What size crate for a Border Collie?
Most adult Border Collies fit a large-sized crate, since they're a medium-sized breed typically standing somewhere around 46 to 56cm at the shoulder. Rather than relying on a fixed size label, the reliable way to choose is to measure your own dog and add a margin, since individual Collies vary and crate sizing isn't standardised between manufacturers.
How to measure your dog properly
Measure your Collie from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while they're standing naturally, then add around 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15cm) to that figure — that's the minimum length the crate should be. Separately, measure their height from the floor to the top of their head or ears while sitting, whichever is taller, and make sure the crate height clears that comfortably.
A crate that's too small stops a dog lying flat on their side or standing and turning around comfortably, both of which they need to be able to do. A crate that's excessively oversized for a young puppy, on the other hand, can undermine toilet training, since there's enough space to toilet at one end and sleep at the other.
Sizing for a puppy versus an adult
If you're buying for a Border Collie puppy who hasn't finished growing, either size up gradually as they grow or choose a crate with a divider panel, which lets you section off extra space and expand it as your puppy gets bigger. Buying the full adult size from the start without a divider can work against house training for the reason above.
By the time a Collie reaches adult size, a large crate is the size most commonly needed, though it's always worth checking your specific dog's measurements against the manufacturer's internal dimensions rather than assuming from the label, since "large" varies somewhat between brands.
Common questions
- Will a large crate always fit an adult Border Collie?
- Usually, but check your own dog's measurements against the crate's actual internal dimensions rather than assuming from the size label, since "large" isn't standardised exactly the same way across every manufacturer.
- Should I buy a crate with a divider for a Border Collie puppy?
- It's a sensible option if you want to buy the adult size crate from the start, since it lets you section off extra space while your puppy is small and expand it gradually as they grow, which can help with house training.
- How much space does a Border Collie need in a crate?
- Enough to stand up fully, turn around comfortably, and lie flat on their side without their legs pressed against the sides. Measuring your dog and adding a margin, as described above, is the most reliable way to check this.
- Is it cruel to crate train a Border Collie?
- Used correctly — as a safe, comfortable space rather than a place of punishment, and not for excessively long periods — many trainers consider crate training a useful tool. If you're unsure how to introduce one, a force-free trainer or your vet can advise on a good approach for your dog.
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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.