What Size Dog Crate Do I Need? Complete Dog Crate Size Guide
Choosing the correct dog crate size sounds simple, but relying on labels such as Small, Medium, Large or XL can easily result in buying the wrong crate.
Even choosing a crate based solely on your dog's breed isn't completely reliable.
Two adult Border Collies can be very different sizes. A male Labrador may be considerably larger than a female Labrador. Crossbreeds are even less predictable, while dogs with long bodies, upright ears or unusually tall builds may need a different crate from another dog of a similar weight.
The best way to choose a dog crate is therefore to measure the individual dog and compare those measurements with the dimensions of the crate.
In this guide, we'll explain:
- How big a dog crate should be
- How to measure your dog for a crate
- How much extra space your dog needs
- What size crate different breeds commonly use
- Whether puppies need a smaller crate
- What to do if your dog is between two sizes
- The difference between home crate and aviation crate sizing
- When a crate can be too big
- Why crate weight limits aren't enough
- How wire and plastic crate sizing differs
If you're also introducing your puppy or adult dog to a crate for the first time, read our Complete Dog & Puppy Crate Training Guide
Quick Answer: What Size Dog Crate Does My Dog Need?
Your dog's crate should be large enough for them to:
Stand naturally without crouching
Sit without their head or ears being forced against the roof
Turn around comfortably
Lie down in a natural position
Change sleeping position comfortably
A crate shouldn't be so small that your dog has to curl up tightly or lower their head to stand.
At the same time, buying the largest crate you can fit into your house isn't necessarily beneficial, particularly for a young puppy during toilet training.
The correct crate is comfortably large enough, rather than simply as large as possible.
Dog Crate Size Chart
The following chart provides a useful starting point for common home wire crate sizes.
Breed recommendations are approximate only.
| Crate Size | Approximate Crate Length | Typical Breed Size | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Small | 20" / 50cm | Toy | Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Papillon |
| Small | 24" / 61cm | Small | Pug, Shih Tzu, Miniature Dachshund, Jack Russell |
| Medium | 30" / 76cm | Small–Medium | French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Miniature Schnauzer |
| Large | 36" / 91cm | Medium | Border Collie, Springer Spaniel, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Kelpie |
| Extra Large | 42" / 107cm | Large | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer, German Shepherd |
| Giant | 46" / 118cm | Large/Giant | Great Dane, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound |
Important: This is a starting point, not a substitute for measuring your dog.
Dogs within the same breed can vary substantially.
How Big Should a Dog Crate Be?
For ordinary home use, think about the positions your dog naturally adopts when resting.
They should be able to stand normally, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Look at how your dog actually sleeps.
Some dogs curl tightly into a ball.
Others lie on their side.
Some stretch their legs straight out.
A dog that regularly sleeps fully stretched may be much less comfortable in a crate that technically accommodates them when standing but doesn't provide enough floor space for their preferred sleeping position.
A Dog Crate Should Not Be So Small That Your Dog:
- Has to crouch when standing
- Cannot sit naturally
- Has ears permanently touching the roof
- Struggles to turn around
- Cannot lie comfortably
- Is forced to remain tightly curled
- Cannot change sleeping position
But Bigger Isn't Automatically Better
Particularly during puppy toilet training, an enormous crate can cause problems.
A puppy may discover that they can:
Sleep at one end → toilet at the other end.
That defeats one of the reasons crates can be useful during toilet training.
The goal is therefore not:
"Buy the biggest crate possible."
It is:
"Provide enough space for comfortable natural movement and rest."
How to Measure a Dog for a Crate
Don't guess.
You'll need a tape measure and your dog standing naturally.
Taking measurements while the dog is standing is important because measuring a curled-up or sitting dog can substantially underestimate the space they require.
Measurement 1: Your Dog's Length
Measure from approximately the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
You don't normally need to include the full tail length for an ordinary home crate.
The important thing is the space occupied by your dog's body.
Then allow additional room for the dog to turn and change position comfortably.
Measurement 2: Your Dog's Height
Measure from the floor to the highest point of your dog while standing naturally.
Depending on the dog, this may be:
- Top of the head
- Tip of the ears
This is particularly important for dogs with naturally upright ears.
A German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd or similar dog may require considerably more vertical clearance than you would estimate by looking only at shoulder height.
Measurement 3: Consider Your Dog's Width
Width is sometimes overlooked.
