Ultimate Guide to Dog Crates: Sizes, Styles and Accessories (2022)

For dog owners, finding the right dog crate can be a difficult process.

You may not know what size or style of dog crate to buy, and there are many related questions that you need to answer before making your purchase.

This blog post will help make your choice easier by answering these questions and providing an ultimate guide to dog crates, including all the information you need about sizes, styles, accessories, and more!

Dog Crate Sizes

There are many dog crate sizes available, and it is important to find the right one for your dog.

You want a dog crate that fits your dog well so they have enough room to stand up, turn around without being cramped, and lay down comfortably.

If you choose a dog crate that is too small or big for your pet, this can be uncomfortable for them which could lead to behavior problems such as whining while in their kennel (crate).

Dog crate sizes usually come in the following range of sizes:

• XS
• Small
• Medium
• Large
• Extra Large
• XXL or 2XL

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Dog Crate Sizing Chart

Crate Size	Approximate Weight of the Dog	Example of Appropriate Breeds
18″x18″ or 18″x24″	Under 24 lbs Under 30 lbs	Chihuahua
24″x18″ or 24″x24″	Under 30 lbs Under 38 lbs	Affenpinscher, Cairn Terrier, Havanese, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Norfolk Terrier, Pekingese, Pomeranian, Scottish Terrier, Shih Tzu, Skye Terrier, Silky Terrier, Toy Poodle, Toy Fox Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier
24″x30″ or 24″x36″	Under 40 lbs Under 40 lbs	Cocker Spaniel, Australian Terrier, Basset Hound, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Dachshund, Italian Greyhound, Jack Russell Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Schnauzer, Parson Russell Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier
30″x24″ or 30″x30″ or 30″x36″	0-40 lbs 40-50 lbs 50-60 lbs	American Eskimo Dog, American Staffordshire Terrier, Basenji, Beagle, Brittany Spaniel, Chinese Sharpei, Chow Chow, German Pinscher, Irish Terrier, Keeshond, Kerry Blue Terrier
36″x24″ or 36″x30″ or 36″x36″	40-60 lbs 50-60 lbs 60-80 lbs	American Pit Bull Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Bull Terrier, Dalmatian, Old English Sheepdog
42″x30″ or 42″x36″	80-100 lbs 80-100 lbs	Airedale Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, American Bulldog, Boxer, Briard, Malinois, Tervueren
48″x24″ or 48″x30″	80-90 lbs 80-100 lbs	Airedale Terrier, Alaskan Malamute, Boxer, Briard, Dalmatian, Malinois, Tervueren
48″x36″	Up to 100 lbs	Afghan, Akita, Bloodhound, Borzoi, Chinook, Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Gordon Setter, Greyhound, Irish Setter, Leonberger, Neopolitan Mastiff, Newfoundland, Pointer, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky, Standard Poodle, Weimaraner
60″x36″ or 72″x36″	100-150 lbs 150-180 lbs	Akita, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bullmastiff, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Scottish Deerhound, Siberian Husky

Source: APDT

Dog Crate Materials

When it comes to dog crates, there are many different types of dog crate materials that you can choose from. Some dog crates come with a wire enclosure instead of the traditional steel mesh/netting pattern which has become very popular in recent years because they provide excellent ventilation for your pet.

Steel Dog Crates

Dog crates made from steel dog crate mesh/netting are very popular because they provide excellent ventilation for your dog and also give them a good view outside of their kennel. However, the visibility that these dog crates offer can lead to more distractions which could cause anxiety or behavior problems in some dogs (although this is not always true).

Wire Crates

Wire dog crates are also very strong and durable because they can support a dog’s weight. This makes them good for those dogs who like to jump up on the crate to look out or even lay against/lean on it, as long as their combined weight doesn’t exceed what the dog cage is rated for.

Aluminum Dog Crates

Aluminum dog crates are another popular option because they are lightweight and rust-resistant. This makes them great dog crates for outdoor use or even in a garage or other areas where humidity is an issue (such as near the pool). Aluminum dog crates also tend to be more expensive than dog crates made from steel mesh/netting, wire, etc.

You can even get some military-grade aluminum-made dog crates from some top retailers like Impact Dog Crates.

Plastic Dog Crates

Dog cages made from plastic dog crate mesh/netting have many of the same advantages that wire dog crates do but with less visibility which could be better if your pet has anxiety problems such as barking at other dogs while you’re away (as well as reducing distractions). Plastic dog kennels may seem flimsy compared to steel ones so some people think they won’t last as long, but this isn’t true.

Solid plastic crates are actually very durable and strong and can support a dog’s weight (just like wire dog cages) in addition to having excellent ventilation, but they don’t have the visibility that wire dog crates provide which makes them good for pets who suffer from anxiety when left alone or experience separation anxiety problems such as constant barking while their owner is gone. Plastic dog crates also come in many different sizes so you will be able to find one for your dog no matter what size he/she is!

