

My dog is a mixed breed. Which weight class should I choose?

Go by your dog's weight, not the breed. The weight class only decides the length of the rope.

My dog weighs about 57–60 lb (26–27 kg). Which class should I choose?

If you're not sure, go up. The rope ends can always be trimmed if they're too long.

My dog weighs less than 35 lb (16 kg). Can it use MEGIN?

No. MEGIN does not fit dogs under 35 lb (16 kg) at this moment. We hope to launch smaller sizes later.

My dog weighs more than 79 lb (36 kg). Can it use MEGIN?

We don't recommend it, although some heavier dogs use it successfully. It mostly depends on the size of the chest.

The breed weights are typical adult weights and are meant as guidance. Your own dog's weight decides the weight class.