Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Dog Crate
Are you a first time dog crate buyer and are frantically searching the internet for all of your burning questions about them? Don’t look any further as you have found the ultimate guide for buying a dog crate, answering every question from what size dog crate you need to get to what the best dog crate accessories are!
Table of Contents
What Size Dog Crate Do You Need?
How big should a dog crate be? A dog’s crate should be big enough for a dog to sit, stand and turn around in. For the length of the crate, measure your dog from the base of their tail to their nose. For the height, measure your dog while sitting from the floor to the tips of their ears. Add 5-10cm to the length and height for the final crate measurement.
Golden Retriever Crate Size
What size crate should I get for a Golden Retriever? Golden Retrievers require extra-large 42″/106cm dog crates. On average, a female Golden Retriever’s overall sitting height (including head) is 27″/68cm while a male’s is 27.5″/70cm meaning an extra-large crate with a height of 78cm is perfect. Smaller golden retrievers can fit into a large 36″/92cm crate.
Labrador Crate Size
What size crate should I get for a Labrador? Labradors require a large 36″/92cm crate or an extra-large 42″/106cm crate. On average a female Labrador sits at 23.5″/60cm tall, which is perfect for the large crate which is 25.5″/65cm high. Meanwhile, a male Labrador sits at 25.5″/65cm tall, which is perfect for the extra-large crate that is 31″/78cm in height.
Cavoodle Crate Size
What size dog crate should I get for a Cavoodle? The best crate size for a cavoodle is a small 24″/61cm crate. However, as a cavoodle is a cross-breed, there is a lot of variability in their body sizes meaning that it is vital for owners to measure their cavoodle’s height and length and add 5-10cm onto each measurement for the crate measurements.
French Bull Dog Crate Size
What size dog crate should I get for a French Bulldog? French bulldogs need a medium 30″/76cm crate as they are a medium sized dog breed. Some French bulldogs are smaller so they can fit inside a small 24″/61cm crate. Nevertheless, when measuring a Frenchie for a crate, make sure to measure their full ear height to ensure they have enough standing room.
Cocker Spaniel Crate Size
What size dog crate should I get for a Cocker Spaniel? Cocker Spaniels require medium 30″/76cm dog crates as they are a medium sized breed. On average, a female Cocker Spaniel’s overall sitting height is 19″/48cm while a male’s height is 20″/52cm. These height measurements are both perfect for a medium crate with a height of 22.5″/57cm.
German Shepherd Crate Size
What size dog crate should I get for a German Shepherd? German Shepherds require extra-large 42″/106cm crates as they are a very large dog breed. On average, a female German Shepherd’s overall sitting height (including head) is 27.5″/70cm while a male’s is 29″/73cm meaning an extra-large crate with a height of 78cm is perfect.
Read Also: Dog Crate vs. Dog Bed – Should Your Dog Sleep In A Dog Crate or Bed?
How Much Is A Dog Crate?
How much is a small dog crate? On average, a mid-range small dog crate is around $50USD however this price can dramatically increase with better quality products up to $245USD.
How much is a medium size dog crate? On average, a mid-range medium size dog crate is about $60USD however this price can go up to $325USD with higher quality or luxury dog crate brands.
How much is a large dog crate? On average, a mid-range large dog crate is about $80 USD however this price can dramatically change depending on the quality with a large luxury dog crate getting up to $400USD.
Our Top Recommendations For Dog Crates
1. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Check Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Stand Out Features:
- Large size range: extra-small to extra-large sizes
- Includes divider panel
- Traditional wire crate design
2. Revol Dog Crate – Diggs
Check Out The Current Price On Diggs Here
Stand Out Features:
- Inspired by baby industry quality standards e.g. use of diamond mesh
- Collapsible design
- Includes puppy divider
- Carry handle and wheels makes transportation easy
The 5 Types Of Dog Crates
- Wire Dog Crates
- Plastic Dog Crates or Carriers
- Soft Sided Travel Dog Crates
- Furniture Dog Crates
- Heavy-Duty Dog Crates
Are wire or plastic crates better? Dog owners generally prefer to buy the classic wire crate design as it more aesthetically pleasing in the home setting whilst providing better ventilation for your dog and also being more destruction proof than the plastic crate option. In general, plastic dog crates are more often used for travelling e.g. going on an airplane.
