Dog Crate Size Chart, Dimension and Weight

One thing that can speed up the crate-training process is to get the perfect-sized crate for your dog, so their crate is as comforting & enticing as possible.

The crate I got for my little beagle puppy was too big initially. I thought it wouldn’t be an issue, but he was always quite hesitant to enter. After I added a crate divider, the difference was like night & day!

My puppy started pawing at the crate to be let in and would sleep in there every night.

The size of the crate is crucial. However, it can be hard to understand how big the crate needs to be.

We’ve created a helpful dog kennel size chart based on your dog’s breed & a list of tips for the crate training process!

Does Size Matter?

A common question most first-time puppy parents have is how important the size of the crate is. In fact, the kennel dimensions are probably the most crucial feature you should consider when buying a new crate.

A crate that is too small will cramp your dog up. This could lead to long-term health issues like muscle pain & back problems. Look out for signs that the kennel is too tiny, such as rashes, sudden whining or growling in the kennel, weight loss, and withdrawal from touch.

How Big Should My Crate Be?

This is a tricky question to answer, & it is greatly dependent on your dog’s personality, preferences, weight, and breed. At the very least, your pooch should have extra space to sit down & turn around. He should also have enough vertical space to stretch out completely.

A helpful guide to finding the ideal dimensions of the kennel is to add 4 inches to the height & the length of your pup. This should be the minimum height & width of the crate. This will give your pooch plenty of space to lie down, turn around, and stretch out.

If you are stuck between 2 sizes, I recommend sizing up. 

Check out this table that compares the measurements of each breed to the ideal size of their crate!

Breed-Specific Measurement Table

How Do I Measure My Pooch?

Finding My Dog’s Length

You will need a flexible tape measure to find your pup’s total length. Have your dog stand up and elongate his body to the normal length.

With your other hand, use the tape measure & record the length from the tip of your pup’s nose to the base of his tail. This is your dog’s total length.

Finding My Dog’s Width

To measure your dog’s width, measure across the widest part of his body, most often the shoulders.

Other Factors to Consider

Keep in mind that these crate sizes are not one-size-fits-all. There are still tons of other factors that influence the perfect crate size for your pup.

Here are some other aspects you should consider before choosing the kennel dimensions.

Time Spent in the Crate

How much time will your pup be spending in his crate? If you plan on keeping your pooch in there while you are at work for multiple hours at a time, you will need much more space in the crate.

This is because you will have to fit a dog bed or crate pad, as well as a pee pad, in case they need to relieve themselves while in there. You may also need to add food & water bowls if you keep your pet there during their mealtimes. 

Dogs are den animals, meaning they naturally tend to keep their living area clean. It can cause them tons of anxiety if they need to urinate in the exact same spot where they sleep.

Exercise & Energy Levels

Consider your dog’s natural energy levels & how much exercise he gets. Is your dog a boundless ball of energy and is still running around right before bedtime?

In this case, you might want to consider a larger crate that can hold a couple of toys, treats, and puzzle games.

On the other hand, if your dog is a couch potato that will fall asleep immediately as soon as he enters his kennel, you can buy a regular-sized crate.

Gender

Male dogs tend to be bigger than their female counterparts. This difference is more distinct if your pup belongs to a larger breed.

For example, while the weight difference between different genders is only 1 pound in Yorkshire Terriers, a male Great Dane can weigh 100 pounds more than a female Great Dane!

Bed or No Bed?

Will you be adding a bed to the crate? We believe you should because it makes the crate more comfortable, promotes potty training, and makes cleaning up much easier.

If you do add a bed & some blankets, you will need to purchase a roomier kennel with space for all these elements and is still large enough for your pup to turn around in.

Medical Needs

Conditions like joint pain or hip dysplasia make it hard for dogs to move around.

To ensure they don’t struggle while getting in and out of the kennel, look for a crate with a low door that they don’t have to step over. 

Breed (Mix)

Some mixes or mutts are much larger or smaller than their main breed. In this case, I would recommend weighing and measuring your pooch to see what breed they most resemble.

Then, buy the corresponding crate size for that breed.

Weight

If your pup is a little heavier or lighter than the rest of his siblings, I would recommend going by your dog’s weight & measurements to choose the perfect dimensions rather than the breed.

What Else Should I Look for in a Dog Crate?

Material

There are many different types of material a crate can be made of. 

• Soft-sided crates are made of fabric & mesh walls for ventilation. They are perfect for small or medium dogs. They are also the perfect choice for travel because they are lightweight. However, they aren’t super durable & can easily be ripped up by a chewer. 
• Wire dog crates are made of welded metal bars that are ideal if you are living in a warm or humid climate. There’s tons of visibility, but it isn’t suitable for traveling as it can be quite heavy. 
• Plastic crates are perfect for air travel as they are lightweight and usually airline-approved. They are hard to rip up, but they don’t have a lot of ventilation holes. They can also be quite uncomfortable. 

Ventilation

Consider the climate of the place you live. If you live in a humid area, you may need to opt for a crate with a ton of ventilation holes, so your pup doesn’t overheat.

Storage

If you don’t have much floor space in your home, I recommend a collapsible crate. This is a great way to free up some space during the day by only removing the kennel right before bedtime.

Durability for Puppy Escape Artists

If your pooch tends to gnaw his cage when they are bored, you may want a larger crate and more durable crate made of metal. 

Benefits of Crating Your Dog

You may be wondering if crating your dog is even worth the hassle of measuring him out. In short- yes! A crate is an invaluable tool in your pup’s training regimen. 

Comforts Them

Once your pooch understands that nobody will bother them in their crate, they will automatically go inside it whenever they feel overwhelmed, anxious, or tired. This is because they will view their crate as their personal den, and it will soon give them a sense of security. 

Keeps Them Safe

A good-quality crate will keep your pet out of harm’s way. While my kitchen was being renovated, I had to keep my curious pup crated for several hours a day when I couldn’t watch him. This sped up the crate-training process & now he loves to sleep in his kennel after a long day!

Keeps Your Sofa Safe!

A crate also keeps bored (and destructive) pups away from your fragile items when you can’t supervise them.

Aids Potty Training

Since dogs prefer to keep their sleeping space clean when enclosed in a den, they will automatically hold their bladder & relieve themselves in another area.

This means they are more likely to go on a potty pad if you keep it in the crate! This makes them more comfortable with holding their bladder & only going on a pad, which is great for future potty training.

Makes Traveling Easier

If you’ve ever traveled with a puppy, you know how frustrating a short road trip can be! Having a pooch that voluntarily enters his pet carrier is ideal, and crate training is the first step toward that goal. 

Can the Crate Be Too Big?

Yes, a crate can definitely be too big for your puppy!

Kennels should be secure and cozy. A tight fit will help your pup feel safe & helps to reduce their anxiety.

If you have a young puppy and don’t want to buy multiple crates throughout your pooch’s lifetime, buy the crate in an adult size & add a crate divider. This way, the kennel can grow with your pooch, & it will never be too big for him!

How Long Can I Crate My Puppy?

There is an upper limit on how long your dog should be in his crate. We wouldn’t recommend crating your pooch for more than 3 hours if he is under 6 months old. If your dog is fully potty trained, you shouldn’t keep him in the crate for more than 7 hours maximum.

Ensure you are giving your pooch tons of exercise & attention whenever they are out of the crate!

Conclusion

The best way to simplify crate training is to ensure your chosen crate is a perfect size. To find the best size, you can consider your dog’s breed, weight, length & width, as well as his activity level, medical needs, and the time he spends in the crate. 

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