SHOT Show 2019: North American K-9 unleashes armored harness
Eve Flanigan 01.25.19
North American K-9, a division of Voodoo Tactical, demonstrated a new armored K-9 harness and matching leash at SHOT Show 2019. The new products aim to enhance comfort and longevity for working K-9s.
The current flagship K-9 Armor harness has two flexible Level IIIA plates to protect vital organs. Application and removal are fast thanks to hook and loop material for the chest and Cobra buckled-girth. A rolled webbing handle on top allows the dog to be lifted if necessary. MOLLE allows for attachment of pouches or other accessories. There’s enough loop material on each side for adding morale or role-identifying patches. A sewn-in painted aluminum loop provides a leash attachment point. The harness weighs one pound, four ounces including the removable plates. It’s washable with the plates removed.
The leash has a quick-use, spring-loaded aluminum snap. The midsection is webbing-covered elastic. At the handler’s end are both a padded, rolled comfort grip handle and a regular end.
A North American K-9 rep says the harness is beneficial for hunting and rural dogs that could be mistaken for game, and for SAR or other dogs who need to work long hours in literally or figuratively hot environments. Its lightweight and heavy protection are an innovation compared to other currently available K-9 armor, which limits the hours a four-legged partner can work due to weight fatigue.
The K-9 Armor harness and leash retail price is $170, armor included. Photos of K-9 “Dash” here do not show the North American K-9 leash.
