What Size Dog Crate Do I Need?

I’m a huge advocate for crate training - not only does it help establish a healthy routine for your dog (especially when it comes to sleeping), but it also creates a safe, cosy den they can call their own.

I’m often asked what size crate customers should order when preparing for a new puppy, so I thought I’d put together a helpful guide based on both research and personal experience.

                                         

Should I buy a smaller crate for my puppy and upgrade to a larger size when they grow?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the truth is there’s no single right or wrong approach.

You can buy a smaller 24" or 30" crate for your puppy to begin with, but depending on the breed, they may outgrow it within the first six months. Buying multiple crates can become expensive and often isn’t necessary.

The alternative is to purchase a crate that will comfortably fit your dog when fully grown. Although it may seem too large at first, your puppy will quickly grow into it. There are also several ways to make a larger crate feel smaller, safer, and cosier while your puppy is still young.

Many crate brands offer adjustable crate dividers, allowing you to reduce the available space and gradually increase it as your puppy grows.

Another option is to use a half-sized bed to make the crate feel snug and secure. The remaining space can be used for puppy pads and a water bowl during the early stages. As your puppy matures, you can replace this with a full-sized bed to suit the crate perfectly.

                                       

What size dog crate should I buy for my fully grown dog?

Your dog’s crate should be large enough for them to:

• Stand up comfortably without crouching
• Turn around fully in a circle
• Lie down fully stretched out

To measure your dog correctly:

1. Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (excluding the tail itself).
2. Add approximately 4 inches to determine the ideal crate length.
3. Measure your dog’s height from the floor to the top of their head while sitting.
4. Add a couple of inches to ensure adequate height.

While crate dimensions can vary slightly between brands, most crates are available in standard sizes of 24", 30", 36", 42", and 48".

24" long

Suitable for Chihuahua, Jack Russell, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and similar breeds

30" long

Westie, Beagle, Standard and Miniature Dachshunds, French Bulldog, Border Terrier and similar

36" long

 Cockapoo, Springer Spaniel, Bulldog and similar breeds

42" long

Labrador, Dalmatian, Labradoodle, English Bull Terrier and similar breeds

48" long

Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs and similar breeds

Please remember these are general guidelines only. Dogs can vary greatly in size, even within the same breed, so it’s always worth checking with your breeder or vet if you’re unsure.

Do you sell dog crates?

At the moment, I don’t sell dog crates at Sewn By Laura, but I’m always happy to recommend popular and reliable crate brands.

All of my crate bedding is handmade and made-to-measure to fit the exact dimensions of your crate. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke crate cover or a complete crate bedding set, I’d be delighted to help.

Explore our crate bedding collections here or contact me for any crate queries you may have.