crate sizing for long term use

[Runswithdogs]

We have a 48" for our 65#, 16 month old puppy. It's a great size for sleep. The 42" we have for travel is not as roomy.

[Good_Karma]

It does sound like a 48" is best for you.

Here's 90 lb Niko in his old 42":


And in the 55":



He likes to sleep stretched out on his back, so we are glad we went the extra mile and got the huge one. He's also got lots of room to turn around and stretch.

[jakeandrenee]

Wow now that's a difference. Jake is almost 70 pounds at 6.5 months and is lean, we guess his adult weight to be about 90/95 like Niko. Both his parents are large but lean dogs.

My guy also likes to sleep on his side stretched out and he is already looking cramped in the 42' so that's why I am asking around so I make a better purchase THIS time.

[MaggieRoseLee]

Originally Posted by jakeandrenee

Ok, let me ask it this way, how many of you have a 42x 28 x 30h crate for your dog? Is this too small for a larger size GSD?

I use the size smaller for my adults, whatever the 24" X 36" X (whatever the height is, my crate is collapsed). This fits much better into all my rooms, allows my dogs to stand, turn and lay down in. Frankly, much of the time my dogs like to curl in the back so even this sized crate is 1/2 empty.

I do NOT expect my dog to 'exercise' in the crate, it's just a safe controlled space. They are only in it when I'm not home, or at night when I am sleeping. When I am home, they are OUT and I am training them to be in the house so when they can be trusted (and housebroken) the crates get put away except for at dog shows and visits to friends (maybe?).

Both my GSD's are are 24" at the shoulder and about 70 pounds.

[JakodaCD OA]

Masi is 26" and 73# ,,in the car I if I use one, it's the 42", at home I upgraded to the 48" and she was fine in it. Don't use it anymore, but keep it on hand

[Rerun]

I've used 42's for years, only recently switched to a 48" for in the house and we were given a midwest 54"

For those that may be thinking of getting a 54", be aware there is a HUGE size difference between the 54" and the 48". The picture shown above is good, but IMHO it doesn't look nearly as big in that pic as it really is. It is nothing like the small difference between the 42 and th 48. The 54 is exceptionally TALL, it's made for great danes so imagine the height required. It looks ridiculous in a house IMHO, but ours was free and hardly used, so we use it.

Whoever said their dog could use the 54" for sleepovers isn't kidding. We have put two shepherds in it at times for short periods, and when we had a foster (40ish lb lab mix) who was good buddies with our smaller female (55 lbs), they both slept in it with room to spare.

IMHO no GSD I've ever seen needs a 54", a 48" is perfectly sufficient and most will fit in a 42" fine. I like the extra 6" length, and if you're buying one new I'd get the 48" but don't feel unless your dog is really squished (to the original poster) that you need to upgrade.

[jakeandrenee]

Thanks, I am going to start pricing a 48" and IF the 42" inch fits I will use it in my SUV. The best prices seem to be Amazon, anyone know of a better deal?

[JakodaCD OA]

you can try PetEdge, they have pretty good prices..

I have a ltz blazer, my 42" fits great but I definately have to put the back seat down

[Ace952]

This thread is perfectly timed. I want to kno what size crate should I get for my pup when he arrives?? Of course he will be only 8 weeks but I also don't want to buy 3-4 crates as he grows. Do I just get a 42" and put the divider in and move it back as he grows?

[jakeandrenee]

Ace I bought the 42" and put the divider in it, now at 6 months I see he will be too big for the 42".....so I would get the 48" and let him grow into it......