What Size Crate for Golden Retriever? (Adults & Puppies)

Last Updated on February, 2025

As responsible pet owners, providing your Golden Retrievers with comfortable and safe cages to rest and relax in is essential. With the variety of crates available in the market, choosing the right size dog crate can be daunting. 

DON’T STRESS OUT.

After reading this article, you will be able to,

  1. Pick out the right crate size for your Golden.
  2. Choose the best type of crate for a Golden Retriever. 
  3. Learn the steps of crate training your Golden.

Quick Summary

The recommended size crate for an adult Golden Retriever is 42 inches.

Factors to consider when choosing the right-size crate for a Golden Retriever include the dog’s size, weight, intended placement, and their personality and behaviors.

There are four types of crates: metal wire, soft-sided, plastic, and wooden, each with their pros and cons. The best crate type for a Golden Retriever depends on their personality, behaviors, and purpose.

What Size Crate for Golden Retriever?

2 dogs inside a wire crate

Golden Retrievers vary in size considerably. A 42-inch size crate is ideal for the majority of adult Golden Retrievers.

A 36-inch size crate is enough for some adult Golden Retrievers.

The best way to find the right size crate is to measure your Golden Retriever.

Measuring Your Golden Retriever 

  • Make your Golden sit. Measure the dog’s height (top of the dog’s head to the floor).
  • Add 4 inches to the dog’s height to get the crate height.
  • Make your dog stand on all fours. Measure the dog’s length (tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the tail).
  • Add 4 inches to the dog’s length to get the crate length.
  • Height and length measurements are proportionate to the width. Don’t worry about the width.

Crate Size for a Golden Retriever Puppy

You can get the right size dog crate for a Golden puppy by measuring the puppy as described above. 

But then you must change into a new crate when your puppy grows. Golden puppies grow quickly. You may have to change 3-4 dog crates within the first 18 months only.

Why not buy a crate that can grow with your Golden Retriever puppy?

Buy a 42-inch size crate with a divider panel. Use the divider to adjust the size of the crate to suit your puppy’s size. This way, you can save your money in the long run.

Some dog crates come with a removable panel. If it doesn’t, you can buy a divider separately. You can also use a wooden board as a divider. 

After adjusting the crate size using a divider, fill in the open space left in the dog crate.

Signs That a Dog Crate is Too Small for Your Golden Retriever

a dog inside a crate
  • Your Golden is slouching its head while sitting.
  • Your Golden is unable to lie down with his paws stretched.
  • Your Golden expresses discomfort by suddenly growling, whining, or barking.

If you notice any of the signs above, it’s time to upgrade your Golden Retriever to a large crate.

Is the Bigger, the Better?

A PERFECT-SIZED CRATE has enough room for a Golden Retriever to do a full circle, sit and lay comfortably inside the crate.

If you choose larger dog cages, your dog may use one end as a bed and the other as a toilet. Extra space can also lead to pacing and anxiety issues in Golden Retrievers.

BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER. 

What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right-Size Crate for a Golden Retriever?

golden retriever dog sleeping inside a dog crate
  • Size of Your Dog

Don’t buy too-large or too-small dog cages. Too large crates can cause anxiety and potty accidents. Too small dog crates will make your dog uncomfortable. Measure the height and length of your Golden Retriever correctly before buying.

  • Weight of Your Dog

Dog crates have a weight limit recommended by the manufacturer. Check your dog’s weight is under the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit.

  • Area of Your Home Where You Plan to Keep the Crate

Measure the space where you are planning to keep the crate. Make sure the space is enough.

Types of Dog Crates, Their Pros & Cons

Typically, there are four types of crates that you can choose from. They have their pros and cons.

Metal Wire Crates

Most Golden Retriever owners use metal crates. They are strong and durable. This type is the perfect crate if your puppy likes to chew or scratch. 

These crates come in different sizes with various features. Some have a single door, and others have multiple doors for easy access.

Wire crates have removable plastic trays at the bottom, which makes cleaning easy. Some metal crates have roller feet to avoid damage to your floor while moving. 

