How To Choose the Right Crate Size for Your Dog or Puppy
When you bring a new dog or puppy home, one of the first things you'll need is a crate. Crates provide a safe haven for dogs, appealing to their desire to seek comfort in cozy spaces. Dogs are commonly referred to as den animals, and it’s instinctual for them to seek the safety of dens in times of illness, injury, fear, while raising young, or when they simply need a safe place to rest. By providing an appropriate place for our dogs to decompress and relax in our homes, we can improve their quality of life.
Crate training can also be used to ensure our pets’ safety when they’re not supervised and to prevent bad habits like chewing. And when it comes to house training puppies, a well-fitting crate can be an indispensable tool.
But with so many options for dog crate sizes and styles, it can feel overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your dog. Here’s what to know.
Choosing the Right Dog Crate Size, Crate Size for Your Dog or Puppy
Here are some parameters that can be used to establish if a crate is appropriately sized for your dog:
The dog should be able to stand up with ease inside the crate, fit through the door effortlessly, and comfortably turn around.
When they sit in the crate, there should be at least 2 inches of clearance above their head.
When they lie on their side, they should be able to fully extend their limbs.
Keep in mind that if any of these parameters are too tight for the pet, it’s best to go to the next size up. Not having enough space in the crate can lead to negative feelings about the space and make crate training unpleasant for the pet. But having a too-large dog crate isn’t ideal either, particularly when it’s going to be used as a house-training aid, as this can lead to accidents in the crate, Crate Size for Your Dog or Puppy.
How To Find a Crate for Your Dog's Size
It’s important to base the size of the crate on your dog’s measurements, not their weight or breed alone. Weight and breed recommendations give us an estimate, but each dog is an individual. Use measuring tape to get the best understanding of your dog’s size.
When choosing a crate, keep in mind that crate mats and dog beds will take up additional space. Make sure to account for the type of bedding you plan to use when taking your pet’s measurements and purchasing a crate.
Dog Crate Sizing Chart
Crate Size (L x W x H) | Dog Weight | Dog Length | Dog Height | Breeds |
18” x 12” x 14” | Up to 6 pounds | Up to 10 inches | Up to 10 inches | Toy breed puppies |
22” x 14” x 16” | Up to 12 pounds | Up to 16 inches | Up to 12 inches | Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkie, Pomeranian |
24” x 18” x 20” | 13–25 pounds | Up to 18 inches | Up to 14 inches | Shih Tzu, Bichon Frise, Havanese |
30” x 20” x 23” | 26–40 pounds | Up to 24 inches | Up to 18 inches | Beagle, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Corgi |
36” x 24” x 26” | 41–70 pounds | Up to 30 inches | Up to 20 inches | English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Pit Bull Terrier |
42” x 28” x 30” | 71–90 pounds | Up to 36 inches | Up to 24 inches | Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer |
48” x 30” x 32” | 90–110 pounds | Up to 42 inches | Up to 26 inches | Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Rottweiler |
How To Pick a Puppy Crate
Because young dogs grow so quickly, there are a few options when choosing the best crate for a puppy:
Purchase a crate for your puppy’s expected adult size and use a removable divider. Dividers can be moved back as the puppy grows so the crate can grow with them. For crates that do not have a removable divider, you can use bedding/pillows to block off space in the back of the crate to help create a more appropriately sized space for your puppy. When purchasing a crate for a puppy, keep their potty training and teething needs in mind. An easy-to-clean, durable material that does not attract chewing is usually the best fit for younger dogs. Crates made of coated steel wire are excellent options because they are durable, easy to clean, provide good ventilation, and let your dog see what is going on around them. If your dog is more comfortable in an enclosed crate, you can always add a crate cover that can be removed as needed. There are some other considerations when choosing the best crate for your pup and lifestyle: Choosing the right crate size for your dog or puppy is crucial for their comfort and safety. By taking accurate measurements and considering your dog's growth, you can find the perfect crate that will serve as a cozy den and an essential training tool. With the right crate, you can help your dog feel secure, aid in their training, and provide a safe space for them to relax. Remember to consider the additional features and your lifestyle needs when selecting the best crate for your furry friend. 4o
Buy multiple crates as your puppy grows. This is a good option when the adult size of the pup is difficult to estimate. This way, you can ensure that the crate is always a comfortable size for your growing puppy.
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