If you’re here because you’re trying to make one practical decision after losing your Australian Shepherd, I’m sorry. This guide keeps urn sizing simple and practical—so you can choose a size that fits comfortably without second-guessing it.
Quick answer
- Rule of thumb: choose about 1 cubic inch per pound of body weight.
- Most Australian Shepherds fit best in a Large urn (60–100 cubic inches), especially once you add a comfort buffer.
- If your Aussie was on the smaller side (often around 40–50 lb), Medium can work—but many families still choose Large for breathing room and easier closure.
Start shopping here: Pet Urns for Dogs. Most Aussies will shop comfortably in: Large Pet Urns (60–100 cu in), and smaller dogs may fit well in: Medium Pet Urns (25–60 cu in).
The sizing rule (1 cubic inch per lb) and why we still size up
Urn capacity is measured in cubic inches. A practical estimate is 1 cubic inch per pound of body weight. Many families add a comfort buffer so the inner bag settles easily and the closure doesn’t feel tight—especially if weight is an estimate or you want room for a small memento.
If you want to double-check your numbers, use the Pet Urn Size Calculator and compare it with the Urn Size Chart & Complete Guide.
Australian Shepherd weight to urn capacity (cubic inches)
If you have a recent vet record, use that number. If not, use your best estimate and choose extra capacity for comfort. Australian Shepherds commonly fall near the 60 cubic inch Medium/Large boundary once you add a buffer—so if you’re on the fence, Large often feels simpler.
| Your Aussie’s weight | Minimum capacity (1:1) | Comfort capacity (add ~20%) | Usually a good fit in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | 40 cu in | 48 cu in | Medium |
| 50 lb | 50 cu in | 60 cu in | Medium (top end) or Large (calmer choice) |
| 55 lb | 55 cu in | 66 cu in | Large |
| 60 lb | 60 cu in | 72 cu in | Large |
| 65 lb | 65 cu in | 78 cu in | Large |
Which Funeral.com size category fits most Australian Shepherds?
Most Australian Shepherds fit best in a Large pet urn because Large typically covers 60–100 cubic inches, and the comfort estimate for many Aussies lands in that range. If your dog was smaller (around 40–50 lb), Medium can work—especially for a simple urn—but many families still choose Large for breathing room and easier closure.
Tip: Shop by listed capacity. Some designs (like photo urns or memory-box styles with compartments) can have less usable interior space than they appear to from the outside.
Size up if… (a simple rule that prevents a tight fit)
Size up if your dog’s weight is an estimate, your dog is a mix, your dog is big-framed or very muscular, you want room for mementos (tag, note, fur clipping), or you want the easiest closure with the inner bag. If your dog’s weight is close to the top of this size tier, choosing the next tier up is usually the calmer choice because it avoids a tight fit.
If your Aussie was close to the 60 cubic inch boundary (for example, around 50 lb with a comfort buffer), choosing Large is usually the calmer choice.
Sharing plan options (keepsakes and jewelry)
If more than one person wants a portion of ashes, a gentle plan is one primary urn plus keepsakes (or jewelry) so you don’t have to reopen the main urn repeatedly.
Helpful tools to confirm your choice
FAQ
What size urn do I need for a 55 lb Australian Shepherd?
Start with 55 cubic inches minimum. For a comfortable fit, aim for about 66 cubic inches (+20%), which typically fits best in a Large urn.
What size urn do I need for a 50 lb Australian Shepherd?
What size urn do I need for a 40 lb Australian Shepherd?
Start with 40 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 48 cubic inches. This typically fits well in a Medium urn.
Should I choose Medium or Large for my Australian Shepherd?
Large (60–100 cu in) is the most common choice, especially once you add a comfort buffer. Medium (25–60 cu in) can work for smaller dogs around 40–45 lb if you prefer a snug fit and don’t need extra room.
How much extra space (buffer) should I add?
A common approach is to add about 15–20% to your minimum estimate. This helps avoid a tight fit and makes the inner bag easier to place.
My dog’s weight is only an estimate. What should I do?
Use your best estimate and choose extra capacity for comfort. If you’re near a cutoff (like the 60 cubic inch Medium/Large boundary), choosing the next tier up is usually the calmer choice.
Does a big frame or very athletic build change urn size?
It can. If your Aussie was big-framed, very muscular, or you want the easiest closure with the inner bag, sizing up can prevent a tight fit.
Can I include a collar tag or small mementos in the urn?
Often, yes—if you plan for it. If you want room for a tag, note, or small keepsake, aim for your comfort target (or choose the next tier up) so the fit doesn’t feel tight.
What if I’m splitting ashes between family members?
Consider one primary urn plus keepsakes or jewelry so you don’t have to reopen the main urn repeatedly. See Pet Keepsake Urns and Pet Cremation Jewelry.
How can I double-check my sizing before ordering?
Use the Pet Urn Size Calculator and compare it with the Urn Size Chart & Complete Guide. Then choose an urn whose listed capacity meets or exceeds your comfort target.