Dog crate size guide
A dog crate needs to let your dog stand up without ducking their head, turn around freely, and lie down fully stretched out, with a small margin of extra room rather than a large amount of unused space, which can actually make a crate feel less secure and undermine toilet training. Getting the size right matters for comfort, for how quickly a dog settles into using it, and for its effectiveness as a training and management tool.
Measuring your dog
Measure your dog's height from the floor to the top of their head or ears while standing normally, and their length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add a few inches to each measurement for a comfortable but not oversized fit — most crate manufacturers publish a size chart matched to common breeds and weight ranges as a starting point, though your own measurements are more reliable than a breed name alone.
For a growing puppy, many owners choose a crate sized for their adult dimensions and use a divider panel to reduce the usable space while they are small, rather than buying multiple crates as the puppy grows.
Why bigger is not automatically better
A crate that is too large can undermine toilet training, since a dog naturally avoids toileting where they sleep, but has enough spare room in an oversized crate to use one end as a toilet and still rest comfortably at the other. This is one of the more common reasons crate training does not go as smoothly as expected, and it is a sizing issue rather than a training one.
A crate sized appropriately, with a divider used for a growing puppy, avoids this problem while still allowing the crate to be sized correctly once your puppy reaches their adult size.
Checking the fit and introducing it well
Once set up, check your dog can enter and turn around without contorting themselves, and can lie down fully on their side with legs extended without touching the crate walls.
Introduce a new crate gradually with treats, meals, and short positive sessions with the door open before expecting your dog to settle in it for any length of time, since even a correctly sized crate needs a proper introduction to be comfortable. A dog who resists a well-sized crate is more often reacting to being closed in too soon than to the dimensions themselves, so patience with the introduction matters as much as getting the measurements right.
The sizes we stock
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
L-Shaped Bolster Sofa Dog Bed
A supportive L-shaped sofa bed with a raised bolster back and side for your dog to rest their head. The thick padded base cushions joints, and the soft rose-velvet cover is removable and washable for easy care.
From£44.99
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
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
Common questions
- What size crate does my dog need?
- Measure your dog's height and length, then add a small margin for comfortable movement, checking the specific crate's own size chart rather than relying on breed name alone. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie fully stretched out.
- Should I buy a crate for my puppy's current size or their adult size?
- Many owners buy a crate sized for the expected adult dimensions and use a divider panel to reduce the space while the puppy is small, adjusting it as they grow rather than replacing the whole crate.
- Can a dog crate be too big?
- Yes — an oversized crate can undermine toilet training, since a dog may use one end as a toilet while still resting comfortably in the other. A well-fitted crate, or a divider for a growing puppy, avoids this.
- How do I get my dog used to a new crate?
- Introduce it gradually with treats, meals, and short positive sessions with the door left open, rather than closing your dog in for long periods straight away. This matters as much as the size itself for how comfortable your dog becomes with it.
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
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.