Look at your dog:
- Standing
- Sitting
- Lying down
- Curled up
Your dog needs sufficient width to turn around and rest naturally.
Broad, heavily built dogs may require more width than lighter breeds of a similar height.
External Dimensions vs Internal Dimensions
This is an important detail when comparing crates.
Product dimensions are often quoted as external dimensions.
The actual usable internal space can be slightly smaller because of:
- Frame thickness
- Door construction
- Sloping sides
- Moulded plastic
- Base trays
- Internal fittings
This becomes particularly important with rigid plastic carriers.
Don't assume that a carrier advertised as 80cm long gives your dog exactly 80cm of usable internal length.
What If My Dog Is Between Two Crate Sizes?
If your dog is very close to the maximum comfortable dimensions of one crate, the larger size will often provide a more comfortable resting area.
But consider the purpose of the crate.
For an adult dog using the crate as a bed, additional comfortable space is usually welcome.
For a young puppy undergoing toilet training, buying a much larger crate purely for future growth may require a divider or another method of safely adjusting the usable space.
Look at the individual dog's proportions and intended use, rather than blindly following a size label.
Should I Choose a Crate Based on My Dog's Weight?
Weight alone isn't a reliable way to choose a crate.
Two dogs weighing 20kg can have completely different proportions.
For example, one may be:
- Tall and narrow
while another is:
- Short and broad
They could require different crate dimensions despite weighing exactly the same.
Weight limits are important where a carrier has a manufacturer's maximum load rating, but physical fit still needs to be assessed separately.
What Size Crate Does a Chihuahua Need?
Many adult Chihuahuas will fit comfortably in an approximately 20-inch / 50cm crate.
For example, the Extra Small Savic Dog Cottage measures:
50cm L × 30cm W × 36.5cm H
Other toy breeds that may use a similar size include:
- Yorkshire Terriers
- Toy Poodles
- Papillons
However, Chihuahuas vary in size, so measure your individual dog.
What Size Crate Does a Yorkshire Terrier Need?
Many Yorkshire Terriers may suit an approximately 20-inch crate, depending on their individual size.
Larger Yorkies or dogs that prefer additional sleeping space may need the next size.
Always compare your dog's measurements with the actual crate dimensions.
What Size Crate Does a Jack Russell Need?
Many adult Jack Russell Terriers will suit an approximately 24-inch / 61cm crate.
The Small Savic Dog Cottage measures:
61cm L × 44cm W × 50cm H
Jack Russells vary considerably in height and build, so some individuals may require a different size.
What Size Crate Does a Dachshund Need?
This is a good example of why choosing according to weight alone can be misleading.
Dachshunds are relatively small dogs but have long bodies.
Many Miniature Dachshunds may suit a 24-inch crate, but you should pay particular attention to the available floor length.
Larger Standard Dachshunds may need more space.
Measure the dog's full body length rather than choosing purely because they're considered a "small breed".
What Size Crate Does a French Bulldog Need?
Many French Bulldogs may suit an approximately 30-inch / 76cm crate.
The Medium Savic Dog Cottage measures:
76cm L × 49cm W × 55cm H
French Bulldogs can vary considerably in body size and build, so measure the individual dog.
Their relatively broad body shape also makes crate width worth considering.
What Size Crate Does a Cocker Spaniel Need?
Many adult Cocker Spaniels will suit an approximately 30-inch crate.
A typical starting point would therefore be:
76cm L × 49cm W × 55cm H
However, there can be considerable variation between individual dogs and between different Cocker Spaniel types and lines.
Larger individuals may be more comfortable in a bigger crate.
What Size Crate Does a Beagle Need?
Many Beagles may suit a 30-inch / approximately 76cm crate.
Again, measure the individual dog.
A tall or particularly substantial Beagle may require more space than a smaller individual.
What Size Crate Does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Need?
Many Staffordshire Bull Terriers may suit an approximately 36-inch / 91cm crate.
The Large Savic Dog Cottage measures:
91cm L × 57cm W × 62cm H
Staffies are relatively broad and muscular dogs, so don't assess crate suitability from length alone.
Make sure your individual dog has sufficient width to turn and lie comfortably.
What Size Crate Does a Border Collie Need?
A 36-inch / approximately 91cm crate is a common starting point for many adult Border Collies.
For example:
91cm L × 57cm W × 62cm H
But Border Collies vary enormously.
