Dog Crate Size Calculator – How Big Should My Dog Crate Be

Dog Crate Size Calculator

The right Dog Crate Size Calculator is a tool refers to the process of measuring your dog and calculating the ideal dimensions for a crate that will properly fit them.

Choosing the right sized dog crate for your canine companion is an important decision.

You want your pub to be comfortable, yet also safe and secure when enclosed in their crate.

This calculator will provide necessary options on how to determine the ideal crate size for your dog.

Dog Crate Size Calculator

This dog crate size calculator tools have you enter key measurements and info to estimate proper crate size.




Small Breeds (under 25 lbs)

  • Chihuahuas – 24 inch crate
  • Yorkies – 24 inch crate
  • Pomeranians – 24-30 inch crate
  • French Bulldogs – 24-30 inch crate
  • Pugs – 24-30 inch crate

Medium Breeds (25-50 lbs)

  • American Staffordshire Terriers – 36 inch crate
  • Beagles – 36 inch crate
  • Border Collies – 36-42 inch crate
  • Australian Shepherds – 36-42 inch crate

Large Breeds (50-90 lbs)

  • Labrador Retrievers – 42 inch crate
  • Goldendoodles – 42-48 inch crate
  • German Shepherds – 48 inch crate
  • Boxers – 42-48 inch crate

Giant Breeds (over 90 lbs)

  • Great Danes – 54+ inch crate
  • Mastiffs – 54-60 inch crate
  • Newfoundlands – 54+ inch crate
  • Saint Bernards – 54+ inch crate

The best crate size can vary quite a bit within a breed based on your individual dog’s measurements. So always measure your dog’s length, height, and width and size up accordingly when choosing a crate. Proper sizing sets your dog up for success!

How to Determine the Right Crate Size for Your Dog

How to Determine the Right Crate Size for Your Dog

When selecting a dog crate, you’ll first need to measure your dog to find the proper dimensions. Here are some tips for measuring your dog and calculating the right crate size:

  • Measure Length: Have your dog stand up straight. Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Add 2-4 inches to this length to determine the minimum crate length.
  • Measure Height: Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulders/head (whichever is taller). Add 2-4 inches to get the minimum crate height.
  • Measure Width: Measure the widest part of your dog’s hips and add 2-4 inches for minimum crate width.
  • Consider Weight: Make sure to select a crate designed for your dog’s weight range. Their size and weight will impact the ideal crate dimensions.
  • Think About Space: Consider if you want your dog to have extra room to stand up, lie down, and turn around comfortably in their crate. This may mean choosing a larger size than their minimum measurements.
  • Factor In Growth: If you have a growing puppy, size up the crate to account for future growth so you won’t have to keep buying bigger crates.

Expert Tip: “A good rule of thumb is to allow your dog enough room in the crate to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. You want some extra room, but not too much that they can eliminate at one end and sleep at the other.” – Professional Dog Trainer.

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What Size Dog Fits in a 24 Inch Crate?

What Size Dog Fits in a 24 Inch Crate

A 24 inch dog crate is a common intermediate size. Here are some general guidelines for which dogs may fit a 24 inch crate:

  • Small adult dogs under 25 lbs, around 12 – 18 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Some medium-sized puppies and adolescents up to 40 lbs
  • Varied breeds like Corgis, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Beagles
  • Not recommended for most adult medium or large breeds

However, crate sizing depends on your individual dog’s measurements. A 24 inch crate may be too small for some dogs in the size ranges above. It’s best to take your dog’s unique height, length, and weight into account rather than going by breed alone.

Expert Advice: “It’s impossible to make blanket recommendations about what size dog will fit any crate size, as each dog is structured differently. Your best bet is to carefully measure your dog and cross-reference with crate dimensions to find the perfect fit.” – Licensed Veterinarian

How Big Should My Dog’s Crate Be?

How Big Should My Dog’s Crate Be

Here are some general guidelines to determine ideal crate size based on your dog’s measurements:

For Length:

  • Small dogs under 25 lbs: crate length should be about dog’s length + 2 inches
  • Medium dogs 25 – 50 lbs: crate length should be about dog’s length + 4 inches
  • Large/giant dogs over 50 lbs: crate length should be about dog’s length + 6 inches

For Width:

  • Crate width should be wide enough for your dog to lay on their side without touching both sides of the crate. Measure the widest part of your dog’s hips or shoulders and add 2-4 inches.

