When you buy a dog crate, it's important to select one that will be the right size for your pet. This is because crates are used for a variety of purposes, including house training and allowing your dog to feel secure while you're away from them.
The ideal size crate for your dog should allow them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. To determine the proper crate size, measure your dog's length from nose to base of tail.
Size
Whether you are going to use your dog crate for house training, traveling, or for comfort, it’s important to get the right size. You want a crate that will be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably, but not too big that they’ll feel like they are in prison.
A good rule of thumb is to choose a crate that’s about 2x your dog’s shoulder width. This will give her plenty of room to stand up, turn around, and lie down while she’s in the crate.
To find out what size crate you need, measure your dog using a soft tape measure (such as the kind you would use to measure human clothing). Start with their length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail and then add 2-4 inches.
Height
A good crate should provide your dog with comfort, convenience and security. It should also be easy to clean and maintain.
For a typical dog, the height of their crate should be around 2x their shoulder width, with room to spare. This includes any items added to the crate, such as food and water bowls, a dog bed, cushions, toys, etc.
Measure your pet in the sitting position, from floor to top of head or tip of ears (whichever is higher). Add a couple of inches for smaller dogs and a few more for larger ones to get the minimum height that will give them the best crate sized for their size.
Measuring your pet is the simplest way to ensure you pick the right size crate for them. You’ll be surprised how much difference even an inch or two can make in their comfort and security. The right size will let you feel confident in your decision to invest in a quality crate for your pup.
Length
When you are looking for the right dog crate, the length is often the most important factor. A crate that is too small may not provide your dog with enough room to move around comfortably or to stand up properly.
The best way to determine the correct size crate is to measure your dog. To do this, start by measuring from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Add about 2-4 inches to this measurement, depending on your dog's size.
Next, measure from the floor to the top of their head or the tip of their ears (whichever is higher). Once you have these measurements, add 2 to 4 inches for a minimum height that will ensure your dog can sit comfortably without hitting their head on the crate.
When it comes to choosing a crate, there are many different options out there. They come in various shapes and sizes, including wire, fabric, plastic, and metal crates. Some are also collapsible or foldable and breathable to help keep your dog comfortable and healthy.
Width
When deciding what size crate to buy, it's important to consider your dog's size and how much room they need for a comfortable, safe space. If you choose a crate that's too small, your dog might not be able to stand up or turn around without getting in the way.
A typical dog crate is about 30 inches wide, 21 inches deep and 25-30 inches tall. This is a popular size that's suitable for dogs up to 40 pounds in weight.
Generally, you should choose the size that's closest to your dog's adult size. However, keep in mind that these measurements are rough guidelines and may not apply to your particular dog.
You can also buy a crate that "grows" with your dog -- some companies offer crates that "grow" in size with your puppy, while others have dividers you can add to make the crate bigger as they grow. These options are ideal for busy households that don't want to spend time rearranging furniture when the pup grows up!
FAQs
With your pup standing, measure him from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet to determine height. Measure your pup from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail to determine length. Add three-to-four inches to each measurement to compute the height and length of the dog crate you'll need.
How do I know what size crate to get for my dog? ›
With your pup standing, measure him from the top of the head to the bottom of the feet to determine height. Measure your pup from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail to determine length. Add three-to-four inches to each measurement to compute the height and length of the dog crate you'll need.
How to tell if a dog crate is too small? ›
Here are five signs that your dog crate might be too small.
- Your dog is unable to turn around in the kennel. ...
- Your dog is unable to sit up straight in the kennel. ...
- Your dog can't lay down and stretch. ...
- Your dog just looks uncomfortable. ...
- Your dog starts to have back or neck problems, rashes, or other health issues.
While they can be too small, they can also definitely be too big. When a crate is too big, your dog may start to use part of it as a potty area, which will hinder housebreaking and not teach your dog to hold it. Your dog should be able to stand up, sit, lie down, and stretch out comfortably in his crate.
How much room should a dog have in a crate? ›
A good rule is to add four inches to both their height and their length measurements. After you open and assemble your crate, you can double-check that it's not too small by letting your dog explore it. If your pup can comfortably stand up, lay down and turn around inside of it, it's big enough.
Is it better to have a bigger or smaller dog crate? ›
Your dog should be able to stand up comfortably and turn around. There shouldn't be too much additional space in the crate. Dogs prefer a small space that feels secure and safe. Using a puppy divider can help ensure that your dog's crate is the appropriate size as your dog grows.
How do I know if my crate is the right size? ›
Your dog should be able to stand up comfortably and turn around. There shouldn't be too much additional space in the crate. Dogs prefer a small space that feels secure and safe. Using a puppy divider can help ensure that your dog's crate is the appropriate size as your dog grows.
What is caged dog syndrome? ›
If so, your pet may be suffering from Caged Dog Syndrome. This is a condition in which dogs develop behavior problems due to spending too much time in a confined space. While it is not a medical condition, it can still have serious repercussions for a dog's emotional and physical health.
Should my dog be able to stand up in his crate? ›
While in a crate, a dog should be able to stand up to their full height and turn in a circle comfortably. However, the crate should not be so big that there is a distinct potty and sleeping area. Vary at what point you put your dog in the crate during the process of getting ready to leave.
Can a small crate hurt a dog? ›
Probably larger than you think — dogs should be able to stand up, turn around, lie down, and stretch out their limbs completely in their crate. “Extended periods in a crate that is too small can be physically uncomfortable,” Nofi says, “and in extreme cases, it can lead to musculoskeletal problems.”
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.
Is it OK to put a blanket in my puppy's crate? ›
A thin blanket can provide a soft surface that makes the crate more inviting and comfortable, helping your puppy to relax and feel secure. It's especially useful if your puppy tends to get warm easily or if you're concerned about them chewing on a thicker bed.
What is the longest a dog should be left in a crate? ›
Healthy adult dogs: For our adult canines in good health, aim for crate time around 4-6 hours, and certainly not more than 8 hours. They have better bladder control and can handle more extended periods of confinement.
What is the standard pet crate size? ›
An appropriate crate should be like this:
| Size | IATA Series | Interior Size (inch) |
|---|
| Small | 100 | 17.5′ x 12′ x 13′ |
| Medium | 200 | 23′ x 16′ x 19.5′ |
| Intermediate | 300 | 29′ x 20′ x 24′ |
| Large | 400 | 32′ x 22′ x 26′ |
2 more rowsSome dogs prefer a wire crate with no covering so he can see everything going on around him. Others seem to feel like they're on display and aren't comfortable. Most dogs like the cave-like feeling naturally offered by a plastic crate or soft-cover crate.
Should you cover a dog crate? ›
Crate training is an important step in pet ownership and covering your dog's crate at night is recommended for many dogs, but not for every dog. Some dogs may love the security provided by a darkened, enclosed space, while others can feel anxious in a confined area.
