Border Collies and Kelpies are built to move. They herd, sprint, swim and then want to do it all again. On a lead, that energy turns into pulling, weaving and sudden direction changes when something moves. The right harness gives you control while leaving their shoulders free to run.
What Working Breeds Need From a Harness
- Freedom of movement. A Y-shaped front keeps straps off the shoulder joints, so your dog's stride stays natural on long walks and runs.
- Front-clip control. Herding dogs react to movement: bikes, joggers, birds, other dogs. A front D-ring turns them back towards you instead of letting them launch forward. Read why in our no-pull harness guide for large dogs.
- A secure fit. Lean, agile dogs can back out of a loose harness. Two adjustment points (chest and belly) let you tighten the fit on a slim waist.
- Easy cleaning. Working dogs find every creek, stream and muddy track. Waterproof PVC-coated straps rinse clean instead of staying damp and smelly.
Border Collie Harness Size: M or L?
Border Collies vary a lot. Working-line dogs are often lean and light, while show-line dogs can be broader with a fuller coat. In our harness:
- Size M fits a chest girth of 55–75cm, suiting smaller or leaner Border Collies.
- Size L fits a chest girth of 70–100cm, suiting larger or deeper-chested Border Collies.
If your dog measures 70–75cm, they're in the overlap. Choose M for a slim, narrow dog and L for a broad or still-growing one. Measure through the coat to the body.
Kelpie Harness Size
Most adult Kelpies are lean, medium-sized working dogs and usually fit size M. Larger males or Kelpie crosses may need L. As always, measure the chest girth behind the front legs and check the size guide.
| Dog | Usual size | Fit note |
|---|---|---|
| Lean working Border Collie | M | Tighten belly strap so they can't back out |
| Broad or show-line Border Collie | L | Measure through the thick ruff |
| Adult Kelpie | M | Narrow chest; check the front ring stays centred |
| Large Kelpie cross | M or L | Go by chest girth, not weight |
Beach, Bush and Farm Walks
These breeds love the New Zealand outdoors. A bright Tangerine (orange) harness stands out against sand, scrub and long grass, so you can keep an eye on a fast dog. After a swim or a muddy run, rinse the harness and lead under the tap. Our cleaning guide covers saltwater and sand, and our beach harness guide has more tips for dog beach days.
Running With a Border Collie or Kelpie
These are ideal running partners once they walk well on a lead. The 6-Way Waterproof Lead converts to a waist or crossbody lead for hands-free jogging, then back to handheld or a short traffic lead near roads.
- Start with handheld mode until your dog jogs beside you without surging.
- Clip to the back ring for steady running; use the front ring if your dog still pulls.
- Avoid running in the heat of the day, and bring water for both of you.
More tips in our hands-free running and hiking guide. Or grab the matching Harness & Lead Walk Kit.
Training Tip: Give Them a Job
A bored herding dog pulls more. Mix walks with short training games: sits at kerbs, "with me" for ten steps, a find-it game with a treat. Mental work tires these breeds faster than distance. For the core loose-lead method, read how to stop a dog pulling on the lead.
Other large-breed guides: Labrador & Golden Retriever, German Shepherd and Staffy.
FAQ
Should a Border Collie wear a harness or collar?
For walks, a harness is usually better. Border Collies react quickly to movement, and a collar puts that sudden force on the neck. Keep a collar on for ID tags.
What size harness does a Border Collie need?
Usually M (chest 55–75cm) for lean dogs or L (chest 70–100cm) for larger, deeper-chested dogs. Measure the chest girth behind the front legs.
What size harness does a Kelpie need?
Most adult Kelpies fit size M. Larger males or crosses may need L, so measure before ordering.
Is a no-pull harness OK for running?
Yes, as long as it fits well and leaves the shoulders free. Use the back ring for running once your dog no longer pulls, and the front ring while they're still learning.