Dog crate sizing guide: Find the right size crate

Choosing the right dog crate size

Determining the right crate size for your dog can be challenging. Because using the wrong crate size could impact the effectiveness of crate training and affect your pup’s overall well-being, it is important that you identify the correct crate size.

To do so, you should be knowledgeable about your dog’s key breed characteristics, current and full-grown size, and individual behavior and personality.

When you first look for a dog crate, it can be challenging to determine the right dog crate size for your dog.

How long do you plan to crate your dog?

Before buying a crate, the first question that you should ask yourself is whether you plan to crate your dog only while he or she is a puppy (to help house train them), or if you intend to use the crate for most of your dog’s life. The answer to this question will influence your ideal crate size.

Some reasons why many pet parents continue to use a crate throughout their dog's lives are to:

1. Provide their dog with a safe, familiar place (a “den”)
2. Avoid problems and mischief that can occur while their dog is left at home unattended
3. Make traveling and outings, including visits to the vet or groomer, stress-free

If you plan to use a crate only while your dog is a puppy, then you need a crate that will fit your puppy for the first 2-3 months of its life.

Know your dog’s current size

If you haven’t received your puppy yet, ask your breeder or dog professional about your pup’s weight, height, and parents’ size, if known. Per the above, if you’re only crating while your dog is a puppy, ask how much they expect your pup to grow in its first 2-3 months. If you don’t have access to a dog professional, you can research your dog’s breed online to find its approximate puppy size.

If you already have your puppy, you can weigh and measure your puppy yourself, or you can bring him or her to a vet or trainer.

Tips to measure your dog’s height:

1. Stand your dog up straight against a wall or door. This will provide a fixed position
2. To find your dog’s head height, use a measuring tape or piece of string and measure from your dog’s paws to the top of his/her head. Keep in mind that most published height measurements (especially on the web) are measured to a dog’s shoulders, also known as “withers.” In these cases, you will need to account for the height of your dog’s head as well.
3. To find your dog’s length, measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the end of his/her tail. You should add 2-4 inches to this measurement (ensuring additional room).
4. Be sure to measure in inches as this is the most common metric used in dog crate sizes.
5. If you plan to add a dog crate pad or bed, be sure to account for the additional height of these items inside the crate. For example, if you plan to use our small Snooz pad with the small Revol, add 1-2” to the height of your dog.

Tips to weigh your dog:

1. You can simply use a normal scale.
2. You can weigh yourself and your pup at once, and then just subtract your weight.
3. Please note that in both cases you may only have a few seconds to weigh your dog as he or she might not want to stay on the scale

Additional size and feature considerations:

1. Length varies and must be taken into account. For example, Basset Hounds, Dachshunds, and Pembroke Welsh Corgis are longer than other dogs with similar weights and heights.
2. Short legs must be accommodated. Some puppies, like Corgis, have very short legs) and may have trouble with crates that have more of a lip or a step. This can usually be solved by adding an object that can act as a small step, such as a book, to the front of the crate entrance.
3. In most cases, males tend to be larger than females.

Know your dog’s full-grown size

If you plan to crate your dog throughout its life, it is important to know what your dog's breed characteristics, including adult height and weight.

If you are working with a dog breeder, trainer, or professional they can likely provide you with this information. If not, simply research your dog’s breed online, but be sure to consult a reputable source. The American Kennel Club is a great resource and has a helpful breed guide.

As we mentioned before, the key measurements to pay attention to are weight, height, length, and sex.

What if you don’t know your dog’s breed or if your dog is a mixed breed? Your first option is to consult a dog professional. Another option is for your dog to take a genetic test, which can help identify your dog’s breed(s), traits, and screen for numerous genetic conditions.

Intended use

Another factor that may impact the size of the dog crate you purchase is its intended use. If you plan to primarily use your crate for car travel, it is ok if your dog is temporarily cramped. However, for long-term crating at home, you likely want to make sure that the crate is roomy enough for your dog.

Finally, as mentioned, you should take into account what you know about your dog’s behavior. If you know that your dog likes tight spaces (which is quite common), then you should factor that into your decision.

How to size your dog crate

We’ve discussed the different variables to consider when selecting a dog crate based on measurements (including expected future measurements!), but once you have your crate, how do you know that it is really the right size for your dog? Here are a few ways to know:

1. Your dog should be able to stand up comfortably and turn around.
2. 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. When house-training, it’s important that the crate is not too large as your pup may be tempted to potty in the corner of their crate.
3. If your dog’s head is touching the top of the crate and you expect them to grow taller, the crate size is likely too short.

What is a puppy divider?

We’ve mentioned “puppy dividers” a few times, but unless you’ve used one in a crate, you probably don’t know what we’re talking about. A crate divider is commonly called a "puppy divider" because it allows you to buy a crate that will fit your pup when he’s full grown but comes with a divider that creates a temporarily smaller space within the crate to keep him safe and cozy while he’s a puppy.

Crates that come with a divider often include the ability to move the divider into different positions to make the crate space larger as your dog grows.

How do I choose the best crate for small dogs?

