How to measure your dog for a crate
Two measurements, both with the tape pulled straight:
- Length: with your dog standing, from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Don’t include the tail itself.
- Height: with your dog sitting, from the floor to the top of the head. If the ears stand up, measure to the ear tips.
Then add about 4 inches (10 cm) to each, as Chewy’s crate-sizing guide recommends. That extra room lets your dog stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. The calculator then picks the smallest standard crate length that fits. If your dog falls between two sizes, choose the bigger one.
An example: Milo, a Border Collie, measures 30 inches long and 24 inches tall sitting. Adding 4 inches gives 34 inches by 28 inches, so he needs a 36-inch crate that’s at least 28 inches tall inside.
Dog crate size chart
Standard wire crates are named by their length. The breeds below are typical examples only. Dogs vary a lot within a breed, so measure your own.
| Crate | Length | Fits dogs measuring | Typical breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18" | 46 cm | Up to about 14 in | Chihuahua, Yorkie, toy breeds |
| 22" | 56 cm | 15–18 in | Toy Poodle, Pomeranian |
| 24" | 61 cm | 19–20 in | Pug, Shih Tzu |
| 30" | 76 cm | 21–26 in | Beagle, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel |
| 36" | 91 cm | 27–32 in | Border Collie, Bulldog, Springer Spaniel |
| 42" | 107 cm | 33–38 in | Labrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer |
| 48" | 122 cm | 39–44 in | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman |
| 54" | 137 cm | 45–50 in | Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland |
The “fits dogs measuring” column is the dog’s nose-to-tail length before adding room. Always check the crate’s inside height in the product details too. Heights differ between brands, and tall breeds often need a taller crate than the length alone suggests.
Crates for puppies
Buy for the adult size and use a divider panel. A crate that’s too big lets a puppy sleep at one end and toilet at the other, which slows down house training. Move the divider back as your puppy grows. To estimate adult size, try the puppy weight calculator.
Signs a crate is the wrong size
- Too small: your dog can’t stand without ducking, can’t turn around easily, or lies cramped with legs bent.
- Too big: house-training accidents in one corner, or a nervous dog that seems unsettled in all the space.
Crates are for rest and safety, not long stretches of confinement. Adult dogs shouldn’t spend most of the day crated, and puppies can only hold their bladder for a few hours.
Common questions
What size crate does a Labrador need?
Most adult Labradors fit a 42-inch crate. Bigger males may need a 48-inch one. Measure to be sure.
Should a dog be able to stand up in its crate?
Yes. Your dog should stand without ducking its head, turn around easily and lie down stretched out.
Is a bigger crate always better?
Not for puppies being house-trained, and some anxious dogs feel safer in a snug space. For adult dogs, a little extra room is fine.
Wire or plastic crate?
Wire crates give more airflow and visibility and usually fold flat. Plastic crates feel more den-like and are often required for air travel, which has its own sizing rules.
Can I go by my dog’s weight?
Only roughly. Length and height matter much more than weight, so measure if you can.
Sources
Last reviewed .