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Is my dog's crate too big or too small?

Short answer

Your dog's crate is too small if your dog can't stand and sit without touching the top, or can't turn around, lie down, wag its tail and stretch out fully1. Too big is the smaller worry: the PDSA's tip is that "too big is better than too small", though the RSPCA says a puppy is better protected in a smaller space when travelling1,2.

The test

This article answers one question from our complete guide to what size crate your dog needs.

The RSPCA says: "Your dog's crate should be big enough for them to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch in."2

The PDSA says: "The crate should be tall enough for your dog to stand and sit without touching the top. It should be wide and long enough for your dog to turn around, lie down, wag their tail and stretch out fully."1

Watch your dog in its crate with the door open, and run through each point.

Signs a crate is too small

Puppies outgrow crates fast

If you're using a divider, a "too small" crate may just mean the divider needs moving back. See how crate dividers work for a growing puppy.

Can a crate be too big?

For everyday use at home, a crate with room to spare still passes the test, and the PDSA's tip for puppies is that "too big is better than too small"1. The practical downsides are space in your home and cost.

Car travel is different. The RSPCA also says: "don't travel with your puppy in their adult-sized crate - they'll be better protected in a smaller space."2 In a car, a crate that's much bigger than your dog leaves more room to be thrown about if you brake hard. Choose a travel crate that passes the size test without lots of extra space.

Check with the bedding in

A crate that passes the test with a bare tray can fail it once a thick bed goes in, because the bed raises your dog closer to the roof. Do the sit test with your dog on its usual bed. If its head or ears now touch the top1, try a thinner mat or a taller crate.

When the size is right but the shape isn't

Some crates pass on length but fail on height, or the other way round. A long, low dog like a Dachshund needs length more than height; a tall, leggy dog like a Whippet may need the height of a longer crate. Check both numbers, and the width for turning around2.

Plastic and furniture-style crates can be smaller inside than out. If a crate fails the test, compare your dog's measurements with the inside dimensions.

What to do next

Measuring a dog for a crateTwo side views of a dog in a crate. Left: the dog standing, with its length measured from the nose to the base of the tail, plus extra room. Right: the dog sitting, with its height measured from the floor to the top of its head, plus extra room below the crate roof.Length+ roomSitting height + roomNose to base of tail + room
Measure length standing (nose to where the tail joins the body) and height sitting (floor to the top of the head, or ear tips if they stand up). Then add room to both.
  1. Measure your dog's length (nose to base of tail) and sitting height (floor to top of head or ear tips).
  2. Add room. We suggest about 10 cm to each.
  3. Compare with the crate's inside dimensions, or use our size finder.
  4. If the crate is too small, move up a size. Check the next size's actual dimensions, not just the inch number.
  5. If it's too big for the car, consider a separate, smaller travel crate, especially for a puppy2.

Breed crate guides

Every breed needs a slightly different crate. These guides cover UK size guidance for the breed, sizes in each brand in inches and cm, and how to measure.

Find your dog's crate size All breeds

Questions

How do I know if my dog's crate is too small?

If your dog can't stand and sit without touching the top, or can't turn around, lie down, wag its tail and stretch out fully, it's too small1.

Is a crate that's too big a problem?

At home, not usually: the PDSA's tip for puppies is that too big is better than too small1. For car travel, the RSPCA says a puppy is better protected in a smaller space2.

My dog sleeps curled up. Does it still need room to stretch?

Yes. Both the RSPCA and PDSA say the crate should let your dog stretch out2,1, even if it usually curls up.

Should my dog's head touch the top of the crate?

No. The PDSA says the crate should be tall enough for your dog to stand and sit without touching the top1.

When should I size up my puppy's crate?

As soon as it fails the stand, sit, turn, lie down and stretch test. If you use a divider, move it back first.

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