By Spencer
The right urn size depends on the amount and container of the cremated remains, not on a photograph of the urn or a breed name alone. Start with the information from your cremation provider. Then compare it with the urn's published capacity and exterior measurements.
Ask your cremation provider about volume
Ask what volume of cremated remains you should plan for and how they will be returned. Some providers use a sealed bag, while others place the bag inside a temporary container. If you want to keep that container, measure it as well as the ashes.
The amount of cremated remains can vary. A general estimate based only on a pet's weight may be useful as a starting point, but it should not replace the provider's guidance. The provider handling the cremation is in the best position to tell you what size to prepare.
Compare capacity before exterior size
Capacity tells you how much the interior can hold. Exterior dimensions tell you how much room the urn needs on a shelf or cabinet. You need both numbers, but capacity comes first.
Wayhome publishes its capacities in milliliters. The table below lists the current published specifications for the ceramic designs on the Wayhome website.
| Wayhome design | Published capacity | Published dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Cat | 700 ml | 15 x 14 x 17 cm |
| Bulldog and Boston Terrier | 1,150 ml | 17 x 15.5 x 22 cm |
| Terrier | 1,200 ml | 15 x 14 x 23 cm |
| Teddy, Bichon and Poodle | 1,400 ml | 16 x 16 x 22 cm |
| Husky, German Shepherd and Shiba | 2,800 ml | 21 x 19 x 31 cm |
| Labrador and Golden Retriever | 3,200 ml | 23 x 21 x 27 cm |
The breed names describe the sculpted designs. They do not guarantee that a particular capacity will be right for every dog of that breed. Confirm the required volume first.
Allow room for the sealed bag or container
An interior capacity can be large enough for the ashes but still awkward for a rigid temporary container. Ask how the remains will be packaged. If you plan to place the sealed bag inside the urn, keep it sealed and follow the cremation provider's handling instructions.
Do not force a bag or container through an opening. Check the current product photographs and opening instructions before moving the remains.
Measure the place where the urn will sit
Once the capacity works, measure the intended shelf, cabinet or table. Use the full length, width and height. Leave extra room around sculpted ears, collars and tails, and leave enough space above the urn to lift it safely.
A simple paper template can help. Cut a rectangle to the published footprint and place it on the shelf. This gives a clearer sense of scale than a close product photograph.
Leave a little practical margin
If two sizes both meet the provider's volume recommendation, the larger one may be easier to handle. It can also leave room for the sealed bag without pressing it into place. The larger exterior size still needs to fit the room, so check the footprint before choosing.
A short size checklist
- Ask the cremation provider for the expected volume.
- Confirm how the remains will be packaged.
- Compare that information with the published urn capacity.
- Check the opening and current handling instructions.
- Measure the shelf using the full exterior dimensions.
- Leave room to lift and move the urn safely.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose an urn by my pet's weight?
Weight can provide a rough starting point, but the final amount of cremated remains varies. Ask the cremation provider what volume you should prepare for.
Is urn capacity the same as its exterior size?
No. Capacity describes the interior volume. Exterior dimensions describe the physical space the urn occupies. Check both before choosing.
Should I choose a larger urn just in case?
A small amount of extra capacity can make placement easier, especially when the ashes remain in a sealed bag. Make sure the larger urn still fits its intended display space.
Do breed labels determine the right urn size?
No. On a sculpted urn, the breed label describes the design. Confirm the required capacity with the cremation provider rather than assuming that the matching breed shape will always be the right size.
If you are comparing cat urns, the ceramic cat urn guide also covers color, surface details and home display.