Curli Harness Review: Lightweight Fit for a Small Yorkie
My Curli harness review started with a problem I wanted to solve for Louie, my small Yorkshire Terrier. He had been wearing a Gentle Woof Mini harness in XXXS, but I noticed episodes of reverse sneezing when leash tension pulled against the harness.
I wanted a lightweight alternative that did not have to go over his head. I bought a Curli vest-style harness with a matching leash, and the step-in design became one of the biggest reasons I kept using it.
Why I Switched to a Curli Harness
Louie is sensitive about having gear pulled over his head. With this Curli harness, I could place his front legs into the openings and close the vest over his back instead.
That made putting the harness on much simpler for us.
The version I bought uses a hook-and-loop closure plus a buckle. Curli’s Air-Mesh vest harnesses are designed as step-in harnesses, and the company currently sells both Vest Harness Air-Mesh and Clasp Air-Mesh versions in the U.S. market. Because models and closures can change, I would check the exact product version rather than assume every Curli harness is identical.
Curli Harness Size on My Small Yorkie
Louie wore an XS Curli harness.
At the time, he weighed about 6.2 pounds (2.82 kg) and measured approximately 13.2–13.4 inches (33.5–34 cm) around the chest while wearing clothes. Later, at about 6.7 pounds (3.04 kg), his chest measured close to 13.8 inches (35 cm).
My XS harness weighed about 1.4 ounces (40 g).
That low weight mattered on Louie’s small frame. The harness did not feel oversized or bulky when he was still a young Yorkie.
| Louie’s measurement | What I used |
|---|---|
| Weight at first fitting | 6.2 lb / 2.82 kg |
| Chest circumference | 13.2–13.4 in / 33.5–34 cm |
| Later chest circumference | About 13.8 in / 35 cm |
| Harness size | XS |
| Harness weight | About 1.4 oz / 40 g |
I would not choose a Curli size by breed or weight alone. Chest measurement matters, and puppies should be measured again as they grow.
What I Liked About the Curli Harness
The step-in design
This was the most useful feature for Louie. I did not need to pull the harness over his ears or head.
Lightweight construction
The XS harness I used weighed only about 40 grams, which suited Louie’s small body well. Curli also describes its Air-Mesh vest harnesses as lightweight step-in designs.
Smooth interior
The inside of Louie’s harness was simple and tidy, without bulky hardware sitting underneath his chest.
Hook-and-loop closure plus buckle
I could secure the hook-and-loop section first and then fasten the buckle. I found this combination quick to use before everyday walks.
Two colors that worked well
I originally chose Light-Tan, but the leash size I wanted was unavailable, so I also bought Ruby.
Both colors looked good on Louie, and I ended up alternating between them.
How Was the Matching Curli Leash?
I used the matching Curli leash with the harness.
The M leash weighed about 80 g, while the L weighed about 110 g. I liked that the leash did not twist easily during walks, especially when Louie changed direction.
There was also a small attachment point near the handle where I could hang a waste-bag holder.
The matching colors were a bonus, but for me the more useful combination was a lightweight harness and leash that did not feel oversized for a toy-breed dog.
What to Check Before Buying a Curli Harness
The Curli worked well for Louie, but fit still matters more than color or breed.
Measure the widest part of your dog’s chest and use the size chart for the exact Curli model you are considering. Also check where the vest sits behind the front legs and whether the harness rotates when the leash is attached.
A puppy may also need another measurement after growing or after a major haircut changes the amount of coat under the harness.
The same idea applies to other fitted gear for small dogs. In my dog life jacket review for a small dog, I also found that actual body measurements were more useful than choosing equipment by breed name alone.
What Is the Curli DogFinder Feature?
My Curli harness also came with a DogFinder ID.
Curli states that each harness has a unique six-character DogFinder ID that can be registered with an email address. If a registered dog is found, Curli can use the stored information to contact the owner.
I treat this as an extra identification feature, not as the only way to identify a lost dog.
Is the Curli Harness Worth It for a Small Dog?
For Louie, it was.
The main reasons were simple: it was lightweight, he could step into it instead of having it pulled over his head, and it was easy for me to put on before daily walks.
I would especially consider this style for a small dog that dislikes over-the-head harnesses. I would be more cautious if the dog’s chest measurement falls between sizes or if the vest sits too close to the front legs.
For a toy breed, the best Curli harness is not automatically the smallest one available. Measure the chest first, check the exact model’s size chart, and make sure the harness stays centered when your dog actually walks.
Source:
curli AG — Vest Harness Air-Mesh Factsheet
curli North America — U.S. Product Store
curli DogFinder — DogFinderID Help
