Pulling harnesses can be used for many activities:
- Dog trekking: Hiking with your dog pulling you, connected together via a belt and an elastic line.
- Canicross: Running with your dog pulling you, connected together via a belt and an elastic line.
- Dog scootering: Riding a scooter with your dog pulling in front, connected via an antenna and an elastic line.
- Bike-Joring: Biking with your dog pulling in front, connected via an antenna and an elastic line.
- Ski-Joring: Skiing with your dog pulling you, connected together via a belt and an elastic line.
- Cart: A team of sled dogs pulling a wheeled cart on dryland.
- Mushing: A team of sled dogs pulling a sled over snow.
Axaeco’s very first product was a pulling harness: our Harness X-Shirt. Since then, we have added the Harness Scandinavia and Harness X-Run to our portfolio to suit as many dogs and sports as possible.
- Harness X-Shirt
An X-back harness designed for short-haired and medium-haired dogs. - Harness X-Shirt 2.0
An improved version of our original Harness X-Shirt featuring higher quality padding and refined finishes. - Harness Scandinavia
An X-back harness with a wider neck opening specifically designed for heavy-coated dogs and dogs with thicker necks, such as bully breeds. - Harness X-Run
A medium-length harness designed for sports with a high pulling point. It also adapts better to dogs with unusual body shapes.
Pulling harnesses should always be paired with an elastic line and a belt or antenna to ensure the safety for both you and your dog.
Harness X-Shirt
The Harness X-Shirt was Axaeco’s first, and is still our best-selling product. It’s an X-back harness designed for short-haired and medium-haired dogs. Originally created for mushing, a sport that uses a low tugging line, it is now appreciated across all pulling sports. However, it is not recommended for use when there is a large difference in height between the dog and the attachment point (belt, antenna, etc.).
Here is why this unique pulling harness shape is a favourite:
- Ergonomic design
The design of Harness X-Shirt allows for full freedom of movement, with particular attention to keeping the shoulders completely free and unhindered. Although the neckline may appear higher than a traditional V-neck harness, no pressure is applied to the trachea when the right size is worn. - Durable
The Harness X-Shirt is built with high quality materials chosen to withstand thousands of kilometres. Its stitching is strategically placed to keep all layers securely together. It has been tested by mushers who keep them at least for a full season (about 8000km) and up to 4 or 5 seasons with proper care. - Lightweight
In pulling sports, less is often more. A minimalist design helps prevent pressure points and avoids unnecessary bulk. The careful choice of materials also contributes to a reduced weight, allowing dogs to run freely, this is particularly beneficial for gear-shy dogs who are sensitive to heavy or restrictive equipment. - High visibility
The harness X-Shirt is instantly recognisable thanks to its bright colors. It also features reflective strips to keep your dog or team visible in low light and poor visibility weather. - Fast drying
The harness is padded with a special foam that absorbs very little water, allowing it to dry quickly.
These features make the Harness X-Shirt truly respectful of dogs’ physical integrity, safe for long pulling sessions, and a great fit for most sled dogs.
→ Choose this harness for pulling sports with a low attachment point, or for other pulling sports if your dog has a standard build and sufficient height, or if you are using a longer line.
Size Chart
| Size | Weight (kg) | Neck circumference | Back length | Lanyard color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | Up to 12 | 40 cm – 15,7 in | 56 cm – 22 in | green – black |
| S | 12 – 14 | 43 cm – 16,9 in | 59 cm – 23,2 in | green |
| S/M | 14 – 18 | 44 cm – 17,3 in | 62 cm – 24,4 in | green – red |
| M | 18 – 20 | 45 cm – 17,7 in | 65 cm – 25,6 in | red |
| M/L | 20 – 22 | 46 cm – 18,1 in | 66 cm – 26 in | red – yellow |
| L | 22 – 24 | 47 cm – 18,5 in | 68 cm – 26,8 in | yellow |
| L/XL | 24 – 27 | 49 cm – 19,3 in | 70 cm – 27,6 in | yellow – blue |
| XL | 27 – 33 | 50 cm – 19,7 in | 72 cm – 28,3 in | blue |
| XXL | 33 – 37 | 52 cm – 20,5 in | 77 cm – 30,3 in | black |
Harness X-Shirt 2.0
The Harness X-Shirt 2.0 is an upgraded version of our original Harness X-Shirt, offering even greater durability:
- A new type of padding that is more comfortable, more durable, and provides an even better fit on the dog.
- Improved seam finishes to prevent fraying.
