Dog Crate Size Guide (2026): How to Measure + 5 Best Crates by Type
How to measure your dog for a crate, a size chart by weight and breed (18 to 54 in), and the best crate for each type of dog.
We compare published specs, manufacturer information and patterns in owner feedback. We haven't physically tested these products; if we ever do, the guide will say exactly what we tested.
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The right crate size makes crate training dramatically easier. Too small and your dog can’t stand or stretch out; too big and a puppy will happily use one end as a toilet. This guide shows how to measure, gives a typical size chart by weight, and compares five crates by type — wire, plastic, heavy-duty and soft.
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Quick answer: use our free dog crate size calculator. Enter length, height or weight and get the size in seconds.
How to measure your dog
- Length: with your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip). Add 2–4 inches.
- Height: measure from the floor to the top of the head — or the ear tips if they stand up. Add 2–4 inches.
- Choose the crate whose inside length and height are at least those numbers. Listings often show outside dimensions; the inside is a little smaller.
Your dog should be able to stand without ducking, turn around, and lie on its side with legs stretched out.
Typical crate sizes by weight
These are typical ranges from manufacturers’ sizing charts — always check the chart for the exact crate you’re buying, and measure: a long, low dog and a tall, lean dog of the same weight need different crates.
| Crate length | Typical adult weight | Example breeds |
|---|---|---|
| 18–22 in | Up to about 15 lb | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Maltese |
| 24 in | About 16–25 lb | Shih Tzu, Pug, Jack Russell |
| 30 in | About 26–40 lb | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Frenchie |
| 36 in | About 41–70 lb | Border Collie, Bulldog, Pit Bull |
| 42 in | About 71–90 lb | Labrador (Lab gear), Golden Retriever (Golden gear), Boxer |
| 48 in | About 91–110 lb | German Shepherd (puppy crate guide), Doberman, Husky (large) |
| 54 in | 110 lb + | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard |
Quick picks
| Crate | Type | Best for | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Double Door | Folding wire with divider | Most dogs and puppies | Check price |
| MidWest Ultima Pro | Heavy-gauge folding wire | Strong, larger dogs | Check price |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel | Hard plastic | Travel and den-loving dogs | Check price |
| ProSelect Empire | Heavy-duty steel | Escape artists | Check price |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate | Soft-sided folding | Calm dogs, travel and hotels | Check price |
The 5 best dog crates by type
Best for most dogs
MidWest iCrate Double Door
The standard folding wire crate, sold in sizes from very small to giant breeds, with a divider panel so one crate works from puppy to adult. Two doors make placement easier and it folds flat for the car.
Pros
- Divider panel included — grows with your puppy
- Folds flat; removable tray for cleaning
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Not built for determined escape artists
- Wire can rattle; a mat under the tray helps on hard floors
- Add a crate cover if your dog prefers a den feel
Stronger wire for big dogs
MidWest Ultima Pro
MidWest’s heavier-gauge wire crate: thicker wire and stronger construction than the standard iCrate, for larger, stronger dogs that test their crate. Still folds flat and includes a divider.
Pros
- Heavier-gauge wire than standard crates
- Divider included; folds flat
- Good for large, strong dogs
Cons
- Heavier to move and fold
- Costs more than the standard iCrate
- Still not a true escape-proof crate
Travel and den-loving dogs
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
A hard plastic kennel with a steel-wire door and ventilation on the sides. Enclosed plastic crates feel more den-like for some dogs, contain bedding and hair, and are the style many airlines require for cargo travel (always check the airline’s own rules).
Pros
- Den-like, enclosed feel
- Contains bedding and mess
- Common choice for car and air travel
Cons
- Doesn’t fold — bulky to store
- Less airflow and visibility than wire
- Some chewers work on the plastic edges
For escape artists
ProSelect Empire
A heavy-duty steel crate with thick bars and reinforced latches, built for dogs that bend standard wire crates or work out the doors. Often used for anxious or very strong dogs.
Pros
- Very strong steel construction
- Reinforced latches
- Removable tray; casters on some sizes
Cons
- Very heavy and expensive
- Doesn’t fold flat
- Crate-anxious dogs can injure themselves on any crate — work on the anxiety too
Calm dogs and travel
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate
A soft-sided folding crate with a steel frame and three doors. Light and quick to set up — great for hotels, visits and calm, already crate-trained dogs.
Pros
- Light and folds compactly
- Three doors for easy access
- Comfortable for travel and visits
Cons
- Not for chewers, scratchers or escape artists
- Not for puppies still being house-trained
- Harder to clean thoroughly than wire or plastic
Choosing the right crate type
- Puppy or most dogs: a folding wire crate with a divider.
- Big and strong: heavier-gauge wire.
- Escape artist: heavy-duty steel, plus training for the anxiety behind it.
- Travel or den-lover: hard plastic kennel.
- Calm dog on the go: soft crate.
Make the crate comfortable with washable bedding and never use it as punishment — the goal is a space your dog chooses to rest in. For bedding inside large crates, see our orthopedic dog bed guide.
Bottom line
- Best for most dogs: MidWest iCrate Double Door.
- Strong large breeds: MidWest Ultima Pro.
- Travel: Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel.
- Escape artists: ProSelect Empire.
- Calm travelers: EliteField soft crate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know what size crate my dog needs?
Measure your dog standing: nose to base of the tail, and floor to the top of the head (or ears if they stand up). Add 2 to 4 inches to each. Your dog should be able to stand without ducking, turn around and lie stretched out.
What size crate for a puppy?
Buy the crate your dog will need as an adult and use a divider panel to make the space smaller while it’s a puppy. Move the divider back as the puppy grows.
Is it better to have a crate too big or too small?
Slightly too big is safer than too small, as long as you use a divider for puppies still being house-trained. Too small forces the dog to crouch and makes crate time stressful.
Wire or plastic crate — which is better?
Wire crates fold flat, ventilate well and let the dog see out; plastic crates feel more den-like and are the type most airlines accept for cargo. Many dogs settle well in a wire crate with a cover over it.
Related: New Puppy Checklist · Airline-Approved Pet Carriers · Best Orthopedic Dog Beds
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