Where To Put A Dog Crate In Your House
Should a dog crate be in a bedroom? A dog crate is highly suited to being into a bedroom, especially if you have a young puppy or a dog who suffers from separation anxiety that needs to be comforted at night however this may lead to disrupted sleep. Additionally, it’s a very warm and cozy spot to put a crate.
Should a dog crate be in a living room? The living room is another great location for a dog crate as it is a high traffic area meaning your dog will be able to see what’s going on around them and feel like a part of the family. The disadvantage is that it is a large, draughty space that’s likely to be cold at night.
In my personal experience, I prefer to put my dog’s crate in the living room. This is because my dog likes to groom herself really loudly at night (the licking noises coming from her crate are not pleasant at all!) and this disrupts my sleep. While a wire crate is a bit of an eye sore in my lounge room and it can get cold in winter, I cover it with a dog crate blanket cover set which makes it look much nice whilst keeping my dog warm!
Where should I put my dog crate in my apartment? The best place to put a dog crate in an apartment is in the bedroom as there is generally limited space in living rooms. It is also especially important for your dog to be close to notify you if they need to go to the bathroom as apartments don’t have a doggy doors to a backyard.
If You Want More Specific Information (Including Detailed Pro & Cons Lists Of Each Room You Can Put A Dog Crate) Read My Article: Where To Put A Dog Crate In Your House
Covering A Dog Crate
Should I cover my dog’s crate? Yes, you should cover your dogs crate in cold weather or if your dog is having trouble falling asleep when lights are on in the room. However you should not cover all edges of the crate. At least one side should be left uncovered to ensure proper ventilation.
Should a dog crate be covered at night? Yes, covering a dog crate at night is a good idea as it can be used to signal bedtime versus an uncovered crate meaning playtime. A covered crate can also give your dog more warmth on cold nights. Nevertheless, don’t cover all sides of the crate – leave one side uncovered to ensure good ventilation.
Should I put a blanket in my dog’s crate? Yes, you can put a blanket in your dog’s crate as it will make it more comfortable and also warm on cold days. However if your dog is prone to chewing or ripping up blankets it is not a great idea to put one inside as it can pose as a choking hazard.
Our Top Recommendations For Dog Crates Covers
1. Windsor Dove Crate Cover Up Set
Check Out The Current Price On Muttropolis Here
Stand Out Features:
- Wide size range: small to extra-large sizes
- Bumper and crate pads are reversible and attach to the crate with secure ties
- Stylish, classic look for year-round use
2. MidWest Dog Crate Cover
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Stand Out Features:
- Budget option
- Wide size range: extra-small to extra-large sizes
- Cool geometric patterned fabric
Read Also: How To Keep A Dog Warm In A Crate At Night
Dog Crate Accessories
Where do I put a divider in a dog crate? A divider should be placed in a crate so there is still enough room for your dog to sit, stand and lie down but not enough room for him/her to use the other end as a toilet, Measure your dog from the base of their tail to their nose and add 5-10cm to that measurement to find the perfect location for the divider.
How do I keep my dog busy in a crate? The best way to keep your dog busy in their crate is to give them a treat stuffed toy such as a Kong toy. These will keep your dog busy licking the peanut butter, treats or canned food that is inside. Another option is a treat ball toy!
The Best Crate Toys For Dogs
1. KONG – Classic Dog Toy, Durable Natural Rubber
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
2. Bojafa Dog Treat Dispensing Ball
Find Out The Current Price On Amazon Here
Read Also: Should You Put A Dog Bed In Your Dog’s Crate?
Further Reading
- 12 Must Have Car Accessories For Dog Owners
- 3 Easy Ways To Keep A Dog From Wandering Off
- 21 Luxury Dog Beds – You Need One Of These In Your Home!
What's Your Reaction?
