Bully Stick Size Guide
Choosing the right bully stick is about safety as much as value. A stick that is too thin for a big dog gets finished in minutes — and can become a choking hazard. Use the table below: start with your dog's weight, then adjust for how hard they chew.
Rule of thumb: when in doubt, size up. You can always take a stick away early; you cannot make it bigger.
Which bully stick is right for your dog?
Pick by your dog's weight first, then by how hard they chew. When in doubt, size up — a stick that is too small can become a choking hazard.
| Dog weight | Typical breeds | Recommended sticks |
|---|---|---|
| Under 10 kg (22 lb) | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, puppies from 4 months | 6-inch thin or standard sticks |
| 10–25 kg (22–55 lb) | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, French Bulldog | 6-inch thick or braided, or 12-inch standard |
| 25–40 kg (55–88 lb) | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Husky | 12-inch thick or braided; 6-inch jumbo for shorter sessions |
| Over 40 kg (88 lb) or power chewers | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Mastiff | 12-inch jumbo or braided |
Always supervise chewing and take the stick away once it is small enough to swallow.
Compare bully stick styles
All PUPHE sticks are the same single ingredient — the difference is thickness, and thickness decides how long a stick lasts.
| Style | 6-inch weight | 12-inch weight | Best for | Chewer type | Avg. chew time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thin | 10–18 g | 20–37 g | Puppies & toy breeds | Gentle | 10–20 min |
| Standard | 19–24 g | 38–49 g | Small to medium dogs | Light to moderate | 20–40 min |
| Thick | 25–29 g | 50–59 g | Medium to large dogs | Moderate to strong | 30–60 min |
| Jumbo | 30 g+ | 60 g+ | Large & giant dogs | Power chewers | 45–90 min |
| Braided | 30–50 g | 60–100 g | Medium to large dogs | Strong | 60–120 min |
Chew times are averages from our in-house testing with medium-sized dogs; every dog is different.
See the difference
Every style, side by side
Actual PUPHE sticks photographed at the same scale, with the weight range for each style and length.
How to give bully sticks safely
- Supervise every session. Stay nearby while your dog chews.
- Remove the last 5 cm (2 in). Once the stick is small enough to swallow whole, take it away — or use a bully stick holder.
- Count the calories. Treats should stay under 10% of your dog's daily calories; see the calorie line in the table above.
- Introduce gradually. Start with 10–15 minute sessions so your dog's stomach can adjust.
- Puppies: from about 4 months old, with a thin or standard stick.
- Fresh water should always be available.
Bully sticks are a treat, not a replacement for regular vet dental care. Ask your veterinarian if your dog has dental, digestive or weight concerns.