Four pugs standing on grass in a park, same breed name but different sizes, explianing the difference, not all are the same shape or size
Four poodles of different colors sitting on grass with trees in the background, same breed name but different sizes explianing the difference, not all are the same shape or size

Understanding Why Dogs of the Same Breed Don’t Always Weigh the Same

A Helpful Guide for Choosing the Right Gift Box, Toys & Chews.

Meet Luigi – Our Chief Barking Officer (and the Reason We Made This Page)

Luigi is our in-house Pug and full-time toy tester here at Paw Branch. By breed label alone, he’s a small dog — and should, in theory, fit perfectly into the “under 10kg” category.

But Luigi’s built differently.

He weighs 13kg, is wide-chested, and surprisingly strong for his size. He doesn’t just carry his toys around — he works at them. If something has ears, legs, or a stitched seam, he’ll fixate on that weak point until it comes off.

Despite his strength and persistence, Luigi doesn’t suit the hardest toys. Like many flat-faced breeds, he has smaller, more fragile teeth — which means overly tough materials could cause damage. That’s why we’ve placed Luigi (and Pugs in general) in our Small Dog category — with a special note to avoid toys with arms, ears, or dangly bits.

Luigi’s the perfect example of how chewing style and dental structure don’t always match the typical labels — and why it’s so important to look beyond breed alone when choosing a box.

Where Breeds Are Labelled the Same — One Shoe Does Not Fit All

It’s easy to assume that all dogs of the same breed will be roughly the same. But in reality? That’s rarely true.

Even within one litter, there can be noticeable differences in weight, body shape and chewing style. Add in mixed breeds, different breeding lines, or health conditions like dental issues — and things become even more complex.

That’s why, while we’ve carefully researched and grouped common breeds by size and chewing strength, we always remind our customers:

Breed is a guide — not a guarantee.
Weight and play style matter more.

So although your dog might share a label with another — same breed, same name — it doesn’t mean they’ll need the same toys or treats. That’s why we always recommend checking their weight, chewing behaviour, and dental structure before picking a box.

Yes, Our Boxes and Toys Are Sized — But Thoughtfully

Every single Paw Branch birthday box is grouped by:

✅ Size category – Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large or Jumbo (based on your dog’s actual weight)
✅ Chewing style – A selection of choices for different chew strengths (based on how your dog interacts with toys)

We’ve built this structure using:

  • Trusted breed and weight data

  • First-hand testing with real dogs like Luigi

  • A deep understanding of materials, dental safety, and long-term toy use

We don’t rely on toy brand labels or vague industry terms — every product is selected with care and realism.

Play Style Matters Just as Much as Jaw Strength

Some dogs toss their toys in the air. Some tug. Some destroy.

Then there are the quiet ones — like Luigi — who will sit for ages, slowly working at one spot until the toy’s seams give up. That’s persistent chewing — and while it looks gentle, it often leads to damage over time.

But here’s the catch: not all persistent chewers should have the toughest toys. In fact, some dogs with strong chewing behaviour have teeth that aren’t suited to overly hard materials.

That includes many flat-faced breeds (like Pugs and French Bulldogs), and even some high-energy smaller dogs (like Jack Russells or Fox Terriers) who chew intensely — but have finer teeth that can fracture on ultra-dense toys.

That’s why we take both behaviour and their build into account — not just chew drive. This helps us ensure long-term dental health and enjoyment for your beloved companion.

Some Breeds Are Tricky to Place — And That’s Okay

You might have:

  • A Cockapoo that’s right between Small and Medium

  • A Jack Russell who plays like a Power Chewer but needs toys better suited to Moderate Chewers

  • A Whippet that’s light, but plays rough

  • A French Bulldog that’s compact but needs softer textures for dental safety

  • A Pug like Luigi who can shred toys — but still needs to avoid overly hard rubber

Every dog is unique — and no box should be one-size-fits-all. That’s why we build in choice and offer real guidance, breed by breed.

Some Dogs Fall Between Sizes — That’s Totally Normal

Not every dog fits neatly into one box.

You might find your dog sits right between two weight categories — or that their chewing behaviour is somewhere between moderate and power. That’s completely fine.

In fact, some dogs need a little flexibility — and we’re happy to help guide you to the best fit. In certain cases, we may recommend a crossover-friendly box or suggest avoiding toys with specific weak points.

Still Not Sure Which Birthday Box or Toy to Pick?

We’re here for that. No pressure, no guesswork.

Whether your dog’s an 8kg nibbler or a 16kg shredder, just send us a message. We’ll help you match the right box to their size, style and dental needs.

👉 hello@pawbranch.co.uk

With love,
Paw Branch 💚