What is an X-back dog harness?
Canicross, bikejoring, cani hiking, skijoring, sledding... For these pulling sports, choosing the right harness for your dog is crucial so they can run while comfortably developing their strength. In canine sports, the most common harnesses are X-back types. In this article, we explain what that means and what the advantages are for your dog.
Contents
- What are the different types of harnesses?
- A closer look at the four main types of pulling harnesses
- How to use an X-back harness
What are the different types of harnesses?
First, we can differentiate three types of dog harnesses:
The walking harness
This is a short harness with the attachment point in the middle of the back.
While walking, it is more comfortable for the dog than a collar. There are models of different sizes and adjustments to fit most dogs.
Note, the walking harness is not designed for pulling your dog or puppy.
The pulling harness
It is specifically designed for canine pulling sports like sledding, but also canicross, bikejoring, cani hiking, or skijoring.
There are different designs of pulling harnesses: X-back, H-back, open-back, short harness.
We will detail this in the article, focusing on the most common: the X-back type harness.
Example of a harness used in mountain rescue (CAMP Kronos)
The specialized harness
This type of harness is used for the various needs of rescue dogs, assistance, or intervention. It is generally intended for professionals working with their dog.
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A closer look at the four main types of pulling harnesses
In the family of pulling harnesses, there are mainly four design types.
The X-back type harness, the most common in pulling
It is easily recognized by the two straps that cross over the back of the dog (hence the name). These straps help keep the harness at a constant height on the back (the attachment point cannot drop behind the hind legs) and stabilize the rear part of the harness. Finally, this X prevents excessive curvature of the spine during pulling, making the effort less tiring and more comfortable.
It is a long harness, meaning it wraps around the dog's body with an attachment point at the base of the tail. The dog's pull is distributed at the chest level thanks to padded straps, thus eliminating the risk of choking as with a collar.
Except for our Open-back harness designed for small dogs, all our pulling harnesses are X-back design, which we believe is the most suitable for pulling. This type of harness is suitable for almost all dogs.
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At Inlandsis, we have a range suitable for most medium to large-sized dogs (such as Huskies, shepherd dogs, or hunting-type dogs, up to Malamutes or Leonbergs) with the Polar Quest and the Storm. For racing dogs like ESD, Braque, Greyster, and racing Husky lines, we offer the Blizzard Beast.
There are also adjustable models in length for atypical builds (very slender or very compact) like our Polar Evo harness.
The Open-Back Type Harness, Open Back
The open-back type harness (French for “open back”) is similar in design to the X-back but without the X on the back.
We recommend it:
- For small dogs weighing less than 15 kg where there is a significant height difference between the dog and the leash attachment point (runner's hips in canicross, bike handlebars in bikejoring). With the angle of traction directed upwards, the X system is no longer on the dog's back and becomes unnecessary. (photo or illustration)
- For compact dogs for which there are no suitable X-back harnesses: Bulldogs, Staffies, American Staff, etc.
The open back is the design we chose to create our small dog canicross harness Open-Back.
The Short Harness with T-Back
This T-back design with a strap along the spine is mainly used for walking harnesses, not intended for traction. However, there are some short T-back harness models called “traction” harnesses, but we believe this design is not optimal for dog sports.
The H-Back Type Harness
For this type of harness, the two dorsal straps of the X-back are replaced by two straps parallel to the spine of the dog. This design is rather recommended for long and less explosive efforts because the stability and lateral leverage are lower than with an X-back harness.
How to Use an X-Back Harness
Choose the Right Harness Model and Size
For comfort and safe practice, it is crucial to choose a model and size of harness that perfectly fits your dog's body shape. You will find a lot of information on this in our harness guide.
You can quickly check your dog's harness size by verifying these four points:
- The neck strap meets just in front of the withers and at the tip of the sternum (+/- 1 cm)
- The seam at the end of the harness reaches the base of the tail (+/- 2 cm)
- The main padded strap passes under the point of the pelvis
- The straps meet before the end of the rib cage, ideally on the last two ribs
Putting on and Taking off the X-Back Harness on Your Dog
Putting an X-back harness on your dog can seem complicated at first, especially when your dog is excited to go running! First of all, get your dog used to staying calm to put on the harness. They can even sit if you wish.
With practice, your dog will probably even help you by extending their paws!
If you're lost with your new X-back harness, you can follow our step-by-step guide to putting on your dog's harness.
```To remove the harness, bring the attachment point forward to loosen the harness and remove it more easily. Take your dog's paws out of the harness, then remove it from their neck.
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Usage Tips and Maintenance Advice
Some dogs with a thin head can remove the harness on their own by turning it inside out like a sock. While this can be convenient for removing the harness after your outing, your dog might also decide to free themselves. You can then use our safety belly strap so that your dog cannot remove the harness on their own.
When the dog is not pulling, it is normal for the harness to float on their back.
We also advise you to rinse the harness regularly, especially after a muddy or dusty outing. If needed, our Inlandsis harnesses (like most of our products) are machine washable on a cold or 30°C short cycle.
Recognizable by its two crossed straps on the dog's back, the X-back harness is an essential tool used for many years. This design is still widely used today in canicross and other pulling sports for leisure and performance harnesses, and on most of our Inlandsis harnesses.