1) Dog Pram Buying Guide Australia: How to Choose the Perfect Size
Don't buy the wrong size. Discover the perfect sizing formula and learn why wheel type matters more than you think.
If you’re looking at a dog pram and thinking, "Great! It holds up to 22kg, and my dog is 15kg—it fits!" stop right there.
While weight limits are important for safety, weight is not the only thing that matters. Think about it this way: A Whippet and a Bulldog might weigh exactly the same, but they have completely different shapes. The Whippet is tall and leggy, while the Bulldog is short and stocky.
Here is your step-by-step guide to finding the perfect fit for your dog and your lifestyle.
2) Where Do You Walk? (Choosing Your Wheels)
If you’re looking at a dog pram and thinking, "Great! It holds up to 22kg, and my dog is 15kg—it fits!" stop right there.
Don't buy the wrong size. Discover the perfect sizing formula and learn why wheel type matters more than you think.
If you’re looking at a dog pram and thinking, "Great! It holds up to 22kg, and my dog is 15kg—it fits!" stop right there.
While weight limits are important for safety, weight is not the only thing that matters. Think about it this way: A Whippet and a Bulldog might weigh exactly the same, but they have completely different shapes. The Whippet is tall and leggy, while the Bulldog is short and stocky.
This is the single biggest mistake we see dog owners make.
If you buy based on weight alone, you risk buying a pram that is too short. This means your dog won't be able to lie down flat. They will be forced to sit up the entire ride, which isn't relaxing for them (and defeats the purpose of the pram!).
Here is your step-by-step guide to finding the perfect fit for your dog and your lifestyle.
3) The "Lie Down" Test (Will My Dog Fit?)
To ensure your dog travels in first-class comfort, forget the weight for a moment and focus on the Basket Dimensions.
Grab a tape measure and follow these three simple steps:
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Measure the Length: Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to their bum (do not include the tail).
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Add the "Comfort Buffer": Add roughly 5cm to that number. This is crucial—it gives them room to stretch out fully.
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Check the Specs: Compare your total number against the Cabin Length listed on our product pages.
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📏 The Golden Rule
The cabin length needs to be at least as long as your dog + that 5cm buffer.
Cheat Sheet: What Matters for Your Breed?
Different dogs have different needs. Once you've measured the length, look for these specific features based on your dog's build:
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For Small Breeds (Chihuahua, Toy Poodle): Focus on Cabin Height. Since these dogs are tiny, you want to ensure the cabin walls aren't too high so they can still see out while sitting.
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For Medium/Stocky Breeds (Frenchie, Spaniel): Focus on Cabin Width. Stocky breeds need extra shoulder room to turn around comfortably inside the cabin.
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For Long Breeds (Dachshund, Corgi): Focus on Cabin Length. This is vital for spinal support. A cabin that is too short can cause back strain.
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Pro Tip: If you find that your dog is on the borderline between two sizes, always size up. You can always add a cozy blanket or a cushion to fill extra space in a larger pram, but you cannot stretch a metal frame if the pram is too small. When in doubt, give them the extra room.
4) Where Do You Walk? (Choosing Your Wheels)
Once you know the size, the next biggest factor is terrain. Not all wheels are created equal. To pick the right ones, you need to think about where you actually plan to walk.
Think of it like choosing your own shoes: You wouldn't wear high heels to walk on the grass at the park, right? The same logic applies to your dog's pram.
1. The Urban Stroller (City & Shops)
If your walks are mostly on smooth concrete, paved footpaths, or inside shopping centres, look for EVA Wheels (hard rubber/plastic).
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Why they are great: These wheels are essentially maintenance-free. They are lightweight and, most importantly, they never go flat.
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Best for: Easy, smooth strolls, cafe trips, and city living.
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2. The Adventure Seeker (Parks & Trails)
If you are an active family who loves walking on grass, bumpy trails, gravel paths, or even the beach, look for Air-Filled Tyres. These work exactly like the tyres on a bicycle.
