If you’re here because you’re trying to make one practical decision after losing your Portuguese Water Dog, I’m so sorry. This guide keeps urn sizing clear and steady—so you can choose a capacity that fits comfortably without second-guessing it.
Quick answer
- Sizing rule: plan for about 1 cubic inch per pound of body weight.
- Typical adult Portuguese Water Dog weight: about 35–60 lb.
- Minimum urn capacity: about 35–60 cubic inches.
- Comfort range (roomier fit): about 42–72 cubic inches (adds ~20%).
- Most Portuguese Water Dogs fit best in a Medium urn (25–60 cu in), but if your comfort estimate approaches 60 cu in (or your dog was closer to 55–60 lb), Large is usually the calmer choice.
Start shopping here: Pet Urns for Dogs. For Portuguese Water Dogs, 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 closure feel calmer, and leaves breathing 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 Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Urn Size.
Portuguese Water Dog 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 number—especially if you’re close to a cutoff like 60 cubic inches.
| Your dog’s weight | Minimum capacity (1:1) | Comfort capacity (add ~20%) | Usually a good fit in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 lb | 35 cu in | 42 cu in | Medium |
| 40 lb | 40 cu in | 48 cu in | Medium |
| 45 lb | 45 cu in | 54 cu in | Medium |
| 50 lb | 50 cu in | 60 cu in | Large (often the calmer choice) |
| 55 lb (upper-boundary) | 55 cu in | 66 cu in | Large (calmer fit) |
| 60 lb (upper end / boundary) | 60 cu in | 72 cu in | Large |
Which Funeral.com size category fits most Portuguese Water Dogs?
Many Portuguese Water Dogs fit well in a Medium pet urn (25–60 cubic inches), especially smaller adults. The decision point is the top of the Medium range: if your comfort estimate approaches 60 cubic inches (common around a 50 lb dog), Large is often the calmer choice because it avoids a tight fit and makes closure easier.
Tip: 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.
For Portuguese Water Dogs, “close to the top” often shows up at the 60 cu in cutoff. If your comfort estimate approaches 60, choosing Large usually removes the stress.
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 Portuguese Water Dog?
Use about 1 cubic inch per pound. Many Portuguese Water Dogs fall around 35–60 lb, so the minimum range is about 35–60 cubic inches. For a calmer fit, many families choose about 42–72 cubic inches.
Should I choose Medium or Large for a Portuguese Water Dog?
Medium can work well for smaller adults. If your dog was closer to 50–60 lb, weight is an estimate, or your comfort estimate approaches 60 cubic inches, Large is usually the calmer choice for an easier closure.
What size urn do I need for a 40 lb Portuguese Water Dog?
Start with 40 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 48 cubic inches. A Medium pet urn is typically the best match.
What size urn do I need for a 50 lb Portuguese Water Dog?
Start with 50 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 60 cubic inches. Because 60 is a common cutoff, Large is often the calmer choice.
What size urn do I need for a 60 lb Portuguese Water Dog?
Start with 60 cubic inches minimum. For a roomier fit, aim for about 72 cubic inches. A Large pet urn is typically the best match.
How much extra capacity should I add beyond the minimum?
Many families add about 15–20% for comfort. This helps the inner bag settle more easily and reduces the chance of a tight fit.
My dog’s weight is only an estimate. What should I do?
If weight is an estimate, choose extra capacity for comfort. If you’re between Medium and Large, the larger option is usually the calmer choice.
Can I include a collar tag, note, or small mementos in the urn?
Often, yes—just plan for it. If you want room for mementos, aim for your comfort target (or size up) so the fit doesn’t feel tight.
Can I split my dog’s ashes between a main urn and keepsakes?
Yes. Many families choose one primary urn plus keepsake urns or cremation jewelry for sharing. This can also reduce how often you need to reopen the main urn.
How can I double-check my urn size before ordering?
Use the Pet Urn Size Calculator for a quick estimate, then choose an urn whose listed capacity meets or exceeds your comfort target. You can also compare with the Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Urn Size.