A small, lightly built female and a tall, substantial male may need completely different crate sizes.
Measure the individual dog rather than assuming every Border Collie needs a 36-inch crate.
What Size Crate Does a Springer Spaniel Need?
Many English Springer Spaniels may suit an approximately 36-inch crate.
However, taller or larger individuals may require additional space.
Pay particular attention to:
- Standing height
- Body length
- Preferred sleeping position
What Size Crate Does a Labrador Need?
Many adult Labrador Retrievers will require approximately a 42-inch / 107cm crate.
The Extra Large Savic Dog Cottage measures:
107cm L × 72cm W × 79cm H
But Labrador size varies considerably.
A small adult female and a large male may not require the same crate.
Always measure the dog.
What Size Crate Does a Golden Retriever Need?
Many adult Golden Retrievers will suit an approximately 42-inch crate.
A useful starting point is:
107cm L × 72cm W × 79cm H
Larger individuals may require more space.
What Size Crate Does a German Shepherd Need?
Many German Shepherds will require a 42-inch or larger crate, depending on the individual.
Standing height is particularly important because of their upright ears.
A 42-inch Savic Dog Cottage measures:
107cm L × 72cm W × 79cm H
The 46-inch Giant measures:
118cm L × 77cm W × 84cm H
A particularly large or tall German Shepherd may therefore be more comfortable in the larger option.
Don't choose based on breed label alone.
What Size Crate Does a Great Dane Need?
Great Danes require very substantial crates.
The 46-inch Giant Savic Dog Cottage measures:
118cm L × 77cm W × 84cm H
This may suit some Great Danes, but the breed varies considerably and some individuals may require something even larger.
Measure your individual dog carefully.
A dog should never have to duck simply because the crate is marketed as being suitable for their breed.
What Size Crate Does an Irish Wolfhound Need?
Irish Wolfhounds are extremely tall dogs.
The 46-inch / 118cm Giant category is the logical place to begin looking, but height is particularly important.
Measure from the floor to the highest point of the standing dog's head or ears and compare that with the usable internal height.
Some individuals may require a specialist or oversized crate.
What Size Crate Does a Mixed-Breed Dog Need?
Ignore guesses about what breeds may be in your dog.
Measure the dog standing in front of you.
For crate sizing purposes, their actual:
- Length
- Height
- Width
- Sleeping position
matter far more than their ancestry.
This is particularly useful for rescue dogs where breed identification may be uncertain.
What Size Crate Should I Buy for a Puppy?
You have two main options.
Option 1: Buy a Puppy-Sized Crate
Purchase a crate suitable for your puppy's current size and replace it as they grow.
The advantage is a naturally appropriate amount of space throughout puppyhood.
The disadvantage is that you may need to buy more than one crate.
Option 2: Buy an Adult-Sized Crate With a Divider
If the crate design allows it, you can buy a crate appropriate for the dog's predicted adult size and use a secure divider while they're small.
As the puppy grows, gradually increase the usable space.
This can be more economical.
Whichever method you use, your puppy must always have enough room to:
- Stand
- Turn
- Lie comfortably
- Change sleeping position
Can a Dog Crate Be Too Big?
For an adult dog using a crate voluntarily as a sleeping space, additional room is generally not a major problem.
The "too big" issue is most relevant during puppy toilet training.
An enormous crate may give the puppy enough room to create:
A sleeping area at one end + a toilet area at the other.
If you're buying an adult-sized crate for a small puppy, a suitable divider can help.
For more information about toilet training and crate introduction, read our:
Complete Puppy & Dog Crate Training Guide
Can a Dog Crate Be Too Small?
Absolutely.
A crate is too small if your dog cannot comfortably perform normal resting movements.
Warning signs include:
- Crouching to stand
- Ears being compressed against the roof
- Difficulty turning
- Inability to lie naturally
- Being unable to stretch into a normal resting position
- Having to remain curled up
If in doubt, reassess the dog's measurements.
Does a Dog Need to Be Able to Fully Stretch Out in a Crate?
A dog should have sufficient room to adopt comfortable, natural resting positions.
You don't necessarily need enough floor space for an exaggerated nose-to-toes stretch occupying the maximum possible body length, but the dog shouldn't be forced to remain tightly curled because the crate is too short.
Watch how your dog normally sleeps.
Their preferred resting positions are useful information when choosing a crate.
Should a Dog Be Able to Sit Up in a Crate?
