If you’re here, you’re probably trying to answer one practical question in a moment that already feels heavy: “What size urn do I need for my Shetland Sheepdog?” This guide keeps it simple, gives you a clear cubic-inches range, and shows when “sizing up” is the calmer choice.
Quick answer (most Shelties)
Typical adult Shetland Sheepdog weight: about 15–25 lb.
Minimum urn capacity (rule of thumb): about 15–25 cubic inches (1 cubic inch per lb).
Comfort range (recommended): about 18–30 cubic inches.
Most common Funeral.com size category: Medium Pet Urns (25–60 cu in) for a calmer fit—especially if your Sheltie is near 25 lb, you’re unsure of weight, or you’d like room for the inner bag and a small memento.
Shop now: Pet Urns for Dogs
Weight-to-capacity chart (Shetland Sheepdog)
| If your Sheltie weighed… | Minimum capacity | Comfort range | Where most families shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 lb | 15 cu in | 18–22 cu in | Small (under 25 cu in) |
| 20 lb | 20 cu in | 24–28 cu in | Medium (25–60 cu in) |
| 25 lb | 25 cu in | 30+ cu in | Medium (25–60 cu in) (recommended) |
The sizing rule (and why we still “size up”)
A widely used starting point is simple: choose about 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for every pound of your dog’s pre-cremation weight. That gets you the minimum. Many families still size up a little because actual ash volume can vary, and a slightly larger urn makes placement easier (especially with an inner bag).
If you’d rather not do any math, you can use our tools here:
Shetland Sheepdog size notes (why this breed is a “borderline” case)
Most Shelties land in a fairly tight range, but that range brushes right up against a common category boundary: 25 cubic inches.
If your Sheltie’s weight was close to 25 lb (or you’re not sure), choosing Medium (25–60 cu in) is usually the calmer choice because it avoids a tight fit.
Which Funeral.com category fits most Shelties?
- Small (under 25 cu in): Best when your Sheltie was clearly under ~20 lb and you want a snug, minimal container. Shop Small Pet Urns
- Medium (25–60 cu in): Best for most adult Shelties, especially 20–25 lb, mixed-breed Shelties, or when you want room for the inner bag and easy closure. Shop Medium Pet Urns
- Large (60–100 cu in): Not usually necessary for a Sheltie, but some families prefer extra room for keepsakes or a very “no-stress” fit. Shop Large Pet Urns
“Size up if…” (the calm, consistent rule)
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 + jewelry)
If you’re planning to share ashes with family, it helps to think in terms of a primary urn plus smaller memorial pieces. That way you don’t need to reopen the main urn repeatedly.
Transfer and handling tips (gentle and practical)
Ashes are usually returned in an inner bag (often inside a temporary container). If you’re transferring them into a memorial urn at home, go slowly and set yourself up for an easier moment:
- Choose a quiet space and place a towel or tray underneath your work area.
- If the urn uses an inner bag, make sure it’s seated comfortably before closing.
- If you’re splitting ashes, plan your keepsakes first so you can transfer once and seal once.
If you want a step-by-step way to estimate capacity and plan keepsakes, this guide helps:
FAQ
What size urn does a Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) need?
Most Shelties are about 15–25 lb, so a good minimum range is 15–25 cubic inches. For a calmer fit, many families choose an urn in the 25–60 cubic inch range (Medium), especially near the top end of that weight range.
What size urn do I need for a 20 lb Sheltie?
A 20 lb dog typically needs at least 20 cubic inches. If you want extra ease for the inner bag and closure, choosing 25+ cubic inches (Medium) is often the least stressful option.
What if my Sheltie was 25 lb—should I choose Small or Medium?
If your dog was right around 25 lb, Medium is usually the better fit. “Small” caps are often tight at the upper edge, while Medium gives you breathing room for the inner bag and a smoother closure.
Does a Sheltie mix need a bigger urn than a purebred Sheltie?
Sometimes, yes—mostly because mixes can fall outside “typical” breed ranges. If your dog was mixed, not sure of weight, or sturdy/big-framed, sizing up one tier is a safe and calm move.
Is 1 cubic inch per pound always accurate?
It’s a reliable starting point for minimum capacity, but ash volume can vary. If you’re between sizes or want room for keepsakes and easy closure, rounding up is usually worth it.
Do I need to “size up” if I want to include a collar tag or small memento?
Often, yes. Even a small memento can make a tight-fitting urn feel stressful. If you’d like room for a tag, note, or token, choosing the next size tier up keeps things simple.
Can I split my Sheltie’s ashes between a main urn and keepsakes?
Yes. The total amount of ashes doesn’t increase—you’re just distributing it. Many families choose one primary urn and then add keepsake urns or jewelry for sharing.
What if I don’t know my Sheltie’s exact weight?
If weight is an estimate, choose the more forgiving option. For most Shelties, Medium (25–60 cu in) provides a buffer that prevents a tight fit and gives peace of mind.
Do I need a larger urn for aquamation (water cremation)?
Sometimes aquamation remains can take slightly more space. If your provider used aquamation or you’re unsure, consider adding extra capacity (for example, choosing Medium instead of Small) and ask your provider if they recommend a specific buffer.
Should I choose a Medium urn even for a smaller Sheltie?
If your Sheltie was well under 20 lb, Small can work beautifully. But if you want the easiest closure, room for the inner bag, or you’re not sure about weight, Medium is the more forgiving choice.
Browse all options: Pet Urns for Dogs