Wooden Dog Crates

There are dog crates on the market that are made from wood which is another good option for dog owners. Wooden dog kennels provide excellent ventilation and visibility, just like wire dog cages do but they look much more aesthetically pleasing in your home or outdoor area.

Recycled Dog Crates

You can also find dog crates that have been recycled such as old tires which make them a great environmentally friendly choice of material! These eco-friendly dog houses are very durable since rubber doesn’t get damaged easily by extreme weather conditions (which means it won’t break down over time) and they even come with their own flooring so you don’t need to buy anything extra when setting up your pet’s new crate space. You may think these dog crates are not very sturdy since they’re made from recycled materials but this is not true. These dog houses/kennels are actually quite strong and durable, just like the other dog crate materials mentioned above in addition to providing excellent ventilation for your pet.

Recycled dog cages also come with their own flooring so you don’t need to buy anything extra when setting up your dog’s new crate space. You may think these dog kennels aren’t very sturdy because they’re made out of recycled material but that isn’t true! Dog houses/cages created using old tires as a primary material can be equally as strong and durable (just like wire or plastic dog crates) which makes them an eco-friendly option if you’re looking for dog crates that are made from recycled materials.

Soft-Sided Crates

If you are looking for dog crates that have a more stylish look, then dog cages made from soft-sided dog crate mesh/netting may be the right choice of material for you! These dog kennels provide excellent ventilation and visibility while also being lightweight, durable, and easy to clean which is why they’re becoming very popular among pet owners. They come in many different colors so if your home or outdoor area has a specific color scheme these dog houses will match perfectly.

Soft-sided dog crates are another great option because even though they don’t give your pet as much privacy due to their mesh design (which means there isn’t any solid wall on them) it’s still enough space where he/she can feel comfortable since dogs often like to be able to see around the room/area they’re in.

Dog Crate Styles

When choosing dog crates, there are several different styles to choose from which you will need to consider. Some dog owners prefer soft dog crates because they recline and can be used as a bed while other pet parents would rather have wire dog cages for their dogs since these are very easy for them to clean out after Fido has an accident or gets sick inside of his/her crate (which is something that happens more often than not).

Collapsible/Foldable Dog Crates

There are also collapsible dog kennels on the market right now which make it much easier for indoor use when your pup becomes destructive during thunderstorms or any time he/she needs some alone-time in order to calm down. Collapsible dog crates fold up very small which is a good thing for dog owners who live in a smaller home or apartment where space can be at a premium.

Travel/Portable Dog Crates

There are dog crates on the market that have been specifically designed to make it easier for you and your dog to travel together as well, such as ones with wheels attached, folding designs (for easy storage), etc. These types of dog kennels usually come with their own carrying case so they will fit inside your vehicle no matter what type of car you drive without taking up too much room! Travel and portable dog crates also allow pets more freedom than regular wire cages do since there aren’t any bars covering them from top-to-bottom like a traditional pet cage would have – which is very important if you are dog-sitting for a friend or family member and want to take your pup with you on the road.

Soft Dog Crates

If you are a dog owner who likes to have your dog sleep in his/her dog crate at night but wouldn’t mind having an extra bed for him/her to take naps on during the day, then a soft dog crate is probably what you should be looking into. Soft crates provide both security and comfortability which makes them very popular among dog owners – especially those that have larger breeds or dogs that like to chew when they get nervous about something (which can happen quite often).

Soft dog cages offer both security and comfortability making it easy for pet parents with large breed dogs or ones that like chewing when they’re anxious.

Airline Approved Dog Crates (IATA Compliant)

You can also find dog crates on the market that have been specifically designed for air travel, such as IATA compliant dog kennels which are airline travel approved. These types of dog crates usually come equipped with wheels attached to them so you don’t need to lift a heavy dog crate into your vehicle when traveling somewhere by plane. They’re also made from durable materials and even include accessories like side pockets where food/water bowls fit inside perfectly (for long-distance trips).

Browse Airline Approved Dog Crates

Soundproof Dog Crates

You can even find dog crates that have been soundproofed so they are perfect for use in your bedroom, living room, or any other quiet area where you’d like to keep your dog when s/he needs to rest. Sound-absorbing dog kennels usually come with a padded pillow which is great if Fido likes to snuggle on his/her crate space while napping after eating some delicious dog treats!

Heavy Duty Dog Crates

If your dog is a strong chewer and can bend or break wire dog crates, heavy-duty dog cages might be the perfect solution for your pet. These types of dog kennels are made from steel so they actually provide more strength than plastic dog crates do (which makes them difficult to chew through).