Yes.
Your dog should be able to sit and stand naturally without being forced to crouch because of insufficient height.
Dogs with upright ears need enough vertical clearance for their natural ear position too.
What Is the Best Crate Size for Toilet Training?
Choose a crate that provides sufficient space for:
- Standing
- Turning
- Lying comfortably
without providing a young puppy with an enormous separate area that can easily become a toilet.
Remember that crate size alone doesn't toilet train a puppy.
Your puppy still needs frequent opportunities to go outside.
For a full training plan, read:
How to Crate Train a Puppy or Adult Dog
Should I Choose a Wire or Plastic Dog Crate?
Both can work extremely well, but they have different characteristics.
Wire crates generally provide:
- Excellent ventilation
- High visibility
- Fold-flat storage
- Multiple doors on many models
- Easy use around the home
Rigid plastic crates generally provide:
- More enclosed sides
- Reduced visual stimulation
- Greater suitability for certain forms of transport
- A den-like environment some dogs prefer
We've covered the differences in detail here:
Wire vs Plastic Dog Crates: Which Is Best?
Puppy Pen vs Dog Crate: Do I Need Both?
A puppy pen and dog crate perform different jobs.
A crate is particularly useful for:
- Sleeping
- Short periods of rest
- Teaching calm confinement
- Travel preparation
A puppy pen provides a larger managed area where a puppy has more freedom to:
- Move around
- Play
- Explore
- Use enrichment
For many households, using both is more useful than choosing one or the other.
Read our full comparison:
Puppy Pen vs Dog Crate: Which Should You Use?
What Should I Put Inside My Puppy's Crate?
Once you've selected the correct size, you'll need to decide what goes inside.
Depending on your individual puppy, that might include:
- Crate bedding
- Vet bedding
- A suitable dog bed
- Water
- A secure crate bowl
- A stuffed KONG
- Suitable enrichment
- Safe chews
Not every item is appropriate for every dog, particularly dogs that destroy or swallow bedding and toys.
We've covered this separately in:
What Should You Put in a Puppy Crate? Bedding, Water, Toys & Chews Explained
What If My Puppy Cries When I Put Them in the Crate?
First, don't assume every puppy crying in a crate is simply "looking attention".
A puppy may be:
- Frustrated
- Frightened
- Lonely
- Over-aroused
- Needing the toilet
- Too hot
- Too cold
- Uncomfortable
- Struggling because training progressed too quickly
Particularly at night, it's important to distinguish between a puppy that briefly protests and one experiencing genuine distress or needing to toilet.
Read our detailed guide:
Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night: What Should You Do?
Home Dog Crate Size vs Aviation Crate Size
This distinction is extremely important.
The sizing information in this article is primarily intended for choosing an ordinary home dog crate.
Aviation carriers need to be assessed differently.
For air travel, the dog's individual body measurements are used to calculate the minimum internal space required.
Relevant measurements include:
A – Length: Nose to base of tail
B – Elbow height: Ground to elbow joint
C – Width: Across shoulders or widest part
D – Height: Ground to highest point of head or ears
Don't simply decide:
"My Labrador uses a 42-inch home crate, so I'll buy a 42-inch aviation crate."
The two products may have completely different internal dimensions.
If you're flying with your dog, use our dedicated guide:
How to Choose the Correct Size Aviation Crate for Your Dog
Choosing a Crate for Flying With Your Dog
For dogs travelling in an aircraft hold or as manifested cargo, an ordinary folding wire crate isn't normally appropriate.
You'll generally need a suitable rigid aviation carrier meeting the relevant requirements of your airline and route.
Pet Connection stocks Petmode Aviation Carriers in sizes suitable for animals ranging from cats and toy dogs through to many large and giant dog breeds.
Shop Petmode Aviation Carriers
If you're planning a flight, we also recommend reading:
Flying With Dogs: The Complete Guide to Airline Travel With Your Pet:
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/flying-with-dogs-the-complete-guide-to-airline-travel-with-your-pet
Cabin vs Hold vs Cargo: What's the Difference?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/cabin-vs-hold-vs-cargo-what-s-the-difference
Flying With a Dog From Ireland: Airlines, Airports, Routes & Your Options:
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/flying-with-a-dog-from-ireland-airlines-airports-routes-your-options
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Crate Sizes
What is the most common dog crate size?
There isn't one size suitable for most dogs because dog breeds and individual body shapes vary enormously.
