What’s the Right Crate Size for My Dog? How To Pick

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Finding the right size crate for your dog is important—after all, a bad fit can impact your dog’s comfort and training progress. And there’s a lot for pet parents to consider. How do you calculate the size of a dog crate? What size crate is considered small, medium, or large? What size crate should you get if you have a growing puppy? If you’ve been asking yourself any of these questions, you’ve come to the right place.

We consulted expert dog trainers and veterinarians to help you determine the best size crate for your pup.

How To Measure Your Dog for Crate Size

“If a dog has [fully grown], the rule of thumb is to choose a crate size that allows the dog to stand to its full height and comfortably do a full turn—but no more,” says Alexandra Bassett, lead trainer and behavior specialist at Dog Savvy Los Angeles.

In a well-fitted crate, your dog should:

• Be able to stand in the crate without hunching over
• Not have their nose and rear butt up against the crate’s sides
• Be able to sprawl out comfortably

Measuring your dog is the best way to ensure you get a crate with the right fit. To properly size your dog for a crate, you will need to:

1. Measure your dog’s height while they’re sitting, starting at the top of their head or the tips of their ears (if their ears stand above their head) to the floor.
2. Measure your dog’s length while they’re standing, moving from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
3. Add 3 to 5 inches to both dimensions to give you the most appropriate crate size for your dog.

Adding a few inches will give your dog a little wiggle room to make sure they can comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down in the crate.

If the crate you’re planning to buy doesn’t exactly match your projected dimensions, size up instead of down to ensure your dog stays comfortable.

What you don’t want to do is opt for the biggest size possible. A crate that’s too big can make a dog feel exposed and vulnerable—the exact opposite of how we want them to feel in their crate.

“Many owners mistakenly buy crates that are too large, assuming that the more space, the better,” Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for PawLeaks says. “While it is important we have enough space for the dog to stand up and turn around comfortably, we don’t want the crate to be too spacious.”

Limiting crate size is also helpful in house-training a dog. “Crates are meant to limit a dog’s ability to move around a lot since limited mobility helps a dog to hold its bladder,” explains Bassett.

What Size Dog Crate Do I Need?

Though there’s no one-size-fits-all crate solution, this chart offers rough guidelines for which crate different sized dogs fit in:

Size	Crate Length	Dog Height	Dog Length	Dog Weight	Breed
XS	18 in	10 in	14 in	Under 20 pounds	Chihuahua, Toy Poodle
S	24 in	15 in	20 in	Under 30 pounds	Pug, Shih Tzu
M	30 in	17 in	26 in	30 – 40 pounds	Beagle, French Bulldog
L	36 in	21 in	32 in	40 – 60 pounds	Australian Cattle Dog, Bulldog
XL	42 in	26 in	38 in	60 – 90 pounds	Boxer, Labrador Retriever
2XL	48 in	28 in	46 in	90+ pounds	Great Dane, Saint Bernard

How To Choose the Right Size Crate for a Puppy

If you have a puppy, consider getting a crate that will fit their estimated adult size and using a removable crate divider to adjust the interior as your puppy grows.

“Many crates come with a divider that creates a smaller area toward the front of the crate where a young puppy can comfortably rest—but that will still limit their movements to prevent unwanted potty accidents,” explains Bassett. Puppies typically won’t use the bathroom in the same area where they sleep.

If you have multiple puppies on your hands, think carefully before letting them share a crate. According to experts, crate sharing should only be done if you have two puppies from the same litter, but you should assess each puppy’s temperament before putting them in a crate together.

“Some dogs may fight over the space or become stressed out by being in such close quarters with another dog,” says Julie Burgess, CPDT-KA, a certified dog trainer at Senior Tail Waggers.

As the puppies grow, they’ll eventually need separate crates. Generally, puppies will need their own space when they reach around 15 to 20 pounds. If you do decide to put two puppy siblings in one crate, make sure it’s large enough for them to stand and turn around comfortably, and make sure they each have their own bedding.

What’s the Best Material for a Dog Crate?

To choose the best crate material, consider your dog’s size, activity level, personality, and lifestyle. Dr. Ellen Russell, DVM, MPH, a veterinary consultant at The Malamute Mom, advises the following:

• Size: Large breeds may need a sturdier crate with strong metal bars or heavy-duty plastic, but smaller breeds may do well with a fabric or collapsible crate.
• Personality: Dogs that tend to chew or scratch may need a crate made of a tougher material like metal that won’t be easily damaged. If your dog is nervous or anxious in the crate, consider something with more breathability, like mesh or fabric.
• Lifestyle: If you and your dog are couch potatoes, crates made of metal, plastic, and wood may be best, since they’re built to be permanent bases in the home. However, if you enjoy traveling or camping with your dog, a soft-sided crate like the popular EliteField is easy to pack up and transport.

