Dog Crate Size Chart to Fit Your Puppy

Statistics show that there are over 80 million dogs owned in the U.S. alone; this is to say that more than 40 % of Homeowners here have a dog or two. Arguably, these dogs need shelter, and as a result, manufacturers of crates have come up with models of different colors, make, and sizes. Unfortunately, some dog owners term crates as cruel, but we actively dispel that myth, Dog’s crates aren’t cruel at all, as long as you buy a sustainable one and use it correctly.

Choosing the right pet dog cage is the tough part, especially when it comes to determining the right size. Dog crate size charts have become a major issue that some federal regulatory authorities have come up with procedures or formulas for determining the right dog crate sizes by breed for your pet dog. Unfortunately, they do not guide you through the process. That said, we have taken it upon ourselves to help choose the best dog crate sizes. In this article, we will be able to guide you through the process of deciding the best sustainable crate for the best man’s friend whether small or big, a puppy or an adult, so that by the end, you will be able to make highly informed buying decision.

At Hellowdog you will find informative articles to cater to all that is needed for your precious and loving pets:

Why is Dog Crate an Important Consideration?

It is important because you care about your pet; if you pick the wrong size, your dog will live in hell, in their home. The size you choose will also determine how fast the dog will take to train and how safe it will be when you are traveling. So the crate you pick should be large enough to allow the dog to move around, but still without offering too much space. Don’t get a small one, that your dog will be banging its head on the ceiling when they try to sit up, or one that won’t even allow them to turn around with ease, or stretch themselves without feeling cramped. There is also a factor of decoration in your home, so it will make a huge difference if you can determine the type and size of your dog’s crate that will complement your home decor. Not only the size but the aesthetic sense also comes in. Because the pet is your’s, so is your house.

Right Dog Crate Sizes by Breed

When you are out shopping for a puppy crate, there are two things you will need to keep in mind. One is that your puppy will get old, faster than you could have anticipated, then second, you will need to train him, so you got to put a few features of the crate into consideration. You could buy an economical crate for an adult, and use it when the dog is young by customizing it. Alternatively, buy a forever dog crate; one that will be used until your pet puppy reaches the full adult size.

With the second option of the crate, you will be able to open more space as the puppies get big in size, this way you will have saved quite some buck by the time your puppy is fully grown. So, with the safety of the dog, the economic factor also comes in.

For All Sizes Of Dog Crates Check On Amazon

How Important is this When Picking a Crate?

Partitioning off a crate gives your puppy a sense of security. If you decide not to partition it, your puppy will feel like it is moving around in an empty room, which could lead to fear, anxiety, and stress. Other than that, if you offer a large space, the puppy will end up using one end of the crate as the toilet, and you do not want that, do you? Especially if you are attempting to train the puppy, not to “soil where they sleep,” so giving him ample space will ruin your in-house training regime, right?

Remember, some puppy breeds will grow more than you expect. A breed such as a Great Dane, will require a bigger size crate, and even a customizable one will not be enough even with a divider at such a young age. There are dog-size directories that you can search for and get to know the average male or female height of your dog breed.

Rule of Thumb for Puppy Crate Sizes

Typically, for an average puppy breed, you want to pick one that is more than 6 inches higher than the puppy when it stands upright. When the puppy is stretched out to full, you also need to allow an allowance of the same inches in width. As mentioned, these restrictions help your puppy feel a little secure not to mention about its comfort and for in-house training. Remember factors and issues, like how easy it will be when it comes to cleaning, i.e., whether the crate does come in with a pullout tray or inbuilt moat.

Best Dog Crate Sizes for Adult Dog or Older Dog

The principle of the kennel for adult dogs is pretty much the same as that of the puppy; the only distinction is the measurement. When you go shopping, you will be picking a dog crate specifically designed for adults, which can make it pretty easier for you. However, you will need to consider your dog’s breed, and the purpose of the crate, for all dogs, the same guidelines apply. Your dog will need to stand to its full height quickly, be able to lie down and stretch to full length, but at the same time not too large to feel unsafe, insecure, or too uncomfortable. You need to be more careful when it comes to the adult dog allowance on the crate because some adult dog is much taller when it is seated than you can anticipate. So when it comes to determining the height of your Dog which we will look into later in this article, it is important to measure the size many times before you come up with an ideal size.

The rule of six inches may still apply here, but again depending on how trained your dog will be. An adult dog is most likely potty trained and won’t pee in the crate unless you have left him in the crate for an extended time, so sizing on such a case will be a little distinctive from that of the puppy. This typically means that comfort-ability for such a case should be your priority not to discourage elimination.

