The Ultimate Pet Size Guide for Choosing the Right Pet Urn - 2023

Selecting the Perfect Pet Urn for Ashes.

Pet urns come in a variety of styles, which is great for pet owners looking for something symbolic to hold pet ashes. But how do you know what size of pet urn you need? Dog urns and cat urns are crafted to accommodate pets of various sizes, and there’s a simple calculation you can make to estimate how big the pet urn should be.

Pet Urn Size Guide – Calculate by Weight and Size of Your Pet

Picture a Chihuahua standing next to a Mastiff – these dogs have different needs! Likewise, not every urn can accommodate all pets. When shopping for pet cremation urns, you’ll notice that each urn will list its volume or capacity in cubic inches. Depending on the size of the animal, you may need a smaller or larger cremation urn to hold the ashes.

Dog Memorial Urns for Ashes - Model PAW - Pulvis Art Urns

The general rule of thumb is that you’ll need at least 1 cubic inch for each pound that the animal weighs. For example, a dog that weighs 20 pounds will need an urn with a capacity of at least 20 cubic inches.

Here is a simple table that will ease you significantly:

Pet Animal	Weight (lbs)	Weight (kgs)	Needed urn volume
Hamster	< 1 lbs	< 0.4 kg	1-2 cu.in
Gerbil	< 1 lbs	< 0.4 kg	1-2 cu.in
Guinea Pig	1 - 2.5 lbs	0.5 to 1 kg	1-5 cu.in
Birds	<1 lb to 3 lbs	0.4 - 5 kg	5 cu.in.
Small lizard	< 1 lbs	< 0.4 kg	1-5 cu.in
Large lizard	10-20 lbs	~5-10 kg	20-30 cu.in
Ferret	2.5 lbs	~1 kg	5-10 cu.in
Small house cat	10 lbs	4 kg	20 cu.in
Large house cat	up to 20 lbs	up to 8 kg	30 cu.in.
Small dog	up to 25 lbs	up to 10 kg	35 cu.in.
Medium sized dog	50-75 lbs	10 kg	85 cu.in.
Large dog	75-100 lbs	34-45 kg	120 cu.in.
Extra large dog	100-150 lbs	45-68 kg	110-160 cu.in

Weights of Popular Dog & Cat Breeds

Breed	Weight in lbs*	Cubic Inches

For Dogs
Labrador Retriever	65-80 lbs.	65 – 80
German Shepherd Dog	75-95 lbs.	75 – 95
Yorkshire Terrier	Less than 7 lbs.	5.юли
Golden Retriever	65-75 lbs.	65 – 75
Beagle	18-30 lbs.	18 – 30
Boxers	50-75 lbs.	50 – 75
Bulldogs	40-50 lbs.	40 – 50
Dachshunds	Mini: 8-10 lbs.	Mini: 8 – 10
Poodles	Mini: 11-17 lbs.	Mini: 11 – 17
Shih tzus	8-16 lbs.	8 – 16

For Cats
Domestic Cat	8-10 lbs.	8 – 10
Persian	7-12 lbs.	7 – 12
Siamese	5-10 lbs.	5 – 10
Maine Coon	10-25 lbs.	10 – 25

Size table of the 100 most popular dog breeds - at the end of this article

However, it is strongly recommended to have extra space in the urn – just to err on the side of caution and make sure the ashes are contained properly. Adding 10 cubic inches more is a good way to be sure that the pet urn will be large enough to hold the animal’s ashes. Thus, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, shop for dog urns with 30 cubic inches of capacity or more.

Note that if the pet's ashes provide to be more that the capacity of the pet urn you choose, some pet parents choose to scatter some of the ashes.

Not sure how much your dog or cat weighs? Here are a few average weight ranges by breed and their approximate urn capacity needs.

German Shepherd (50-80 lbs.) > Urns with 60-90 cubic inches
Pug (14-18 lbs.) > Urns with 24-28 cubic inches
Beagle (20-25 lbs.) > Urns with 30-35 cubic inches
Golden Retriever (55-75 lbs.) > Urns with 65-85 cubic inches
British Shorthair Cat (7-12 lbs.) > Urns with 17-22 cubic inches
Siamese Cat (8-15 lbs.) > Urns with 18-25 cubic inches
Maine Coon (10-25 lbs.) > Urns with 20-35 cubic inches

This is a general guideline. It’s best to know the exact weight of your dog or cat when shopping for pet urns.

Cat Urns for Ashes by Pulvis Art Urns

If a pet cat was 8 lbs or less before cremation, they would need an urn with a capacity of at least 8 cubic inches. Siamese cats are typically in the 6-8 lbs range.