Common home crate lengths include approximately 20", 24", 30", 36", 42" and 46".
Is a 24-inch dog crate small?
Yes. A 24-inch crate is generally considered a small dog crate and may suit appropriately sized dogs such as Jack Russells, Pugs, Shih Tzus and Miniature Dachshunds.
Is a 30-inch crate medium?
A 30-inch crate is commonly described as Medium and may suit dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, French Bulldogs and Miniature Schnauzers.
Is a 36-inch dog crate large?
A 36-inch crate is generally sold as a Large and may suit many medium-sized dogs including Border Collies, Springer Spaniels, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Kelpies.
What dogs fit in a 42-inch crate?
A 42-inch crate may suit many Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Boxers and some German Shepherds.
Always measure the individual dog.
What dogs need a 46-inch crate?
A 46-inch or Giant crate may suit some Great Danes, Newfoundlands, Mastiffs, Irish Wolfhounds and particularly large dogs.
Some giant individuals may require an even larger specialist crate.
Is a 36-inch crate big enough for a Labrador?
For many adult Labradors, a 36-inch crate is likely to be smaller than ideal.
A 42-inch crate is a more typical starting point, but individual measurement should determine the final choice.
Is a 42-inch crate too big for a Border Collie?
It may provide considerably more room than many Border Collies require, but whether that is a problem depends on the dog's size and the purpose of the crate.
For an adult dog's sleeping area, extra room may be perfectly acceptable.
For a young puppy during toilet training, excessively large usable space may be less helpful.
What size crate should I get for a 10kg dog?
Weight isn't enough information to accurately choose a crate.
A 10kg dog could be relatively tall and narrow or short and long.
Measure the dog's length and standing height instead.
What size crate should I get for a 20kg dog?
Again, don't choose solely from weight.
Dogs weighing 20kg can have dramatically different body proportions.
Measure the individual dog and compare their dimensions with the usable crate space.
Should I size up if my dog is between crate sizes?
For an adult dog that's genuinely close to the limit of a smaller crate, choosing the next size can provide more comfortable resting space.
For puppies, consider whether a divider can be used to manage the additional space while they grow.
Should a dog's ears touch the top of the crate?
A dog should be able to stand naturally without being forced to lower their head or ears because of insufficient height.
This is particularly important for dogs with upright ears.
Do I measure my dog's tail when choosing a crate?
For an ordinary home crate, body length is generally measured to approximately the base of the tail rather than including the entire tail.
You then need enough additional room for the dog to turn and rest naturally.
Do I need to measure my dog if the crate says it's suitable for their breed?
Yes.
Breed recommendations are useful starting points but aren't guarantees.
Always measure your individual dog.
Choosing the Right Crate: The Bottom Line
The easiest mistake to make when buying a dog crate is assuming that breed or body weight automatically determines crate size.
It doesn't.
Start with a breed size guide if it's useful, but then measure the actual dog.
Your dog should be able to:
Stand naturally
Sit comfortably
Turn around
Lie naturally
Change position comfortably
For puppies, think about both their current size and expected adult size.
For adult dogs, consider how they naturally sleep as well as how they stand.
And if you're choosing a crate for air travel, don't use ordinary home crate sizing rules — measure your dog specifically for their aviation carrier.
Continue Reading: Our Complete Crate Training Series
Once you've chosen the correct crate size, these guides will help you with the next steps.
How to Crate Train a Puppy or Adult Dog: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
https://www.petconnection.ie/pages/crate-training
Puppy Crying in the Crate at Night: What Should You Do?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/puppy-crying-in-crate-at-night
What Should You Put in a Puppy Crate? Bedding, Water, Toys & Chews Explained
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/what-to-put-in-a-puppy-crate
Puppy Pen vs Dog Crate: Which Should You Use?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/puppy-pen-vs-dog-crate
Wire vs Plastic Dog Crates: Which Is Best?
https://www.petconnection.ie/blogs/pet-care-guides/wire-vs-plastic-dog-crates
Shop Dog Crates at Pet Connection
Whether you're looking for a folding wire crate for puppy training and home use or a rigid carrier for international travel, Pet Connection stocks options for dogs of many different sizes.
Shop Dog Crates & Kennels:
https://www.petconnection.ie/collections/crates-kennels
Shop Petmode Aviation Carriers:
https://www.petconnection.ie/collections/petmode
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