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Why Crate Size Matters More Than You Think
A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and can cause anxiety. A crate that is too large defeats the purpose of crate training, because dogs are less likely to hold their bladder in a space with extra room. Getting the size right is the single most important step in successful crate training.
The good news is that measuring your dog takes about two minutes, and once you have the numbers, choosing the right crate is straightforward.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate
You need two measurements: length and height.
Step 1: Measure Length
Have your dog stand on all four legs on a flat surface. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip of the tail). Add 2 to 4 inches to this measurement. That is your minimum crate length.
Step 2: Measure Height
With your dog still standing, measure from the floor to the top of the head (or the tips of the ears if they stand erect). Add 2 to 4 inches. That is your minimum crate height.
Step 3: Choose the Crate
The crate should be large enough for your dog to:
- Stand up without crouching
- Turn around in a full circle without difficulty
- Lie down with legs extended without pressing against the walls
If you are between sizes, go up. You can always use a divider panel to reduce the interior space for a puppy and expand it as the dog grows.
Crate Size Chart by Breed
| Crate Size | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Example Breeds | |---|---|---| | XS (18-22 in) | 18" x 12" x 14" to 22" x 13" x 16" | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Maltese | | Small (24 in) | 24" x 18" x 21" | Pug, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog | | Medium (30 in) | 30" x 19" x 21" | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Miniature Schnauzer | | Intermediate (36 in) | 36" x 23" x 25" | Border Collie, Brittany, Bull Terrier, English Springer Spaniel | | Large (42 in) | 42" x 28" x 31" | Boxer, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Australian Shepherd | | XL (48 in) | 48" x 30" x 33" | German Shepherd, Doberman, Rottweiler, Weimaraner | | XXL (54 in) | 54" x 37" x 45" | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Irish Wolfhound |
Important: These are general guidelines. Always measure your individual dog. A lean, tall Labrador may need a 48-inch crate, while a stocky, compact one fits perfectly in a 42-inch.
Types of Dog Crates
Wire Crates
Wire crates are the most popular choice for everyday home use. They offer excellent ventilation, visibility, and most models fold flat for storage or travel.
Best for: General crate training, home use, dogs who like to see their surroundings
Our pick: MidWest iCrate Double Door -- includes a free divider panel, folds flat, and comes in every size from 18 to 54 inches.
Plastic (Airline) Crates
Plastic crates are enclosed on three sides with a wire door on the front. They feel more den-like, which some anxious dogs prefer. Most are airline-approved for travel.
Best for: Air travel, dogs who prefer an enclosed space, cold environments
Our pick: Petmate Sky Kennel -- meets IATA requirements for air travel, durable shell, secure latch system.
Soft-Sided Crates
Lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. Soft crates are great for travel and well-trained dogs, but they are not suitable for puppies or dogs who chew, dig, or scratch at their crate.
Best for: Travel, car rides, well-trained adult dogs, temporary use at events
Our pick: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate -- three mesh doors, multiple sizes, includes carrying bag and fleece bed.
Heavy-Duty Crates
Built from reinforced steel or aluminum, heavy-duty crates are designed for dogs with severe separation anxiety or escape tendencies. They are significantly more expensive but virtually indestructible.
Best for: Escape artists, dogs with separation anxiety, heavy chewers
Our pick: Impact Dog Crate (Stationary) -- aluminum construction, rounded corners, slam latch, built in the USA.
When to Size Up
There are a few situations where you should move to the next crate size:
- Your dog can no longer stand up fully without their head or ears touching the top
- They cannot turn around comfortably without bumping the sides
- They can no longer stretch out when lying on their side
- You notice your dog seems reluctant to enter the crate when they previously had no issue
For puppies, check the fit every two to four weeks during rapid growth periods. If you bought a crate with a divider panel, adjust the divider as your puppy grows rather than buying a new crate each time.
Common Crate Sizing Mistakes
Mistake 1: Buying the biggest crate possible. More space is not always better. For housetraining, the crate should be just large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down. Too much space allows the dog to use one end as a bathroom.
Mistake 2: Using the same crate for a puppy and adult dog without a divider. A 10-pound puppy in a 48-inch crate has far too much room. Use a divider panel to partition the space and expand it as the puppy grows.
Mistake 3: Measuring to the tip of the tail. Measure to the base of the tail. Dogs naturally curl or tuck their tails when lying down, so including the full tail length leads to an oversized crate.
Mistake 4: Ignoring weight limits. Crate sizes are often listed by weight range, but weight alone is misleading. A 50-pound Basset Hound and a 50-pound Standard Poodle need very different crate dimensions. Always measure length and height.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right crate size is not complicated, but it does require you to actually measure your dog rather than guessing based on breed or weight. Two minutes with a tape measure will save you the hassle of returns and, more importantly, set your dog up for a positive crate training experience.
If you are starting from scratch, a wire crate with an included divider panel -- like the MidWest iCrate -- is the most versatile and cost-effective option for most dogs.