How much weight can a Labrador carry

How Much Weight Can My Dog Carry In a Backpack?

Your dog can help carry the load, but how much can they actually carry? Dont just load up your dogs pack and hope for the best. Theres a simple formula (refer to the table below) to figure out how much your dog can carry in a backpack.

How much weight can a dog carrying in a backpack? Dogs can usually carry approximately 25% of their body weight in a backpack. Some breeds can carry 10% more while older dogs and puppies will need to carry less. Just make sure your dog is physically ready to carry a pack.

Almost every dog can carry a pack after some basic training. How much they can actually carry depends on the breed and dog. Refer to the table below for more information.

How Much Weight Should My Dog Carry Backpacking?

Theres a lot that goes into figuring out how much weight your dog can safely carry in a pack. How old is your dog? What type of dog is it? Does your dog regularly exercise? Can they even wear a pack?

You need to think about all of those factors before hitting the trail with a pack. When I started looking into packs for my dog Zoey I had a difficult time figuring out how much weight she could carry.

I kept seeing rough estimates in the range of 10-25% of her body weight. Its great to have a general range, but I quickly learned that theres more to it. Every dog responds differently to backpacks. Some love them and others hate them.

Not every dog will be able to handle 25% of their body weight. They need to be in peak athletic shape between the age of 2-7 years old. You also need to factor in the dogs previous work experience and breed standards. Some breeds are better at pulling and carrying weight.

The following chart should point you in the right direction. Just remember that it wont be 100% accurate for every dog. Start off light so your dog can get used to his pack and slowly build up weight.

Dont Rely Solely On Your Dogs Weight

Dont rely solely on your dogs weight for sizing a pack. Measure around your dogs chest to get the right fit and make sure the pack fits right.

Let your vet know that youre thinking about adding extra weight to your dogs pack. They should be able to give you a healthy starting point to work off of.

The right weight will depend on a number of factors including your dogs breed, age, fitness level, and energy level. Some dogs will be able to handle a heavier load while others wont want to carry any weight. These are questions that your vet should be able to easily answer.

Your Dog Needs To Be Physically/Mentally Fit

You cant expect a dog to wake up one day and carry 25% of their body weight in a pack. It will take a few months of training to build up your dogs strength.

Dogs get sore from hiking just like humans. Hiking will be miserable for your dog if you dont give them enough time to adjust to the added weight. Start off light and slowly add weight to the pack.

Start with just the pack so they can get used to it. Once they get used to carrying a pack you can add about 1 lb of gear per trip until you fill up the rest of the pack.

You might have to temporarily reduce your hiking distance until they get used to the added weight. Watch for signs of muscle stress and take extra breaks.

Check out my other post explaining how far a dog can hike in a day.

1. Start off with short 1-2 hour hikes without a pack. Go on 2-3 short hikes per week just to get used to hiking and basic trail etiquette. After about 1 month of regular hiking plan a nice 7-8 hour day hike.
2. After a few weeks hiking start using a pack around the house. Your dog probably wont like the pack at first. Start off with a few minutes and slowly build up time. Once your dog gets used to using a pack its time to hit the trail.
3. Once again youll need to start off with short hikes with an empty pack. It will take time for them to get used to how the pack rubs on their sides. Watch for rashes, cuts, and other signs of irritation.
4. As your dog gets used to the pack add a little bit of weight. Slowly build up both weight and distance over 1-2 months. Just make sure you monitor the dog for sores/rashes and look for signs of muscle strain. Remember that dogs will get sore so take lots of breaks.

Keep An Eye On Your Dog

Not every dog will be able to handle 25% of their body weight. Without regular exercise your dog wont be physically strong enough to carry extra weight. Keep an eye on the dog and watch for signs of muscle exertion.

Its hard to describe, but you know when your dog isnt acting right. If theyre acting lethargic or mopey its time to reduce the weight. Hiking/backpacking should be a fun activity for both you and the dog.

We start off with an empty pack so your dog has enough time to get used to the pack. They have to get used to the straps, added weight, and hiking distance.

Going on long hikes too soon increases the risk of the packs straps rubbing into your dogs skin. Im sure youve experienced chafing at some point in your life. Its not fun! Plus it will take you both off the trail for a few weeks.

Dont take a gamble on your dogs health and safety. Take them to see a vet at first sign of injury. Dogs are great at hiding injuries. Limping and yelping means theres definitely something wrong.

Some Dog Packs Are Better Than Others

Remember that some packs will be better than others. Spend the extra money on a quality pack with multiple adjustment points. I really like the Ruffwear Lineup of dog packs.

They can be a bit pricey, but theyre by far the best packs on the market. I started off with a cheap pack and had nothing but trouble. My dog Zoey had a nasty rash under her armpits where the pack rubbed her raw.

We quickly switched over to the Ruffwear Approach pack which is their budget dog pack. It has lots of padding and 5 adjustment points so it stays tight without rubbing. Its the perfect size for both day hikes and long multi-day backpacking trips.