Crate Material	Pros	Cons
Wire/metal crates	Durable Easy to clean Collapse easily	Not the most aesthetically pleasing Doesn’t provide as much coverage
Steel crates	Heavy duty Ideal for escape artists or chewers	Usually more expensive Heavy and more difficult to move
Plastic crates	Easy to clean Usually offer more coverage (better for shy or anxious dogs)	May absorb odors
Fabric crates	Breathable Lightweight and portable Ideal for travel and camping	Won’t hold up to intense chewers
Wood crates	Attractive Blends with home decor	Porous and harder to clean Can be a choking hazard Not ideal for puppies-in-training

How Age and Temperament Affect Crate Selection

Your dog’s breed, age, and temperament will also factor into your crate decision. After all, no two pups are the same. We’ve broken down the best crates for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments below.

Puppies need plastic or wire crates

For puppies, the focus of the crate will be on durability (for scratching and chewing) and washability (for potty training). “Young puppies will do much better in wire or plastic crates simply because they’re more rugged and are fairly chew-proof,” Burgess explains. “It’s smart to get a crate with a removable bottom tray or pan that can be easily taken out and cleaned.”

Though wood and furniture-style crates are pretty, they’re best saved for crate-trained adult dogs.

Senior dogs need easy access

If you have a senior dog, opt for a low-profile crate so they can easily access it. If your senior dog suffers from arthritis, they’ll also be more comfortable with the support of a cozy dog crate bed.

Senior dogs are also vulnerable to overheating, which makes an open crate with ample ventilation a good fit. They may also appreciate the cooling breeze of a well-placed crate fan in the summer months.

Anxious dogs often like coverage with breathability

According to Dr. Russell, sometimes a crate can serve as a safe and comfortable space for an anxious dog, but other times, crates are not suited for anxious dogs at all, as they can make their anxiety worse.

For anxious dogs, Russell recommends choosing a well-ventilated crate with a breathable, flexible material that keeps them from feeling confined. It should also be large enough for a nervous dog to move around comfortably.

Additionally, crate covers can create a cozy den-like atmosphere for your anxious dog—provided you follow some basic safety guidelines, says Dr. Russell. “It’s important to make sure the cover is not blocking airflow to the crate and that there are no loose strings or small pieces of fabric they could ingest,” she adds.

She also suggests placing their favorite bed or toy in the crate with them, which gives them something familiar to snuggle up to and might make them feel more relaxed and secure.

Super chewers and escape artists need tough crates

Constant chewers will need a crate that can hold up to serious chompers. This leaves out wood, plastic, fabric, and crates with thin wires. For dogs who dig or chew, a heavy-duty crate is your best bet. Consider a crate with steel bars or solid metal sides for a (mostly) chew-proof crate option.

For Houdini pups, look for a heavy-duty crate with extra locks and safety features. The KELIXU, for example, features welded steel bars, and the latches are not accessible from the inside.

Frequent travelers need sturdy, portable crates

Are you and your pup avid explorers? If you need a crate that travels well, safety and practicality are top priorities to guide your selection.

“Look for a design made of strong, durable metal like aluminum or stainless steel that has solid walls without any gaps where your dog’s head could become stuck,” Dr. Russell advises. “It’s also important to make sure that the latch on the door is secure and won’t easily come undone during travel.”

For car travel, a crate with straps that attach to a seatbelt is preferable. You might also consider getting a collapsible crate, which breaks down to a compact size and is easy to transport. If you’re traveling by plane and your dog is too large to fit in a carry-on, make sure you select a crate that’s made of strong material, is airline-approved, and is designed to keep your dog secure and safe in cargo.

The Best Place in Your Home To Put a Crate

A crate’s ideal location depends on your dog’s personality. Some dogs like to have eyes on their humans, while others may prefer more privacy.

For most dogs, the ideal spot will be in a quiet, out-of-the-way place in your home, according to Dr. Russell. “Try to avoid putting it in a high-traffic area, such as near the entrance of your home or in the kitchen,” she says. “Ideally, the crate should be located in an area that your pup can access easily and is close enough to the family so they don’t feel isolated.”

A spot in the living room or a bedroom is usually a good choice. But before setting up, take note of the temperature in your chosen space, keeping the crate in an area that’s not too hot and away from cold drafts. It’s also important to watch for nearby electrical cords, ensuring none are close enough for your dog to chew.

What Size Kennel Do I Need?

Outdoor dog kennels are a different kettle of fish. For an outdoor kennel, you’ll want to give your dog room to play—and you might be looking to accomodate more than one pup.

If your dog is going to spend significant time in a kennel, you’ll need both a covered area for rest and an open area for play. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says that kennels should offer a dog 75 to 100 square feet of room, preferably in a 10 x 10 or 5 x 15 foot area.

You’ll also want to make sure your dog’s kennel is proofed against inclement weather, unless you plan to bring your dog inside for any rain or snow.

Further Reading

• Do You Need a Dog Crate Fan? Experts Review Their Safety & Effectiveness
• How Long Can A Dog Stay In A Crate?
• How To Crate Train an Older Dog—and What To Do If It Isn’t Working
• Pros & Cons of Crate Training: Is It Necessary for Your Dog?