Stylish Dog Crates

There are dog kennels on the market that don’t just come in basic wire or plastic dog crate styles – pet supply manufacturers also make stylish dog crates these days which look like pieces of furniture (such as end tables, bedside tables, coffee/end table sets). These types of dog crates usually have doors attached to them so you can use them for your pup’s sleeping quarters.

Some examples include:

• Barn Door / Farmhouse Dog Crates
• Coffee Table Dog Crates
• End Table/Nightstand Dog Crate Sets

Bedside-Table, End-Table, and Desk Style dog crates usually come with a side pocket that lets you store dog treats or your pup’s favorite toys inside of them. These types of dog crates are designed to mimic pieces of furniture which is why some people refer to them as “barn door style dog kennels” since they look like the type of crate design seen on old barns in rural areas where farmers would house their horses during cold winter months! However, these types of dog cages can also be used for more modern settings such as small apartments (where space may be limited) or living rooms – all while keeping Fido comfortable when he/she needs a place to rest.

Anxiety Crates

If your dog tends to get nervous or anxious when s/he’s in a dog crate, then an anxiety-proof dog kennel might be the best option for you! These types of dog crates are usually made from soft materials so they feel more comfortable on Fido’s bones. In addition, some pet parents also add extra accessories such as fleece covers which can help calm their pup down while he/she is inside of their cozy dog cage at night time.

Dog Crate Accessories

Dog crate accessories are also available for dog owners to buy so they can pamper their dog with some extra TLC! Some dog crate accessories include dog beds, dog mats, dog blankets, dog food warmers, divider panels that go inside the dog crate, doggy diaper bags (great for vacations!), and more. These types of dog kennels are made from durable materials just like the dog crates themselves, which means your pup is sure to be happy with any type of accessory you decide on buying for him/her (just make sure you don’t spoil him/her too much)!

Crate Covers

Crate covers are dog crate accessories that you can actually buy to give your dog a little privacy from time to time. These types of dog kennels come in all shapes and sizes, including square dog crates (which look like cardboard boxes if they don’t have doors on them), octagon dog crates, IATA compliant dog kennels for air travel, etc.

Dog Crate Covers also help keep the temperature inside of your pet’s living quarters more comfortable at times when it is warm outside or during summer months – which keeps him/her cooler than he/she would be without one! You should make sure not to leave any type of cover attached to your pup’s dog cage while s/he is inside his/her dog crate though since it might be dangerous if s/he gets tangled up in the dog cage accessory.

Crate Dividers

Crate dividers are dog crate accessories that you can use to create separate dog crates within one dog cage – and they go right inside the dog kennel. This is an excellent way for pet owners to keep their pups separated if they don’t get along with each other (and want them to stay separate) or if your pup hasn’t grown into its crate yet and you want to create a smaller space for them to be more comfortable.

Dog Crate Beds

You can also purchase dog crate beds to insert within the crate to make your pupper more comfortable in its crate. Dog beds sometimes are included when purchasing a dog crate or may be sold separately as dog crate accessories.

Browse Dog Beds for Crates

Removable Dog Trays

Removable slide-out dog trays are also available for dog owners to buy so they can clean up any messes their pup might make while using his/her dog crate. These types of dog kennels come with a removable bottom plastic tray that lets you remove them and take them outside for cleaning!

Flea and Mite Protection

Dog crates also come with dog crate covers that can be used to protect your dog from pesky fleas and mites (which will make him/her very unhappy). You should check out these types of dog kennels if you think there may be a chance your dog could get infested with bugs while using his/her dog crate. Flea prevention is especially important during the summer months where it’s warmer outside since this is when most dogs are likely to catch them!

Related Questions and Tips

How do you hide a dog crate?

Most dog owners have a dog crate for their dogs to sleep in at night or when they’re out of the house with their pup.

A dog crate is an excellent tool that can help with potty-training a puppy, as well as keeping your dog safe and secure when he/she’s left alone in the house.

However, not everyone loves dog crates because they don’t want to see them every time they walk by – which is understandable! Luckily, there are many ways you can hide a dog crate from view without sacrificing safety or comfort for your pup.

Some of the most popular methods include buying a cover (which goes over top) and inserts that go inside of it – these types of covers come in all shapes and sizes.

Another dog crate cover method is to take a piece of furniture (such as a dresser or bookshelf) you want in your home, add dog crate inserts on the inside, then place it up against where you would like your dog’s dog kennel! This way, everyone will think that there are just normal pieces of furniture out in the living room – not dog crates.

Ensuring a Safe Space for Your Pup

After dog crates are set up, you’ll want to make sure that there is enough room for your dog to turn around in his/her living quarters – but not too much space (this can lead them to start feeling anxious and nervous).

You also may consider adding dog crate covers on top of the dog kennel if you think this will help ease their anxiety; they might feel more relaxed when it appears like something or someone is covering over their dog cage.