- A stronger outer material for increased longevity.
- And of course, it still includes all the key features of the original Harness X-Shirt.
→ Choose this harness for pulling sports with a low attachment point, or for other pulling sports if your dog has a standard build and sufficient height, or if you are using a longer line. It is especially recommended for mushers whose dogs run thousands of kilometres each season.
Size Chart
| Size | Weight (kg) | Neck circumference | Back length | Lanyard color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | Up to 12 | 40 cm – 15,7 in | 56 cm – 22 in | green – black |
| S | 12 – 14 | 43 cm – 16,9 in | 59 cm – 23,2 in | green |
| S/M | 14 – 18 | 44 cm – 17,3 in | 62 cm – 24,4 in | green – red |
| M | 18 – 20 | 45 cm – 17,7 in | 65 cm – 25,6 in | red |
| M/L | 20 – 22 | 46 cm – 18,1 in | 66 cm – 26 in | red – yellow |
| L | 22 – 24 | 47 cm – 18,5 in | 68 cm – 26,8 in | yellow |
| L/XL | 24 – 27 | 49 cm – 19,3 in | 70 cm – 27,6 in | yellow – blue |
| XL | 27 – 33 | 50 cm – 19,7 in | 72 cm – 28,3 in | blue |
| XXL | 33 – 37 | 52 cm – 20,5 in | 77 cm – 30,3 in | black |
The Harness X-Shirt 2.0 webpage also includes a Visual Guide to help you choose the right size.
Harness X-Run
The Harness X-Run is a lightweight, professional harness with a sporty, practical design.
Its main strengths are:
- Ideal for activities with a high pulling point
Perfect for sports where the tug line sits on a diagonal (meaning the harness sits lower than the belt or antenna), typically activities practiced by one person with one dog, such as dog trekking, canicross, dog scootering, bikejoring, and skijoring. It works very well even when there is a significant height difference between you and your dog. - Wide size range
The Harness X Run comes in 12 sizes, from 3XS to 3XL. - Fits all breed types
This harness is designed to adapt to a wide variety of dog morphologies: sighthounds, shepherds, bully breeds, hounds, short- or long-haired dogs, short- or long-backed dogs… It’s particularly helpful for owners who struggle to find a well-fitting pulling harness. This versatility comes from the fact that, compared to long harnesses, there is less importance on where the harness ends on the back (closer or further away from the tail).
The Harness X-Run also has all the same best features as the Harness X-Shirt:
- Ergonomic design
The design of Harness X-Run allows for full freedom of movement, with particular attention to keeping the shoulders completely free and unhindered. Although the neckline may appear higher than a traditional V-neck harness, no pressure is applied to the trachea when the correct size is worn. - Durable
The Harness X-Run is built with high quality materials chosen to withstand thousands of kilometres. Its stitching is strategically placed to keep all layers securely together. - Lightweight
In pulling sports, less is often more. A minimalist design helps prevent pressure points and avoids unnecessary bulk. The careful choice of materials also contributes to a reduced weight, allowing dogs to run freely, which is particularly beneficial for gear-shy dogs who are sensitive to heavy or restrictive equipment. - High visibility
The harness X-Run is instantly recognisable thanks to its bright color. It also features reflective strips to keep your dog or team visible in low light and poor visibility weather. - Fast drying
The harness is padded with a special foam that absorbs very little water, allowing it to dry quickly.
Please note how the cord should be attached:
→ Choose this harness for pulling sports with a high pulling point such as canicross, bike-joring, dog scootering and ski joring.
Size Chart
| Size | Neck circumference | Approx. Weight (kg) | Lanyard color |
|---|---|---|---|
| XXXS | 28 cm – 11 in | 7 – 10 | yellow |
| XXS | 32 cm – 12,6 in | 11 – 13 | yellow |
| XS | 34 cm – 13,4 in | 14 – 16 | yellow |
| S | 36 cm – 14,2 in | 15 – 17 | yellow |
| S/M | 38 cm – 15 in | 16 – 18 | yellow |
| M | 42 cm – 16,5 in | 18 – 21 | yellow |
| M/L | 44 cm – 17,3 in | 21 – 25 | yellow |
| L | 46 cm – 18,1 in | 25 – 28 | yellow |
| L/XL | 48 cm – 18,9 in | 28 – 32 | yellow |
| XL | 50 cm – 19,7 in | 32 – 35 | yellow |
| XXL | 52 cm – 20,5 in | 35 – 39 | yellow |
| XXXL | 56 cm – 22 in | 40 – 50 | yellow |
The Harness X-Run webpage also includes a Visual Guide to help you choose the right size.
