Are you in the market for a new dog crate, but uncertain about what size you need? Read on for our guide to help you choose the rights size dog crate for your furry friend.
Table of Contents
How to Measure your Dog
The best way to determine what size crate your dog needs is to measure your pup’s height, length, and width. You’ll want to weigh your dog too.
How to Measure the Length of your Dog
To measure your dog’s length, have your pup stand on all fours. Use a tape measure. Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. It is not necessary to include your dog’s tail in this measurement. When looking at dog crate sizes, look for one that is approximately two-four inches longer than your dog.
How to Measure the Height of your Dog
The best way to measure your pup’s height for a dog crate is while they are in a sitting position. Use a tape measure to find the height from the top of your pup’s head to the floor. Include your pup’s ears in the measurement if the ears stick straight up. If your pup’s ears lie flat, you do not need to include them in the height measurement. It is ideal to get a dog crate that is approximately two-four inches taller than your dog in a sitting position.
How to Measure the Width of your Dog
Your dog can be sitting or standing to measure the width. Use a tape measure to find the girth around the largest part of your dog’s tummy. Look for dog crates that are two-four inches wider than your dog.
Make Sure to Weigh Your Dog!
Most dog crates have weight limits. It is essential to make sure your dog is not too heavy for their dog crate. A lot of dog crates list the weight limit in the product description. Some do not.
Weight limit not listed? Look at the dimensions of the dog crate. If the dog crate is the right length, height, and width, it is reasonable to assume your dog will not be too heavy for the dog crate. If your dog is a little too big for a medium dog crate, and a little too small for a large dog crate, get the large. Too much space is better than not enough for your dog’s comfort. Plus, a lot of dog crates come with divider panels you can use to adjust the size.
How to Find the Right Size Dog Crate
Dog crate sizes and dimensions vary widely by type and brand. Sometimes dog crates will list all the dimensions and the weight limits. Some dog crates will only list the length. Some dog crates come in small, medium, and large sizes. Others come in a variety of extra small, extra-large, and jumbo sizes as well.
MidWest Homes for Pets 18 Inch Dog Crate With Divider
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Two heavy duty slide bolt latches firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
What Dog Breeds are Extra Small Dog Crates Good for?
Extra small dog crates are designed for breeds such as Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Maltese, Jack Russel Terrier, Pug, and the Boston Terrier, to name a few. Dimensions of such crates vary by brand and style but are around 24L x 18W x 20H, give or take a few inches. This crate size is recommended for dogs that weigh less than ten pounds.
MidWest Homes for Pets Small Dog Crate 24 Inch with Divider Blue
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Heavy duty slide bolt latch firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, Roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
What Dog Breeds are Small Dog Crates Good for?
Small dog crates are more common than extra small dog crates. These dog crates are ideal for small dog breeds such as the Tibetan Spaniel, Miniature Poodle, Border Terrier, and the Maltese. Dimensions on small dog crates will vary by style and brand. However, dimensions will be around 24L x 18W x 22H give or take a few inches.
Small dog crate dimensions are not that different than extra small dog crate dimensions. If you are struggling to decide between the two sizes, go by your dog’s weight. Small dog crates are for dogs that weigh between 11 and 25 pounds approximately. If your dog is less than 11 pounds, go with an extra small dog crate.
New World 30 Inch Dog Crate
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Heavy duty slide bolt latch firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, Roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
What Dog Breeds are Medium Dog Crates Good for?
If your dog weighs more than 25 pounds, you may want to look for a medium or larger-sized dog crate. Medium dog crates are ideal for dogs that weigh between 26 and 40 pounds on average.
Medium dog crates are designed for most medium dog breeds, including the French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Cocker Spaniel, and the American Pit Bull. Sizes for medium dog crates vary by brand and style. Dimensions will be around 30L x 22W x 24H, give or take a few inches.
Calrson Pet Products Large
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Heavy duty slide bolt latch firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, Roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
What Dog Breeds are Large Dog Crates Good for?
Large dog crates are designed for large dog breeds such as the Shar-Pei, English Setter, Bulldog, and the Basset Hound. If your dog weighs between 41 and 70 pounds, a large dog crate may be the best fit. Large dog crate sizes do vary by brand and style. The dimension will be around 35L x 24W x 27H, give or take a few inches.
New World 48 Inch
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Heavy duty slide bolt latch firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, Roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
What Dog Breeds are Extra Large Dog Crates Good for?
If your dog weighs between 71 and 90 pounds, you may want to move up to an extra-large dog crate. Extra-large dog crates are ideal for extra-large dog breeds, including the Golden Retriever, Dalmatian, Chow-Chow, Siberian Husky, and the German Shepard. Dimensions of extra large dog crates vary by style and brand. Dimensions will be around 42L x 29W x 30H, give or take a few inches.
MidWest Homes for Pets XXL
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Heavy duty slide bolt latch firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, Roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
What Dog Breeds are XXL Dog Crates Good for?
XXL dog crates are made for dogs that weigh more than 90 pounds. XXL dog crates are ideal for XXL dog breeds, including the Alaskan Malamute, Saint Bernard, Bloodhound, and the Sheepdog. Dimensions of XXL dog crates will vary by style and brand but are around 45L x 32W x 33H.
What Size Crate Should I Get for My Puppy?
If you are in the market for a new dog crate for a puppy that is small now but will grow into a much larger adult dog, you’re going to shop a little differently. Unless you want to buy a new dog crate every time your puppy has a growth spurt, it is a smart choice to purchase one that will accommodate your pup at their full-grown size.
Look for dog crates that include removable divider panels. These panels will allow your dog crate to grow with your puppy. If you are uncertain how large your puppy will be when fully grown, you can research your dog’s breed online or consult your veterinarian for advice.
BestPet 30 Inch with Divider Panel
- Durable design creates a safe place for your pet while you’re away & caters to your dog’s natural “den” instincts
- Heavy duty slide bolt latch firmly locks dog crate door in place keeping your dog safely inside their dog crate
- Easy assembly & portable design: Sets up in seconds w/ no tools required for assembly & folds flat for convenient storage or travel, Roller feet protect hardwoods, make repositioning easy
Final Thoughts on Getting the Right Size Dog Crate
Shopping for dog crates can be overwhelming. There are so many options from which to choose. Measure your dog beforehand. Read the product dimensions and weight limits carefully. With these tips in mind, finding the right size dog crate for your pup will be much easier. Your dog will thank you when they are comfortable and secure in a dog crate that is just the right size.
To learn more about the appropriate size and best crate models for your pup, check out our best dog crate size guide.
Quiz time: if you are also a huge fan of dogs and other animals then try out this fun quiz which will show you what animal you are.
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