How to Choose a Crate for a Growing Puppy

Plan for your puppy's adult size

A puppy will not stay puppy-sized for long. If you buy a crate based on the puppy's current size, you will likely need another crate before long. The more practical approach is to choose a crate sized for the expected adult dog, then manage the extra space with a divider. This avoids the hassle of buying and storing multiple crates.

Your veterinarian is the best source for an expected adult size, especially for mixed breeds. If you have a purebred puppy, breed standards and growth charts give a starting point. Once you have an adult height and body length estimate, use those numbers to choose a crate, not the puppy's current measurements. For help taking measurements, see how to measure your dog for a crate.

The crate should be a warm, quiet place for rest, away from drafts and off the floor. The ASPCA lists a training crate or dog bed as part of a basic dog supply checklist and recommends a clean blanket or pillow inside. That advice applies whether the puppy is young or fully grown.

Define the right size for an adult dog

A correctly sized crate gives the dog enough room to stand without crouching, turn around easily, and lie down stretched out. If the dog cannot do those actions, the crate is too small. If there is a lot of extra length, a divider should be used so the puppy does not treat one end as a bathroom or sleeping area.

Measure from the nose to the base of the tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head or ear tip for height. Then compare those measurements to interior dimensions, not exterior dimensions. The divider sits inside the crate and shortens the usable floor space without changing the overall footprint. For more detail, see interior vs exterior crate dimensions and how much room does a dog need in a crate.

Use a divider so one crate lasts

A divider panel is a wall that installs inside the crate to shrink the available space. When the crate is larger than the puppy needs, the divider keeps the puppy in a cozy den-like area. As the puppy grows, you move the divider back a small amount at a time. This is the key to buying one crate instead of several.

Shop for a crate that includes a divider or offers a divider as an option. Many folding wire crates are sold with a divider panel. If you are not sure what to look for, browse the best divider dog crates and the best double door dog crates, because a second door can make it easier to reach the divider.

When you move the divider, give the puppy a short adjustment period. The goal is to keep the space just large enough for the puppy to stand, turn, and lie down without extra room. Step-by-step instructions are in how to use a dog crate divider.

Choose a crate style that fits your household

Crate style matters less than size and safety. Folding metal crates are common for puppy households because they are easy to set up and move. Plastic kennels offer a more enclosed, den-like feel and are often used for travel. Soft-sided crates are lightweight but usually better for calm adult dogs, not puppies that may scratch or chew.

Wire gauge and bar spacing matter for escape-prone dogs. A puppy that chews or digs can damage a flimsy crate, and a dog that gets a paw or tooth caught can panic. If your puppy is a determined chewer, choose a heavier crate. Learn more in dog crate wire gauge explained and the best escape proof dog crates.

For cramped spaces, look at furniture-style crates that double as end tables, or folding crates that can be put away between uses. For a puppy that will travel, check the best folding dog crates and the best dog crates with wheels.

Keep the crate safe and supervised

A crate is not a substitute for supervision. The CDC advises adults to always supervise young children while they play with dogs, even a trusted family pet. That includes time around the crate. Teach children not to reach inside while the puppy is eating or resting, and do not let a child close or latch the crate door.

Puppies left alone too long may bark, chew, dig, or try to escape. The ASPCA describes escape attempts by distressed dogs as sometimes extreme and capable of causing self-injury. If your puppy shows those signs, check the crate for hazards, shorten the time inside, and talk to your veterinarian about separation anxiety.

Wash bedding often and keep the crate clean. The ASPCA recommends washing the dog's bedding often and keeping the crate in a warm, quiet area away from drafts. For a full list of hazards, see the dog crate safety checklist.

Know when to move the divider or change crates

Watch the puppy inside the crate. If the puppy is touching the divider with its nose or tail when lying down, it is time to move the divider back. If the divider is already at the crate wall and the dog no longer has room to stand and turn, the crate has reached its adult limit.

Most adult-size crates cover the full range from puppy to adult if you start with an accurate adult estimate. For large and giant breeds, that may mean choosing a very large crate from the start. See the best extra large dog crates.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Should I buy a small puppy crate first?

No. Buy a crate sized for the adult dog and use a divider to reduce the space while the puppy is small. That way you only need one crate.

How do I know what size adult my puppy will be?

Ask your veterinarian and use breed-specific growth information. Measure the adult dog's expected length and height, then compare those numbers to the crate's interior dimensions. See how to measure your dog for a crate for the full process.

What is a crate divider?

A divider is a panel that installs inside the crate to make the usable space smaller. You move it back as the puppy grows, so the puppy never has so much room that it uses one end as a bathroom. See how to use a dog crate divider for step-by-step guidance.

How much room should a puppy have in the crate?

Enough to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too much empty space encourages a puppy to eliminate in the crate. Use the divider to remove extra space until the puppy grows into it.

Can I leave my puppy in a crate all day?

No. A crate is a resting and training tool, not a full-day holding space. Puppies need regular meals, exercise, bathroom breaks, and social time. If your puppy shows distress when left alone, talk to your veterinarian. The ASPCA notes that escape attempts can be extreme and may cause injury.

What should I put inside the puppy's crate?

A clean, washable blanket or pad that fits the interior space. Avoid loose toys or collars that could snag. Wash bedding often, and keep the crate in a warm, quiet area away from drafts, as the ASPCA recommends.