First impression: a practical lightweight set for a tiny dog
The Curli harness and leash worked well for Louie because they solved a very specific problem: he is a small Yorkshire Terrier who is sensitive to how a harness goes on and how it feels during a walk.
Before Curli, Louie wore a Gentle Woof Mini harness in XXXS. It was small and light, but we noticed reverse-sneezing-like episodes when he pulled forward during walks. That does not prove the previous harness caused those episodes. It did, however, make us look for a harness that did not need to pass over his head and felt less bulky for his small body.
Curli was a better match for that purpose. The harness uses a Velcro closure and buckle rather than an over-the-head fitting process. For a puppy that dislikes having gear pulled over the face or ears, that made getting ready for walks much easier.
Louie’s size and the fit we used
Louie weighed 2.82 kg when we first measured him for this harness. His chest circumference was around 33.5 to 34 cm while wearing clothing. He is now about 3.04 kg, with a chest measurement close to 35 cm.
Those measurements are useful as a real example, but they should not be copied directly for another Yorkshire Terrier. Two dogs with similar body weight can have very different chest shapes, coat thickness, and clothing needs. Puppies also change quickly as they grow, so measuring again before ordering is more reliable than choosing only by breed or weight.
This review reflects everyday walk use rather than a fixed one-day trial. Louie currently alternates between the Light Tan and Ruby colors during regular walks.
What stood out during daily walks
Very low weight for a small dog
The XS Curli harness listed in our purchase information weighed 40 g. The leash was listed at 80 g in size M and 110 g in size L. For a dog around 3 kg, the difference between a light walking set and a heavier one is noticeable when putting the gear on and when carrying it for longer walks.
Weight alone does not decide whether a harness fits well. Still, a low-bulk harness can be helpful when a small dog already dislikes restrictive or complicated gear.
Easy to put on without passing over the head
The biggest advantage for Louie was the dressing style. The harness can be positioned around the chest, then fastened with Velcro and secured with the buckle. This reduced the need to guide his head through a narrow opening.
The inside also felt neat and less intrusive around his small body. That matters more than decorative details when a dog wears the harness every day.
A leash that stays easier to manage
The Curli leash was also practical for daily use. Its design was easier to keep organised during walks, and the handle area includes a loop for carrying waste bags. That is a small detail, but it reduces the need to attach an extra pouch when taking short walks.
Light Tan or Ruby?
We originally planned to choose Light Tan for both the harness and leash. However, the M leash was not available in that color at the time, so Ruby became the practical choice.
Both colors suited Louie well. Light Tan looks calm and blends easily with neutral clothing. Ruby makes a small dog stand out more clearly and has a richer look in photos. The best choice depends less on breed and more on whether you prefer a quiet everyday color or a more noticeable accent.
Points to check before ordering
- Measure the chest where the harness will actually sit, not only the widest part of the rib cage.
- Measure again if your dog usually wears a sweater or jacket during walks.
- After fastening the Velcro and buckle, check that the harness does not slide freely or press tightly into the chest.
- Watch your dog’s first few walks for rubbing, fur catching, unusual stiffness, or repeated attempts to escape the harness.
- If your puppy is still growing, recheck the chest size before buying another color or replacement harness.
Who this set may suit
The Curli harness and leash may suit puppies and small dogs that need a very light walking set, dislike over-the-head harnesses, or benefit from a simpler fastening routine. It is also a good option for guardians who want a matching harness and leash without adding much weight to a tiny dog.
It may be less suitable when a dog is between sizes, has an unusual chest shape, or needs a different harness structure for medical or behavioural reasons. A harness should not be expected to solve recurring reverse sneezing, coughing, pain reactions, or breathing changes. When those reactions repeat or become stronger, a veterinarian should assess the dog rather than relying on a gear change alone.
Final verdict
For Louie, the Curli harness and leash were worth choosing because the set was light, easy to put on, and comfortable for his small size. The head-free dressing style was the most meaningful feature, followed by the low weight and practical leash details.
The DogFinder ID feature was also worth registering after purchase as an added step for identification. Overall, this set felt especially well suited to a small, sensitive Yorkshire Terrier whose walks are more comfortable with simple, lightweight equipment.