What Size Crate for a 50 lb Dog? (20, 40, 60 lb Too)

Q: What size crate for a 20 lb dog?

Usually a 24 or 30 inch crate, from the 11–25 lb row of the weight guide. Long-bodied dogs may need the larger size, so measure.

Q: What size crate for a 40 lb dog?

Usually a 30 or 36 inch crate (26–40 lb row). A 40 lb dog sits right at the top of that band, so measure: many will be more comfortable in a 36 inch crate.

Q: What size crate for a 60 lb dog?

Usually a 36 or 42 inch crate (41–70 lb row). Taller dogs and dogs with upright ears may need the 42 inch size, so measure to the ear tips.

Published November 11, 2026 · Updated November 11, 2026

Shiba Inu dog lying inside an open wire crate with a ball — Photo: Taro the Shiba Inu, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A 50 lb dog usually needs a 36 inch or 42 inch crate. PetSmart’s weight guide puts dogs of 41–70 lb in 36–42 inch crates. But weight is only a starting point: a long-bodied or tall 50 lb dog may need the bigger size, so the safest answer comes from two quick measurements. The dog crate size calculator turns them into a crate size.

Crate size by weight

PetSmart’s crate size guide by weight:

Dog’s weight	Crate length	Breeds PetSmart lists
Under 10 lb	18–22 in	Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Poodle
11–25 lb	24–30 in	Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog
26–40 lb	30–36 in	Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Corgi, Border Collie
41–70 lb	36–42 in	Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer
71–90 lb	42–48 in	German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman
91 lb and up	48–54+ in	Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard

What size crate for a 20 lb dog?

Usually a 24 or 30 inch crate, from the 11–25 lb row of the weight guide. Long-bodied dogs may need the larger size, so measure.

What size crate for a 40 lb dog?

Usually a 30 or 36 inch crate (26–40 lb row). A 40 lb dog sits right at the top of that band, so measure: many will be more comfortable in a 36 inch crate.

What size crate for a 60 lb dog?

Usually a 36 or 42 inch crate (41–70 lb row). Taller dogs and dogs with upright ears may need the 42 inch size, so measure to the ear tips.

How to measure your dog for a crate

PetSmart’s measuring guide:

Length: measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not including the tail), then add 2–4 inches.
Height: with your dog standing on all four paws, measure from the floor to the top of the head or the tip of the ears, whichever is taller, then add 2–4 inches.
Choose a crate at least that long and that tall. If your dog is between sizes, PetSmart says to size up.

Your dog should be able to stand up without hunching, turn around and lie down comfortably.

Can a crate be too big?

Yes, for puppies in house training. A puppy in a very large crate may use one end as a toilet and sleep in the other. If you buy a crate for your puppy’s adult size, use a divider panel to make the space smaller while it is young. The puppy weight calculator estimates how big your puppy will get.

Check the inside measurements

PetSmart’s chart refers to the crate’s inside dimensions. Brands list their sizes differently and heights vary, so check the inside length and height on the product page before you buy.

Flying with your dog

Airline crates follow different rules. IATA’s Live Animals Regulations size a travel crate from four measurements, and many airlines add rules of their own, so check with your airline before buying. The dog crate size calculator has an IATA option.

Sources: PetSmart, Dog Crate Size Chart: Finding the Perfect Fit (sizes by weight and measuring guide); IATA Live Animals Regulations, Container Requirement 1.