Harness Scandinavia
The Harness Scandinavia is a professional X-back harness specifically designed with a wider neck opening for heavy-coated dogs and dogs with thicker necks, such as nordic dog breeds and bully breeds. Harness Scandinavia is usually a great hit with Malamutes and Siberian huskies, but also Rottweilers, Dobermans and many others!
It’s a great choice for this type of dogs thanks to its unique features:
- Comfortable
Harness Scandinavia has a soft chest and flank protector to ensure the dog’s comfort and to prevent injury. - Ergonomic design
The design of Harness Scandinavia allows for full freedom of movement, with particular attention to keeping the shoulders completely free and unhindered. The neckline is a traditional V-neck that ensures no pressure is applied to the trachea when the correct size is worn. - Durable
The Harness Scandinavia is built with high quality materials chosen to withstand thousands of kilometres. - Fast drying
The harness is made with waterproof padding, allowing it to dry quickly.
→ Choose this harness for wide-necked or heavy-coated dogs for pulling sports with a low attachment point, or for other pulling sports if your dog has a sufficient height, or if you are using a longer line.
Size Chart
| Size | Weight (kg) | Neck circumference | Back length | Lanyard color |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 12 – 14 | 40 cm – 15,7 in | 60 cm – 23,6 in | green – black |
| S | 14 – 16 | 40 cm – 15,7 in | 62 cm – 24,4 in | green |
| S/M | 16 – 18 | 40 cm – 15,7 in | 64 cm – 25,2 in | green – red |
| M | 18 – 20 | 40 cm – 15,7 in | 65 cm – 25,6 in | red |
| M/L | 20 – 22 | 42 cm – 16,5 in | 66 cm – 26 in | red – yellow |
| L | 22 – 25 | 44 cm – 17,3 in | 67 cm – 26,4 in | yellow |
| L/XL | 25 – 27 | 46 cm – 18,1 in | 68 cm – 26,8 in | yellow – blue |
| XL | 27 – 30 | 48 cm – 19 in | 70 cm – 27,6 in | blue |
| XL/XXL | 30 – 33 | 50 cm – 19,7 in | 72 cm – 28,3 in | blue – black |
| XXL | 33 – 36 | 52 cm – 20,5 in | 74 cm – 29,1 in | black |
| XXXL | 36 – 40 | 54 cm – 21,3 in | 76 cm – 30 in | green – black |
Harness Comparison Table
| Dog Trekking | Canicross | Bike Jo | Scooter | Ski Jo | Mushing | Cart | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X Shirt |  | | | | |  | |
| X Shirt 2.0 | | | | | | | |
| X Run | | | | | |  | |
| Scandinavia | | | | | | | |
Orange: Ok if the line stays relatively straight (longer line, shorter human or taller dog).
How to Choose a Pulling Harness
Any harness will have some level of effect on a dog’s body, no matter how well it’s designed. However, choosing the right harness can make all the difference to your dog’s comfort and physical wellbeing. Look for a harness that meets the following criteria:
- Free shoulders: The harness should not restrict the natural movement of the shoulders.
- Safe strap placement: They should rest on the dog’s bone structure, not on soft tissues, to support healthy vascularisation and avoid discomfort. Chest straps shouldn’t press on the floating ribs, this last pair of ribs are not connected to the sternum making them weaker and more prone to damage from the pressure of a harness. The straps also shouldn’t slip behind the ribs during pulling.
- No pressure on the trachea: The neck area should remain completely free from compression. When running, the dog shouldn’t be wheezing or coughing.
- No armpit chafing: Straps should sit comfortably away from the sensitive underarm area.
- Good stability: The harness should remain in place during movement, which is facilitated by balanced weight distribution (symmetric harness).
- Appropriate chest plate width: It should be narrower than the natural width between your dog’s front paws.
- Flexible materials: The harness should follow the dog’s movements without rubbing or creating pressure points.
- Correct length: X Back harnesses should end where the tail begins. This rule is especially important for mushing where the tugging line goes towards the ground. In other pulling sports, a harness that is a bit shorter is not necessarily an issue.
We believe it is essential to let dogs move freely and efficiently which is why our harnesses fit all of these criteria when you choose the right size.
Complementary Products
You can shop activity specific products for all sports you’re interested in! You can even find full kits at a very special price.
Dog Trekking
Canicross
Bike Joring
Scootering
Ski Joring
Cart
Mushing
