Best Dog Strollers by Dog Size: A Weight-Based Guide

Plenty of dogs love a long walk but run out of steam halfway through it. Others are older, recovering, or simply happier riding along and watching the world go by. A stroller gives them that option, but only if it fits. Too snug and your dog is uncomfortable. Too little capacity and the stroller isn't built for them at all.

The good news is that sizing one is simpler than it looks. It comes down to a single number: your dog's weight. Here's how to use it, and which Dogline stroller fits each range, whether you're shopping for a small dog stroller or a large dog stroller.

How to Choose a Dog Stroller by Weight

Start by weighing your dog. If you don't have a pet scale, weigh yourself holding your dog, then subtract your own weight. Compare that number to the capacity listed for each stroller.

Weight works better than breed because dogs vary so much, even within the same breed. If your dog is close to a limit, size up. A little extra capacity gives your dog room to settle in.

Dog Strollers for Small Dogs (Up to 33 Pounds)

A good small dog stroller feels snug and secure. Smaller dogs tend to settle best in an enclosed space, so look for mesh windows that let your dog see out and zippered openings that keep them in. A frame that folds quickly helps, too, especially if you're lifting the stroller in and out of a car.

Dogs up to 33 pounds include most small breeds and some medium-sized dogs. Whether you want a stroller for a small dog who tires out on long walks or one who just likes the view, three of our strollers are listed for this range:

• The Casual Pet Stroller has a 3-wheel design, mesh windows and screens, a storage compartment, two built-in leashes, and a removable cup holder. It suits everyday walks and errands.
• The Executive Pet Stroller has a 4-wheel design, a removable cradle, quick folding, and seat belt loops, which makes it easy to store between outings.
• The Signature Legacy Pet Stroller is a 2-in-1 design that works as a stroller and a removable carrier, with a one-step brake and a shock-absorbing 4-wheel system.

The best small dog stroller depends on your routine, whether that's everyday errands, easy storage, or flexible 2-in-1 use. You can compare every option in our small dog strollers collection.

Dog Strollers for Medium Dogs (34 to 55 Pounds)

Once a dog passes 33 pounds, the frame and wheels do more of the work. When you're shopping for a medium size dog stroller, look for larger wheels that roll smoothly over cracked pavement, gravel, and grass, and a sturdier frame that handles the extra weight. Many medium-sized dogs fall in this range.

If you want a dog stroller for medium dogs that can handle more than smooth sidewalks, the TrailRunner Pet Stroller supports pets up to 55 pounds and rides on three 12-inch mixed terrain rubber tires. The tires are maintenance-free, so there's no air to check. It's a good fit if your dog enjoys park paths and uneven ground, and it helps on longer outings, like a senior dog who loves the walk but tires out partway through. You can see every option in our medium dog strollers collection.

Dog Strollers for Large Dogs (56 to 88 Pounds)

For large dogs, lifting is often the hardest part. Choosing a big stroller for dogs comes down to capacity and entry as much as size. A ramp or wide opening matters for older dogs, dogs with sore joints, and any pet parent who'd rather not lift 60 pounds or more.

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers typically weigh 55 to 80 and 55 to 75 pounds. The Powerhouse Pet Cruiser Stroller with Easy Access Ramp is our big dog stroller, and its 88-pound capacity, the highest in our range, covers both. It has a spacious rear opening, a non-slip ramp, and a large mesh window, so your dog can walk in without being lifted. Browse the full large dog strollers collection to compare capacity and entry options.

Mobility is a common reason to look for ramp access. Roughly one in five dogs experiences joint problems at some point in life, and both of those breeds are among those with the highest recorded rates of osteoarthritis. Short, frequent walks are commonly recommended for dogs with osteoarthritis, and a stroller lets your dog ride when they've had enough. Your vet can advise on how much activity is right, and VCA Animal Hospitals has guidance on exercising dogs with osteoarthritis.

Dog Stroller Size Chart

Common Sizing Mistakes

• Guessing the weight. Weigh your dog before you shop, and recheck if it's been a while.
• Buying right at the limit. A stroller that's at its capacity leaves no margin.
• Forgetting about growth. Large and giant breeds can keep developing until 18 to 24 months, so ask your vet what adult weight to expect.
• Overlooking interior space. Your dog should be able to sit, turn, and lie down comfortably, so check the product details.

What to Check Before You Buy

Once you've narrowed down the size, a few features make a difference day to day.

• Brakes: Look for brakes that keep the stroller in place when you stop.
• Ventilation: Mesh panels keep air moving and let your dog see out.
• Folding and storage: A foldable frame and storage compartment make the stroller easier to live with.

FAQs

The Right Fit Makes the Ride

A stroller is only as good as its fit. Get your dog's weight right and the rest, from wheels to ramps to folding frames, comes down to how you two spend your days.

Whether that means a few extra miles of park trails, an easier trip to the vet, or keeping an older dog part of the family walk, the right stroller means more time outside together. Still weighing your options? Our comparison of dog strollers vs. carriers can help, and you can browse all products to pair your stroller with a harness, collar, or leash.