A while ago, I decided to install a dog door for my dog, thinking it would give him more freedom and me fewer early morning wake-up calls. What I didn’t expect was the chaos of choosing the right size. I thought, “Large dog? Large door. Simple.” But turns out, it’s not that simple. My dog is long and lean, not particularly tall and the first door I picked made him crouch like a spy every time he used it.
That’s when I realized how important it is to understand dog door sizes by breed. I even started looking into brand-specific details, like PetSafe dog door size options, because the sizing isn’t standard across the board.
I also learned that large dog door dimensions are not one-size-fits-all, and just picking the biggest flap doesn’t always work. If you’re trying to figure all this out too, I’ve got you here’s everything that actually helped me make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Dog Door Size Chart by Breed
Looking at dog door sizes by breed is a helpful first step when you’re not quite sure where to begin. But don’t take it as gospel even within a breed, dogs can vary a lot in height, width, and build. Think of it as a general guide to get you going.
| Breed | Dog Weight | Dog Shoulder Height | Door Size | Door Width | Door Height | Key Notes |
| Chihuahua | < 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | 6–9″ (15–23 cm) | X-Small | 6″ (15 cm) | 7″ (18 cm) | Electronic doors recommended |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 4–7 lbs (2–3 kg) | 6–8″ (15–20 cm) | X-Small | 6″ (15 cm) | 7″ (18 cm) | Low step-over height (≤2″) |
| Dachshund | 16–32 lbs (7–15 kg) | 8–9″ (20–23 cm) | Small | 8″ (20 cm) | 12″ (30 cm) | Extra width for chest |
| Pug | 14–18 lbs (6–8 kg) | 10–13″ (25–33 cm) | Small | 8″ (20 cm) | 10″ (25 cm) | Insulated flap recommended |
| Shih Tzu | 9–16 lbs (4–7 kg) | 9–11″ (23–28 cm) | Small | 7″ (18 cm) | 10″ (25 cm) | Standard rectangle |
| French Bulldog | 20–28 lbs (9–13 kg) | 11–12″ (28–30 cm) | Medium | 10″ (25 cm) | 12″ (30 cm) | Wider than height |
| Beagle | 20–25 lbs (9–11 kg) | 13–16″ (33–41 cm) | Medium | 9″ (23 cm) | 13″ (33 cm) | Active breed → secure flap |
| Cocker Spaniel | 24–28 lbs (11–13 kg) | 14–16″ (36–41 cm) | Medium | 10″ (25 cm) | 15″ (38 cm) | Taller opening needed |
| Basset Hound | 40–65 lbs (18–29 kg) | 12–15″ (30–38 cm) | Large | 12″ (30 cm) | 14″ (36 cm) | Low height, extra width |
| Bulldog | 40–50 lbs (18–23 kg) | 14–15″ (35–38 cm) | Large | 12″ (30 cm) | 15″ (38 cm) | Barrel chest → wide door |
| Australian Shepherd | 40–65 lbs (18–29 kg) | 18–23″ (46–58 cm) | Large | 11″ (28 cm) | 20″ (51 cm) | Tall for agile movement |
| Boxer | 55–70 lbs (25–32 kg) | 21–25″ (53–64 cm) | X-Large | 14″ (36 cm) | 22″ (56 cm) | Muscular → width + height |
| Labrador Retriever | 55–80 lbs (25–36 kg) | 21–24″ (53–61 cm) | X-Large | 15″ (38 cm) | 22″ (56 cm) | Locking flaps recommended |
| Golden Retriever | 60–75 lbs (27–34 kg) | 21–24″ (53–61 cm) | X-Large | 15″ (38 cm) | 22″ (56 cm) | Same as Labrador |
| German Shepherd | 50–90 lbs (23–41 kg) | 22–26″ (56–66 cm) | X-Large | 14″ (36 cm) | 24″ (61 cm) | Taller than wide |
| Rottweiler | 80–135 lbs (36–61 kg) | 22–27″ (56–69 cm) | X-Large | 16″ (41 cm) | 25″ (64 cm) | Reinforced frame suggested |
| Husky | 45–60 lbs (20–27 kg) | 20–24″ (51–61 cm) | X-Large | 13″ (33 cm) | 22″ (56 cm) | Insulated flap for cold climates |
| Doberman | 75–100 lbs (34–45 kg) | 24–28″ (61–71 cm) | XX-Large | 14″ (36 cm) | 27″ (69 cm) | Deep chest → add width |
| Great Dane | 110–175 lbs (50–79 kg) | 28–32″ (71–81 cm) | XX-Large | 18″ (46 cm) | 30″ (76 cm) | Custom reinforced frame |
| Mastiff | 120–230 lbs (54–104 kg) | 28–36″ (71–91 cm) | XX-Large | 20″ (51 cm) | 30″ (76 cm) | Extra-wide + reinforced |
| Saint Bernard | 120–180 lbs (54–82 kg) | 26–30″ (66–76 cm) | XX-Large | 18″ (46 cm) | 28″ (71 cm) | Weatherproof triple flaps |
| Bernese Mtn Dog | 80–115 lbs (36–52 kg) | 23–28″ (58–71 cm) | XX-Large | 16″ (41 cm) | 26″ (66 cm) | Cold-climate insulation needed |
| Greyhound | 60–70 lbs (27–32 kg) | 26–30″ (66–76 cm) | XX-Large | 12″ (30 cm) | 28″ (71 cm) | Narrow but very tall |
| Corgi (Pembroke) | 25–30 lbs (11–14 kg) | 10–12″ (25–30 cm) | Medium | 10″ (25 cm) | 12″ (30 cm) | Low height + extra width |
Small Dog Door Size Guide
If you’ve got a little dog like a Chihuahua, Pomeranian, or Yorkie, you’re probably looking at flap sizes in the 5 to 8 inch width and 8 to 11 inch height range. Small dogs usually prefer cozy spaces anyway, but you still want the flap to be easy for them to push and low enough that they don’t have to jump up just to get outside.
