Everyone requires their own personal place, a refuge where they may unwind and refuel. That also includes your pet, thus one of the nicest presents you can get your new puppy is a dog crate.

If your dog feels confident in their crate, it can serve as both a safe haven for them and a useful training aid. The best dog crates offer comfort and a space that is exclusively theirs.

However, there are a lot of different dog breeds and not all of them fit in the same sized crate. As a result, it is important to get a crate that is the right size for your dog.

There are a lot of different sizes out there for you to choose from, depending on your breed of dog. We have created this guide for you to help you know what size your crate should be for your dog.

How Much Space Does Your Dog Need In Their Crate?

If you’re searching for a general guideline that covers all canines, aim for 2 to 6 inches of space on all sides of your dog.

It is best to take precise measurements and determine the amount of space you require in a crate. This is because this might vary greatly depending on each particular dog.

Measuring A Dog For A Crate

The majority of crate size guides you’ll find make recommendations based on a dog’s weight. However, size counts more than weight when choosing the right cage for your dog.

For the best comfort, your dog should be in a crate that is 6′′ larger than that of the length of his body and 6′′ taller than their shoulder height.

With a basic tape measure, you can measure this dog the most accurately. Your dog’s height and length are the two dimensions that matter.

1. Measuring Your Dog’s Height

Sit your dog looking forward on the floor. Measure the distance with a tape measure from the ground to the tallest point on your pet’s head. Depending on the dog, this might be the forehead, nose, or ears.

You can measure your dog while standing if you want to be even more certain that your measurement is accurate. Measure from the ground to either the top of their head or ears, depending on which one is higher.

From these two measurements, use the one that is the highest. Once you have your dog’s height, increase it by three to six inches to ensure that your dog has adequate space to feel comfortable. Consider this height to be the absolute minimum.

2. Measuring Your Dog’s Length

From the tip of the snout to the base of the tail, measure your pet’s size. Do not include the actual tail length in your measurement. Next, you should measure how long the dog’s legs are. This is from the floor to the elbow joint/armpit.

This is your dog’s standing height. You can calculate your length by adding the first measurement (whole length) to one-half of the second measurement (arm length).

This is due to the fact that pets can extend their limbs or paws beyond the length of their bodies when sitting.

Another way to make this measure is to add 2 to 6 inches to your whole length. Both ways will give you the correct length measurement.

Dog Crates Sizes Based On Breed

There are a lot of dog breeds out there, so we may not include them all in this section. However, to help you make your decision, try to find a breed that is similar to your dog. There are cages out there to suit all dog breeds.

Below we have put a summary of what are some of the best crate sizes for particular dog breeds. You may notice that some breeds feature on more than one list. It is your choice on which size will be a right fit for your dog.

As each dog is different, it is important that you measure your dog carefully to obtain the right size for your dog.

In addition to that, once you have completed all your measurements, if you find your dog’s measurements are in between two crate sizes, we would advise going for the larger crate.

This is because you don’t want your dog to become confined, but they need enough space to feel comfortable and safe.

Toy/Extra Small Crates

The Extra Small dog crate is suggested for the below breeds weighing up to 25 lbs. and measures 18″ to 22″.

Small Crates

The following breeds of dogs weighing around 25 pounds should use 24′′ dog crates.

Medium Crates

For dogs weighing approximately 26 and 40 pounds should go for a medium dog crate. These crates measure around 30 inches. Typically, these are more suited for the following dog breeds:

Intermediate Crates

Intermediate Crates

For canines weighing between 41 and 70 pounds, 36″ dog crates are advised. These are better suited for the following breeds:

Large Crates

For dogs that weigh between 71 and 90 pounds, 42 inch dog crates are advised. These crates are ideal for any of these breeds:

Extra Large Crates

For any canines weighing between 91 and 110 pounds, 48″ dog crates are advised. This usually includes:

Giant Crates

The following breeds that weigh more than 110 lbs. are advised to use 54-inch dog cages.

Crate Sizes For Puppies

Several wire dog crates include divider panels that allow your dog crate to expand with your dog, if you are beginning with a puppy

The sleeping space is kept limited by the divider panel to prevent your puppy from urinating or soiling their bed. Move the partition panel as your puppy develops to match their changing size.

To avoid having to buy several dog crates, try to select one that will fit them into their adult size.

Can A Crate For Your Dog Be Too Big?

Dog cages can, in fact, be excessively large. It’s simple to assume that as long as your dog can fit in the crate, it doesn’t matter whether the crate is too big.

However, if a dog’s crate is too spacious, they could not perceive it as their own enclosed environment. Dogs will feel safer in a closed environment, just like humans do with their bedrooms.

Too much room can make a pet anxious or even encourage them to relieve themselves in the crate. This is because they won’t feel obligated to sleep there if they do.

Why Should You Have A Dog Crate?

Pet crates are small enough to allow your dog to stand up and spin around. These crates are constructed of plastic, aluminum, or foldable metal.

It is made with the intention of confining your dog for the safety of the dog as well as other functions such while traveling. Thus, you may employ it when you’re not around to watch over your dog.

Qualified trainers and veterinary professionals agree that crate training is beneficial for your dog’s wellbeing. Crates are therefore widely suggested by experts as a method for teaching dogs.

Your dog won’t have the same issues as dogs that haven’t been crated. This is due to the fact that a crate satisfies its urge to live in a den naturally.

Crates aren’t for everyone, but a lot of dog owners have found that using dog crates has had a massive impact on the dogs’ health. It allows your dog a space of their own and their own privacy.

It is also a great training tool when it comes to going to the toilet.

Final Thoughts

It’s critical to choose the appropriate size when choosing a dog crate for your pet. We have provided you with all the information you need to purchase the proper size dog crate in this guide.

You must measure your dog to determine their height and length before purchasing a dog crate. Then, add 6 more inches to those figures. Dog crates come in a range of sizes, from miniature to giant.

Finding a dog crate that will suit your dog perfectly shouldn’t be difficult for you. We hope you have found this guide useful. Now you should know what size dog crates your canine needs.