My dog loves to bolt. So whenever we go out, I’m basically carrying him the whole time. It’s not that I don’t want to let him walk — it’s that the second he’s on the ground, he’s gone. And then there’s the whole bathroom situation.
After a while, going out started feeling like a workout. My arms were tired, and honestly, he wasn’t really “going out” either — just being hauled around under my arm.
That’s when I started looking into strollers. Turns out there are a lot of options, and the price range is all over the place. So I put this together, sorted by size, to make it a little easier to find the right one.
Before You Buy, Figure Out These Three Things
A. Weight and body shape — measure both Every stroller has a weight limit, but size matters just as much. A long, lean dog and a round, stocky dog can weigh the same and need completely different amounts of space. Measure length and shoulder width before you decide.
B. Where you’ll actually use it—Smooth sidewalks and grassy parks are two different things. For city use, standard wheels are fine. If you’re often on grass, gravel, or uneven ground, you’ll want all-terrain wheels with suspension — otherwise your dog is just getting rattled around the whole time, which kind of defeats the point.
C. Will it fit in your car?— Where do you store it when you’re not using it? Can it fit in your trunk? Some strollers fold down surprisingly compact, others not so much. Worth checking before you commit.
The main thing about this one is the 3-in-1 design: stroller, detachable carrier, and car seat.
If you drive your dog around a lot, or need to bring him somewhere you can’t push a stroller, this saves you from buying separate gear. Aluminum frame, adjustable handle height, safety belt inside. Folds small enough to fit in most trunks.
The rear wheels are oversized, which makes a real difference on grass and gravel.
The canopy opens 180° and has sun shades on both sides — open everything up on a nice day, close it when it’s hot. Waterproof mat inside, storage bag on the back for treats and waste bags. 4.8 stars with nearly 400 reviews on Amazon, which is pretty hard to pull off at this price point.
Getting a big dog in and out of a stroller is usually the annoying part — most openings are too high, which is rough on older dogs or ones with joint issues. This one sits only 9 inches off the ground, so large dogs can walk in on their own. No zipper on the canopy, just a buckle, so it opens fast. 360° suspension on all four wheels, which keeps the ride smooth. Fits most large breeds including Goldens and Labs.
This one’s open-top, more like a wagon than a traditional stroller.
No enclosed cabin, so your dog can stand, sit, or move around however he wants. The back end extends and lowers so large dogs can walk in themselves. All-terrain wheels, front wheel brake, folds flat and can stand upright against a wall. Also works as a regular utility cart, so it’s not a single-use purchase.
He rides in the stroller now with his head sticking out. I push, he looks around. He’s not bolting anywhere, and I’m not carrying him. Going out is just easier than it used to be.