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Dog Crate Size Chart

Measure your dog nose to the base of the tail and add 2 to 4 inches. A dog that measures 28 inches needs about a 36-inch crate. Crates come in standard lengths from 18 to 54 inches. Enter your dog's length and height for the right size.

By Sikander Malik · Updated October 10, 2026 · Sources

in
in

Use ear tips if the ears stand up.

Recommended crate

36inch

Typical height 25 in, for dogs 41–70 lb.

Smallest that fits (length + 2)30 in
Ideal length (length + 4)32 in
In centimeters91 cm

Big enough to stand, turn around and lie down, not so big it loses the den feel.

Estimates only, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your pet’s health.

How to use it

  1. Measure from the nose to the base of the tail while your dog stands.
  2. Measure height from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips if they stand up).
  3. Enter both. We add 4 inches to the length and pick the smallest standard crate that also fits the height.
  4. For a growing puppy, size for the adult and use a divider to shrink it for now.
A beagle looking out from inside a wire crate

Photo: Hilary Halliwell / Pexels

The formula, with two examples

The method (AKC and MidWest): crate length = body length + 2 to 4 inches, and height = standing height + 2 to 4 inches. We use +4 for comfort, then choose the smallest standard crate whose length and height both clear your dog. Too big is not better; dogs feel safest in a snug, den-like space.

Example 1. A dog measuring 28 in long and 22 in tall: ideal length 32 in, so a 36-inch crate (25 in tall) fits.

Example 2. A small dog 17 in long and 14 in tall: ideal length 21 in, so a 22-inch crate (16 in tall) fits.

What this calculator doesn’t cover

  • Travel and airline crates, which follow IATA rules and are sized differently.
  • Anxious dogs that may need a covered or heavier crate.
  • Very long-bodied breeds like Dachshunds; measure them, do not go by weight.
Crate length, height and typical dog weight
LengthHeightTypical dog
18 in14 inup to 10 lb
22 in16 inup to 25 lb
24 in19 in26–30 lb
30 in21 in31–40 lb
36 in25 in41–70 lb
42 in30 in71–90 lb
48 in33 in91–110 lb
54 in45 in110 lb and up
Source: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate dimensions. Weights are typical; always measure.
Typical crate size by breed
BreedTypical crate
Chihuahua18–22 in
Yorkshire Terrier18–22 in
French Bulldog24–30 in
Pug24 in
Beagle30 in
Cocker Spaniel30 in
Border Collie36 in
Australian Shepherd36 in
Labrador Retriever42 in
Golden Retriever42 in
German Shepherd42–48 in
Boxer42 in
Rottweiler48 in
Doberman42–48 in
Bernese Mountain Dog48 in
Great Dane54 in
Mastiff54 in
Dachshund30 in (long body)
Shih Tzu24 in
Siberian Husky36–42 in
Typical sizes derived from breed heights and the MidWest chart. Measure your own dog to confirm.

Tips

  • Buy one crate with a divider for a puppy, sized to the adult, and move the divider as they grow.
  • A crate should let the dog stand without ducking, turn around, and lie flat on its side.
  • For very long breeds like Dachshunds, length matters more than the weight band suggests.
  • Wire crates feel open and ventilate well; plastic crates feel more den-like. Match the length either way.

Questions owners ask

How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while standing, then height from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips if erect). Add 2 to 4 inches to each. A dog measuring 28 inches long usually needs a 36-inch crate.
What size crate for a puppy?
Buy the crate your puppy will need as an adult, then use a divider to block off the extra space for now. A crate that is too roomy lets a puppy toilet in one corner and sleep in another, which slows house-training.
Can a crate be too big?
Yes. Dogs feel secure in a snug, den-like space, and a crate that is much too large undermines house-training and can feel less safe. Aim for enough room to stand, turn around and lie down fully, and no more.
What size crate for a Golden Retriever, French Bulldog or German Shepherd?
A Golden Retriever usually needs a 42-inch crate, a French Bulldog a 24 to 30-inch crate, and a German Shepherd a 42 to 48-inch crate. These are typical; measure your dog nose to tail base and add a few inches to confirm.
Wire vs plastic crate sizes?
The sizing method is the same for both: match the length and height to your dog plus a few inches. Wire crates ventilate and fold flat; plastic crates feel more enclosed and are often used for travel. Pick the style, then the size.
How much room should a dog have in a crate?
Just enough to stand up without ducking, turn around comfortably, and stretch out on its side to sleep. That usually means body length plus 2 to 4 inches and standing height plus 2 to 4 inches, which is what this tool works out.

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Sources

Estimates only, not veterinary advice. Ask your vet about your pet’s health.