What size crate for a German Shepherd?
Most adult German Shepherds need a large crate, roughly 42 inches long, and some broader-chested or taller dogs are more comfortable in an extra-large one. The breed name alone is not precise enough, though — the reliable way to choose a crate size is to measure your own dog and add a margin, not to buy on the label.
How to measure your dog properly
Measure your dog's length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while they are standing normally, then add around four inches for a comfortable margin. Measure height from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is taller, and add a similar allowance.
The crate needs to let your dog stand up fully without ducking, turn around comfortably, and lie fully stretched out on their side. If any of those feels cramped, size up rather than assuming a slightly-too-small crate will do.
Why German Shepherds vary so much in size
The breed covers a genuinely wide range, with adult males often taller and heavier than adult females, and working-line dogs sometimes built differently from show-line dogs of the same breed. Two German Shepherds can need noticeably different crate sizes even at the same age.
A puppy will also outgrow several crate sizes before reaching adult size, so measuring is worth repeating every few months during the growth period rather than buying one crate at eight weeks and assuming it will still fit at a year old.
Sizing for a growing puppy
Buying an adult-sized crate from the start and using a divider panel to section off the extra space is usually more practical and cheaper than buying several crates as your puppy grows, and most large crates are sold with this option.
Keep the usable space appropriately small for a very young puppy who is still being house-trained — too much room can undermine toilet training, since a puppy is less reluctant to soil an area of the crate they are not sleeping in.
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 crate size does an adult German Shepherd need?
- Most adult German Shepherds fit comfortably in a large crate, typically around 42 inches long, though larger or broader dogs may need an extra-large size. Measuring your own dog and adding a margin is more reliable than sizing from the breed name alone.
- How do I measure my dog for a crate?
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail while your dog stands normally, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears. Add around four inches to each measurement so your dog can stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
- Should I buy a bigger crate for a growing puppy?
- Buying an adult-sized crate with a divider panel is usually more practical than replacing a crate several times as your puppy grows. Keep the usable space smaller at first to support house-training, then open it up gradually as your puppy grows and toilet training progresses.
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.