This is where a good PetSafe dog door size in “Small” comes in handy, they’re often soft-flapped, easy to install, and designed with tiny pups in mind. Still, be sure to consider things like your dog’s age and confidence level. Some small dogs are hesitant to use a door that feels too tight or too heavy, even if they physically fit.
Medium Dog Door Size
Medium dogs like Beagles, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels usually fall into the 8 to 11 inches wide and 11 to 15 inches tall door category. These dogs are often underestimated, they’re small enough to squeeze through tighter spots, but still need more room than people realize.
It’s easy to get the height right and forget about the width. But a Frenchie with a broad chest or a round belly might have trouble fitting through a skinny flap, even if it’s tall enough. If you’re considering a door in Medium, it’s usually a good fit, just double-check your dog’s measurements before committing.
Large Dog Door Size Chart
Big dogs like Golden Retrievers, Labs, Boxers, and German Shepherds usually need a flap that ranges from about 10 x 15 inches up to 15 x 23 inches. But here’s the thing, even if your dog can technically squeeze through a smaller opening, that doesn’t mean they’ll want to. And forcing a tight fit every time they want to go outside can actually discourage them from using the door at all.
That’s where large dog door dimensions really matter. If you’ve got a dog in the 60–100+ pound range, go bigger than you think you need. And don’t forget about step-over height older or joint-sensitive dogs will struggle with anything too high off the ground. A dog door size in “Large” or “Extra Large” is a great starting point for this group, especially if you’re also dealing with weather insulation or wall-mounted options.
Where You Install the Door Matters
Even if you’ve got the perfect size flap, a poorly installed door can make it completely unusable for your dog. The flap opening should sit low enough to the ground so your dog doesn’t have to jump or crouch awkwardly. Ideally, the bottom of the flap should be no more than one-third of your dog’s height off the ground.
Also consider what’s on the other side of the door. If it leads to stairs, a step-down, or an uneven surface, that could make things bad especially for small or senior dogs. A smooth, even landing spot helps your dog feel confident using the door every day.
Weather, Insulation, and Safety
If you live somewhere with cold winters or really hot summers, insulation should be high on your list. Dual flaps or magnetic seals are a game changer when it comes to keeping your energy bill down and your house draft-free.
Some of the PetSafe dog door size models are specifically designed for extreme weather, with solid seals and locking covers. And speaking of security, always choose a door with a lock or slide-in panel. It might not stop a determined raccoon, but it’ll give you peace of mind when you’re out or asleep.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Door
Grab a tape measure, have your dog stand naturally (treats help), and take three key measurements:
- From the floor to the top of their shoulders, that’s your height.
- Across the widest part of their body, usually the chest or hips.
- From the floor to their belly, that’ll help you decide the ideal step-over height.
Don’t stress too much about getting it exact to the millimeter. If you’re between sizes, it’s better to size up. Your dog will thank you later.
Got More Than One Dog?
If you’re a multi-dog household with a mix of sizes, say a Dachshund and a German Shepherd, you’ll need to size the door for the bigger dog. That way, the big one can get through without getting stuck. But then you’ve got to make sure the little one can still manage the step-over and push the flap open.
Some pet parents install two doors in different spots or go with electronic doors that respond to a specific dog’s collar. But if that feels like overkill, just make sure your installation is low and easy to use for everyone involved.
FAQs
What size dog door does a Labrador need?
A Labrador usually does well with a flap that’s at least 10″ x 15″, though many Labs are more comfortable with doors closer to 13″ x 20“. They’re sturdy, muscular dogs with broad chests, so even if a smaller flap technically fits, it might be too tight for daily comfort. Don’t forget to measure height and width, and if your Lab is a bit on the chunky side (it happens), go up a size just to be safe.
Can small dogs use large dog doors?
They can but that doesn’t mean they will. A small dog might find a large flap intimidating, especially if it’s heavy or hard to push. It can also let in more air, bugs, or even critters. That said, if you have both small and large dogs in the house and want to stick to one door, choose a model with a soft flap and a very low step-over height to make it easier for your little one to manage.
How do I stop other animals from using the dog door?
That’s a legit concern. Some dog doors come with built-in security features like microchip or collar-activated access. These work great for keeping raccoons, stray cats, or nosy neighborhood squirrels out of your house. Another simple trick is using a door with a locking panel, so you can seal it up at night or when you’re not home.
Are dog doors safe for homes with kids or other pets?
Generally yes, but it depends on the setup. Make sure the flap is heavy enough that toddlers or curious indoor cats can’t just wander out. Some doors can be locked manually or electronically for extra peace of mind. If you’re concerned, wall-mounted doors placed higher up are often harder for little ones or non-dogs to reach or use.
What is the PetSafe dog door size range?
The PetSafe dog door size range includes Small (around 5 1/8″ x 8 1/4″), Medium, Large, and Extra Large (up to 13 5/8″ x 23″). They also offer specialty models for extreme weather, wall installation, and electronic locking. Just remember: sizes vary slightly depending on the model, so always double-check the exact measurements before you order.