What Size Wood Chew Does My Dog Need? The Complete Guide

The most common mistake when buying a dog chew — any chew, not just wood — is getting the wrong size.

Too small: your dog swallows it in one session, or worse, swallows it in one piece. Too large: they can't get a proper grip and lose interest. The right size means a chew your dog can hold comfortably, chew safely, and return to over multiple sessions.

Here's how to get it right.

The basic rule: size to your dog's weight, not their breed name

Breed names are useful starting points, but weight is the more reliable guide. A "medium" Cocker Spaniel and a "small" Shetland Sheepdog might weigh the same. A Staffie at 18 kg and a Staffie at 28 kg need different sizes. Always go by weight first — breed is a secondary indicator.

Size guide by weight

Size	Dog weight	Typical breeds
XS	Up to 5 kg	Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Pomeranian
S	5–10 kg	Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Jack Russell, Cavapoo, Miniature Schnauzer
M	10–20 kg	Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Whippet, Bulldog, Springer Spaniel
L	20–35 kg	Labrador, Staffie, Border Collie, Golden Retriever, Dalmatian
XL	35 kg+	Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Husky, Boxer, Dobermann

When to size up

The table above is a starting point — but the right size also depends on how your dog chews, not just how much they weigh.

Size up if your dog:

• Is an aggressive or power chewer who gets through things quickly
• Tends to try to swallow chunks rather than chewing patiently
• Is at the top of a weight range (e.g., a 19 kg dog — go L, not M)
• Is a large breed at a healthy but lean weight (e.g., a lean Staffie at 18 kg still has a powerful jaw — go L)

Keep the standard size if your dog:

• Is a measured, patient chewer
• Has a smaller jaw relative to body weight (some Bulldogs, for example)
• Is new to natural chews and you want to start conservatively

Coffee wood vs olive wood: does size work the same way?

Yes — the same weight-based guide applies to both. The difference between coffee and olive wood is density, not size. Coffee wood is denser and harder, making it better for power chewers regardless of size. Olive wood is slightly softer, making it more forgiving for lighter chewers, puppies, and dogs new to natural chews.

If you're unsure which wood to start with, our Coffee + Olive Bundle lets your dog try both in the correct size for their weight.

What happens if I choose wrong?

Too small: the chew gets used up too quickly and — more importantly — becomes a swallowing risk before you've noticed it's almost gone. This is the more serious direction to get wrong.

Too large: your dog may struggle to hold the chew comfortably or lose interest. This is less serious, but a wasted purchase.

When in doubt, go one size larger. It lasts longer and is the safer choice.

Frequently asked questions

My dog is between sizes — which should I choose?

Always go up. A chew that's slightly too large is less convenient; a chew that's slightly too small is a safety risk. If your dog is 10 kg exactly, go Medium rather than Small.

I have two dogs of different sizes — can they share?

It's better to give each dog their own chew sized for them. The smaller dog's chew may become a swallowing risk for the larger dog before it's finished. Two separate chews means safer chewing for both.

When should I replace the chew?

Replace (or remove and discard) a chew when it becomes short enough that your dog could fit the entire remaining piece in their mouth at once. A good rule of thumb: when the remaining piece is shorter than your dog's muzzle length, it's time for a new one.

Does chew size affect how long it lasts?

Yes — larger chews last longer, even for the same dog. This is why sizing up for power chewers makes sense both for safety and economy. An XL chew for a large dog will outlast a correctly-sized L chew by a significant margin if the dog chews heavily.