We define small breeds as ranging anywhere from 6 to 18 inches in height and 1 to 30 lbs in weight. Again, when sizing for your pup, make sure to add some extra space for any pad or bed you may want to use. For example, if you plan to use our small Snooz pad with the small Revol, make sure to add 1-2” to the height of your dog.

Our small, award-winning Revol collapsible dog crate’s internal dimensions are 25”L x 18.5"H x 17.4”W and works great for most small dog breeds, including those listed below.

Here are some example “small” breeds:

Boston Terriers:
Height: 15-17 inches
Weight: 12-25 lbs

Cavalier King Charles spaniels:
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 lbs

Dachshunds:
Height: 8-9 inches
Weight: 21.5 lbs

French bulldogs:
Height: 11-12 inches
Weight: 16-24 lbs

Italian Greyhound:
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 7-14 lbs

Jack Russell Terrier:
Height: 9.8-15 inches
Weight: 14-18 lbs

Miniature Poodles:
Height: 11-15 inches
Weight: 15-17 lbs

Miniature Schnauzers:
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 12-20 lbs

Pembroke Welsh Corgis:
Average height: 10-12 inches
Weight (Female & Male): Up to 30 lbs

Pugs:
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight: 14-18 lbs

Shelties:
Height: 13-16 inches
Weight: 14-27 lbs

How do I choose the best crate for medium dogs?

We define medium breeds as ranging anywhere from 18 to 22 inches in height and 30 to 50 lbs in weight. When sizing for your pup, make sure to add some extra space for any pad or bed you may want to use. For example, if you plan to use our medium Snooz pad with the medium Revol, make sure to add 2” to the height of your dog.

Our medium, award-winning Revol collapsible dog crate’s internal dimensions are 31.9”L x 21.6"H x 20.4”W and works great for most medium dog breeds.

Here are some example “medium” breeds:

American Cocker Spaniels:
Height: 15-16 inches
Weight: 24-31 lbs

Basset Hounds:
Height: Up to 15 inches
Weight (Female & Male): 40-65 lbs

Beagles:
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 20-30 lbs

Cardigan Welsh Corgis:
Height: 10-13 inches
Weight (Female): 14-27 lbs

English Bulldogs (female):
Height: 12-16 inches
Weight: 40-51 lbs

English Cocker Spaniels:
Height: 15-16 inches
Weight: 29-32 lbs

Mini Goldendoodles:
Height: 13-20 inches
Weight: 15-35 lbs

Shiba Inus:
Height: 13-17 inches
Weight: 15-24 lbs

How do I choose the best crate for intermediate dogs?

We define medium breeds as ranging anywhere from 23 to 25 inches in height and 50 to 70 lbs in weight. When sizing for your pup, make sure to add some extra space for any pad or bed you may want to use. For example, if you plan to use our intermediate Snooz pad with the intermediate Revol, make sure to add 2” to the height of your dog.

Our intermediate, award-winning Revol collapsible dog crate’s internal dimensions are 39"L x 25"W x 28"H and works great for most intermediate dog breeds.

Here are some example “intermediate” breeds:

Standard Schnauzer:
Height: 18-20 inches
Weight: 31-44 lbs

Australian Shepherd:
Height: 19-22 inches
Weight: 47-58 lbs

How do I choose the best crate for large dogs?

We define large breeds as ranging anywhere from ”22 to 25” in height and 50 to 90 lbs in weight. When sizing for your pup, make sure to add some extra space for any pad or bed you may want to use.

Here are some example of “large” breeds: Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Huskies, Aussies, Vislas, Belgian Malinois, Portuguese Water Dogs, Dalmations, Samoyed, Bull Terriers, Poodles, Male English Bulldogs, Goldendoodles, Labradoodles, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, Standard Schnauzers, and Whippets.

Our Large Revol is now available. It is recommended for dogs that weigh up to 90 lbs.

How do I choose the best crate for extra large dogs?

We define extra-large breeds as ranging anywhere from ”26+” in height and 90+ lbs in weight. When sizing for your pup, make sure to add some extra space for any pad or bed you may want to use.

Here are some example breeds: Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bull Mastiffs, Doberman Pinschers, French Mastiffs, and Rottweilers.

Common dog crate sizing questions

Should I get a dog pad for my dog’s crate?

A dog pad can help make your dog’s crate more comfortable and inviting, as lying on a hard surface for a long period of time can be uncomfortable. Although you can use small blankets and clothes instead of a pad, such items are easily moved out of place or even torn, and they are often made out of materials that are not dog-friendly. For a comfortable, safe, and secure pad, check out our Snooz crate pad – it’s tear and water resistant has a removable washable cover, and is made with Certi-PUR® foam.

Does a dog pad affect how much space they have in their crate?

Depending on its size, a pad can impact the available height. Make sure to account for the additional height when evaluating what size crate to buy, but keep in mind that depending on your dog’s breed, its weight will compress some of the pad’s height.

What is the best crate for French Bulldogs?

Our small Revol is the best dog crate for Frenchies! They are one of the most common breeds that our customers own.

What if I am still unsure about the right dog crate size for my dog and I’d like to talk to someone?

Send us an email at help@diggs.pet and we’ll be happy to help!