What size crate do I need for my dog?
One question we are asked frequently is what size dog crate do I need for my new puppy or dog?
This guide is for those of you who have asked this as you ensure you have everything ready for a new pup or for travelling with your dog. Our guide will cover what size crate you might need depending on your doggie's breed; and how to make the crate comfortable for your four legged friend.
Travel safety is of utmost importance and restraining your dog when travelling in the car is now a legal requirement. A travel crate is a really practical option for most people as they sit simply in the boot and can fold flat when not in use. They are also needed for travel by sea and air, another reason to train your pup in a crate whilst young.
3 considerations to find the perfect size dog travel crate:
1. Size is more important than weight. Dog owners often say to us, what size for a 12kg dog but 12kg can looking very different in a French Bull dog to a Sheltie for example.
2. The crate should be at least 15cm (6inches) longer than their body length (head to start of tail) and at least the same 15cm higher than their shoulder height to ensure they will be comfortable and be able to move around.
3.Depending on whether your dog is still a young puppy or fully grown, you may consider buying a crate to suit their adult size so it lasts a period of time. This means your dog doesn't have to part with their favourite den.
Dog crates come in a number of different sizes, the most common being 24”, 30”, 36”, 42” and 48” in length. Different brands may vary slightly, but most will offer these most common size options.
To help with conversions we have added inches as well as centimetres for ease.
These are our size recommendations for each size of crate by breed*
18" Crate (46cm): Toy Breeds and small breed puppies, teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Maltese, Maltipoo
24” Crate (61cm): Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and similar breeds
30” Crate(76cm): Westie, Beagle, Standard Dachshund, French Bulldog, Border Terrier and similar
36” Crate(91cm): Cockapoo, Springer Spaniel, Bulldog, Labradoodle and similar breeds
42” Crate (106cm): Labrador, Dalmatian, English Bull Terrier, German Pointer and similar breeds
48” Crate (121cm): German Shepherd, Bullmastiff and similar breeds
*These are our general breed size recommendations. When selecting your crate speak to your breeder (new Pup) or measure your dog to find out what crate size they think will be most suitable using the guidelines above
*Not every dog of a particular breed is the same size. You might have a particularly large Frenchie or a very dainty Cockapoo. Use our recommendations as a guide and use this with your knowledge of the dog for a more accurate size recommendation.
If you have reviewed the information above and still have questions about selecting the right dog cages for your pet, please get in touch with your dog's measurements and we will happily help. We love to help you buy the best products with the right dimensions; and, appropriate dog cage or pet carrier before you spend your money.
We do encourage owners to consult their pup's breeder if you are bringing a new puppy home as they hold the specialist breed information.
Why Do You Need a Dog Travel Crate?
Pet travel crates are made from a collapsible metal frame and fabric material which is just big enough for your dog to stand and turn around in.
You can use it when you are on the move with your dog, whether a visit to the vets, to friends or for a staycation. They are also handy around your home when you are not around to supervise your dog. They are designed with the purposes of confining your dog for the dog’s safety as well as other reasons such as during traveling.
When you have a dog, you will probably be faced with a challenge when it comes to deciding whether or not to crate your dog. You may feel that it is unfair to crate your dog and deny it its freedom to be out and about. However, both professional trainers and veterinary doctors can attest to the fact that crating your dog has a positive impact on its well-being. So crates as dog training tools are highly recommended by professionals. Particularly when on the move. If your dog is used to a crate at home, then they will travel better in a crate as this will not be alien to them.
A crate allows your dog to satisfy its natural instinct to be in a den and this prevents it from experiencing problems that un-crated dogs feel.
Traveling with dogs can be daunting as they may not be ready to adapt to all the changes around them. With a travel crate, your dog can relax in the crate as you travel and it will feel safe inside its crate because the crate is a familiar environment.