What size dog crate do I need? Crate sizes by breed
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The right dog crate size lets your dog stand up without their ears touching the roof, turn around comfortably and lie down fully stretched out, with little room to spare beyond that. Crates come in five standard lengths from 61cm to 122cm, and most adult dogs fall neatly into one of them. This guide shows you how to measure, which crate size suits which breed, and what to do with a puppy that will triple in size.
How to measure your dog for a crate
Two measurements decide the size. Take both with your dog standing normally on a flat floor.
- Length: measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (where the tail meets the body, not the tip). Add 5–10cm.
- Height: measure from the floor to the top of the head, or to the tip of the ears if they stand upright. Add 5–10cm.
Compare those two numbers with the internal dimensions of the crate, not the outer frame. Trays, bars and folding mechanisms can take 2–3cm off each side. Width is rarely the limiting factor: if the length and height are right, the width will be too.
If your dog's weight is on the top edge of a size band, go up. A crate that is slightly too big is a minor issue; one that is too small is unusable.
Dog crate size chart by breed
Crates are traditionally sold in inches, so you will see both units on listings. Breed is a starting point only, as a large Springer and a small Labrador can need the same crate.
| Crate size | Internal length | Dog weight | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 inch (Small) | 61cm | Up to 11kg | Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Pug, Miniature Dachshund, Yorkshire Terrier |
| 30 inch (Medium) | 76cm | 11–18kg | Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, French Bulldog, Border Terrier, Cockapoo |
| 36 inch (Large) | 91cm | 18–32kg | Springer Spaniel, Staffie, Border Collie, Whippet, Labradoodle |
| 42 inch (Extra Large) | 107cm | 32–45kg | Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Boxer, Husky |
| 48 inch (XXL) | 122cm | 45kg+ | Rottweiler, Great Dane, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, Mastiff |
Labradors are the breed we are asked about most. Most need a 42 inch crate; a compact female may be fine in a 36 inch, which is why measuring beats guessing.
Choosing a dog crate size for a puppy
Buy the crate your puppy will need as an adult, and use a divider panel to shrink the usable space while they grow. A crate that is too large for a young puppy makes toilet training harder, because they can sleep at one end and wee at the other. Most adult-size crates come with a divider; if yours does not, a sheet of plywood cut to size and cable-tied to the bars does the same job.
To estimate adult size, look at the parents or use the breed's typical adult weight from the chart above. For a crossbreed where you are unsure, size for the larger parent. Our week-by-week crate training guide covers how to introduce the crate once it arrives.
Which type of crate?
Wire crates
The standard choice for home use. Good airflow, a removable tray for cleaning, and most fold flat. Add a cover or drape a blanket over three sides if your dog settles better in a den. Browse wire dog crates in every size from 24 to 48 inch.
Plastic and travel crates
Enclosed sides and a single door. Lighter and more den-like, and the only type accepted by most airlines. Size slightly more generously on height, as the roof curves inwards.
Soft-sided crates
Fabric over a lightweight frame. Ideal for already crate-trained dogs at shows, campsites or holiday lets. Not suitable for chewers or dogs that are still learning.
Furniture-style crates
Wooden or rattan crates that double as a side table. Internal space is often smaller than the outer dimensions suggest, so check the inside measurements carefully.
For the car, a crate must also fit the boot with the parcel shelf removed and sit securely. See our car travel range for crates and boot guards sized for hatchbacks and estates.
Setting the crate up properly
- Bedding: a crate mat or waterproof bed cut to the tray size. Our waterproof dog beds are made in standard crate dimensions.
- Position: a quiet corner of a room the family uses, away from radiators and direct sunlight. Never in a conservatory in summer.
- Water: a clip-on bowl for any period over an hour. Browse crate bowls and feeders.
- Time limits: an adult dog should not be crated for more than 4 hours in the day; puppies far less, roughly one hour per month of age.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying by breed alone. A tape measure takes a minute and prevents a return.
- Comparing your dog to the outer dimensions. Always use the internal measurements.
- Going too big for a puppy without a divider. It slows toilet training.
- Forgetting the ears. German Shepherds and Huskies need head-to-ear-tip height, not head height.
- Treating the crate as punishment. It should be the safest, calmest place in the house.
Dog crate size FAQs
What size crate does a Labrador need?
Most Labradors need a 42 inch (107cm) crate. Measure nose to tail base and add 5–10cm; smaller females sometimes fit a 36 inch.
What size crate for a Cockapoo?
Usually a 30 inch (76cm) crate. Toy Cockapoos under 10kg may be comfortable in a 24 inch.
Should a dog crate be bigger or smaller?
Slightly bigger is better than slightly smaller. Your dog must be able to stand, turn and lie flat. For puppies, buy the adult size and use a divider.
Can a crate be too big?
For an adult dog, only in the sense that it takes more floor space. For a puppy, yes: too much room encourages toileting in one corner and sleeping in the other.
Measured up? Shop all dog crates and cages, listed with internal dimensions and a recommended weight range, with free tracked UK delivery on every order and 30-day returns on unused items.