Wire crates are safe and reliable. Rounded corners prevent injuries to your Golden Retriever by sharp edges. Slide bolt latches lock firmly and keeps your dog secure.

a wire dog crate

Metal crates are collapsible. You can fold them when not in use. 

Some of them come with a removable divider. Metal crates provide maximum ventilation making them suitable for warmer climates. In winter, you can cover the wire crates with a blanket. 

These heavy-duty dog crates provide your dog with 3600 visibility of the surroundings.

Wire cages have fewer downsides. It’s easy for dogs to escape from a metal wire crate. But some wire crates have safety buckles to stop the dogs from escaping. 

Heavy-duty, rust-resistant wire crates are also available. IMPACT dog crates is one of the best, if not the best, overall. Checkout the Impact dog crates Review here.

Pros

Durable and strong.
A wire crate is easy to clean due to the removable plastic pan.
Easy for storage.
Flexible features.
Great value for money.
Provides optimum ventilation.
Provides proper visibility of the surroundings.

Cons

Heavy to carry and hard to move because of the weight.
The metal can get rusted over time.
If your Golden is fidgety, a wire crate will be noisy.

Soft-Sided Dog Crates

A soft-sided crate has soft sides of mesh/fabric-like material with a steel tube frame. Some look like a backpack. 

Soft-sided crates are the lightest and most portable of all crates. They are easy to store as these crates are very small when folded.

Soft-sided crates can be fixed and collapsed within seconds. Suitable while camping or going on picnics. It’s very easy for your Golden to escape from soft-sided cages.

A slight scratch or chewing can damage these cages. So you will have to replace soft-sided cages often.

A dog sitting inside a Soft Sided Crate

Pros

Lightweight and portable.
Easy to set up, store and fold down.
Comfortable for your dog.

Cons

Delicate.
They are easily damaged.

Plastic Crates

If you are a frequent traveler, this is the best crate. Most dog owners buy plastic crates to use while traveling. But you can use them in the house too. 

If your dog likes being in a perfect den-like surrounding, go for a plastic dog crate.

They are not suitable for dogs who like clear visibility of the surroundings. It’s difficult for your dog to escape from plastic cages. 

Plastic cages provide less airflow and get warm quickly. Therefore this is unsuitable if you crate your Golden Retrievers for long hours.

Plastic cages are easy to clean. But a permanent dog smell will be left as plastic absorbs odor.

A dog inside a Plastic Crate

Pros

Lightweight and portable.
Cozy.
You can use it as an open dog bed after removing the top half.

Cons

Less airflow.
Difficult to remove the dog smell.
Difficult to store as it doesn’t fold. 

Wooden crates

Wooden crates are the most stylish type of dog cages.

If you want your dog crate to fit the design of your house, then this is the ideal choice.

Wooden crates serve a dual purpose: the top can serve as an end table. (Checkout the best Crate End Tables here.)

Wooden crates are best to be used as stationery crates. So, if you buy a wooden crate, keep another one for traveling. 

They provide good airflow and visibility to your dog. It’s difficult for your dog to escape from wooden cages.

A dog inside a Wooden DOG crate

Wooden crates are expensive when compared to the other types of crates. They are also the most difficult crates to clean. As the wood absorbs moisture, it can cause odor. Wooden crates are not suitable for heavy chewers.

Pros

Looks decorative and will match your furniture.
Serves a dual purpose as a crate and an end table.
Provides ventilation and 3600 visibility of the surroundings to your dog.

Cons

Expensive.
Hard to clean.
Get damaged easily with chewing or scratching.

Which Type of Crate is the Best for My Golden?

Types of dog crates

The best type of crate depends on your purpose and your dog’s preference.

  • Your Dog’s Personality and Behaviors

Metal cages are more suitable if your dog is destructive or likes to chew a lot. If your dog is extra sensitive to outside events, it’s better to go for plastic cages. Consider wooden or metal cages if your dog prefers a 3600 visibility.

  • Purpose of the Dog Crate

Ask the following questions to yourself, and then decide on a suitable crate type.

  1. For what specific reason do I need this dog crate?
  2. Am I going to travel a lot with my dog?
  3. How much do I spend?
  4. Do I want the dog crate to match my home décor?

