If you’re here because you’re trying to make one practical decision after losing your Shiba Inu, 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 Shiba Inu weight: about 15–23 lb.
- Minimum urn capacity: about 15–23 cubic inches.
- Comfort range (roomier fit): about 18–28 cubic inches (adds ~20%).
- Most Shiba Inus fit best in Small (under 25 cu in), but if your comfort estimate approaches 25 cu in, Medium is often the calmer choice.
Start shopping here: Pet Urns for Dogs. For Shiba Inus, compare: Small Pet Urns (under 25 cu in) and 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 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 and makes closure feel calmer—especially if your dog’s weight is an estimate or you’re including a small memento.
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.
Shiba Inu 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 25 cubic inches.
| Your dog’s weight | Minimum capacity (1:1) | Comfort capacity (add ~20%) | Usually a good fit in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 lb | 15 cu in | 18 cu in | Small |
| 18 lb | 18 cu in | 22 cu in | Small |
| 20 lb | 20 cu in | 24 cu in | Small (choose a listed capacity that meets your comfort target) |
| 23 lb (upper end / borderline) | 23 cu in | 28 cu in | Medium (often calmer) or Small (only if the listed capacity is clearly enough) |
| 24–30 lb (mix / overweight / estimate) | 24–30 cu in | 29–36 cu in | Medium |
Which Funeral.com size category fits most Shiba Inus?
Most Shiba Inus fit best in a Small pet urn (under 25 cubic inches). The key is to shop by the urn’s listed capacity and choose one that meets or exceeds your comfort target. If your Shiba Inu was closer to the upper end (or your comfort estimate pushes you near or above 25 cu in), Medium is often the calmer choice because it avoids a tight fit.
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 Shiba Inus, “close to the top” often shows up at the 25 cu in cutoff. If your comfort estimate approaches 25, choosing Medium 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 Shiba Inu?
Use about 1 cubic inch per pound. Many Shiba Inus fall around 15–23 lb, so the minimum range is about 15–23 cubic inches. For a calmer fit, many families choose about 18–28 cubic inches.
Is a Small urn big enough for a Shiba Inu?
Often, yes—especially for dogs under about 20 lb. The key is to choose a listed capacity that meets your comfort target. If your comfort estimate approaches 25 cubic inches, Medium is usually the calmer choice.
What size urn do I need for a 15 lb Shiba Inu?
Start with 15 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 18 cubic inches. A Small urn is typically the best match.
What size urn do I need for a 20 lb Shiba Inu?
Start with 20 cubic inches minimum. For a roomier fit, aim for about 24 cubic inches. A Small urn still works well—just choose a listed capacity that meets your comfort target.
What size urn do I need for a 23 lb Shiba Inu?
Start with 23 cubic inches minimum. For comfort, aim for about 28 cubic inches. Because that’s near/above the Small cutoff, Medium is often the calmer choice for an easier closure.
Should I choose Small or Medium if I’m not sure of my Shiba Inu’s weight?
If weight is an estimate, choose extra capacity for comfort. If you’re near 25 cubic inches or between sizes, Medium is usually the calmer choice.
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.
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.
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.
