Crate Size Estimator

Selecting the right size crate for you puppy is vital to the overall success of the crate training process. You need to make sure that you puppy has enough room to function comfortably, but also not enough room for him to feel like he is able to potty in one corner and sleep in another. Read our article on Crate Training Puppies for specific details on why crate training is important.

As a result of the common question “What size crate should I buy?”, we have created a “Crate Size Estimator.” The idea behind this program is to give you an idea of the size crate you should purchase for your puppy.

However, before you use this program, there are a few things you should know and understand:

1. This software is meant to give you an estimation of the size crate for your puppy. It is not meant to be an “end all” measurement. This will simply give you a starting point. Take this measurement to the store with you and start looking for crates around this size. It will make the overall process of shopping for a crate much easier. Just remember, in the end, correctly sizing a crate needs to be done visually.
2. Puppies grow quickly! The right size crate for your puppy today may not be the right size crate for him in three weeks. You may need to buy multiple crates throughout the crate training process. Remember, this estimator is intended to size the crate for the dimensions of your puppy today. It will not (and no software could) correctly predict the size crate your puppy will need in the future, as all puppies grow differently.
3. You need to take the height measurement of your puppy (in inches). Refer to Figure A-1. This measurement should be from the top of your puppy’s head to the floor.
4. You need to take the length measurement of your puppy (in inches). Refer to Figure A-2. This measurement should be from the tip of your puppy’s nose to the tip of his tail.
5. You need to select the “Breed Size” of your puppy. This is broken down into Small, Medium, and Large. Again, this will be an estimation. As a general rule of thumb, breeds that mature to a weight less than 30 pounds are “small breeds”. Breeds that mature to a weight over 80 pounds are “large breeds.” In between those two measurements are “medium breeds.”

Simply input the three variables below and you will receive the approximate crate size for your puppy!