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How to Measure a Dog for a Travel Crate

How to Measure a Dog for a Travel Crate

DigitalrezaidActivities, Food & Drink, DESTINATIONS, TRAVEL TIPS, Planning7 hours ago3K Views

Overview:

Alright, so you’ve got a trip coming up, and your dog’s coming too. First of all, nice — not everyone brings their dog along. But now you’re staring at travel crate options and you realize… what even is a “correct size” crate? And why does every brand seem to measure it differently?

Here’s the deal: measuring your dog for a crate isn’t rocket science, but it’s also not something you can totally eyeball. Especially if you’re dealing with airline travel, there are actual size rules involved. If your crate’s too small, it’s uncomfortable. Too big? Not always better — especially if you’ve got to meet airline specs.

Let me walk you through it. Like, the real way. No fluff, no corporate-speak. For something a little off the beaten path while you’re planning, check out these ghost towns of Europe.

1. Why Proper Measurement Matters for Dog Crates

Okay, here’s the thing — getting the right-sized crate is way more important than most people think. If it’s too tight, your dog’s gonna be miserable. If it’s too roomy, they might slide around during travel. And if you’re flying? Airlines get super picky. They’ll literally reject a crate that doesn’t fit their guidelines.

Proper fit means:

Your dog can stand without crouching
They can turn around easily.
And they can lie down comfortably.

That’s it. Not a mansion. Not a shoebox. Just enough room to feel secure, not squished.

2. Tools You’ll Need to Measure Your Dog Accurately

You don’t need fancy gear, don’t worry. Just grab:

A soft measuring tape (like for sewing)
Or a ruler and string if you’re DIY-ing
Pen and paper (or your phone) to jot stuff down
And honestly? A second person helps a lot. Dogs move. A lot.

Bonus tip: If your dog won’t stay still, give them a lick mat with peanut butter. Buy yourself 60 seconds of stillness.

3. How to Measure a Dog’s Height, Length, and Width

You’re gonna take three main measurements:

Length – Nose to base of tail (not the tip, just where it starts wagging).
Height – From the ground to the top of the head or ears (whichever is taller).
Width – Across the widest part of their body (usually the chest or hips).

Some folks forget the width — don’t. It matters, especially for broad breeds like Frenchies or boxers.

4. Measuring Your Dog’s Standing Height Correctly

This part trips people up all the time. Your dog needs to be standing upright, not sitting or slouching. The measurement should go:

From the floor
To the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever sticks up more

Got a floppy-eared pup? The head is usually the highest point. Got a perky German Shepherd? Those ears count.

Make sure they’re not slouching or twisting. If you’ve got a wiggler, wait until they’re calm or distracted.

5. Calculating the Ideal Crate Size Based on Airline Standards

Most airlines (especially IATA-compliant ones) use this crate sizing formula:

Length = Nose to tail base + half the length of the front leg
Height = Ground to top of ears or head + 1–2 inches
Width = At least twice your dog’s shoulder width

Airlines require dogs to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. If your crate’s off, even slightly, you might be forced to buy a new one at the airport — not cheap. While you’re prepping, check out these places in the UK beginning with L for travel ideas.

6. How Breed and Body Type Affect Crate Size

Not all dogs are built the same. Like:

Greyhounds are long and skinny. They need more length, less width.
Frenchies are stocky little tanks. They need wider crates.
Fluffy dogs (like huskies) need room for their fur, or they’ll overheat or get squished.

Short-legged dogs (think corgis) don’t need tons of height.

The point? Use breed traits as a guide, not a rule. Just because the crate says “medium dog” doesn’t mean it fits your medium dog.

7. Crate Size Guidelines for Puppies vs Adult Dogs

Ah, puppies. Cute, but tricky. You might be tempted to just get a giant crate they’ll “grow into.” But that’s not ideal, especially for travel. Big crates with tiny puppies = pee corner. Not fun mid-flight.

Here’s what to do:

Measure your pup now, then check their estimated adult size
If they’re nearly full-grown, size up a bit
If they’re still small, get a crate with adjustable dividers so you can expand it later.

Also, don’t fly long-distance with a baby puppy unless it’s necessary. Stress city.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Your Dog

Learn from my pain, okay? Here are the top screw-ups:

Measuring while they’re sitting or curled up – Nope. They’ll need space to stand.
Using the tail tip for length – Only measure to where the tail starts, not the end.
Rounding down – Always round up. More room = better.
Guessing based on breed charts – Real-life measurements > generic breed sizing.

And for the love of dog biscuits, don’t assume they “look like they’ll fit.” Measure. Always.

9. Tips for Getting a Squirmy Dog to Stand Still

Got a dog that thinks measuring time = playtime? Yeah, me too. Try this:

Give them a treat to hold in their mouth (like a bully stick)
Or smear peanut butter on a plate at nose height
Get someone to gently hold them in place.
Or measure them while they’re sniffing something on the floor — sounds weird, works like a charm

Patience helps. And so does having a few spare minutes to redo the whole thing.

10. What to Do If Your Dog Is Between Two Crate Sizes

This happens a lot. Your dog’s measurements fall right between medium and large. So what now?

For ground travel: Go bigger. Your dog will appreciate the extra space.
For air travel: Check with the airline. Too big = rejected for safety. Too small = also rejected.

Safe rule? If they’re just barely over the smaller crate’s limits, size up. But if the bigger crate has your dog swimming in space? Rethink it.

Pro tip: Check crate interior dimensions, not just labels like “Large” or “XL.” They vary by brand.

Conclusion: It’s Worth Getting It Right

Measuring your dog for a travel crate might not be the most glamorous task, but it makes all the difference for your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind. Too small and they’re cramped. Too big and they’re sliding all over the place — or worse, you get turned away at the airport.

Take 15 minutes, grab a tape measure (and maybe a treat or two), and just do it properly. Your dog — and your future self at check-in — will thank you.