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Dog Crates Guide

Finding the Right Crate Size for Your Dog

Updated on March 20, 2024
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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care
Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
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One of the simplest ways to make your new puppy feel at home is with a safe, sturdy dog crate. The right crate not only creates a safe place to contain your pet when you can't be there, but it also taps into a dog's natural instinct to den. Most dogs love having a place of their own and may retreat to their crate anytime they need a little "me" time. As a bonus, crates usually make housetraining a lot easier by giving your dog a space in your home that is exclusively “theirs”!

Dog Crate Sizes

  • XS Dog Crate (Dog Weight: under 20 lbs., Length: 17” Height: 12”)
  • Small Dog Crate (Weight: 20-30 lbs., Length: 22”, Height: 18”)
  • Medium Crates (Weight: 30-40 lbs., Length: 28”, Height: 18”)
  • Large Crates (Weight: 40-70 lbs., Length: 34”, Height: 23”)
  • XL Crates (Weight: 70-90 lbs., Length: 40”, Height: 28”)
  • XXL Crates (Weight: 90+ lbs., Length: 46”, Height: 30”)

How to Measure for a Dog Crate

To measure your pup for a dog crate size, you’ll need two measurements—length and height. With your dog standing up, measure their length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Next, with your dog sitting, measure their height from the top of their head down their front legs to the floor. Add 4 inches to each measurement to find the ideal crate dimensions.

Having the right size dog crate allows your pup to comfortably lie down, turn around and sit or stand as they please. You want your dog to get to know their crate as a place they enjoy spending time in, so making it as comfortable as possible is important. If you’re choosing a crate for your puppy, remember that they will need a larger crate as they grow. You can also use their expected adult measurements to determine the crate size you buy or choose a crate with a divider that can grow as your dog does.

guide to measuring for a dog crate

One size doesn’t fit all

While there are many dog crate sizes available to consider, picking the right one for your pet is crucial to ensuring a positive experience from day one. Too little space to move will leave your pup feeling cramped and uncomfortable; while too much space opens the possibility of accidents in the crate. The right dog crate size for your pup will allow them to comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down.

Our pet experts have exhausted miles of measuring tape on pups of all sizes to develop this handy chart to help you determine what size crate is the right fit for your dog:

Dog Crate Sizing Chart

Dog Crate Sizes Length of Crate (Tip: Equal to length of adult dog from nose to tail +2-4 in) Max. Dog Height Max. Dog Length Dog Weight Common Breeds
XS Dog Crate 19" 12" 17" <20 lbs.
Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian
Chihuahua,
Maltese,
Pomeranian
S Dog Crate 24" 18" 22" 20-30 lbs.
Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Poodle
Jack Russell Terrier,
Miniature Poodle
M Dog Crate 30" 18" 28" 30-40 lbs.
Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog, Pit Bull Terrier
Cocker Spaniel,
French Bulldog,
Pit Bull Terrier
L Dog Crate 36" 23" 34" 40-70 lbs.
Beagle, Bulldog, English Setter
Beagle,
Bulldog,
English Setter
XL Dog Crate 42" 28" 40" 70-90 lbs.
Lab, Golden Retriever, Boxer
Lab,
Golden Retriever,
Boxer
2XL Dog Crate 48" 30" 46" 90 lbs. +
Great Dane, Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog
Great Dane,
Rottweiler,
Bernese Mountain Dog

Use our dog crate sizing chart as you shop for dog crates and kennels. Note: You can filter for the right ‘Breed Size’ to narrow down your choices.

The ‘Dog Weight’ and ‘Common Breeds’ in this chart are provided as helpful guides, but it’s important to measure your dog before choosing a crate so you can fit their unique characteristics. Exact dog crate sizing can vary slightly between specific crates, so be sure to check the dimensions listed on the product’s page before buying. And once you have the right size dog crate, you can use those dimensions to find the perfect dog crate mat to make it cozy and comfortable.

Quick Dog Crate Sizing tips

How they measure up. Remember they need enough space to be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in the crate. We recommend measuring the length from their nose to the base of their tail, then add between 2-4 inches.

Room to grow. If you have a puppy, get a crate that fits their estimated adult size and use a divider to adjust the inside space as they get bigger.

Avoid too much space. Picking up an extra-large dog crate for your medium-sized pup might seem like a nice way to treat them, but having that much space to roam could lead to accidents, especially if they’re still getting used to the crate.

A place to call home. You can help your pup adjust to their new surroundings by adding items like their favorite dog toy or blanket to the crate. Accessories like a cushy crate pad or mat can help provide additional comforts to ease them into a more den-like environment.

Types of Dog Crates

  • Wire crates are collapsible for easy transport and storage. This type of crate allows good airflow for pets with long coats or those who live in warmer climates. These are also extremely sturdy and hold up well against chewers.
  • Plastic crates feature a sturdy and durable material. Plastic crates can be ideal for families who travel often, as many plastic crates are designed to meet airline requirements.
  • Soft-sided crates work well for small breed dogs or puppies accustomed to being in a crate. The lightweight and flexible materials make this crate easy to set up and tear down. These are also handy for transporting your dog to the vet.
  • Wooden crates are a more stylish option. They are available in various designs that you can integrate into your home décor as a permanent crate. 

Dog Crate Sizing FAQs

What crate size should I use for a small dog?

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Small dogs will do best with a crate size of approximately 24 inches long. Measure your dog’s length and height and add 4 inches to those dimensions to find the right size crate. Refer to our Dog Crate Sizing Guide for more details.

What crate size should I get for a medium size dog?

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Most medium-sized dogs need a crate at least 30 inches long. Your dog should measure less than 28 inches long and 18 inches tall to fit in a medium-sized crate.

What crate size should I use for a large dog?

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Large dogs need a minimum crate length of 36 inches. You can also find XL and XXL dog crates measuring up to 48 inches long. Measure your dog’s height and length, and then add 4 inches to each dimension to find the right size crate.

What is the best crate size for puppies?

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For your puppy, measure their length and height and add 4 or more inches to each measurement to find the right size crate. You can also estimate the length and height of your dog as an adult and purchase that size dog crate for them to grow into. Some dog crates offer dividers allowing you to extend the crate’s size to fit your dog as they grow.

What crate size should I use for puppy training?

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Measure your puppy’s length and height and then add 4 or more inches to determine the right size crate for them. Choosing a dog crate size that is too big for your puppy can sometimes encourage bad behavior. Your puppy might sleep on one side and go to the bathroom on the other. To avoid this, choose a dog crate with an adjustable divider so you can crate train your puppy in a space that’s an appropriate size for them as they grow.

Crate training 101

Watch a helpful video on crate training a puppy

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