A dog carrier backpack up to 20 kg exists, and at Homies it is size M. The Homies Dog Carrier Backpack is tested up to 20 kg in all three sizes. But 20 kg is a ceiling, not a target. Back length picks the size, and M covers back lengths of 44 to 53 cm.
Measure from the base of the neck to the base of the tail, tail excluded. Our size guide shows how. Below: how to measure, which dogs land in M, how to lift a bigger dog in and out, and when something else is the better choice.
Why 20 kg does not pick the size
Picture two dogs on the same bathroom scale. One is short and sturdy, the other long and lean. The scale calls them twins, the tape measure doesn't.
That is why the 20 kg rating works as a weight ceiling and nothing more. Your dog's back decides which bag it sits in.
Lighter dogs have their own guides: up to 5 kg, up to 10 kg and up to 15 kg. This one is for the bigger end of the range.
How to measure for size M
Use a soft tape, like a sewing tape. Let your dog stand on all four paws on a flat floor and keep a treat close.
- Find the base of the neck, where the neck meets the back.
- Run the tape along the spine to the base of the tail.
- Leave the tail out.
- Read the number: M is 44 to 53 cm, S is 36 to 43 cm and XS is 30 to 36 cm.
- Between two sizes? Take the larger one.
A back longer than 53 cm falls outside all our sizes. Shorter than 44 cm? Then S is the one to check, and our dog carrier backpacks come in olive green and black in all three sizes.
Which dogs size M is for
Our sizing page names small to medium labradoodles and similar dogs for M. Moos, The Netherlands, writes: “My little labradoodle fits perfectly and looks so adorable peeking out of the bag.”
Breed is only a starting point. Builds can differ inside one breed, so the tape decides. A long, low dog may need a different size than its weight suggests: standard dachshunds, for example, are listed under S. Our dachshund guide goes into that.
Not sure where your breed lands? Small dog breeds that fit a carrier lines up the options.
When a bigger dog rides in the bag
Size M is not for carrying your dog all day. It's for the moments when walking stops being fun or being possible.
- A walk that turned out too long for tired legs.
- A packed station platform or a busy market.
- The ride across town by bike, with both hands on the handlebars. Eva Ten Doeschate writes: “No more wobbly baskets or worrying if she’ll jump out.” Our cycling guide has the details.
- A dog with joint issues. Marieke de Jong writes: “My mix breed doggie is super active but has joint issues, so when he gets tired, I pop him in the bag and we’re good to go.” For any joint or back condition, ask your vet first.
With a joint or back condition, ask your vet first whether carrying is right for your dog.
Lifting and safety with a heavier dog
The Homies carrier has an internal safety clip. Use it on each trip, short ones included.
Lift your dog in and out with two hands. Set the bag on the ground or on a bench instead of letting your dog hop out from your back. The padded straps spread the weight over your shoulders, and the breathable panels let air reach your dog.
New to all this? Start with how to get your dog into a dog backpack, and read whether a dog backpack is dangerous before the first trip.
When something else is the better choice
A backpack doesn't suit all dogs, and we'd rather say so.
| Your dog | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Heavier than 20 kg | A different solution. Our bags are tested up to 20 kg, so above that we don't recommend this one. |
| Back shorter than 30 cm or longer than 53 cm | Message us before you order. No size covers that, so we'd rather check with you than guess. |
| A back or joint condition | Ask your vet before you carry your dog. |
| A dog that enjoys the whole walk | A lead and a pair of paws. The bag can stay home. |
FAQ: carrying a dog up to 20 kg
Is 20 kg the limit?
Yes. All Homies backpacks are tested up to 20 kg, and that is the line we keep. It is a ceiling for weight. The size you need still depends on back length.
Does a 20 kg dog fit size M?
Weight can't tell you that. Measure your dog's back from neck to tail base. If it falls between 44 and 53 cm, M is the size to look at. Over 53 cm, no size fits.
Which size if my dog is between two sizes?
Take the larger size. A dog at 43.5 cm, for example, sits between S and M, so M is the safer pick.
Can a bigger dog get used to the backpack?
Build it up slowly. Start with the bag on the floor and a treat inside, then add short lifts. Our step-by-step guide shows the order.
Measure, then pick your colour
Measure your dog, choose the size and pick olive green or black in size M. If it doesn't work out, you have 14 days to return it. Want to double-check first? Check the size guide.