For Height:

  • Crate height should allow your dog to freely stand up and sit without hitting their head. Measure from floor to top of head/shoulders and add 2-4 inches.

Expert Insight: “It’s better to initially size up with a crate that seems too big vs one that’s snug. You can always adjust the crate interior with a divider panel to make the space smaller if needed. But it’s impossible to make the crate bigger if you start with one that’s too small.” – Certified Dog Trainer

How to Determine Crate Size for a Dog

Follow these steps to determine the best crate size for your dog:

  1. Measure your dog: Have them stand, sit, and lay down. Take accurate length, height, and width measurements.
  2. Research crate sizes: Compare your measurements to crate dimensions from brands you’re considering. Look for a crate at least 2 inches longer/taller/wider.
  3. Factor in growth: If you have a growing puppy, size up their projected full grown dimensions. Buy a crate that will still fit them when mature.
  4. Consider needs: Active dogs and those prone to anxiety may benefit from more spacious crates that allow for comfortable movement.
  5. Look for adjustability: Some crates come with interior panels that allow you to adjust the space as needed for a snug but comfy fit.
  6. Trial run: If possible, see if a crate seems like the right dimensions for your dog before committing to buy. Let them test it out.
  7. Prioritize fit: A properly fitted crate ensures your dog’s health and happiness. Don’t compromise on size – measure carefully for best results!

Expert Recommendation: “Take the time to accurately measure your dog, match those measurements to an appropriately sized crate, and have your dog test it out before buying when possible. This will help set your dog and wallet up for crate training success!” – Licensed Vet Tech

How do You Know What Size Crate to Get for Your Dog?

Here is a summary of the key factors in determining the right dog crate size:

  • Measure your dog’s length, height, and width: Use a measuring tape to get accurate dimensions when standing, sitting, and lying down.
  • Add at least 2-4 inches of length/height/width to their measurements for comfortable extra room.
  • Consider weight range: Choose a crate designed for your dog’s estimated adult weight. This affects durability.
  • Factor in growth: If still growing, size up to anticipated adult dimensions. Buy a crate with room to grow.
  • Assess needs: More anxious or active dogs may need bigger crates for comfort. Customize based on temperament.
  • Look for adjustability: Divider panels allow adjusting internal space as a puppy matures. Helpful for growing dogs.
  • Have your dog test it out: Let your dog try out a crate to check for fit before purchasing, if possible.
  • Prioritize your dog’s comfort. Don’t go smaller to save money. Proper sizing sets up crate training for success.

Expert Advice: “Finding a correctly sized crate may take some trial and error. Focus on your dog’s needs, measure carefully, allow for growth, and use common sense. The ideal crate allows them to move and rest comfortably.” – Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.

Important Questions

What size crate for a 30 lb dog?

For a 30 lb dog, a good starter size would be a 36 inch crate. However, be sure to measure your individual dog’s length, height, and width and match to crate dimensions. The 36 inch provides extra room for most average 30 lb pups.

What is the rule of thumb for dog crate sizing?

The general rule of thumb is to measure your dog’s length, height, and width and add 2-4 inches to each of those dimensions when choosing a crate. This provides them enough extra room to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably.

How much room should a dog have in a crate?

Experts recommend your dog have enough room to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around easily inside their crate. They should not be cramped or touching both sides if lying down. Allowing this adequate room sets dogs up to feel secure and relaxed in their crates.

What size travel crate for my dog calculator?

There are some helpful online dog crate size calculators where you can input your dog’s measurements and weight and it will recommend suitable travel crate sizes. But you still need to measure your individual dog accurately first. Then cross-reference the calculator’s crate suggestions to find the best fit.

Final Words

Choosing an appropriately sized dog crate is one of the most important things you can do to set your pup up for success with crate training.

Take the time to accurately measure your dog’s length, height, and width and allow several extra inches for comfort.

Consider their projected growth if still a puppy. Prioritize your dog’s ability to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around without restriction when sizing their crate.

With a properly fitted crate tailored to your dog’s needs, they will be happily contained while you’re away or when it’s time for bed.

Investing in the right sized crate pays off in your dog’s safety, security, and long-term comfort.

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