Crate furniture only works if your dog actually fits inside it. Here's how to measure your dog and match that number to the right crate — no guessing, no breed charts.
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure your dog standing: nose to the base of the tail for length, and floor to the top of the head for height. Add 4 inches to each number. Both numbers need to be smaller than the crate's inside length and inside height — not the outside dimensions, which are listed separately and run a few inches bigger.
Four steps:
- Have your dog stand normally on a flat floor (not sitting, not stretched out).
- Measure nose to the base of the tail. This is your length number.
- Measure floor to the top of the head. This is your height number.
- Add 4 inches to each. Compare both against the inside length and inside height of the crate you're considering.
Which inside size do I need?
We sell three sizes of crate furniture. The number that matters is "Inside" — the usable space your dog actually stands, turns, and lies down in.
| 38 in | 42 in | 46 in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside (W × D × H, in) | 36.6 × 22.8 × 24.8 | 40.2 × 27.2 × 27.6 | 44.1 × 27 × 30 |
| Ships flat-packed, about | 57 lb | 69 lb | 77 lb |
| Assembly | Required — two people make lifting the box easier | Required — two people make lifting the box easier | Required — two people make lifting the box easier |
Compare your dog's length-plus-4-inches and height-plus-4-inches against the "Inside" column for each size. If both numbers fit, that size works. If either number is close to the limit, size up.
Why do inside measurements matter more than outside?
A crate's outside dimensions describe how much floor space the piece takes up in your room — useful for planning where it goes, not for figuring out whether your dog fits. The wood frame and doors take up several inches on every side, so the inside is always smaller than the outside. Sizing off the outside number will make a crate look roomier than it is. Always check "Inside," not "Outside," against your dog's measurements.
What if my dog is between two sizes?
Size up. A crate that's slightly too big still lets your dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably; a crate that's too small doesn't. Before you decide, double-check the inside height specifically — a dog that's tall standing but sits right on the edge of two size brackets should go by the taller inside height, not by what "usually" fits a dog that size. We can't guarantee any single crate will fit your dog; the add-4-inch method is a starting point, not a promise, so re-measure if your dog is still growing.
Common questions
Will my dog fit the 38 in crate? From the product page: "Measure your dog standing: nose to base of tail, and floor to top of head. Add 4 in to each. Both numbers need to be smaller than the inside length (36.6 in) and inside height (24.8 in). For a large breed, see our 42 in or 46 in crate."
What size dog fits the 42 in crate? "Measure your dog standing: nose to base of tail, and floor to top of head. Add 4 in to each. Both numbers need to be smaller than the inside length (40.2 in) and inside height (27.6 in)."
What size dog fits the 46 in crate? "Measure your dog standing: nose to base of tail, and floor to top of head. Add 4 in to each. Both numbers need to be smaller than the inside length (44.1 in) and inside height (30 in)."
How hard are these to assemble? All three ship flat-packed and need assembly. The 38 in ships at about 57 lb, the 42 in at about 69 lb, and the 46 in at about 77 lb. Two people make lifting the box easier.
Compare sizes: 38 in crate · 42 in crate · 46 in crate · all dog furniture