Crate Training

Crate training is the act of dog crate training your dog to get used to the dog crate. With proper training and a lot of positive reinforcement, dog crate training can be easy and low-stress for your dog to get used to.

However, it’s important that dog owners do not force their dog into a dog kennel if they don’t want to go in – this will only make them more anxious around the dog cage! Instead, you should slowly introduce your pup/dog to his/her new house by putting treats or other small toys inside of it so he/she gets curious about going in there.

If done correctly, with time your puppy will begin walking right into its own space without any fussing at all! This is why many people decide on using one of these types of dog cages when potty training a young pooch since they are able to adapt very easily.

Dog Crates and Traveling with Your Pup

One of the most popular dog crates is a dog cage for traveling. While your dog’s crate should be large enough to turn around in, you’ll need an even larger one if he/she needs to curl up or stretch out while on road trips (such as cars).

These types of dog kennels come equipped with many side pockets so they can serve as storage space too – which will make everyone happy when they’re ready to get back home again after their travels! Plus, these travel dog cages usually have wheels underneath them so that you can easily pull them from place to place without having to worry about picking up heavyweights. For bigger dog breeds, it’s a good idea to invest in dog crates that have side latches so you can quickly release them with one hand if needed.

When can you stop crating your dog at night?

You can stop crating your dog at night when he/she’s older and more mature (usually between the ages of one and two).

On average, dogs usually stay in their dog kennels for up to six hours without needing a bathroom break – but each dog is different. You’ll want to make sure that you keep an eye on your dog and his/her water bowl so they don’t get dehydrated while using their dog kennel at night.

It’s also a good idea to start phasing out the dog crate around this time by leaving it open during the day for them to explore in and out of – but making sure that you’re still supervising them closely.

Should I cover my dog’s crate?

If your dog doesn’t like to be in his/her dog kennel, then it may be a good idea to try covering the dog’s crate up with something (such as a blanket or towel).

This can help make them feel more secure when they’re trying to relax inside of their dog cage. Plus, most dogs tend not to chew on dog crates when they’re covered up because it makes them feel as though there is something blocking their vision and sense of smell.

There are tons of dog crate covers available now that you can choose from – sometimes, even too many to pick just one! You’ll need to make sure the material isn’t easy for your dog to rip apart though because it could be dangerous if they ingest any of the dog crate covers while trying to tear it apart.

How do you keep a dog from barking in his/her dog cage?

It can become quite frustrating when your dog continues to bark inside of their dog kennel – so much so that you wonder how on earth anyone else can sleep!

Most dog owners will try to keep their dogs quiet by asking them to be ‘quiet’ while they’re barking away. However, this only confuses your dog because he/she doesn’t understand what you want them to do (which is why it’s such a good idea that dogs are trained before the age of six months!).

Instead, dog owners should try to ignore their dog’s barking for as long as it takes to get them to stop. Eventually, your dog will figure out that you’re not paying attention (or rewarding) him/her if they continue with the barking – which can help resolve this problem altogether!

Should I put a blanket in my dog’s crate?

While dog crates are designed to keep your dog warm and cozy while they’re inside, it’s still a good idea to make sure that you provide them with one or two dog beds at the very least.

If you don’t want to spend money on dog crate bedding sets, then you can always place any old blanket in there for them to use. If you do decide on dog crate bedding sets, then double-check the material is dog-friendly (such as cotton) and not easily ripped apart by your dog’s teeth!

What room should a dog crate be in?

Dog crates should be placed in a dog-friendly room that doesn’t have too much going on within the area to distract your dog from sleeping.

For example, it’s not a good idea to place dog cages near televisions or speakers because they can easily become overwhelmed by all of this noise and activity – which could result in them barking their way through the night!

FAQ

How do I know which dog kennel size to choose?

The best way to determine the right dog crate for your pet is by looking at their weight first. If they weigh between 30-50 lbs, then a medium dog cage should be perfect for them! If you have a smaller dog that weighs less than this or if it's an extra small breed of dog (such as Chihuahuas), then choosing an xs dog crate is probably going to be most beneficial.

What type of material are dog crates made with? Is one better than another?

Dog crates are usually made with either metal wire or plastic materials - both can work out just fine on what you're looking for! However, dog owners who live in warmer climates might consider choosing dog crates that are made with plastic materials because they tend to be more insulated than metal wire dog cages. Plus, plastic dog crates can often be used as a dog house once your pet is fully grown - which makes them perfect for outdoor use!

What dog crate accessories should I get to go with my dog's dog cage?

There are so many different accessories that you can choose from when it comes to dog crates - such as divider panels, covers, and pads/mats. While these dog crate add-ons may vary in price depending on what type of material they were made out of, most dog owners tend to recommend getting the best quality ones because this will ensure your pet is more comfortable while inside their dog kennel! Plus, being able to use a cover also means keeping those pesky flies at bay too. 😉