A dog fence has one job, and dogs are very good at finding the weak spot: the low corner, the loose board, the gate someone left open. The right fence depends on your dog's size and habits more than on the look you want. Here is how to pick the height and material, how to escape-proof it, and what it costs.
How tall should a dog fence be?
| Dog | Examples | Suggested height |
|---|---|---|
| Small, under 25 lb | Dachshund, Shih Tzu, Pug | 4 ft |
| Medium, 25-50 lb | Beagle, Border Collie, Cocker Spaniel | 5 ft |
| Large, 50-90 lb | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer | 6 ft |
| Athletic jumpers and climbers | Husky, German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois | 6 ft, plus a top deterrent |
Size is a starting point, not a rule: a determined 30 lb terrier can clear more than a lazy 80 lb mastiff. If your dog has ever gone over a fence, size up. Many towns cap back yard fences at 6 ft without a permit; see do you need a fence permit before planning anything taller.
Best materials for dogs
Wood privacy fence: best for reactive dogs
$17-$45 per foot for pine, more for cedar (wood fence cost). A solid fence blocks the view of passing people, dogs and cars, which cuts down on barking and fence-running. If your dog climbs, face the smooth side of the fence into the yard so the rails are on the outside and there is nothing to grip.
Vinyl: best low-maintenance option
$25-$60 per foot (vinyl fence cost). Solid panels, no splinters for chewers, nothing to stain. The smooth face is hard for dogs to climb. Thin panels can crack if a large dog hits them hard, so ask about panel thickness.
Chain link: best budget option
$15-$40 per foot (chain link fence cost). Strong and affordable, and fine for calm dogs. The downsides: dogs can see through it, which winds up reactive dogs, and the diamond mesh makes a ladder for agile climbers.
Aluminum: good-looking, for dogs that don't squeeze or climb
$25-$55 per foot (aluminum fence cost). Looks tidy and needs no upkeep. Check the gap between pickets: small dogs and puppies can slip through standard spacing unless you choose a "puppy picket" style with narrow gaps at the bottom.
What a dog fence costs
For 150 ft with one walk gate, national averages from our fence cost calculator:
| Material | 4 ft tall | 6 ft tall |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $2,063 - $5,500 | $2,400 - $6,400 |
| Pine wood | $2,318 - $6,138 | $2,700 - $7,150 |
| Aluminum | $3,338 - $7,413 | $3,900 - $8,650 |
| Vinyl | $3,338 - $8,050 | $3,900 - $9,400 |
Prices vary by state; the calculator on each state page adjusts for local rates.
Escape-proofing by habit
- Diggers: bury galvanized wire mesh 12-24 inches deep along the inside of the fence, or bend it into an L-shape laid flat under the soil. A concrete or gravel strip along the base also works.
- Jumpers: add height, or fit a top deterrent such as coyote rollers (a spinning bar the dog can't get a grip on) or an inward-angled extension.
- Climbers: choose a solid, smooth face (vinyl, or wood with the rails outside). Avoid chain link and horizontal slats.
- Squeezers: keep gaps under 2 inches for small dogs, including under gates.
- Gate dashers: self-closing hinges and a latch mounted high or on the outside.
Fences that don't work well for dogs
- Split rail on its own: the gaps are huge. It only works with wire mesh attached along the inside.
- Short decorative fences: most medium and large dogs clear 3 ft easily.
- Invisible (electric) fences on their own: they don't keep other animals or people out, and a motivated dog may run through the correction.