If your cat was 12 lbs before cremation, they would need a memorial urn with a capacity of at least 12 cubic inches.

If a large cat, like a Maine Coon cat, was 20 to 25 lbs before cremation, they would need an urn with a capacity of at least 20 to 25 cubic inches. So, again 1 lb prior cremation equals 1 cubic inch of ashes after cremation.

How to Choose the Right Size for the Pet Urn?

Plan Ahead – Is the Urn for 1 or More Pets?

Some pet owners prefer to have a single urn shared between multiple pets. This is popular for those with 2 or 3 dogs (or multiple cats) who were very close to each other during their lives, or perhaps from the same litter. In this case, be sure to shop for large pet urns that can accommodate the total weight capacity of all the animals.

Splitting Pet's Ashes between Family Members

If a cat or dog was beloved by more than one person in the family, it can be a great idea to split the ashes so each person has their own special pet keepsake.

Pet Urns for Ashes by Pulvis Art Urns. Neko model for cat

In this case, you’ll divide the total capacity by the number of people receiving an urn. You’ll then shop for several smaller pet urns.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Pet Cremation Urn

Saying goodbye to a pet is heartbreaking. Pet memorials provide the chance to keep their memory alive long after they’ve passed. If you’re looking for a special pet keepsake, consider choosing a handcrafted cremation urn. With unique styles, meaningful designs, and exceptional quality, artisan pet urns are a great choice for those who want something extra-special for their pet.

If you are planning to purchase some of our pet memorials, use the coupon PETLOVE5 at checkout to receive 5% discount.

It's important to note that these size categories are general guidelines and may vary based on the specific breed and size of your pet. If you're unsure about the appropriate urn size, it's recommended to consult with the urn provider or a pet crematorium to ensure you select the right size for your pet's ashes.

Other factors to consider when choosing a pet urn include the material, design, and personal preferences. You can find a wide variety of pet cremation urns made from materials like wood and ceramic. Remember to select an urn that resonates with your feelings and helps you cherish the memories of your beloved pet.

Size table of the 100 most popular breeds:

Top 100 Dog Breeds (A to Z)
Afghan hounds	58–65	58 – 65
Airedale terriers	40–65	40 – 65
Akitas	75–115	75 – 115
Alaskan malamutes	70–95	70 – 95
Staffordshire terriers	55–65	55 – 65
Australian cattle dogs	30–35	30 – 35
Australian shepherds	40–65	40 – 65
Basenjis	20–25	20 – 25
Basset hounds	45–65	45 – 65
Beagles	18–30	18 – 30
Belgian Malinois	55–75	55 – 75
Bernese mountain dogs	85–110	85 – 110
Bichon frises	7–12	7 – 12
Bloodhounds	80–110	80 – 110
Border collies	27–45	27 – 45
Border terriers	11–15	11 – 15
Borzois	60–100	60 – 100
Boston terriers	10–25	10 – 25
Bouviers des Flandres	95–120	95 – 120
Boxers	50–75	50 – 75
Brittany spaniels	30–40	30 – 40
Brussels griffons	6–12	6 – 12
Bull terriers	Miniature: 24–32;	Miniature: 24–32;
	Standard: 45–80	Standard: 45 – 80
Bulldogs	40–50	40 – 50
Bullmastiffs	100–130	100 – 130
Cairn terriers	13–18	13 – 18
Cardigan Welsh corgis	25–30	25 – 30
Cavalier King Charles spaniels	10–18	10 – 18
Chesapeake Bay retrievers	55–80	55 – 80
Chihuahuas	4–6	4 – 6
Chinese crested	Less than 10	Less than 10 – 10
Chinese Shar-Pei	45–60	45 – 60
Chow Chows	45–70	45 – 70
Cocker spaniels	23–28	23 – 28
Collies	50–70	50 – 70
Dachshunds	Mini: 8–10;	Mini: 8–10;
	Standard: 10–12	Standard: 10 – 12
Dalmatians	50–55	50 – 55
Doberman pinschers	65–90	65 – 90
English cocker spaniels	26–34	26 – 34
English setters	45–80	45 – 80
English springer spaniels	40–50	40 – 50
Flat-Coated retrievers	60–70	60 – 70
French bulldogs	19-28	19 – 28
German shepherds	75–95	75 – 95
German shorthaired pointers	45–70	45 – 70
German wirehaired pointers	60–70	60 – 70
Giant schnauzers	55–80	55 – 80
Golden retrievers	65–75	65 – 75
Gordon setters	45–80	45 – 80
Great Danes	110–180	110 – 180
Great Pyrenees	85–100	85 – 100
Greater Swiss mountain dogs	130–135	130 – 135
Havanese	7–12	7 – 12
Irish setters	55–75	55 – 75
Irish wolfhounds	90–150	90 – 150
Italian greyhounds	6–10	6–10
Japanese Chin	4–15	4 – 15
Keeshond	35–45 and 55–65	35–45 and 55 – 65
Labrador retrievers	65–80	65 – 80
Lhasa Apsos	13–15	13 – 15
Maltese	4–6	4 – 6
Mastiffs	150–160	150 – 160
Miniature pinschers	8–10	8 – 10
Miniature schnauzers	12–20	12-20
Newfoundlands	100–150	100 – 150
Norwegian elkhounds	40–60	40 – 60
Norwich terriers	10–12	10 – 12
Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers	37–50	37 – 50
Old English sheepdogs	60–100	60 – 100
Papillons	7–10	7 – 10
Jack Russell terriers	14–18	14 – 18
Pekingese	Sleeve: less than 6;	Sleeve: less than 6;
	Mini: 6–8;	Mini: 6–8;
	Standard: 8–10	Standard: 8 – 10
Pembroke Welsh corgis	23–27	23 – 27
Pomeranians	4–7	4 – 7
Poodles	Mini: 11–17;	Mini: 11–17;
	Standard 45–65	Standard 45 – 65
Portuguese water dogs	35–55	35 – 55
Pugs	13–18	13 – 18
Rhodesian ridgebacks	65–90	65 – 90
Rottweilers	70–135	70 – 135
Samoyeds	35–65	35 – 65
Schipperkes	12–18	12 – 18
Scottish terriers	18–21	18 – 21
Shetland sheepdogs	18–20	18 – 20
Shiba Inu	15–25	15 – 25
Shih Tzu	8–16	8 – 16
Siberian huskies	35–60	35 – 60
Silky terriers	8–11	8 – 11
Soft-Coated Wheaten terriers	30–45	30 – 45
Saint Bernards	110–200	110 – 200
Staffordshire bull terriers	23–38	23 – 38
Standard schnauzers	30–45	30 – 45
Tibetan terriers	18–30	18 – 30
Toy fox terriers	4–7	4 – 7
Vizsla	45–60	45 – 60
Weimaraners	50–70	50 – 70
Welsh terriers	20–21	20 – 21
West Highland white terriers	13–21	13 – 21
Whippets	25–45	25 – 45
Wirehaired fox terriers	13–20	13 – 20
Yorkshire terriers	Less than 7	Less than 7 – 7

