Fence Height for Dogs: How Tall Should it Be?

Last Updated on September, 2024

Are you the owner of an adorable pup? Finding the perfect fence height to keep your dog contained and prevent it from escaping can be challenging. Well, you’ve come to the right place! 

Stressed out? 

Don’t worry I will give you the best tips and tricks to make dog fencing a one time job. To get it right, you need to know two things: your dog’s breed and their height. Dog fencing is actually a very simple task once you know the correct measurements and the best fencing option for your pet. 

Quick Summary

To get the right fence height for your dog, you need to know your dog’s breed and their height.

The height of your dog fence should be 3 times the height of your dog’s shoulder from the ground.

Invisible fences are a good option for dog fencing, and they come with many benefits.

How to Nail Down the Ideal Height for Your Dog Fence?

a dog walking on the floor

The height of your dog matters, but so does the breed, which determines how tall your puppy will grow. You need to measure your dog’s shoulder height from the ground, then multiply that by 3 to get the fence height. 

Simple, isn’t it? But how tall will your puppy grow?

Puppy to Dog Height Calculator

Although a commonly used determinant, paw size is not a reliable estimate for dog fences. So follow the calculation given below:

Puppy height (measure dog’s shoulder to floor) x 75/100 = adult height.

But what if your dog jumps over the fence? CAN IT!!

Can Dogs Leap Over a Fence?

a dog trying to Leap the fence

Yes, they can! If your best friend has strong front and hind legs and happens to be the active type, jumping over a fence is a breeze. This is why proper height measurements are crucial. 

Height According to Dog’s Breed and Size

This table is a helpful guide to compare the fence height for dogs with your canine, so you can better understand its size.

Small Dogs

Dog breedDog height(inches)Elevation of the fence (feet)
Chihuahua Pomeranian5-83
Maltese8-103
Shih Tzu9-10.53
Pug10-134
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel12-134

Medium-Sized Dogs

It is imperative that you carefully consider fence height for medium-sized dogs, as breed size varies depending on gender.

Dog breedDog height (inches)Elevation of the fence (feet)
Beagle13-154
Boykin spaniel16-185
Terrier17-195 or 6 (if male)
Dalmatian Labrador retrievers19-236

Large Dogs

Dog breedDog height (inches)Elevation of the fence (feet)
Golden retriever22-246
German Shepherd24-266
Doberman27-288
Great Dane30-358

What are the Types of Dog Fences Available?

Finding the right fencing material is one of the most nerve-racking tasks for dog owners. Listed below are the four types of fences with their pros/cons:

  • Chain link fencing: Chain link fences are very durable and cost-effective, but not for dog owners of climbing pets. 
  • Wood fencing/privacy fencing: These are great for blocking the outside view and preventing jumping. Unfortunately, unsuitable for strong/heavy dogs.
  • Metal fencing: Great for large canines as they are durable and robust. But metal fences have spaces that make it easy for small pets to escape.
  • Vinyl fencing:  Another durable and low-cost option, especially for climbing dogs. However, not ideal for breeds that dig.

Here’re the other types of dog fences.

On a Budget?

Affordability and quality should go hand in hand when installing a solid fence.

A difficult task to accomplish, isn’t it? Remember most breeds live for at least ten years, and fencing is done only once.

Spending Plan to Consider for Dog Owners

Want to know a secret?…

If you know your canine’s traits, height, and average weight, it’s easy for you to get dog fencing right the first time.

For instance, if your dog is a climber, avoid a chain link fence and try buying a cheap yet durable slippery material, such as vinyl, to make the fence line.

Another thing to consider is if they like to chew on certain materials, such as wood, AVOID spending on unsuitable materials at all costs!

DIYing is also a great alternative for minimal spenders.

golden retriever dog lying on the ground and a man rubbing the dog's head

Is Dog Fencing a Necessity?

Yes and no…..

To make your dog home safe, fences are a must. But that doesn’t mean a physical fence is always necessary. An invisible fence is advisable if your pet feels claustrophobic, surrounded by a physical fence.

Related article: My dog runs through the invisible fence

Are Invisible Fences a Good Option?

a dog wearing invisible fence collar and sitting on the ground

Absolutely! Invisible fences are very easy to operate and suitable for most dogs, especially for a rescue dog, as the only physical device is a collar.

You can choose invisible fences with transmitters (wiring) that are placed around yards or wireless ones. If the boundaries are crossed, the collar vibrates/beeps/shocks your canine.

Two of the Best Invisible Fences Money Can Buy

Although the typical invisible fence with transmitters is a good substitution for dog fences, they are not always feasible. That is where fences like SpotOn and Halo come in.

Here’s what makes them so great:

  1. With their advanced GPS technology, the SpotOn and Halo collar is capable of keeping track of your dog 24/7. Even if they decide to escape the fence, these collar have real time tracking which can help you get them back.
  2. All the controls are in the palm of your hand. The collar app gives a range of customisable options from the size of boundaries to even the corrections. You get to choose the sounds/ vibrations/ static level to train your dog.
  3. An additional feature you won’t find in typical invisible fences is the guidance feature. The Halo collar has a return whistle that guides them back if they left their boundaries.

Did I also mention these collars are weatherproof with long battery life and fastest charging time!

These are one-of-a-kind collars with never ending benefits worth every penny. So give them a try if you want to opt for invisible fences instead of a physical fence.

FAQs

When your canine stands on its hind legs, does its height reach half/ less than the fence? In that case, it’s improbable for your dog to leap over. 

Think of it this way; if you built a fence fit for pit bulls and placed a great dane inside, obviously the great dane can jump out. This is why you should install a five-foot-tall fence only if your dog is less than 18 inches! 

Suppose your pet is in danger of other dogs or wild animals like coyotes. Coyote rollers/ tall fences at least six feet can prevent them from coming in. Planting bushes is also an excellent option to prevent the entry of other animals that dig underneath.

The height of medium size dogs has an extensive range. Therefore, an ideal fence height should be measured individually, according to your dog. 

No. Even for a large dog, a six feet fence is relatively high. However, a large dog can damage a tall fence and escape if it’s not made of a sturdy material.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You can now officially start making your new fence.

Always remember to get the right fence height from an adult dog’s calculation, not your pup. With so many fencing materials available, don’t hesitate to get creative when installing.

Are you still wary of fencing heights? I highly recommend the invisible GPS options. Invincible fences are a great alternative for dogs of any breed or size. If you want to learn more, check out the BEST INVISIBLE DOG FENCES here

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Stefano Giachetti
Stefano Giachetti is always excited to share his knowledge and love of animals with you through our blog, IPetGuides. And he has always loved animals and has been blessed to have many pets throughout his life. Currently has a Pomeranian Dog Breed.

1 thought on “Fence Height for Dogs: How Tall Should it Be?”

  1. Hy
    I have read your article this article is excellent and engaging. You have written very helpful content that
    Their agility and strength contribute to their impressive jumping ability. Training and regular exercise help manage their energetic behavior. Fences should be at least six feet high to contain them effectively.
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