What size crate for a German Shepherd? 42 or 48 inch
AKC lists German Shepherds at 50–90 lb. By weight that's a 36" to 42" crate, but MidWest and PetMD both list the breed under 48". Here's how to choose.
Short answer: a 42-inch crate fits most German Shepherds by weight; go 48-inch if your dog’s measured length is over 36” or height over 24”. AKC lists German Shepherd Dogs at 50–90 lb. MidWest’s 42” crate covers 71–90 lb. MidWest’s own breed list puts German Shepherd under its 48” crate, and PetMD’s chart also lists German Shepherd under its 48” x 30” x 32” crate (90–110 lb, length up to 42”, height up to 26”).
Why the charts disagree
Weight charts and breed lists answer different questions. A long-bodied, tall dog can need a bigger crate than its weight suggests. PetMD says to base the size on measurements rather than weight or breed alone.
PetMD’s measurement limits
| Crate | Dog length up to | Dog height up to |
|---|---|---|
| 36” x 24” x 26” | 30” | 20” |
| 42” x 28” x 30” | 36” | 24” |
| 48” x 30” x 32” | 42” | 26” |
Measure nose to base of tail (length) and floor to top of head (height), then match.
Sources: AKC weight chart; MidWest size guide; PetMD crate sizing.
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.