PawsMathHow to measure your dog
- Length: with your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Don’t include the tail.
- Height: with your dog sitting, measure from the floor to the top of the head, or to the tips of erect ears.
- Add room: the calculator adds 4 inches (10 cm) to length and 3 inches (8 cm) to height so your dog can stand and turn comfortably.
Dog crate size chart
| Crate | L × W × H (in) | Typical dogs |
|---|---|---|
| 18" | 18 × 12 × 14 | Up to 10 lb – Chihuahua, Yorkie, Toy Poodle |
| 22" | 22 × 13 × 16 | 10–15 lb – Maltese, Pomeranian, Shih Tzu (small) |
| 24" | 24 × 18 × 19 | 15–25 lb – Pug, Dachshund, Jack Russell |
| 30" | 30 × 19 × 21 | 25–40 lb – Beagle, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel |
| 36" | 36 × 23 × 25 | 40–70 lb – Border Collie, Bulldog, Springer Spaniel |
| 42" | 42 × 28 × 30 | 70–90 lb – Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer |
| 48" | 48 × 30 × 33 | 90–110 lb – German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Husky (large) |
| 54" | 54 × 35 × 45 | 110 lb+ – Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland |
Dimensions vary slightly between manufacturers. Compare the interior measurements to your dog’s numbers.
Crate size for puppies
Buying a new crate every few months gets expensive, and setup costs add up fast in the first year (our pet cost calculator breaks them down). Estimate your puppy’s adult size with our puppy weight calculator, buy the matching adult crate, and use a divider panel to give your puppy just enough room to stand, turn and lie down. Move the divider back as they grow.
Making the crate a happy place
- Add a comfortable bed and a safe chew toy; put it in a spot where the family spends time.
- Feed meals in the crate and leave the door open at first so your dog goes in voluntarily.
- Never use the crate as punishment.
- Build up time gradually, starting with a few minutes while you are home.
Quick answers
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip) while your dog stands. Measure height from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips if they stand up) while your dog sits. Add 2–4 inches to each.
Can a crate be too big?
Yes, especially for house-training. If there is enough room to sleep at one end and eliminate at the other, a puppy may soil the crate. Buy a crate for the adult size and use a divider panel to shrink it while your puppy grows.
What size crate does a Labrador need?
Most adult Labradors fit a 42-inch crate. Large males may need a 48-inch crate. Always check with your own dog’s measurements because size varies within breeds.
Wire, plastic or soft crate: which is best?
Wire crates are well ventilated, foldable and usually come with dividers. Plastic crates feel more den-like and are required for most airline travel. Soft crates are light and handy for trips but are not suitable for chewers or escape artists.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
Adult dogs should generally not be crated for more than 4–6 hours at a time during the day. Puppies can usually hold their bladder for about one hour per month of age, up to around 6–8 hours, plus overnight once trained.
Sources
Use this as a starting point, not a diagnosis. Every dog is a little different, so check with your vet before making big changes, and call them straight away in an emergency. Disclaimer