The Weight Consideration

A dog may be an adult, but small, that is why the weight consideration should also be part of your buying process. Size is more important than weight, but it is still an important factor. Crates usually come in different dimensions and depending on the manufacturer, but the range is X -small, small, medium, large, extra-large, xx-large, and Giant for a bigger breed. Typically, the difference between models will range from 1 to 3 inches, although they may be labeled as the same size all things considered that is a huge difference and it is up to you to put some due diligence when choosing between the different brands. Also, not all brands will come as giant or X -small, and you will have to customize them as per your needs. All in all, each of these sizes will be able to suit your Dog’s breed size, age, and weight. You can use this infographic if you need some help buying the best dog crate for your pet. As you can see the infographic helps you determine the best dog crate sizes by breed for your pet dog. A dog ranging from 1 to 10 pounds would be better in an x -small size crate, 11 to 40 pounds is most suitable in a 26 small to medium crate and 41 Plus will be most appropriate in a large to giant size crate. However, it is still important to remember that the size of a cage is more important than the weight, so the two previously discussed factors should be your priority.

Safety and Other Considerations

Other than the dog’s age, size, and weight, you need to consider the safety of the dog especially if you are traveling or you have left it at home. As previously noted, the smaller the size of the crate the safer your dog will feel. When traveling, your dog will feel less secure than when at home because he might not be familiar with the surroundings, so it would be better if he is more confined. However, remember, during travel, jostling and bumping are very common, and this can pose a safety problem for your dog. In such cases, you will need to provide him with a crate that fits him like a glove to reduce any chances of injuries during a rough journey. If you are traveling, you will need to consider not just the size of the crate but its weight and that of your pet dog. Soft-side type of crate is under such case the most preferable. The fact that this kind of cage is foldable makes it suitable for those who like moving with the dog around. Do not use a soft-sided form if your dog likes to chew everything on the way, or is usually unsettled in the cage.

The Durability Factor

If you are looking for a dog cage that will last for years a heavy-duty metal or wire dog crate would be your ideal option. Other than the durability feature of these cages, they are easy to transport such a heavy crate would be the best for your pet dog. The only drawback about such kennels is that they are hard to clean, and some brands will rust with time. If you think your dog deserves a den feel, then you need to pick a kennel that is small in size, covered, and pretty comfortable. Plastic crates are an ideal option for reactive dogs, as they will calm them with time.

Preparatory steps before you go shopping for a crate.

Never rely on eyeballing when choosing the size of a dog crate; you need to follow these few steps before heading shopping for a new crate or crate covers if you really need one.

Measure The Size Of Your Dog

An ideal thing to do is go shopping with your dog and let him stay in the crate for some time, but unfortunately, shopping online will require more than that. You will need to take a tape measure and determine your dog’s height, and know your ideal crate’s length, height, and width.

Height:

You need to determine the height of your dog when it’s comfortably seated. I have used the word comfortably seated because some dogs’ lengths may be different when they are not in a comfort zone. You will need to measure the height when standing on all fours, from the top point of its head to the floor. Then follow six inches to both measurements for your ideal dog crate.

Length:

Take the measurement while the dog is properly seated. Note the measurement from the end of its nose to the root of its tail. Add six inches to determine the maximum length of the crate.

Width:

The width of your crate should be in proportion to the above two measurements. All in all, the width of the crate, should be enough to let the dog turn around and be a little comfortable when in the crate. Usually, if you are careful with the length and the width of the crate, the width will take care of itself, but still, do not overlook it.

Remember, do not ever attempt to buy a crate that’s too small for your dog, even if you term it to be comfortable. You might not realize it, but such a crate will cause health problems to your dog in the long run, like joint problems, pain, or other serious injuries.

Estimate how many pounds your puppy will be when fully grown-

Yes, this is more than important; the puppy crate that you choose should be able to grow with your puppy; otherwise, you will be forced to buy a cage a month after another. Here’s what you need to do:

You will need to identify your breed. If it is a mixed breed, you will need to find which parent breed the puppy mostly resemble.

Try and classify the dog by size and weight. Chihuahuas and other toy dogs are less than 10 pounds;
Medium sizes such as bulldogs and collies are typically 20 to 60 pounds, and large ones like Labradors and pit bulls are over 70 lbs.
You will need to include a plus variance of 10 pounds just in case; your dog’s weights change before you receive the cage.

Conclusion

A crate provides your pet dog with a place they can call their own, a place they will feel safe and secure. The more safely your pet is put the more ease and comfort it will feel. It will be relaxed, happy, and friendly. A recent survey indicated that more than 96 percent of dogs are untrained, this means that out of 10 people who will read this post only one has his or her dog trained. However, a dog crate provides a means for training your dog. Other than that, the cage will also allow you to transport your dog safely with minimum trouble.

Our Experts researched and produced the relevant data from valuable pet lovers who have a long understanding of this problem. Follow our researched infographic to understand the dog crate size chart for your pet dog.