I remember the first time I tried putting shoes on my dog, it was a disaster. He awkwardly lifted his paws, flopped onto his side, and refused to move. I thought I had bought the right size, but they kept slipping off.
That’s when I realized just how important dog paw size is. Picking the wrong size means discomfort, frustration, and wasted money.
For instance different breeds have different paw structures, some have webbed paws for swimming, while others have strong paws for support. So no matter the scenario – whether you’re trying to find the perfect dog shoes or estimate your puppy’s future size, paw size matters all the way.
Table of Contents
Dog Paw Size Chart
A dog’s paw size varies depending on breed, weight, and activity level. The chart below provides a general guide to dog paw width and length in both inches and centimeters, helping you understand your dog’s paw proportions.
| Dog Size | Weight Range | Paw Width | Paw Length | Example Breeds | Notes |
| Toy | 3–12 lbs | 1.5–2″ (3.8–5 cm) | 1.5–2″ (3.8–5 cm) | Chihuahua, Pomeranian | Tiny, delicate paws suitable for small indoor spaces. |
| Small | 12–25 lbs | 2–2.5″ (5–6.3 cm) | 2–2.5″ (5–6.3 cm) | Dachshund, Shih Tzu | Compact paws ideal for small, active breeds. |
| Medium | 25–50 lbs | 2.5–3.5″ (6.3–8.9 cm) | 2.5–3.5″ (6.3–8.9 cm) | Beagle, Border Collie | Sturdy paws designed for endurance and activity. |
| Large | 50–100 lbs | 3.5–4.5″ (8.9–11.4 cm) | 3.5–4.5″ (8.9–11.4 cm) | Labrador, Golden Retriever | Broad paws with strong pads, often webbed for swimming. |
| Giant | 100+ lbs | 4.5–6″ (11.4–15 cm) | 4.5–6″ (11.4–15 cm) | Great Dane, Mastiff | Massive paws necessary for supporting large body weight. |
How to Measure Dog Paw Size
Measuring your dog’s paw size is easy and can help in choosing the perfect dog shoes. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to measure accurately.
Get Your Dog in Position – Make sure your dog is standing on all four legs. When a dog walks or stands, their paws expand slightly under their weight, so measuring them while sitting or lying down may give an inaccurate result.
Trace the Paw Shape – Gently press your dog’s paw onto the piece of paper and trace around it. Be sure to spread their toes slightly, as their paws naturally expand when walking.
Measure the Width and Length – Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the widest part of the paw print to determine the paw width. Then, measure from the back pad of the paw to the tip of the longest toe to get the paw length.
Compare With a Dog Paw Size Chart – Once you have the measurements, compare them with a dog paw size chart in cm and inches to determine the appropriate size category for your pup.
Don’t forget to check Both Front and Back Paws – Some dogs have slightly larger front paws than back paws, especially those bred for running or digging.
Why Measuring Paw Size Matters
A poorly fitted shoe can cause irritation, slipping, or even pain. If you enjoy hiking, jogging, or walking on rough terrain with your furry friend, knowing their dog foot size ensures they have the right protection to avoid injuries or excessive wear on their paws.
Dog Paw Size by Breed
Larger breeds tend to have bulkier paws that grow rapidly and small and medium breeds have smaller paws according to their bodies. Below is a detailed breakdown of dog paw size by breeds.
Small Dog Breeds Paw Size Chart
Small dog breeds have delicate, compact paws suited for indoor living and short outdoor walks. Their paws don’t need to support a heavy frame, so they remain proportionally small compared to their bodies.
| Breed | Paw Width | Paw Length |
| Chihuahua | 2.5 – 4 cm (1 – 1.6″) | 3 – 5 cm (1.2 – 2″) |
| Pomeranian | 3 – 4.5 cm (1.2 – 1.8″) | 3.5 – 5 cm (1.4 – 2″) |
| Yorkshire Terrier | 3 – 4.5 cm (1.2 – 1.8″) | 4 – 5.5 cm (1.6 – 2.2″) |
| Dachshund | 4 – 5 cm (1.6 – 2″) | 5 – 6.5 cm (2 – 2.5″) |
| French Bulldog | 5 – 6.5 cm (2 – 2.5″) | 6 – 7.5 cm (2.4 – 3″) |
| Jack Russell Terrier | 4 – 5 cm (1.6 – 2″) | 5 – 6 cm (2 – 2.4″) |
Medium Dog Breeds Paw Size Chart
Medium-sized dogs have well-balanced paws, offering both movement and stability. Their paws are sturdy enough for active play but not overly large.
