If you’re a new puppy owner, first, congratulations! Welcoming a new furry family member to your home is a big deal.
And here you are learning about what you need to take care of them. Great job!
Written by Becca Choi, a passionate dog person and proud plant mom living in sunny Los Angeles.
Her first ever pet was a lovable Husky-Shepard mix named Marley, but her favorite breed will always be dachshunds!
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Now, let’s get serious. Your puppy needs a crate.
But do you buy a crate for their size now and get another in a few months?
Or, do you get a large crate they’ll grow into?
At the end of the day, what you choose to do is up to you and your pup’s personal preferences. But this guide will answer the question what is the best crate size for a puppy?
Better yet, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about dog crates.
What Sized Crate Do You Need for Your Dog?
Just because your dog “fits” inside a crate doesn’t mean it’s the right size.
You want them to have enough room to stretch out, stand up, and turn around.
The ideal crate size is dependent on your dog’s size. Here’s a quick guide for your reference.
Giant Dogs (90+ pounds)
If you own a Great Dane, Greyhound, Bernese Mountain Dog, or another extra-extra-large dog, you’ll need a big crate, to say the least.
Look for 54” crates at least 54” long, 37” wide, and 45” tall.
Extra-Large Dogs (75-90 pounds)
Extra-large dogs are Rottweilers, Boxers, German Shepherds, and other similarly sized dogs.
Extra-large dogs need 48” crates at least 42” long, 30” wide, and 32” tall.
Large Dogs (50-75 pounds)
Golden Retrievers, labs, and most shepherds fall into the large dog category.
For these dogs, you’ll want 42” crates that are at least 42” long, 28” wide, and 31” tall.
Medium Dogs (20-50 pounds)
Medium sized dogs, like collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, and spaniels, can live with even smaller crates.
Find 36” kennels about 36” long, 23” wide, and 25” tall.
Small Dogs (10-25 pounds)
Breeds like dachshunds, pugs, miniature poodles, and most terriers are considered small dogs. Most puppies also fall into this category.
For little dogs, you can get 30” crates that are about 30” long, 19” wide, and 21” long.
Extra-Small Dogs (less than 10 pounds)
Also known as tiny or miniature dogs, breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians are the smallest of all.
These dogs need the smallest crates, which run around 22” long, 13” wide, and 16” long.
Do You Need a Puppy Crate and a Dog Crate?
Of course, you want to choose the right crate size for your dog based on their size and weight.
The answer to the question what is the best crate size for my puppy depends on your puppy’s current and projected size.
Some dog owners like to purchase two separate crates: one for puppyhood and one for adulthood.
Others prefer to purchase only one crate and let their puppy grow into it.
Another option you have is to purchase a crate for your dog’s full-grown size that comes with a divider.
The divider allows you to create a smaller puppy crate within the larger crate.
Do You Need a Separate Travel Crate?
However, if you need a travel crate for your puppy, you need to purchase one that fits their current size to keep them safe.
Plus, it’s much easier to transport a small puppy crate.
If your puppy is a small breed, you may not need to buy a separate travel crate. Some crates double as great at-home and travel crates.
Although having a separate travel crate isn’t necessary, it is a great choice for pet owners who want to keep their pups safe.
What is the Best Crate Size for a Puppy?
Puppies generally do best in crates for small dogs between 22” and 30”.
Hopefully this guide on the best small crates for puppies and little dogs has helped you to decide which small crate is the best for your dog!