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Why they are great: It’s all about the "bounce." Air-filled tyres act as natural suspension, soaking up the bumps so your dog doesn't get shaken around inside the cabin.
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Best for: Uneven ground, hiking trails, and maximum comfort for older or injured dogs.
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5) Frame Engineering & Usability (The "Human Factor")
You might be buying the pram for your dog, but you are the one who has to push, lift, and fold it. A pram that is a dream for your dog but a nightmare for you will eventually end up gathering dust in the garage.
When analyzing the specs, look for these "Quality of Life" engineering features to save yourself future frustration.
1. The "Car Boot" Test (Folding Mechanism)
Most online photos show the pram fully assembled. However, the most stressful moment of your walk is usually getting the pram into the car.
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The One-Hand Fold: Look for systems that collapse with a single button or twist. If you are wrestling a wriggly dog in a busy car park, you do not want to be using two hands to dismantle a frame.
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The "Fold-Flat" Design: Watch out for bulky prams that require you to physically remove the basket or cabin before folding. This adds 2–3 minutes of assembly time to every single walk.
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2. Handlebar Ergonomics (Save Your Back)
If you are taller than 170cm (5'7"), a fixed handlebar is a red flag. It will force you to hunch over while pushing, leading to back pain on long walks.
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What to look for: An Adjustable Handlebar that rotates. This allows you to find the perfect "push height," whether you are 5'2" or 6'2".
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3. The Great Debate: Zippers vs. Buckles
This is the feature most people overlook until it's too late. We highly recommend Buckle / Latch Entry, especially if you have arthritic hands or an impatient dog.
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The Problem with Zippers: They can get stuck with fur, they require two hands to align, and they can rust over time.
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The Benefit of Buckles: A push-button canopy latch is instant and silent. This means you won't startle a sleeping dog with the sound of a zipper when you open the hood to check on them.
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6) Which "Pram Personality" Are You?
You’ve measured the dog, checked the wheels, and tested the handle. Now, let’s bring it all together. Most dog owners fall into one of these three categories. Find yours below to see exactly what you should be looking for.
1. The Urban Café Hopper
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Your Vibe: You walk on footpaths and frequent shops.
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Look for: A compact frame, EVA wheels, and a large storage basket for shopping.
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Pawbella Pick: Lightweight Compact 4-wheeler.
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2. The Adventure Hiker
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Your Vibe: You hit the trails, beaches, or unpaved parks.
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Look for: Large Air Tyres, vigorous suspension springs, and a sturdy aluminium frame.
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Pawbella Pick: Heavy-duty "SUV-style" strollers.
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3. The Senior Citizen (The Dog, Not the Human)
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Your Vibe: Your dog has mobility issues or is post-surgery.
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Look for: A low entry point (so they can step in rather than be lifted), 4-wheel stability, and a spacious flat bed for lying down completely stretched out.
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7) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My dog fits the weight limit, but exceeds the cabin length. Is that okay?
A: No. As we mentioned in Step 1, weight is just a safety rating for the frame. If the cabin is too short, your dog cannot lie down, which can cause anxiety and spinal strain. Always size by length first.
Q: Can I jog with a dog pram?
A: Only if you have the right wheels! If you plan to run, you must have a 3-wheel configuration with Air-Filled Tyres and a lockable front wheel. Do not jog with EVA (plastic) wheels as they lack the necessary shock absorption.
Q: Will my dog actually stay in?
A: Yes! All our prams come with internal safety tethers. You clip these directly to your dog’s harness (never their collar). This allows them to sit up and sniff the air without being able to jump out.
Q: Are dog prams only for injured or elderly pets?
A: Not at all. They are beneficial for various situations, offering a comfortable mode of transportation for pets during long walks.
8) Conclusion: The World is Too Big to Leave Them Behind
Choosing the right pram isn't just about wheel sizes or fabric specs; it's about making sure your best friend can be by your side for every adventure.
Whether it’s a coffee date or a coastal hike, they deserve the best seat in the house. You’ve got your measurements—now let’s find their new ride.
Ready to roll? Browse our full collection of dog strollers here.
