How tall does a fence need to be for a dog?

Feature image of How tall does a fence need to be for a dog - Dogs Alliance
Feature image of How tall does a fence need to be for a dog - Dogs Alliance

The height of a dog’s fence should be among the most important questions dog owners should think about. It all boils down to the breed of pet. How tall does a fence need to be for a dog, what material the fence is constructed of, as well as the amount of time your dog is spending on its own on the property?

How Do I Determine How Tall My Dog Fence Needs To Be?

The fence for your dog must be at least three times the height of your dog’s shoulder. For instance, a German Shepherd is 24-26 inches at shoulder height, which means the fence should not be less than 72 inches tall (6 feet).

For smaller dogs, like pugs, which measure 14 inches tall at the side, the fencing needs to have at least 42″ in height or around 4 feet.

This is particularly important when your dog is aggressive or territorial toward other dogs. Six feet for the size of a German Shepherd might seem high.

However, they can utilize their front and hind legs to leverage themselves and pull and push their way over smaller fences.

Fence Height For Dogs Table

The general rule suggests that the height of your fence must not be more than three times taller than your dog’s shoulders.

Here’s a table that can be used as a quick reference on the most popular dog breeds shoulders, height, and the ideal height for fences.

BreedAverage Height (inches)Average Weight (Pounds)Ideal Fence Height (Feet)
Chihuahua973
Pug11163
Beagle16214
Border Collie20305
Lab23656
German Shepherd24706
Saint Bernard301258
Great Dane321308

Types of Dog Fences:

1- Chain Link 

It is less expensive than privacy fencing made of wood and lasts longer. However, it does allow dogs to spot any triggers that may cause their fear or exuberance. It’s also not difficult for dogs to climb over chain-link fencing.

2- Privacy Fencing Made of Wood

This blocks the dog’s eyes from being stimulated. It generally lasts around 15 years, based on weather conditions and abuse.

The downside is that determined dogs can wear or push pickets to the point that they drop off. They may also utilize that middle bar to serve as a launchpad. Be sure that the support bars are in your backyard.

Fences made of vinyl are more sturdy than wooden fences and offer more security. Select solid fences to prevent the view for your pet. The downside is that they usually are more expensive than their wooden counterparts.

3- The Split Rail

There is a fabric that can be stretched around the inside of the fence to create an obstacle for your pet. It’s a downside: Fences made of split rail are typically too low to keep a dog who is determined at bay.

4- Concrete or Wall Made of Masonry

These are strong. They can be built according to height and design and do not have gaps. The downside is that they are costly to build.

5- Fences that Wirelessly Connect

These systems mark the boundaries of your property. They give an electronic shock to any pet that enters the boundary using a specific collar.

The downside is that your dog could be able to see the mailman and run after him without paying attention to the brief flash of pain.

After the rush of adrenaline has ended, he might not want to go back into the yard since the dog is aware that there’s a surprise coming. Additionally, this kind of fence does not prevent animals or other people from entering your backyard.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *