What size dog crate do I need?:
Crate Size: By Breed and Weight
Wire crates are usually listed in inches and tend to range between 18” and 48”. However, there are sizes toward the upper end of the spectrum which are slightly rarer.
Dogs need at least 6” of extra height and width to their crate to be truly comfortable, and so it’s crucial you pick the appropriate size.
To see which size of crate each breed of dog needs, consult the guide below.
For very small dogs under 25 lbs.
Breeds: Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Chihuahua, Chiweenie, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Maltipoo, Morkie, Papillon, Teacup Pomeranian, Puggle, Russian Toy Terrier, Teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier
For small dogs under 30lbs.
Breeds: Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Cavapoo, Chinese Crested, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Havanese, Jack Russel Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Pomeranian, Pomsky, Poochon, Pug, Schipperke, Shichon, Shih Poo, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkie Poo, Zuchon
For small or medium dogs of 25 to 40 lbs.
Breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Water Spaniel, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Boykin Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, French Bulldog, German Pinscher, Irish Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Redbone Coonhound, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier
For dogs between 40 and 70 lbs.
Breeds: American Eskimo, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Basset Hound, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, Beagle, Brittany Spaniel, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Harrier, Keeshond, Kerry Blue Terrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Portuguese Water Dog, Segugio Italiano, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Standard Schnauzer, Treeing Tennessee Brindle, Whippet, Yakutian Laika.
For dogs between 70 and 90 lbs.
Breeds: Airedale Terrier, American Bulldog, Aussiedoodle, Australian Kelpie, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Bernedoodle, Border Collie, Boxer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chow-Chow, Clumber Spaniel, Dalmatian, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Gordon Setter, Ibizan Hound, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Pharaoh Hound, Plott Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Schnoodle, Sheepadoodle, Poodle (Standard), Vizsla
For dogs between 90 and 110 lbs.
Afghan Hound, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Belgian Malinois, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bloodhound, Boerboel, Bouvier Des Flandres, Briard, Bullmastiff, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chinook, Collie, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue De Bordeaux, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Greyhound, Komondor, Kuvasz, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Otterhound, Pointer, Rottweiler, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Tervuren, Weimaraner
You’ll probably struggle to find a wire crate any larger than this, although there are wire crates available in a 54” size if you own a particularly large breed such as Great Danes.
For dogs over 110 lbs!
Akita, Anatolian Shepherd, Borzoi, Broholmer, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Russian Bear Dog, Scottish Deerhound, St. Bernard
Is crate training cruel?
No! While it might seem strange to buy a cage for your dog, if you train them properly, your trusty mutt will actually regard their dog crate as a safe haven to relax in and retreat to when scared.
However, if used wrongly by dog owners, a dog crate can be cruel. Dogs enjoy exercise and interaction, and so leaving them locked in a crate for well over 3-4 hours can naturally be detrimental to their physical and mental health.
You should also never use dog crates as a ‘go to your room’ style punishment or prison, as your dog will simply come to fear it.
What is a dog crate divider?
Dog crate dividers are not mandatory, but they are a very useful device when crate training a puppy. They allow you to seclude the area of a cage to make it more snug and cosy for a dog who is not yet adult size.
Essentially, this means you can buy an adult size dog cage and make it smaller, rather than having to buy a slightly larger cage every time your pup grows a few inches.
Where should I set up a dog crate?
While it can be tempting to just place your dog crate in any old corner of the room, you still need to to ensure the location benefits your mutt’s welfare.
Firstly, it needs to be in a low-traffic area, as hallways or places where people are consistently walking through won’t help your dog feel very comfortable. Instead, pick a family room or bedroom, especially if they are a puppy, as being able to see you or other people in your family will help prevent any anxiety.
You also need to consider external factors around the cage other than people. Make sure the crate is not placed in direct sunlight or other sources of heat which could dehydrate your pup and similarly avoid draughty or cold areas of the home.
The last thing to consider is any dangers such as placing under a high shelf where objects could fall, power cords and outlets, or even toxic houseplants!
What about a soft dog crate?
Soft dog crates are an option, although they are a bit less sturdy and easy to clean when it comes to puppy training as they don’t usually have a plastic tray and aren’t wipeable.
They are a good option as a travel crate or carrier crate, as they have features such as a carry handle, and mesh windows to prevent escape.
Are dog crates also used for adult dogs?
Yes! It can give them somewhere they feel closed and secure. If the house is busy or they just need some shut-eye, they can go into their dog cage which will be enclosed and covered with a cage cover. Great to use as a bed, or as a separate function.
They are also good if you go on staycations with your dog, as most places may require you to be able to keep your dog off the human beds and certain rooms.
With older dogs, you may not have to worry as much about things like security if they are happy being in a crate, which could be good if you’re after something a bit prettier!