How Tall Should a Dog Fence Be?

Typically, small dogs require a fence that is 4 feet (chest height), medium-sized dogs need a fence that is 5 feet (shoulder height), and large dogs are best secured with a fence that is 6+ feet (above head height).

From our dog fence products, most customers choose a 5-foot tall dog fence, and this height works great for most dogs. So, when would you choose something else? Watch our video or read our helpful guide below.

Reasons to Choose a 5-Foot Dog Fence

This height works great for some of the most popular medium-sized dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. However, sometimes people have a dog that has more athletic ability than the breed in general. If your dog is a jumper or a climber, we strongly suggest you get a 6-foot-tall dog fence – especially if you are concerned about other dogs or predators (like coyotes) entering your yard.

Peaceful, smaller dog breeds may be adequately contained by a fence ranging from three to four feet in height, such as a picket fence. However, this height is ineffective for larger dogs. Medium to large breeds, including boxers, golden retrievers, Huskies, and Labradors, often view a four-foot fence as an enjoyable challenge to leap over.

Reasons to Choose a 6-Foot Dog Fence

When in doubt, choose a 6-foot-tall fence. This fence is perfect for medium to large dog breeds like German Shepherds. However, if your dog happens to be a chewer, we would recommend our MAX Strength Fence.

Reasons to Choose a 6-Foot MAX Strength Dog Fence

Our standard dog fence works great for most breeds. However, there are some breeds (and some individual dog personalities) that are so hard to contain that even our incredibly strong and flexible standard dog fences are not enough. Our MAX Strength Fence has been specifically designed for chewers and more aggressive dogs like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers. However, if your dog is both a chewer and a jumper, we would recommend our 7-foot-tall MAX Strength Dog Fence.

Reasons to Choose a 7-Foot Dog Fence

Our standard dog fence works great for most breeds. However, there are some breeds (and some individual dog personalities) that are so hard to contain that even our incredibly strong and flexible standard dog fences are not enough. Our MAX Strength Fence has been specifically designed for chewers and more aggressive dogs like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers and our 7-foot tall MAX Strength Dog Fence was specifically designed for dogs that chew and jump.

Our MAX Strength Kit adds a 3rd layer of 19 gauge steel vinyl-coated steel mesh material that is used in combination with our:

• 1,100-pound break-strength polypropylene mesh; and our
• 1,800-pound break strength rubber coated welded wire

What is the Standard Fence Height for Dogs?

If you’re uncertain about your dog’s jumping capability, it’s recommended to opt for a 1.8-meter (6-foot) fence, as it can contain about 99% of dogs. Only the most exceptional jumpers among dogs can clear a height of 2.1 meters (8 feet).

If you have one of the following breeds, consider the MAX option:

• Akita: Originally bred to hunt big game like boar, this powerful dog has a strong prey drive.
• Australian Cattle Dog: Originally bred to herd cows, this breed is a high-energy breed that requires a lot of exercise. They have a habit of biting at the heels of passers-by which is a natural tendency evolved from herding cows. This makes them constant chewers and excellent candidates for our MAX Strength Dog Fence.
• Australian Shepherd: Originally bred to herd livestock, they can be very destructive if they’re not getting the exercise and mental stimulation they need. When they are not used as police or search and rescue dogs, they are often award winners at national agility events because of their athleticism. Their athleticism makes them a great candidate to consider a MAX fence.
• Bullmastiff: Like pit bull terriers, bullmastiffs can become aggressive towards other dogs or humans when not socialized properly. Whether your bullmastiff has been socialized properly as a puppy will determine whether you need a MAX Strength kit or not.
• Great Pyrenees: This is the only breed here where we always recommend a MAX Strength Kit regardless of your dog’s unique behavior, training, or age. The average Great Pyrenees escapes more than once a month. They are very intelligent dogs and will instinctively protect those they love with their life. They have extraordinary senses of sight and sound, which enables them to detect coyotes, deer, wolves, raccoons, bears, and possums – but that means they will also try to leave their enclosure to protect you from these animals. That is why a MAX Strength Kit is necessary to contain this breed.
• Husky: This breed was bred to pull sleds for long distances, so they require a lot of exercise or they can get bored. Their boredom can lead to destructive behavior. If your husky is destructive, consider getting a MAX Strength Kit. However, when possible, most huskies simply need a lot of space (300-500 linear feet) and puzzle toys to be safe, happy, and healthy.
• Jack Russell Terrier: You might be surprised to find this breed on this list. Typically, they are small 20-35-pound animals, but they require a lot of exercise. When not properly socialized, they can pick fights with other dogs and can also be very prey-driven. They have been known to chew their way out of wood, chain link, and other enclosures due to their incredibly high prey-drive.
• Pit Bull Terrier: Pit Bulls are wonderful and lovable dogs. They are also incredibly strong and are responsible for a large percentage of dog attacks. To decide if your pit bull needs a MAX you will need to know how socialized he or she was as a puppy with both other dogs, other animals, and humans. If you are unsure how much socialization your pit bull had as a puppy you should choose a MAX fence.
• Rottweiler: These powerful dogs can be very protective of their owners and their territory. They can become aggressive towards other people and animals if they are not socialized at a young age. They are second only to pit bulls when it comes to the number of injury bites they inflict on humans, so it’s important that you know how well your dog was socialized as a puppy. If you’re unsure, you should choose a MAX Strength Kit.

Still not sure? Give us a call at 1-800-985-9202