How to measure a dog for a crate
A correctly sized crate lets your dog stand up fully without ducking, turn around comfortably, and lie stretched out on their side. To measure your dog for one, you need three simple measurements — length, height and width at the widest point — taken while they are standing naturally, then a bit of extra room added to each.
Taking the three measurements
For length, measure from the tip of your dog's nose to the base of their tail, not including the tail itself, while they stand naturally rather than stretched. For height, measure from the floor to the top of their head or ears, whichever is taller, with your dog standing in a normal, relaxed position rather than alert with ears pricked. For width, measure across the widest part of your dog's body, which for most dogs is the chest or shoulders.
A soft tape measure works better than a rigid ruler for going around the body, and it helps to have a second person hold your dog gently in place while you measure, since a wriggling dog makes an accurate reading much harder to get on the first attempt.
Turning measurements into a crate size
Add roughly four inches to your dog's nose-to-tail length to get the minimum crate length, and a similar allowance to the height measurement so your dog is not ducking or brushing the top when standing normally. This extra room is what allows genuine turning and stretching rather than a crate that only just contains your dog in one fixed position.
If your dog is still a growing puppy, measure and size for their expected adult dimensions rather than their current size, since a crate bought for a puppy's current measurements will need replacing within months. Many crates made for growing puppies come with a divider panel that can be moved to reduce the usable space while they are small, then opened out as they grow into the full size.
Getting it right when a dog is between sizes
When your dog's measurements sit right between two standard crate sizes, it is generally better to size up rather than down, since a crate that is slightly too large simply means a bit of extra room, while a crate that is too small can genuinely restrict comfortable movement and rest. The exception is if you specifically need the crate to feel snug and den-like for training purposes, in which case sizing to the smaller end within a comfortable range can work, provided your dog can still stand, turn and lie down fully.
It is worth remeasuring every so often for a dog whose weight or build has changed noticeably, since a crate that fitted well a year or two ago is not guaranteed to still be the right size, particularly for a dog who has gained weight or an older dog whose posture has changed.
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.
Waterproof Pet Furniture Protector Blanket
A quilted waterproof throw that shields beds and sofas from hair, mud and accidents.
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
Dog Hip & Hind-Leg Support Brace
An orthotic brace that wraps the hip and thigh to stabilise the rear leg with gentle support.
£27.99
Diamante Rhinestone Dog Collar
A glamorous collar set with several rows of sparkling rhinestones on a smooth faux-leather band. An adjustable buckle gives a comfortable fit and adds a little dazzle to your dog's everyday look.
£7.99
Common questions
- How much extra room should I add to my dog's measurements?
- Roughly four inches on both length and height is a reasonable general allowance, giving enough room for your dog to turn around and lie fully stretched out without the crate being unnecessarily oversized. Exact allowances can vary slightly between crate brands and shapes.
- Should I buy a crate for my puppy's current size or their adult size?
- Size for the expected adult dimensions where possible, since a crate bought to fit a small puppy will need replacing within months. Many puppy-appropriate crates include a divider panel to reduce the usable space temporarily while your puppy is still small.
- What if my dog is between two standard crate sizes?
- Sizing up is generally the safer choice, since a slightly larger crate just means a little extra room, while one that is too small can genuinely restrict your dog's ability to stand, turn and stretch out comfortably.
- Do I measure my dog standing or lying down?
- Standing, in a normal relaxed position rather than stretched or alert. This gives the most reliable measurements for height and length, since a dog lying down or stretching can give a misleadingly different reading.
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.