| Breed | Paw Width | Paw Length |
| Beagle | 5 – 6.5 cm (2 – 2.5″) | 6 – 7.5 cm (2.4 – 3″) |
| Border Collie | 6 – 7.5 cm (2.4 – 3″) | 7 – 9 cm (2.8 – 3.5″) |
| Cocker Spaniel | 5.5 – 7 cm (2.2 – 2.8″) | 6.5 – 8 cm (2.5 – 3.2″) |
| Australian Shepherd | 6 – 8 cm (2.4 – 3.2″) | 7.5 – 9 cm (3 – 3.5″) |
| Staffordshire Bull Terrier | 6.5 – 8 cm (2.5 – 3.2″) | 8 – 9.5 cm (3.2 – 3.7″) |
| Siberian Husky | 7 – 9 cm (2.8 – 3.5″) | 9 – 11 cm (3.5 – 4.3″) |
Large Dog Breeds Paw Size Chart
Large breeds require broad and strong paws to support their muscular build. Many large breeds, like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, have webbed paws, making them excellent swimmers.
| Breed | Paw Width | Paw Length |
| Labrador Retriever | 8 – 10 cm (3.2 – 4″) | 9 – 11 cm (3.5 – 4.3″) |
| Golden Retriever | 8 – 10.5 cm (3.2 – 4.1″) | 9.5 – 12 cm (3.7 – 4.7″) |
| German Shepherd | 9 – 11 cm (3.5 – 4.3″) | 10 – 12.5 cm (4 – 4.9″) |
| Boxer | 8.5 – 10 cm (3.3 – 4″) | 9.5 – 11.5 cm (3.7 – 4.5″) |
| Rottweiler | 9.5 – 11 cm (3.7 – 4.3″) | 10.5 – 13 cm (4.1 – 5.1″) |
| Doberman Pinscher | 8.5 – 10 cm (3.3 – 4″) | 9.5 – 11 cm (3.7 – 4.3″) |
Giant Dog Breeds Paw Size Chart
Giant breeds have massive paws that help support their body weight. These dogs often require extra care for their paws due to stress on joints.
| Breed | Paw Width | Paw Length |
| Great Dane | 11 – 14 cm (4.3 – 5.5″) | 12 – 16 cm (4.7 – 6.3″) |
| Saint Bernard | 12 – 14 cm (4.7 – 5.5″) | 13 – 17 cm (5.1 – 6.7″) |
| Newfoundland | 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 5.9″) | 14 – 18 cm (5.5 – 7″) |
| Mastiff | 11.5 – 14 cm (4.5 – 5.5″) | 13 – 17 cm (5.1 – 6.7″) |
| Bernese Mountain Dog | 10 – 12.5 cm (4 – 4.9″) | 11.5 – 15 cm (4.5 – 5.9″) |
Puppy paw size
Puppies generally grow into their paws, so if your young pup has big feet, they might become a large dog! If your puppy’s paws seem out of proportion to their body, it’s a good indication that they have a lot more growing to do.
Puppy Paw Size Calculator
A puppy paw size calculator can be a useful tool for estimating how big your puppy will get. This calculator takes the current paw width and length measurements and compares them to breed averages. For example, if your Labrador puppy has a paw width of 3.5 inches, it’s likely they will grow into a fully grown adult Labrador weighing between 55–80 lbs.
Example Calculation
If your 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy has a paw width of 4 inches, their adult size can be estimated using average growth patterns. A German Shepherd’s adult paw width ranges from 9–11 cm (3.5–4.3 inches). Since your puppy is still growing, they will likely reach the higher end of their breed’s size range.
How to Get Your Dog Used to Wearing Shoes
Dogs aren’t naturally used to wearing shoes, so get them used to it with patience and good training.
- Try Using positive reactions like treats and praise when they allow the shoes to be put on.
- Keep the wear times short like just a few minutes at first, then gradually increase the duration.
- Just like any other footwear, break-In period is needed for dog booties as well. Allow the shoes to soften so they feel natural to your dog.
FAQs
What size are my dog’s paws?
Your dog’s paw size depends on their breed and weight. Use a dog paw size chart in cm and inches (like the one above) to compare measurements.
Will my dog be big if they have big paws?
Not always, but generally, larger dog foot size suggests a bigger adult dog. However, body structure and genetics also play a role. Giant breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards have the largest paws, necessary for supporting their massive bodies.
What age do puppies’ paws stop growing?
Most puppies’ paws stop growing by 12–18 months, but large and giant breeds may continue growing up to 2 years.
Can you tell a dog’s size by its paws?
Yes! As obvious as it seems puppies with large paws often grow into larger dogs, while smaller paws indicate a smaller adult size.