Dog Crate Size Calculator
Quick answer: pick a crate about 2-4 inches longerthan your dog measures from nose to base of tail, and 2-4 inches tallerthan they stand at the top of the head. Most adult dogs fit a 24" (11-25 lb), 30" (26-40 lb), 36" (41-70 lb), or 42" (71-90 lb) crate.
Crate dimensions vary by brand — check the interior length and height on the listing, not just the size name.
Dog crate size chart
| Crate size (length) | Typical adult weight | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 18" (46 cm) | Up to ~10 lb | Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian |
| 24" (61 cm) | 11-25 lb | Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier |
| 30" (76 cm) | 26-40 lb | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund |
| 36" (91 cm) | 41-70 lb | Australian Shepherd, Basset Hound, Border Collie |
| 42" (107 cm) | 71-90 lb | Boxer, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever |
| 48" (122 cm) | 91-110 lb | Doberman Pinscher |
| 54" (137 cm) | 110 lb + | Bernese Mountain Dog, Cane Corso, Great Dane |
Wire crates with a divider panel
A crate with a divider lets you buy once for your puppy's adult size and expand the space as they grow.
Browse dog crates on Amazon(affiliate link)Crate size by breed
Based on the top of each breed's typical adult weight range. Measure your own dog if you can — individuals vary.
How to measure your dog for a crate
- 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: with your dog standing (or sitting, if they sit taller), measure from the floor to the top of the head — or the ear tips for prick-eared breeds. Add 2-4 inches.
- Pick the crate whose interior dimensions meet both numbers. If your dog falls between sizes, go up.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does my dog need?
Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and add 2-4 inches for the crate length; measure from the floor to the top of the head while standing (or ears, if they stand up) and add 2-4 inches for the height. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down stretched out. If you can't measure, the adult weight printed on the crate box is a reasonable fallback.
Should I buy a crate for my puppy’s adult size?
Yes — buy for the adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the space while your puppy is small. Too much room lets a puppy use one end as a toilet, which undermines house-training. Move the divider back as they grow, so there's always just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down.
Can a crate be too big?
For house-training, yes: a crate much bigger than the dog gives space to sleep at one end and soil the other. For an adult dog that's already house-trained, a slightly roomier crate is fine and often more comfortable. Too small is the bigger problem — a dog that can't stand or turn around comfortably shouldn't be crated in it.
What size crate for a dog between sizes?
Go up a size. A little extra room is easy to manage with a divider or a thick bed; a crate that’s too small can’t be fixed.