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Quick answer
UK crate guides put an adult Border Terrier in a 24 in crate1. Pet Crates Direct recommends a 24 in crate for most adult Border Terriers.
Your dog may differ, so measure to be sure.
Get an exact crate sizeBorder Terrier size and build: what it means for a crate
| Chest girth | 35–45 cm2 Typical adult range quoted by a UK harness maker. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5–7 kg3 Breed standard: dogs 6–7 kg, bitches 5–6.5 kg. |
The UK breed standard gives a weight of 6–7 kg for dogs and 5–6.5 kg for bitches3. Pet Crates Direct recommends a 24 inch crate for most adult Border Terriers1.
A Border that comes home wet and muddy is easier to manage in a crate that wipes clean.
How to measure your Border Terrier for a crate
- Stand your dog on a level floor. Measure its length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, where the tail joins the body. Don't include the tail4.
- Ask your dog to sit. Measure its sitting height from the floor to the top of its head, or to the tips of its ears if they stand up. Measure sitting, because some dogs are taller sitting than standing4.
- Add space. UK guides suggest adding 5–10 cm to each measurement4, and Pet Crates Direct suggests about 6 inches (15 cm)5. We suggest adding 10 cm, the middle of that range, and treat 5 cm as the snug minimum.
- Compare your two numbers with each crate's length and height. The crate needs to clear both. Check the width too: your dog should be able to turn round comfortably6.
- Check whether the brand gives inside or outside measurements. Wire crates lose very little space inside, but plastic crates and wooden furniture-style crates can be noticeably smaller inside than out.
Border Terrier measuring tips
- Measure length from the nose to the base of the tail with your dog standing.
- Measure sitting height to the top of the head.
More detail, including weighing and measuring a wriggly dog, is in our complete guide to measuring your dog.
Border Terrier crate size by brand
In the UK, crates are usually sold by their length in inches: a "36-inch" crate is about 91 cm long. Brands round differently, so always check the actual dimensions in the table.
Ellie-Bo
Standard Dog Cage
Wire crate. Folding wire cage from a UK brand. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider for each size separately. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider separately for each size7.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| S (24 in) | 61 × 46 × 51 cm | 24 × 18.1 × 20.1 in |
| M (30 in) | 76 × 53.5 × 60 cm | 29.9 × 21.1 × 23.6 in |
| L (36 in) | 91.5 × 61 × 66 cm | 36 × 24 × 26 in |
| XL (42 in) | 107 × 71 × 79 cm | 42.1 × 28 × 31.1 in |
| XXL (48 in) | 122 × 79 × 86.5 cm | 48 × 31.1 × 34.1 in |
Highlighted rows match the 24 in range UK guides give for an adult Border Terrier. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in cm, converted to inches).
Check price on AmazonMidWest
iCrate Folding Dog Crate
Wire crate. Folding wire crate with a divider panel included. Dimensions are published in inches. MidWest includes a divider panel with this crate8.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 61 × 45.7 × 48.3 cm | 24 × 18 × 19 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 48.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 19 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5 cm | 36 × 23 × 25 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 71.1 × 76.2 cm | 42 × 28 × 30 in |
| 48 in | 121.9 × 76.2 × 83.8 cm | 48 × 30 × 33 in |
Highlighted rows match the 24 in range UK guides give for an adult Border Terrier. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonAmazon Basics
Folding Soft Dog Crate
Fabric crate. Fabric crate on a folding frame. Dimensions are published in inches. No divider panel is offered for this crate.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 in | 66 × 45.7 × 45.7 cm | 26 × 18 × 18 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 53.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 21 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 61 × 61 cm | 36 × 24 × 24 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 78.7 × 78.7 cm | 42 × 31 × 31 in |
Highlighted rows match the 24 in range UK guides give for an adult Border Terrier. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
None of this brand's sizes matches the 24 in guidance for a Border Terrier. Its smallest crate may still suit your dog: measure, and use the size finder to check.
Puppy crates and dividers
Small dogs reach adult weight sooner than large breeds9. A 24 in crate with a divider usually lasts from puppy to adult.
A divider panel is a removable wall that shortens the inside of a crate. It lets you buy the crate your dog will need as an adult and make it smaller for a puppy, then move it back as your puppy grows. MidWest includes one with the iCrate8; Ellie-Bo sells one to fit each cage size7.
Whatever the divider setting, your puppy should still be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch6. Check this every week or two while your puppy is growing, and move the divider back as soon as it looks cramped.
