If you’re here because you’re trying to make one practical decision after losing your Border Collie, I’m so sorry. This guide keeps urn sizing simple and clear—so you can choose the right capacity without second-guessing it.
Quick answer
- Sizing rule: plan for about 1 cubic inch per pound of body weight.
- Typical adult Border Collie weight: about 30–55 lb.
- Minimum capacity: about 30–55 cubic inches.
- Comfort range (roomier fit): about 36–66 cubic inches (adds ~20%).
- Most Border Collies fit well in Medium, but if your dog was near the top end (or weight is an estimate), Large can be the calmer choice.
Start shopping here: Pet Urns for Dogs. For Border Collies, compare: Medium Pet Urns (25–60 cu in) and Large Pet Urns (60–100 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 starting point is one cubic inch of urn capacity for each pound of your dog’s weight. Many families choose a little more than the minimum because it helps the inner bag settle more easily, makes the closure feel calmer, and leaves room if weight is an estimate.
If you’d like to double-check your number, use the Pet Urn Size Calculator and compare it with the Urn Size Chart & Complete Guide.
Border Collie weight to urn capacity (cubic inches)
If you have a recent vet record, use that number. If not, use your best estimate and lean toward the comfort range—especially if your Border Collie was sturdy, big-framed, or a mix.
| Your dog’s weight | Minimum capacity (1:1) | Comfort capacity (add ~20%) | Usually a good fit in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 lb | 30 cu in | 36 cu in | Medium |
| 40 lb | 40 cu in | 48 cu in | Medium |
| 50 lb | 50 cu in | 60 cu in | Medium (choose a higher-capacity Medium) or Large (more breathing room) |
| 55 lb (top end) | 55 cu in | 66 cu in | Large (often the calmer choice) |
| 60 lb (larger / mix / overweight) | 60 cu in | 72 cu in | Large |
Which Funeral.com size category fits most Border Collies?
Many Border Collies fit well in Medium (25–60 cubic inches), especially in the middle of the weight range. The “on-the-fence” moment is when your comfort estimate approaches 60 cubic inches (for example, around a 50 lb dog). If you want the easiest closure, extra breathing room, or your dog was closer to 55 lb, Large is usually the calmer choice.
Tip: Always shop by the urn’s listed capacity. Some designs (especially 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.
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 Border Collie?
Most Border Collies are around 30–55 lb, so a typical minimum is 30–55 cubic inches. For a calmer fit, many families choose a little extra capacity, especially near the top end of the weight range.
What size urn do I need for a 40 lb Border Collie?
Start with 40 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 48 cubic inches (+20%). This typically fits best in a Medium urn.
What size urn do I need for a 50 lb Border Collie?
Start with 50 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 60 cubic inches. You can choose a higher-capacity Medium urn, or go to Large if you want more breathing room and an easier closure.
Should I choose Medium or Large for my Border Collie?
Medium is the most common fit. If your dog was near 55 lb, weight is an estimate, or your comfort estimate approaches 60 cubic inches, Large is often the calmer choice.
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?
Choose extra capacity for comfort. If you’re between two sizes, the larger option is usually the calmer choice because it reduces the chance of a tight fit.
My Border Collie is a mix. Do I need to size up?
Often, yes—because mixes can land outside typical breed ranges. Use your dog’s actual weight if you know it, and size up if weight is an estimate or near a category cutoff.
Can I include a collar tag, note, or small mementos in the urn?
Often, yes—if you plan for it. If you want room for mementos, aim for your comfort target (or size 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. Keepsakes and jewelry can make sharing feel simple and respectful.
How can I double-check my sizing before ordering?
Use the Pet Urn Size Calculator, then choose an urn whose listed capacity meets or exceeds your comfort target. You can also compare with the Urn Size Chart & Complete Guide.