I eventually switched over to the Palisades Pack which is way more expensive, but easier to use. Its nice to be able to take off the side saddle bags once we set up camp.

Does The Weight of The Pack Count?

Yes, you do need to factor in the weight of the pack. However, it will be close to your dogs body so it shouldnt throw off their balance.

This isnt a big deal with large dogs, but it seriously cuts down the amount of weight a small dog can carry. Considering the small Ruffwear Palisades pack weighs 1.75lbs thats 25% of a small dogs carrying capacity. The rest of the pack will be filled with food/water.

Pack Needs to Be Well Balanced

Obviously not everybody will be able to afford a ruffwear pack. There are lots of great deals available if you search Amazon. Just make sure the pack has multiple adjustment points and its well balanced.

Look at the 2 packs pictured above and try to figure out which one offers the most support. It should seem obvious that the Ruffwear Approach Pack on the left will be more stable.

Notice how the forward strap is centered on the dogs chest rather than the neck. Budget packs usually have a single strap that wraps around the dogs neck. This allows the pack to wobble and sway which causes rubbing as the dog moves.

Most of the weight should be centered around the dogs middle/sides. The packs balance will be thrown off as the pack weight goes farther away from their center of gravity. As the weight gets thrown around it will place more strain on your dogs muscles.

Balance Water Bladders

Water bladders/bottles are by far the biggest cause of shifting weight. Have you ever tried to carry a 5-Gallon bucket of water? Its not only heavy, it moves and sways as you walk causing instability.

You can minimize the water sway by using small hydration bladders on both sides of the pack. They wont move as much and they take up less room.

Some Breeds Can Carry More/Less Weight in Their Pack

Not every dog breed will be able to carry weight on their back. Working and athletic breeds will be best at carrying heavy loads. Some other breeds wont be able to carry weight at all.

It all depends on the type of dog and what they were bred for. Dog breeds in the working group and Sporting Group can usually carry additional weight. You might want to check out the AKC List of Working Breeds and Sporting Breeds for more info.

Just keep in mind that some working breeds will be better at pulling/carrying than others. Dogs with known hip issues will have a hard time carrying weight.

I was surprised to learn that dogs in the Herding Group have difficulty carrying weight. Herdings dogs like the Australian Shepherd, German Shepherd, etc make great hiking companions, but they werent bred to carry weight.

Try to start off in the 15-20% range so you dont cause premature hip problems. After lots of experience you can slowly increase the weight.

Senior Dogs and Puppies Cant Carry Much Weight

Senior dogs and puppies wont be able to carry as much weight. Dogs are usually in their athletic prime from 2-7 years old. Younger and older dogs wont be able to carry as much weight.

Even a dog thats consistently carried 25% of their body weight for years will need a break once they get older. Slowly reduce the pack weight and slow down your pace/distance as your dog gets older.

My dog Lucy was carrying about 7 lbs of gear in the picture above. Shes no longer with us, but she was hiking until the month before she died. Youd be surprised how much weight senior dogs can handle.

Puppies on the other hand shouldnt carry a pack until theyre at least 1 year old. Start off by using an empty pack and build up weight over time. Your dog should be able to handle a heavy pack once theyre about 2 years old.

What Do You Put in a Dog Backpack?

Your dog should be able to carry all of their own gear on 2-3 day backpacking trips. Load a hydration bladder, food, first-aid kit, small travel bed, and 1-2 light toys.

Definitely check out the Ruffwear Highlands Dog Bed. It folds down small and weighs about 12 oz. Its the perfect size for your dogs pack.

Check out my post on protecting a tent floor from dog paws.

Dont Guess The Weight of Their Pack!

Everybody accidentally goes overboard when first loading up a dogs pack. They go over the recommended weight limit and cause unnecessary strain on their dog.

Keep a scale handy and double check the final weight to verify the load. An additional 1-2 lbs can make a huge difference to a small dog.

How Much Weight Can a Dog Carry in a Backpack? Keeping Fido Safe

Wanting to put a backpack on your dog while out for walks or exploring trails? Backpacks are great for dogs!

It can help condition them to be stronger and lets them contribute to the hike by carrying a few of their own supplies.

But after putting a pack on your four legged friend you may start to wonder how much weight can your dog is safe for your dog to carry in a backpack?

The answer in short, it depends. Age, conditioning and even their breed all makes a difference.

Some breeds of dogs are great for hiking, while others not so much

Read on below to figure out how much your dog can safely carry.

How Much Weight Should You Put in Your Dogs Backpack?

In short, your dog can usually carry somewhere between 10% to 20% of their weight in their backpack.

Factors that effect how much weight they should carry depends on their age, conditioning and the hike itself.

If your dog is new to carrying a backpack, 10% is a safe starting weight. Once they are fully conditioned, your dog could carry up to, but no more than 20% of their weight.

If they are a puppy or a senior, keep to the 10% rule and dont push the weight any further. Their bodies wont be able to hold the weight the same way a healthy younger adult dog will.

Lets break it down with a little example

How much weight can a 50lb Dog Carry?

