Dog Crate Size by Breed

Dog Crate Size Guide by Breed

Dog Crate Size Guide by Breed: The Complete Guide for Aussie Dogs

Choosing the right crate size feels harder than it should. You Google a bit, get twelve different answers, and still end up guessing between “medium” and “large” and hoping for the best.

This guide is here to take the guesswork out of it. We’ll walk through dog crate size guie by breed, show you how to adjust for your individual dog, and explain when to size up (or down) so your crate feels like a den, not a prison or a paddock.

Why Crate Size Matters More Than the Label on the Box

A crate that fits properly helps your dog:

  • Feel safe and secure, not trapped or exposed
  • Relax more easily (especially in busy family homes)
  • Support toilet training and calmer routines

Too small = cramped, unfair and uncomfortable.
Too big = can encourage toilet accidents and make nervous dogs feel “lost” in the space.

The goal: your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down fully stretched out on their side, with a little breathing room.

General Dog Crate Size by Breed (Quick Reference)

Every dog is different, but here’s a rough guide you can start from before fine-tuning with actual measurements.

You’ll adjust up or down depending on: body shape, fluff level, and how your dog prefers to sleep.

Small Breeds

Examples:
Chihuahua, Pomeranian, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle, Pug, French Bulldog (smaller), Shih Tzu, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

  • Typical crate range: Small
  • What to prioritise:
    • Lower entry height
    • Cozy, den-like feel
    • Great for bedside crates and smaller single crates

These dogs often prefer a snug space with soft bedding and good visibility.

Medium Breeds

Examples:
Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Springer Spaniel, Brittany

  • Typical crate range: Medium / Medium–Large
  • What to prioritise:
    • Extra length for stretch-out naps
    • Enough height that they don’t duck
    • Strong build for active, athletic dogs

These pups often do best with a bit more room to sprawl after big walkies or training sessions.

Large Breeds

Examples:
Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer, Doberman, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Weimaraner, Rhodesian Ridgeback

  • Typical crate range: Large–XL
  • What to prioritise:
    • Headroom (no hunching)
    • Sturdy construction and good ventilation
    • Strong doors and hardware

For big family dogs, double crates or longer single crates work beautifully in living areas, especially when they double as sideboards or entertainment units.

Giant Breeds

Examples:
Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese Mountain Dog, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Tibetan Mastiff, Cane Corso

  • Typical crate range: XL–XXL
  • What to prioritise:
    • Serious height and length
    • Heavy-duty build
    • Planning where the crate will live before you buy

For these guys, standard wire crates often look like collapsible scaffolding in your lounge. Furniture-style timber crates soften the visual impact and give them a proper den that actually suits your home.

Breed Mixes: When Your Dog Is “A Bit of Everything”

Crossbreeds and rescues don’t always match neat charts. In that case:

  1. Start with their closest breed category (e.g. “medium herding type”).
  2. Use actual measurements (nose-to-tail, floor-to-head).
  3. Think about how they like to sleep:
    • Curled-up donut? You can lean cozy.
    • Full sploot or starfish? Lean towards extra length.

Always add 5–10cm to your dog’s length and height measurements when choosing a size.

Puppies vs Adults: Planning for Growth

If you’ve got a puppy, you can:

  • Buy “for now” and upgrade later, or
  • Buy for adult size and manage the space with bedding/dividers

For medium–giant breeds, buying based on expected adult size is usually smarter if you want one beautiful crate that lasts years. You can cozy up the space while they’re little and open it up as they grow.

Matching Crate Size to Your Home Layout

Once you know your size range, consider:

  • Bedroom: smaller footprint, often bedside crates
  • Living room: more space; great for double crates or statement pieces
  • Office: single crates where your dog can nap while you work

Crate size by breed is your starting point. Your home and routine are what make the final call.

When in Doubt, Go by Measurements – Not Just Breed

Two Labs can be totally different sizes. Same with “small” Frenchies or “huge” working-line Shepherds.

To double-check your choice:

  • Measure your dog (length + height)
  • Check internal crate dimensions
  • Make sure there’s still room for:
    • A bed or cushion
    • Their favourite sleep position
    • A relaxed stand and turn

Then choose the size that ticks all three boxes:
Dog fits. Room works. You don’t hate looking at it.

(And if you want crate sizes that are kind to both your dog and your décor, your Paws & Willow single, double and bedside ranges are exactly built for that.)

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