What Size Crate for a Labrador, Golden Retriever or German Shepherd?
Labradors, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds are all large breeds, and most adults of these breeds fall in the top bands of PetSmart’s crate weight guide: 36–42 inches for dogs of 41–70 lb (where PetSmart lists the Labrador and Golden Retriever) and 42–48 inches for dogs of 71–90 lb (where it lists the German Shepherd). Because these breeds vary a lot in height and length, the best way to choose is to measure your own dog. The dog crate size calculator does the sums.
Breed sizes (AKC)
| Breed | Height at shoulder | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador Retriever | 22.5–24.5 in (male), 21.5–23.5 in (female) | 65–80 lb (male), 55–70 lb (female) |
| Golden Retriever | 23–24 in (male), 21.5–22.5 in (female) | 65–75 lb (male), 55–65 lb (female) |
| German Shepherd Dog | 24–26 in (male), 22–24 in (female) | 65–90 lb (male), 50–70 lb (female) |
These are the ranges on the American Kennel Club’s breed pages. Many pet dogs are outside them, so measure your dog rather than going by breed alone.
What size crate for a Labrador?
Most adult Labradors weigh 55–80 lb, which puts them in PetSmart’s 36–42 inch band or, for bigger males over 70 lb, the 42–48 inch band. Measure from the nose to the base of the tail and, standing, from the floor to the top of the head, add 2–4 inches to each, and choose a crate whose inside length and height are at least that big.
What size crate for a Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers have a similar weight range to Labradors (55–75 lb in the AKC standard), so the same 36–42 inch band applies to most, with 42–48 inches for males over 70 lb. Their long coat doesn’t change the crate size, but it does make a crate that is too snug uncomfortable on hot days, so leave the full 2–4 inches of room.
What size crate for a German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are the tallest of the three, at 24–26 inches at the shoulder for males, and their ears stand up. Measure height to the ear tips, not the top of the head. AKC gives 65–90 lb for males, which is PetSmart’s 42–48 inch band for most of them. Females (50–70 lb) are often smaller.
What size crate for a puppy of these breeds?
Buy the crate for the adult size and use a divider panel to make the space smaller while the puppy is young. PetSmart notes that a crate with too much space lets a puppy use one end for sleeping and the other as a bathroom, which defeats house training. Move the divider back as your puppy grows. To estimate its adult size, use the puppy weight calculator.
Measuring step by step
- Length: nose tip to the base of the tail (not the tail itself), in a straight line.
- Height: standing on all four paws, floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is taller.
- Add 2–4 inches to both (PetSmart’s rule).
- Compare with the crate’s inside dimensions on the product page. If your dog is between sizes, size up.
Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably.
Crates for travel
Airline crates are sized differently: IATA’s Live Animals Regulations use four measurements, and airlines often add their own rules. Check with the airline first. The dog crate size calculator includes an IATA check.
See also: What Size Crate for a 50 lb Dog?
Sources: American Kennel Club breed pages (Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog); PetSmart, Dog Crate Size Chart: Finding the Perfect Fit; IATA Live Animals Regulations.