What size dog crate do you need?

Main takeaways

• Crates come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials.
• Your dog should be able to turn around easily and sit up without hitting their head on the top. They should also be able to stretch out their legs when lying on their side. 
  
  

How big should a dog crate be?

Congratulations! You've just arrived home with your new family member, and now it's time to think what size of create to provide your puppy pal.

Crates come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials. The first thing to consider when buying a crate is to think whether you need to transport the dog or if it will remain static at home. Secondly, consider if your dog would like a den-like atmosphere or an open crate with visibility and, finally, the style that would best suit your home.

It is important to get the size of your dog’s crate right. It shouldn’t be too cramped, but it shouldn’t feel too roomy either.

Your dog should be able to turn around easily and sit up without hitting their head on the top. They should also be able to stretch out their legs when lying on their side. Dogs need leg room too!

Dog owners often buy the largest size crates available to give their dog lots of extra space, but this actually detracts from the crates' usefulness as a training tool. For example, crates can be used for house training, but if your dog has too much room in the crate, they may  end up using one corner as a bathroom.

What’s more, crates can give your pooch a feeling of security, which won’t be the case it there’s lots of empty space around them.

How to measure dog for a crate?

For an adult dog, you will need to measure their length and height. Measuring the width of your dog is not necessary, as once you have the right height and length, the width will be proportional. 

To make things easier for you, you can have your dog stand against a wall (preferably in a corner, with their bottom against the wall). This way, you can mark the measurements and get out the measuring tape later on. To make the marks, be sure to use something that rubs off after like chalk!

Length

To accurately measure the length of your dog, get them to stand on all four paws and measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. You do not need to include the entire length of your dog’s tail, or the crate will be simply too big. 

Next, add 5 cm for smaller dogs, and 10 cm for larger dogs to allow them ample moving room, and you’ve got the minimum length* for your dog’s crate.​

Height

Now, get those treats out and tell your dog to sit. Measure them in this upright position from the floor to the tallest point of their head (if your dog’s ears are erect, measure up to to the tips of the ears!). Again, add 5–10cm, and you’ve got the minimum height* for your crate.

*These measurements will give you the minimum crate size. Although if you end up with a crate that is a few centimeters’ bigger, it won’t really matter. 

Cuut is specially designed for extra small and small dogs, measuring 65cm L x 47cm W x 49 cm H. See the list of dog breeds on our product page for more information.

www.animalso.com, https://animalso.com/what-size-dog-crate/#How_Big_Should_a_Dog_Crate_Be