When it comes to storing a pet urn with ashes, there are several options depending on personal preferences and circumstances. Here are the two most common choices:

Home Display: Many pet owners choose to keep the pet urn with ashes in their homes as a way to honor and remember their beloved companion. You can display the urn on a shelf, mantelpiece, or in a dedicated memorial area. Some people create a small memorial with a photo, a collar, or other mementos alongside the urn.

Columbarium or Memorial Garden: Many pet crematoriums and cemeteries offer columbariums or memorial gardens specifically designed for pet urns. These spaces provide a dedicated area where urns can be stored, and often include markers or plaques to commemorate each pet.

Remember, the choice of where to store the pet urn is a personal decision that should reflect your connection with your pet and what feels most meaningful to you.

In a Nutshell:

Choosing the right size urn for your beloved pet is an important decision. When considering a keepsake urn for your pet's ashes, you will need to take into account the weight of your pet. Typically, one pound of your pet's weight will require one cubic inch of space in the urn for ashes.
There are a variety of pet urns for ashes available, including dog urns and urns for cat. It's essential to choose an urn that not only fits the size of the urn but also honors your pet's memory.
Keepsake urns are a popular choice for pet owners looking to cremate their dog or cat. These unique pet cremation urns come in various sizes and styles, allowing you to select the perfect urn for your pet.
In addition to traditional pet urns for ashes, there are also pet cremation jewelry options available for those who wish to keep a small portion of their pet's cremains close to their heart.
When choosing the right pet urn, take the time to consider a keepsake urn to honor your pet's memoryscatter the ashes or keep the urn for pet's ashes in your home, it's essential that the cremation urns for pets you choose reflect the love and bond you shared with your beloved pet.

Join us in helping families honor the memory of their loved ones and pets through art!
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2 comments

Thank you for pointing out how you may want to use the same urn for multiple pets. I hadn’t thought about this when looking at urns for our dog. It seems like it could be a good idea, so I’ll start looking into it. https://bluecreekpetcremation.com/services/

Olivia Smart on May 9, 2023
Dear pulvisurns.com administrator, Keep up the good work, admin!

Judith Deane on March 1, 2023