Dog Crate Sizes and Types, Explained
Crates are sold by length, from about 18 inches for toy breeds to 54 inches for giants; pick one your dog can stand and turn around in after measuring it.
By Jennifer HunterContributing writer.
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The short answer
A crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in, as the Humane Society puts it. Crates are named by their length in inches, so a "36 inch crate" is about 36 inches long. Measure your dog, then pick the size that clears those numbers. For a puppy, size for the adult dog.
How to measure your dog
MidWest Homes for Pets, a crate maker, uses two measurements:
- Length: with your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- Height: with your dog sitting, measure from the top of the head down to the floor.
Compare both with the inside size of the crate you are looking at.
Dog crate size chart
MidWest offers eight crate sizes and publishes a breed reference for each. A few of the breeds it lists:
| Crate size | Length | Example breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Extra small | 18 or 22 in | Maltese, Pomeranian, Yorkshire Terrier |
| Small | 24 in | Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Shih Tzu |
| Medium | 30 in | Dachshund, French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer |
| Intermediate | 36 in | Beagle, Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Welsh Corgi |
| Large | 42 in | Border Collie, Boxer, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever |
| Extra large | 48 in | German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky |
| Extra extra large | 54 in | Great Dane, Mastiff, St. Bernard |
MidWest notes that sex and mixed ancestry can push a dog a size up or down, so the tape measure beats the breed list.
Puppies: buy for the adult size
Both MidWest and the Humane Society say to choose a crate for your puppy's expected adult size. For a mixed breed, MidWest suggests estimating from the parents or asking your shelter or vet. Many crates come with a divider panel that blocks off part of the space while the puppy is small; MidWest says the panel should fit snugly across the width. The Humane Society adds that some shelters rent crates, so you can trade up as your puppy grows.
Wire vs plastic dog crates
The Humane Society lists three common crate styles: plastic (often called flight kennels), fabric on a collapsible frame, and collapsible metal pens.
| Type | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wire or metal | Open grid of metal bars | Open on all sides; many fold flat and add a tray or divider |
| Plastic kennel | Molded shell with a door and vents | Enclosed and den-like; the style used for air travel |
| Soft-sided | Fabric over a frame | Light and portable, for calm dogs |
| Furniture-style | Crate built into a cabinet or end table | Sits in a living room as a piece of furniture |
On Wiki Shopping, furniture-style crates are the largest type, with 199 of the 403 dog crates listed, followed by 97 metal crates. Only 5 listings are plastic kennels.
How we count
Measuring steps, sizes and breeds are MidWest's, from its sizing page and breed chart; crate advice and styles are the Humane Society's. All are linked under Sources. Crate counts come from our database on October 26, 2026 and change as listings are added or removed.
Shopping on Wiki Shopping
Start from all dog crates, or narrow it to furniture-style crates, crates under $150 or heavy-duty crates. For travel, see our guide to pet carrier sizing.
Shop by spec
Dog Crates
Single door, Under 30 in, Small
- IDEAL FOR 12-20 LB DOGS: Measures 24.5 x 17.5 x 19.5 inches - perfect for Fox Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas & similar breeds. For dogs near 20 lbs, consider sizing up to our 30-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
Furniture crate, Double door, 36 to 41 in, Wood
- Multi-functional: This dog crate furniture is endowed with multi-purpose use for its furniture look. It can be a doghouse as well as be an end table, tea table or nightstand. Why not put a potted plant on top or place some pet supplies? Modern rustic look makes this pet cage compatible with your home
- Double Openings and Pull-Out Tray: This furniture-style dog kennel indoor has front and side openings for access.The intensive bottom net of this dog kennel protects your pet's feet from injuries, and the pull-out tray can effectively prevent the garbage from falling, which is convenient for you to clean up
- Ample Activity Space: The overall size is 38.6"L x 25.6"W x 26.9"H, and the size of inner house is 32.9"L x 23.8"W x 23.2"H. This dog crate loads up to 90 lb, highly suitable for medium and large dogs. Please confirm the size of your dog before purchasing this dog cage
- Sturdy and Chew-Resistant: It is constructed of particleboard and steel, featuring easy care, strong stability and chew-resistance for pet-safe durability and long service life. We simplified assembly methods and steps and with numbered parts and comprehensible instructions, you can assemble this wooden dog crate easily
- Warm Home for Your Dog: HOOBRO’s comfortable kennel is a warm home, which elevates peace and relaxation for your dog.so it can enjoy time in the end table dog crate when you are out without destroying anything in the house and will happily wait for your back. It can be a canine companion, but also an attraction in your bedroom or living room
Furniture crate, Double door, 48 in or more, Wood
- Versatile Use: This dog crate furniture for 2 dogs provides a secure haven for your pets and doubles as an end table, coffee table, or TV stand, blending seamlessly into home decor. Features an adjustable divider, offering spacious comfort for two dogs.
- Dual Door Design: The double dog crate furniture features doors that open from either side for easy pet access. When first using the crate, pets may feel anxious due to unfamiliar surroundings. Place chew toys inside or leave the door open initially until your pet adjusts to the environment.
- Sturdy and Chew-Resistant: Built with a metal steel plate at the bottom for enhanced stability, this dog crate furniture ensures pets can lie comfortably without getting stuck. The upgraded L-shaped lock effectively prevents pets from escaping. Made from P2-grade particle board that meets formaldehyde emission standards, providing a safe and healthy space for long-term enjoyment.
- Tray Design: This dog crate furniture large breeds comes with two hidden trays at the bottom to catch debris, fur, and dirt. Simply open the cover to remove and clean, keeping your pet's area tidy without dirtying the floor.
- Quick Assembly: VEVOR dog crate comes with pre-drilled holes that make assembling the furniture style dog crate easy without the need for professional tools, saving you time and effort.
Metal crate, Metal
- Durable all steel construction
- Single door design with secure locking system for your pets safety
- Includes a blue removable and washable pan
- Fold and go system for portability, storage and car travel
- For smaller breeds and puppies, up to 25 pounds