For how to introduce a crate to a puppy, and how long it can be used for, follow the RSPCA's and Dogs Trust's step-by-step guidance6,10. Blue Cross also has advice on using indoor kennels11.
Home crate vs car crate
The Highway Code says that in a vehicle, dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained so they can't distract you or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. It lists a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard as ways of doing this12.
A home crate and a car crate do different jobs. At home, size is all about comfort: your dog should be able to stand, turn, lie down and stretch6. In the car, the crate also has to fit your boot and stay put when you brake.
- Measure the boot, not just the dog. Measure the boot floor's length and width, and the height of the opening. In hatchbacks and estates the tailgate often slopes in, so the usable height at the back can be lower than at the front.
- Secure the crate. A crate that slides or tips over when you brake doesn't restrain your dog. Use the car's load-lashing points or a strap if the crate allows it, and follow the maker's instructions.
- Check the crate is meant for cars. Folding wire home crates are made for the home. If you want a crate for the car, check what the maker says about vehicle use and how to secure it.
- Think about heat. Cars heat up fast. Choose a crate with good airflow, keep it out of direct sun, and never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day.
Border Terriers in the car
A 24 in crate fits almost any boot. Secure it so it can't slide, and check the latches are closed.
Wire, plastic or fabric?
Wire
Metal wire crates fold flat, give plenty of airflow and let your dog see out. Most come with a removable tray, and many take a divider. They're the most common choice for home use. Some dogs settle better if part of the crate is covered, but always leave plenty of sides open for air.
Plastic
Plastic crates (often sold as carriers) are enclosed and den-like, easy to wipe clean and common for travel. The walls take up space and airflow is lower, so check the inside dimensions and ventilation.
Fabric
Fabric crates on a folding frame are very light and fold small, which suits trips and holidays. They're only for calm dogs that don't chew, dig or push at the sides, and they're harder to clean.
Which suits a Border Terrier?
- Wire: Sturdy and airy. Choose secure latches for a clever terrier.
- Plastic: Easy to wipe clean and good for travel.
- Fabric: Not for a terrier that digs or chews.
Fit checks: is the crate big enough?
Stand up
Your dog can stand up without stooping or touching the roof6.
Sit up
Your dog can sit up without its head or ears touching the top11.
Wag its tail
Dogs Trust's list includes room to wag its tail10. If the tail hits the sides every time, the crate is tight.
Room for the bed
Measure the crate floor, not the outside, and choose a bed or mat that lies flat inside it.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a fabric crate for a dog that digs.
- Forgetting to secure the crate in the car.
- Measuring the dog standing for height. Measure sitting, to the top of the head or ear tips4.
- Including the tail in the length. Measure to where the tail joins the body4.
- Buying a small puppy crate and replacing it every few months, instead of an adult-size crate with a divider.
- Comparing outside dimensions of a plastic or furniture-style crate with your dog's measurements. Check the inside size.
- Forgetting the car. A crate that suits your living room may not fit your boot.
Border Terrier crate questions
What size crate does a Border Terrier need?
UK crate guides put an adult Border Terrier in a 24 in crate1. In the brands we cover that means Ellie-Bo Standard Dog Cage: S (24 in); MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate: 24 in; Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate: no matching size. Measure your dog's length and sitting height and add about 10 cm to be sure.
How do I measure my Border Terrier for a crate?
Measure length from the nose to the base of the tail with your dog standing, and height from the floor to the top of the head or ear tips with your dog sitting4. Add about 10 cm to each, then compare with the crate's length and height.
What size crate for a Border Terrier puppy?
Many owners buy the adult-size crate and use a divider panel to make it smaller while the puppy grows. Your puppy should always have room to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch6.
Are crate sizes in inches the actual length?
Roughly. The number is the crate's nominal length: a 36 in crate is around 91 cm long, but brands round differently. Check the dimensions in the size table.
Do I need a crate in the car?
The Highway Code says dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle, and lists a dog cage as one way, along with a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog guard12. A crate is one option, not the only one.
What size crate does a Border Terrier need?
Pet Crates Direct recommends 24 in for most adults1. Measure length and sitting height, add about 10 cm, and compare.
Is a fabric crate OK for a Border Terrier?
Usually not. Terriers that dig or chew can damage fabric. A wire crate with secure latches is safer.
Find your Border Terrier's crate sizeBorder Terrier harness guide