Best crate for a German Shepherd
A German Shepherd needs a large, sturdy crate — typically a 42-inch model for an adult — with enough room to stand up fully, turn around and lie stretched out flat. Because they grow considerably from puppyhood, sizing for the adult they will become, not the puppy in front of you, is the single most important decision.
Sizing it for an adult German Shepherd
An adult German Shepherd typically needs a crate in the 42-inch range, though a larger male at the top end of the breed's size can need more. The dog should be able to stand without ducking, turn around without difficulty, and lie fully stretched out — a crate that only just fits a curled-up dog is too small.
For a puppy, a crate with a divider panel is usually more practical than buying a puppy-sized crate and replacing it later, since it lets you section off a smaller area while they are little and expand it as they grow, without a house-training setback from too much space too soon.
What else matters for this breed
German Shepherds are a strong, active breed, so a sturdy build matters more here than it might for a smaller dog — a flimsy frame or a door with weak latches is more likely to be tested by a large, strong dog than a small one. Wire crates with a solid, secure door tend to hold up well for the breed.
A well-fitted crate pad or mat makes a real difference to comfort, particularly for a breed prone to joint issues in later life, and a cover can help create a calmer, den-like space for a dog who settles better with less visual stimulation around them.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Plush Checkered Dog Car Back Seat Bed
A quilted checkered car bed that turns the back seat into one flat, cosy platform for your dog.
From£11.99
Dog Car Seat Belt Safety Tether
An adjustable nylon car safety tether that clips into your seatbelt buckle and onto your dog's harness, keeping them safely restrained while you drive. Strong metal clasp and durable webbing.
£24.99
Front-Pack Pet Carrier Backpack
A breathable front-pack carrier that holds small dogs and cats against your chest with their legs comfortably out. Padded straps, a mesh back panel and an adjustable buckle keep your pet secure and ventilated on the go.
From£12.99
Front-Facing Legs-Out Pet Carrier Backpack
A breathable front-carry backpack that holds your small dog or cat facing outward, legs through the openings. Padded adjustable straps and a secure buckle keep them comfortable on walks and rides.
From£8.99
Front-Carry Pet Backpack Carrier
Hands-free front-carry backpack that holds a small dog or cat against your chest, with breathable leg openings and a padded, adjustable harness. Cute bear-pocket detail and drawstring top keep your pet snug and secure on the go.
From£15.99
PawHut 6-Panel Portable Dog Playpen with Lockable Door — Grey
A six-panel steel puppy pen that reshapes to fit the room, folds to 9.5cm flat and comes with 70cm ground stakes for the garden. Panels 80cm wide, 60cm high.
£82.99
6-Panel Metal Dog Playpen with Gate, Floor Grips and Connectors — White
A six-panel iron pen with rounded corners, forming a 120 x 60cm rectangle or any shape you need, supplied with non-slip floor grips, connectors and cable ties.
£61.99
3-in-1 Padded Pet Travel Carrier Bed & Car Booster Tote
A quilted pet tote that switches between a portable bed, a raised car booster and a carry bag.
From£24.99
24-Panel DIY Small Animal Enclosure with Wipe-Clean Panels and Connectors
A build-it-yourself enclosure of 24 panels giving roughly 142 x 71cm, with wipe-clean PP boards, 4cm wire spacing, anti-slip pads and cable ties for adding doors.
£44.99
PawHut Foldable Dog Stroller with Detachable Carrier — Red
A folding dog stroller whose padded compartment lifts off and becomes a carrier — for dogs up to 10kg and 40cm long. Mesh window, zipped doors, dual rear brakes.
£124.99
3-in-1 Folding Pet Stroller with Removable Carrier
A folding pet stroller whose carrier lifts out to use on its own, giving small, senior or recovering pets a wheeled ride to the vet and back home again.
£115.99
Common questions
- What size crate does a German Shepherd need?
- Most adult German Shepherds need a crate in the 42-inch range, with larger males at the top of the breed's size sometimes needing more room. The dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie fully stretched out inside it.
- Should I buy a puppy-sized crate or a full adult one from the start?
- A full adult-sized crate with a divider panel is usually the more practical choice, since it lets you section off a smaller space for house-training while your puppy is little and expand it as they grow, without buying two crates.
- Do German Shepherds need a particularly strong crate?
- A sturdy, well-built crate with secure latches is worth prioritising for this breed, since they are strong and active and more likely to test a flimsy frame or weak door than a smaller dog would.
- Is crate training suitable for a German Shepherd?
- Yes, many German Shepherds do well with a properly introduced crate as a safe, den-like space, provided it is sized correctly and introduced gradually rather than used as a punishment. How quickly a dog settles into it varies with the individual.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.