What size crate for my dog? Crate size by weight, and other sizing FAQ
What size crate for a [N] lb dog?
Weights from MidWest’s iCrate bands (11–110 lb) and PetMD (under 12 lb). Then measure: PetMD says measurements beat weight.
What size crate for a 5 lb dog? 18” (up to 6 lb). (PetMD)
What size crate for a 10 lb dog? 22” (up to 12 lb, PetMD). MidWest starts its 24” at 11 lb.
What size crate for a 15 lb dog? 24” (11–25 lb). (MidWest)
What size crate for a 20 lb dog? 24” (11–25 lb). (MidWest)
What size crate for a 25 lb dog? 24”, at the top of its band. If your dog is still growing or is long, go 30”. (MidWest; PetMD length limit 18”)
What size crate for a 30 lb dog? 30” (26–40 lb). (MidWest, PetMD)
What size crate for a 40 lb dog? 30”, at the top of the band (26–40 lb). A dog over 24” long (nose to tail base) needs 36” per PetMD.
What size crate for a 50 lb dog? 36” (41–70 lb). (MidWest, PetMD)
What size crate for a 60 lb dog? 36” (41–70 lb). (MidWest, PetMD)
What size crate for a 70 lb dog? 36”, at the top of its band; a dog over 30” long or 20” tall needs 42”. (PetMD)
What size crate for an 80 lb dog? 42” (71–90 lb). (MidWest, PetMD)
What size crate for a 90 lb dog? 42” on MidWest (71–90 lb); PetMD’s 48” band starts at 90 lb. Measure to decide.
What size crate for a 100 lb dog? 48” (91–110 lb). (MidWest)
Over 110 lb? None of the charts we cite go past 110 lb. Measure and use the crate maker’s own interior dimensions.
My dog’s weight falls in a gap (say 25.5 lb)? We round up to the next size. That’s our rule, matching PetMD’s “size up” advice.
Crates: other questions
Puppy crate or adult crate? Either works per PetMD: buy for adult size and use a divider, or buy crates as the puppy grows. MidWest’s iCrate includes a divider panel.
How much room above my dog’s head? At least 2 inches when sitting. (PetMD)
Can a crate be too big? Yes, for house training: PetMD says extra room can lead to accidents.
Do I need a special crate for flying? In the cabin, it’s a carrier that fits under the seat. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel no bigger than 18” x 11” x 11”; American lists 18” x 11” x 11” soft-sided (both read Nov 2, 2026). See our airline carrier guide (/articles/airline-pet-carrier-size-by-airline/).
Beds, harnesses, boots, collars
What size bed for a 60 lb dog? Medium rectangle (40–70 lb), Large round (45–70 lb), or Large deep dish (60–90 lb) on Orvis’s charts.
How do I measure for a harness? Girth around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. (Ruffwear)
Between two harness sizes? Depends on the brand: Kurgo says larger, 2 Hounds says smallest that fits, Rabbitgoo says don’t automatically size up (/articles/dog-harness-between-sizes/).
Between two boot sizes? Ruffwear says size down.
How tight should a collar be? Two fingers should fit between collar and neck. (Ruffwear)
When do big puppies stop growing? Many larger dogs reach full size around 12–18 months, per Ruffwear.
Sources: MidWest, PetMD, Orvis, Ruffwear, Kurgo, 2 Hounds Design, Rabbitgoo, Delta, American Airlines (links in each guide).
Terms used here
- Budget, mid, premium: picks grouped by the maker's own list price, lowest to highest. Budget is everyday basics (a crate, collars, a light harness, boots), mid is padded walking and lift-assist harnesses, premium is specialty gear (a life jacket, a car harness, travel beds). No store prices are shown.
- Chest girth: the distance around the widest part of the rib cage, just behind the front legs. Harnesses are sized by it.
- Back length: base of the neck to base of the tail. A crate should be at least 4 in longer.
- Paw width: the widest part of the front paw while standing. Boots are sized by it.
- Weight band: the weight range a crate or bed size is made for on the maker's chart.