Bulldog Grade FAQs

Bulldog Grade is a company built by Bulldog owners, designing products specifically for Bulldogs. We spent over a year listening to owners, prototyping, testing, and finding the right manufacturers. The result: durable, comfortable gear made for English, French, Boston, American, Victorian Bulldogs, and many Bulldog mixes.

Need help getting the perfect fit? We’ve got you covered. Open the instructions below and you’ll be set in minutes.

A properly fitted harness designed for bulldogs reduces strain on your dog’s neck and helps avoid breathing issues common in flat-faced breeds. It also gives you better control during walks — which matters with strong, stubborn bulldogs. With the right fit, you can guide your dog safely and comfortably without choking or putting pressure on sensitive areas.

“No-pull” means the harness helps discourage pulling without causing discomfort or putting pressure on sensitive areas.

Our design uses two reinforced leash attachment points on the back to keep the leash in a safe, controlled position. When your bulldog pulls, the harness gently applies pressure around the torso, which helps discourage strong lunging and gives you better control.

The result is a safer, more comfortable walking experience — especially for strong, determined bulldogs.

Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs, using a soft measuring tape. Then refer to our sizing chart for guidance below.

The easiest way to pick a size is your Bulldog’s weight:

• Small: up to 32 lbs (most French Bulldogs and puppies)
• Medium: 33–40 lbs (larger French Bulldogs and smaller English/American Bulldogs)
• Large: 41–65 lbs (most adult English Bulldogs)
• Extra Large: 65+ lbs

If you’d like to double-check, our sizing guide also lists chest measurements, but weight works for most Bulldogs.

If you don’t get the perfect fit the first time, we make size exchanges simple so your bulldog can get the right fit.

If your Bulldog is between sizes, we recommend sizing up for comfort. A slightly larger harness that’s properly adjusted will usually fit better than one that’s too tight or restrictive.

The harness should be snug but not tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body, and it should not restrict movement or breathing. It should stay secure without rubbing or shifting around.

The best harness for a French Bulldog keeps leash pressure on the chest instead of the throat, adjusts at several points to fit a wide chest and thick neck, and is light enough to keep a flat-faced dog cool. The Bulldog Grade Harness 2.0 is built for exactly that: it adjusts at four points, and most adult Frenchies up to 32 lbs fit the Small.

Standard harnesses are made for “average” dog shapes, so on a Frenchie they tend to ride up toward the throat, rub under the front legs, or slip off. Ours is designed around the Bulldog build from the start.

Go by weight. French Bulldogs up to 32 lbs fit our Small. Frenchies over 32 lbs are usually better in a Medium, unless your dog is tall and slender, in which case the Small often still fits best.

Not sure? Reach out and we’ll help you pick, and if the first size isn’t right, we make size exchanges simple.

A properly fitted chest harness is generally a better choice than a collar for flat-faced breeds like French Bulldogs, because it keeps pressure off the throat. Make sure the chest panel sits low on the chest, you can slide two fingers under each strap, and nothing presses on the neck.

Even with the right harness, keep walks short in heat and humidity, bring water, and take a break if your Frenchie starts breathing noisily or slows down. If your Frenchie has breathing problems, check with your vet.

Frenchies are famous for backing out of harnesses. Their thick necks don’t taper, so a loose harness can slide forward and slip off over the head with one backward tug.

Use all four adjustment points to snug the harness around the chest and body with no gaps at the shoulders, while still leaving two fingers of room under each strap. Before you head out, test the fit with a gentle backward pull on the leash. If the harness slides toward the head, tighten it a little more.

Most dog harnesses are designed for “average” dog shapes. Bulldogs are built differently, which can cause standard harnesses to rub, shift, or fit unevenly. In some cases, a poor fit can even put pressure on sensitive areas like the throat or underarms, leading to discomfort or potential safety issues. That’s why proper Bulldog-specific fit matters.

Sometimes it’s attitude — but often it’s discomfort. Poorly fitting harnesses can rub, restrict movement, or put pressure in the wrong places. If your Bulldog stops frequently, it’s worth checking the fit and comfort of their gear.

Collars can be useful for holding ID tags and everyday wear, especially when designed with safety in mind. For walks, however, a properly fitted harness is usually the better choice, as it reduces pressure on the neck and gives you more control.

If you want a deeper breakdown, we’ve put together a full guide to help you measure, choose the right size, and understand what to look for in a Bulldog harness.

We designed them specifically for the unique shape of English, French, Boston, American, Victorian, and other Bulldog mixes.

Our harness is designed with multiple adjustment points to give your bulldog a secure, comfortable fit.

There are four total adjustment areas — two in the front and two in the back — allowing you to fine-tune the fit around your dog’s chest and body.

Start by loosening the straps, position the harness properly, then gradually tighten each section until the fit is snug but not restrictive. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your bulldog.

The reversible top handle also helps accommodate different bulldog shapes and adds another layer of control when needed.

We designed the top section to be fully removable and reversible for flexibility, comfort, and ease of use.

Here’s why:

• Easier cleaning: Remove the top section when washing so the hardware doesn’t bang around in the washer or dryer.
• Flexible leash positioning: Choose where you want the leash to attach depending on your walking style.
• Better fit options: Reversing the top section can give your bulldog an extra inch or two of room where needed.

To reverse it, lay the harness flat, unbuckle all four buckles, rotate the top section 180°, and reattach. This lets you adjust how the harness sits on your bulldog’s body.

Our harnesses are washable and easy to clean.

• Step 1: Detach the top section/handle before washing.
• Step 2: Machine wash on a delicate cycle using cold water and a mild detergent (no bleach).
• Step 3: Air dry only — do not use a dryer.

You can also hand wash the harness, if preferred.

Yes — many owners use the harness to help secure their Bulldog during car rides.

You can run the seatbelt through the top handle and click it into the seatbelt latch. This helps keep your bulldog in place while still allowing some movement for comfort.

This setup can be useful for everyday driving, but we always recommend using caution and ensuring your dog is positioned safely in the vehicle.