How to Choose a Dog Crate: Types, Sizing and Safety Basics
Wire, plastic, soft-sided or heavy-duty: how to match a crate to your dog's size, habits and lifestyle, and how to keep crate time safe.
The right dog crate is just big enough for your dog to stand up without ducking, turn around and lie down stretched out, and no bigger if you are house-training. Choose the type based on how you will use it: wire crates for home and airflow, plastic crates for travel and a den-like feel, soft-sided crates only for calm dogs under supervision, and heavy-duty crates for dogs that chew or escape.
A crate is a tool, not a punishment or a place to park a dog all day. Used well, it gives your dog a quiet retreat and keeps a young puppy safe when you cannot watch. Here is how to choose one.
Measure your dog first
Crate labels list a weight range, but weight alone is a poor guide. A long, low dog and a tall, lean dog of the same weight need very different crates. Measure instead:
- Length: with your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tip). Add about 2 to 4 inches.
- Height: with your dog sitting upright, measure from the floor to the top of the head or the tips of upright ears, whichever is higher. Add about 2 to 4 inches.
- Compare those numbers with the crate’s interior dimensions, which are often a little smaller than the outside measurements printed on the box.
For a puppy, buy the crate that will fit the adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the space for now. A crate that is too large lets a puppy sleep at one end and use the other end as a toilet, which slows house training.
Typical crate sizes
Most manufacturers sell crates in standard lengths. The table is a rough starting point only; always check your own dog’s measurements and the maker’s interior dimensions.
| Common crate length | Usually suits | Example dog types |
|---|---|---|
| 18–22 inches | Toy dogs | Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier |
| 24 inches | Small dogs | Shih tzu, Maltese, small terriers |
| 30 inches | Small to medium dogs | Beagle, French bulldog, cocker spaniel |
| 36 inches | Medium dogs | Border collie, bulldog, larger spaniels |
| 42 inches | Large dogs | Labrador, golden retriever, boxer |
| 48 inches and up | Very large and giant dogs | German shepherd, larger mastiff types |
Individual dogs vary a lot within a breed, so treat breed examples as a hint rather than a rule.
The main crate types compared
| Type | Good for | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Wire (folding metal) | Home use, good airflow and visibility, easy to fold, often come with a divider | Noisy, heavy, some dogs feel exposed; gaps can catch jaws or paws of determined chewers |
| Plastic (hard-sided) | Travel, a cozy den feel, many airline-style designs | Less airflow, bulkier to store, no divider |
| Soft-sided (fabric) | Light travel, calm adult dogs who are already crate trained | Easy to chew or claw through, not for puppies or anxious dogs, hard to clean |
| Heavy-duty (welded metal or reinforced plastic) | Strong chewers and escape artists, some car travel | Expensive, heavy |
| Furniture-style (wood or decorative) | Calm adult dogs in living areas | Can be chewed, may trap heat, usually not for training puppies |
Wire crates
Wire crates are the most common choice for puppies. Look for two doors if your room layout needs flexibility, secure latches at top and bottom, a removable tray for cleaning, and a divider. Draping a breathable cover over part of the crate can make it feel more den-like, as long as air still flows freely and the dog cannot pull the fabric inside and chew it.
Plastic crates
Plastic crates suit dogs who settle better in an enclosed space and owners who drive or fly with their dog. If you may fly with a dog in the cargo hold, check the airline’s own crate rules first; many follow the International Air Transport Association (IATA) container requirements, which cover ventilation, hardware and size.
Crates for the car
There are no federal crash-test standards for pet crates in the US. The nonprofit Center for Pet Safety runs independent crash tests and certifies crates, carriers and harnesses that pass. A crate that has not been tested may protect a dog from distraction but not necessarily in a collision, so secure any crate in the cargo area or back seat so it cannot slide or tip.
Safety checklist
- Take off the collar and tags before crating an unsupervised dog. Tags and collars can catch on wire bars or door gaps.
- Check for gaps where a jaw, paw or tooth could get stuck, and for sharp edges after any repair.
- Choose bedding to match the dog. If your dog shreds fabric, skip bedding until you are sure it will not be swallowed. Fabric pieces can cause a dangerous blockage.
- Place the crate away from heaters, direct sun, drafts and cords the dog could pull in.
- Provide water for longer stays, using a crate-mounted bowl that does not tip.
- Limit crate time. Puppies cannot hold their bladder for long, and adult dogs need exercise, company and toilet breaks. Your vet or a certified trainer can help you set a realistic schedule.
Making the crate a place your dog likes
Even the best crate fails if the dog dislikes it. Introduce it slowly with treats, meals and toys, keep the door open at first, and build up time in small steps. Never use the crate as punishment. Our guide to crate training a puppy walks through the steps, and the new puppy supplies checklist covers what else to have ready.
If your dog panics in the crate (drooling heavily, injuring itself, breaking out, or howling for long periods), stop and talk to your veterinarian. Distress in confinement can be linked to separation anxiety, which needs a different plan. The ASPCA’s overview of separation anxiety in dogs notes that for some dogs a crate adds stress, and suggests a gated room instead when you see signs of distress.
Bottom line
Measure your dog, compare the numbers with the crate’s interior size, and choose a type that fits how you will use it. Use a divider for puppies, take the collar off for unsupervised time, and make the crate a calm, rewarding place rather than a long-term holding pen.
FAQ
Should I buy a puppy-size crate and upgrade later?
You can, but a crate sized for the adult dog with a divider panel is usually more economical. Move the divider back as your puppy grows.
Is a bigger crate kinder?
Not necessarily. Many dogs feel more secure in a snug space, and extra room can work against house training. Aim for enough space to stand, turn and stretch out.
Can I leave a bed and toys in the crate?
Yes, if your dog does not chew or swallow them. Use durable, appropriately sized items and remove anything that is being torn apart.
Can I use the same crate for flying?
Only if it meets that airline’s rules. Requirements for size, materials, doors and ventilation differ between airlines and between cabin and cargo travel, so check before you book.