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Choosing the correct size dog crate is one of the most important parts in ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of your furry companion. Much like humans, dogs need their own space, and a crate serves as their den — a place to retreat, relax, and feel secure. But beyond just keeping your pup contained, the size of the crate directly impacts your dog’s physical and psychological health.
A crate that’s too small can be confining and uncomfortable, leading to stress and even physical discomfort, while one that’s too large may take away the sense of security a crate should give. Selecting the right size crate tailored to your dog’s breed and size is crucial for keeping a positive association with crate training and promoting a harmonious living environment for both you and your canine companion.
Pro Tip: When choosing a crate for a puppy, get a crate according to their expected size. Use a divider panel to make the crate the perfect size as your puppy grows.
How do I measure my dog?
Measuring your dog accurately is essential to selecting the right sized crate. Begin by measuring your dog’s length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, then add a few inches to allow for comfortable movement. For the height, measure from the top of their head to the ground while they’re standing upright, and again, add a few inches for clearance. These measurements will help you in choosing a crate that provides enough space for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without being too restrictive or excessively spacious.
Pro Tip: Got a wiggly dog? Keep lots of treats on hand to keep him still for the most accurate measurements.
What size crates do you have?
MidWest Homes for Pets offers eight sizes of crates to accommodate the tiniest teacup Terrier to the most massive Mastiff. Identify your dog’s breed and weight to get an idea of what size crate you need.
If measuring for a puppy, look up your puppy’s breed on the AKC or other reputable resources. Use the size provided for your breed at its adult size. Keep in mind the expected size differences between males and females of the breed.
Also, keep in mind the size of your dog’s mom and dad, if known. If your puppy is a mixed breed you’ll have to make an educated guess based on all of these factors for mom and dad. If the parents are unknown, have your rescue or veterinarian help you identify the potential breeds to the best of their knowledge.
Don’t see your breed above? For a more complete list of breed sizes, check out our Breed Size Chart.
What do I do with the divider panel?
Most MidWest Homes for Pets crates come with a free divider panel that allows you to control the size of your dog’s crate as he grows. This allows you to buy one crate for your dog’s lifetime, saving you money in the end.
As your dog grows, gradually move the divider panel to expand the available space inside the crate. This gradual adjustment helps prevent accidents and encourages proper crate training by providing just enough room for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without having excess space that might lead to accidents inside the crate. Regularly check your dog’s size and adjust the divider panel accordingly to make sure your pup always has an appropriate and comfortable living space inside the crate.
Pro Tip: The divider panel should fit extremely snug across the width of the crate, not the length.
Questions about measuring your dog or sizing your crate? Our Indiana-based Customer Service team is ready to help! Give them a call at 800-428-8560 Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm EST or send an email.