An unconditioned dog not used to carrying a pack can safely carry 5lbs. This is 10% of his weight.

However, if you are avid hikers and your dog is used to carrying a backpack with some weight in it, then your dog could carry up to 10 lbs.

And since they cant directly speak to you, always err on the side of caution and go with a lower weight.

Here is a little chart to help you figure out an appropriate weight for your dog to carry.

Dogs Weight Vs. How Much They Can Carry

Other Factors That Effect How Much a Dog Can Carry

While the chart above can be useful as a general guide considering the weight of your dog, there are other factors to consider.

Things like age, health issues, conditioning, how long youll be walking or hiking, the weather and terrain, and the backpack itself.

Age

We already mentioned age as a determining factor. Very young and very old dogs simply cant handle as much weight.

Generally dogs under 2 are considered puppies. While classifying dogs as seniors depends on their weight.

Smaller dogs are considered in their senior years after the age of 10-11 while larger dogs fall into the senior category at 7-8 years of age.

Health Issues

If your dog has any health issues, this should definitely be weighed into account. Things like arthritis, back problems or breathing issues will effect the stamina and tolerance for carrying weight.

Always check with your vet to make sure hiking and wearing a pack is safe for your dog before embarking on your adventures.

Conditioning

Again, we mentioned conditioning. The more your dog is active and walking with a pack, the more they will be conditioned to carry more weight.

You can start conditioning your dog to wear a backpack by taking him for walks with the pack on, secure and empty.

From there you can slowly add more weight over consecutive walks and hikes.

How Long is the Hike

The longer your dog is wearing the pack, the more hell start to feel drained, tired and sore.

When deciding weight your dog should carry on a particular hike, count in how long youll be hitting the trails.

How many miles a dog can hike depends on several factors, including how much weight he is carrying. The more weight in the pack means the shorter distance to hike for, and vice versa.

The Weather & Terrain

And finally, a big factor is weather and terrain. If the weather is hot, your dog will be come tired, drained and dehydrated a lot quicker than in mild weather.

If the terrain youll be trekking on is rough and uneven, added weight in your dogs pack could cause theme to be unsteady and further at risk for injury.

The Backpack Your Dog Is Wearing

Its essential that your dogs backpack fits securely, without being too snug and that the weight is distributed well in the pack.

Most dog backpacks out there are designed well enough to distribute the weight equally on both sides of your dog. This helps distribute the pressure.

When choosing a pack, make sure to pick one that secures over a larger surface of their back.

Skinny straps that only attach in 2 places on your dog, means more pressure in those areas.

You want equally distributed pressure as much as possible.

The fit is a big deal to. A loose fitting back could throw your dogs balance off, causing them to slip or injure their back or legs.

Are Dog Backpacks Safe?

Backpacks are one of our favorite items on our hiking with dogs essential gear.

But I do urge you to not to put too much strain on your dog.

Their bodies arent meant for carrying a lot of weight.

Stay within the guide lines listed above to make sure you dont injure or overburden you dogs body.

Dogs tend to be better at pulling weight rather than carrying it. For example, sled dogs.

However carrying some weight is a great way to condition and strengthen their body while getting great exercise.

Make Sure to Weigh Your Dog & The Loaded Backpack

For safetys sake, make sure to know your dogs actual weight and how much the backpack is fully loaded.

This can be done with a simple every day scale. To easily do this, weigh yourself first, then pick up your dog and weigh both of you together.

Then subtract your weight and that should be your dogs actual weight.

Repeat the process again with their loaded pack instead of your dog.

This will give you a more accurate weight of everything in the pack along with the backpacks weight.

Watch Your Dogs Body Language

Simply watching your dog and how they are reacting will tell you a lot. If your dog is slowing down, panting more than normal, or constantly stopping, it may be time to relieve him of the extra weight.

Make sure they are getting plenty of water, rest when needed and a few high protein snacks to keep their energy levels up.

When in doubt, lower the weight in your dogs pack or take it off completely and try again another time and with less weight.

What Should I Put in My Dogs Pack

No need to go looking for extra weight to put in your dogs backpack. Load him up with his own necessities.

This could be a simple first aid kit for smaller dogs and larger dogs can carry the food and water theyll need for that day.

You can also throw in lighter, but bulkier items if the pack is large, such as poop bags for if your dog poops on the hike, or a small towel in case things get muddy.

If we are hiking in the mountains, Ill have Jack carry his own dog hiking shoes in case the terrain gets too rough for his paws.

Its one of the ways you can protect your dogs paws while hiking.

I wouldnt recommend putting important items like your wallet, phone or keys, however. If your dog gets lost, somehow damages the pack, or even finds a river to jump in, it could spell disaster.

Final Thoughts

When figuring out how much weight to put in your dogs backpack, a little common sense can go a long way.

Most important stay within the guidelines above and watch your dogs behavior and reactions. Remember, the whole point is to let you and your dog enjoy the beauty of the hike and the wonders of nature.

Happy hiking!