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How High Can a Dog Jump?

Written by: Kristin Hitchcock

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Kristin Hitchcock

How High Can a Dog Jump?

How high a dog can jump depends mainly on the breed. Small breeds will be able to jump shorter distances than larger breeds — because they’re smaller!

Most canines can jump about one to three times their height. For the largest breeds, that puts their maximum jump height at about 6 feet.

Healthier, fitter dogs can often jump farther than older dogs. Dogs that have undergone specific training may also be able to jump farther. For instance, a dog that is involved in agility will probably jump farther than one that hasn’t. They’ve had more practice.

Breeds with short legs can often jump shorter distances than those with long legs. Corgis and beagles can’t jump far at all, for instance.

That said, it can be hard to determine how high a dog can jump until you see it with your own eyes. Many factors go into a dog’s jumping height, making it tricky to calculate exactly.

divider-dog pawCan a Dog Jump Over a 6-Foot Fence?

Most dogs cannot jump higher than 6 feet. However, some breeds can jump exceptionally high. For instance, Border Collies, Australian Kelpies, and German Shepherds can sometimes conquer 6-foot walls.

This fact is especially true if the dog is young, active, and good at jumping. Dogs that are involved in agility are often better at jumping than those that are not.

If you own one of these breeds, you may need to contain them with a fence that is a bit taller than 6 feet.

Luckily, the large majority of dogs cannot jump over 6 feet. Therefore, a 6-foot fence is a safe bet. If your dog is smaller, the odds of them jumping over a fence that tall is quite low. Of course, some dogs are exceptionally good at climbing.

For example, American Staffordshire Terriers are great at climbing up fences, which enables them to escape a 6-foot fence, even if they couldn’t jump straight up that high.

The breed will be the most crucial factor when considering the fence to install (or dog to adopt). Some breeds cab jump higher and farther than others. It’s how they were built and bred.

Dog jump
Image Credit: Jumpstory

What Is the Highest That a Dog Has Ever Jumped?

The highest that a dog has ever jumped is 75.5 inches, according to the Guinness World Records. This record was achieved by Feather, a 2-year female Greyhound.

Luckily, most dogs can’t jump this high.

Can a Dog Jump a 5-Foot Fence?

A dog jumping a 5-foot fence is more likely than a dog jumping a 6-foot one. However, that doesn’t mean that all dogs will be able to jump this high (or even most dogs). Larger breeds can usually scale a 5-foot fence if they try hard enough, though.

You can multiply your dog’s height by three to get their maximum jumping height. In most cases, you can use this information to determine whether they can scale a fence. However, keep in mind that this would be their maximum potential jumping height, not the actual height that they can jump.

Many dogs cannot jump their maximum height unless they are young, energetic, and strongly motivated to do so.

Furthermore, some dogs can jump (or climb) higher than this maximum. Some breeds are good at climbing linked fences, in which case, you’re better off with a wooden fence that they can’t climb.

Pug jump
Image Credit by: Pixabay

Will My Dog Jump Over My Fence?

It depends on the breed, dog’s temperament, and the fence. Smaller fences are easier for dogs to jump over. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean your dog can jump over your fence just because it is small.

Your dog’s height and innate ability are essential. For instance, athletic working breeds are more likely to be able to jump over fences. Toy breeds and those bred to be companions often don’t have the same physical ability and therefore, can’t jump over fences.

You also have to consider their instincts. Just because a dog can jump over a fence doesn’t mean that they will. It takes a great deal of motivation for a dog to attempt to jump over a 6-foot fence for the first time. Usually, this is caused by a very high prey drive.

Dogs that scale fences typically do so because they see something that they want to chase. No dog looks at a fence and decides that they’re going to try and jump it. They see something running and chase it, regardless of the fence in their way.

Some dogs may have other instincts that drive them to jump over a fence. For instance, some territorial dogs may jump over the fence if they feel threatened.

All of these situations are dangerous, as the dog is typically going after something and aren’t always aware of their surroundings!

Dog clearing a high jump obstacle course
Image Credit: woodsilver, Pixabay

How to Prevent a Dog From Jumping Over a Fence

The best way to prevent your dog from jumping over a fence is to have a high enough fence. We recommend at least a 6-foot fence for most dogs. This should be high enough for even large canines, especially if they don’t have much motivation to try to jump over the fence.

However, for smaller dogs, you can often get away with a smaller fence. If the dog belongs to a breed that isn’t mainly known for athleticism, a small fence is often fine.

Remember, you can multiply your dog’s height by three and then use that information to judge the height of the fence that you need. Some dogs are fine with a little fence.

Beyond this, there isn’t much that you can do to prevent your dog from jumping over a fence. If they want to do it, they will. It is best to invest in a higher fence than you probably need to prevent this. If you can’t get a higher fence, consider the dog breed that you adopt carefully.

doberman dog jumping high to fetch a ball
Image Credit: Michsa, Shutterstock

divider-dog pawConclusion

Dogs can jump about three times their height, at maximum. Most dogs won’t be able to jump this high. It takes a great deal of athleticism, youthfulness, and determination to jump this high. Therefore, most dogs can probably jump closer to twice their height.

Determining how high your specific dog can jump is often tricky. After all, there is little way to account for all the factors involved.

We recommend purchasing a taller fence than you think that you might need to be on the safe side. Also, be aware that many dog breeds can climb link fences. If you’re adopting an American Staffordshire Terrier, for instance, keep this in mind. It isn’t always the jumping height that matters.

See also: How to Dog-Proof a Fence – 10 Great Tips & Tricks


Featured Image Credit: JenRegnier, pixabay

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