Travel Crates for Golden Retrievers

Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in right-sized traveling cages.

Plastic crates and soft-sided crates are used for traveling as they are lightweight. Your Golden Retriever can easily chew soft-sided crates. 

A plastic crate is the best crate for traveling with Golden Retrievers. 

Buy plastic cages that meet the air cargo specifications for air travel.

Is a Crate Essential for a Golden Retriever?

golden retriever sitting and smiling

Cages are not an absolute necessity for a Golden Retriever. But crate training your dog has a lot of benefits. Thus veterinarians, dog trainers, and most Golden Retriever parents recommend crate training.

Benefits of Crate Training Your Golden

  • Golden Retrievers are natural den animals. Dog cages mimic the dens. They give your dog a safe space to relax after an exhausting day.
  • Cages help in house training and control the destructive behavior of your puppy.
  • Crate training a fully trained Golden Retriever is much smoother.
  • As Golden Retriever owners, you can be at peace when you leave him alone at home. Because you know your Golden is safely in his crate.

Steps for Crate Training Your Golden Retriever

  • Introduce the Crate to Your Golden Retriever 

The first stage in puppy crate training is to persuade him that the cages are fun places to be. Help your dog to associate the cages with positivity.

Keep a dog treat or his favorite toys inside the dog crate. Let your dog go and take it at his own pace. Don’t praise your dog for entering the dog crate initially. Just act normal. Keep a treat for every half an hour. 

Repeat this activity over and over till your pup ventures into the dog crate without any provocation.

  • Feed Your Dog 

In the beginning, keep the meals inside the dog cage so that your Golden Retriever can poke the head and eat the meal. After some days, move the food bowl halfway and then to the back of the cage. 

Eventually, try to close the door while the Golden is eating. Let him out after finishing the meal.

  • Teach Your Dog Commands to Enter and Exit the Dog Crate

You can choose any word you like. Be consistent with the words you choose.

  • Instruct Your Dog on How to Sit and Lie Down 

Sit near the dog crate and throw a treat into it. When your Golden enters the crate to get it, speak out your cue word. Praise your dog for going in. 

When your dog comes out after eating the treat, speak the cue word you chose for exiting. Praise him again.

  • Train Your Dog to Obey Your Commands

Ask your dog to go into the cage. Praise and feed the Golden with a treat when he goes in. Ask him to exit the crate and praise him when he comes out. Repeat this exercise several times till your dog learns to obey your commands.

  • Instruct Your Dog on How to Sit and Lie Down

Before crate training, you should train your dog for basic commands like sitting and lying down. Ask your Golden to sit when he is inside the crate.

Praise him when he obeys your cue. Increase the sitting time gradually.

  • Train Your Dog to Stay Inside the Crate While the Door is Closed

Cue your dog to enter the crate. Ask him to sit down. Praise him and give him a treat. Slowly close the door while he is eating the treat. Keep on talking and give more treats through the closed crate.

Your dog may panic when you close the door at once. So start by closing the just partway for a few days, then halfway, and finally fully. Close the door slowly while praising your dog. Don’t bang the door closed.

When your dog gets comfortable sitting inside the crate while the door is closed, start to lock up the door. Praise your Golden. Let him out after a few minutes. Increase the timing gradually.

  • Train Your Dog to Enjoy Alone Time

Ask your dog to go into the cage and sit. Lock the door. Walk away from your pup a few steps. Come back and give your dog a treat. Practice this exercise while walking away a few steps in different directions.

Then move to a far corner of the room, come back, and give your dog a treat. Repeat this exercise while you walk in the room, actively looking busy. Finally, move out of the room and come back after some time.

Stay away for 5-10 minutes at the beginning. Gradually increase the time that you are out of the room. This exercise will help your dog enjoy the time alone.

Finally, ask your dog to enter the crate, close the door, and leave the house. Come inside after some time. Don’t go straight to your dog when you come in. 

Walk around for a few minutes inside the house. Let them hear you and see you come in. Gradually increase the time that you leave the house.

A Useful Tip

Golden Retrievers are energetic. Exercise your Golden before crating him. Exercising tires out the Golden and makes crate training easier.

The time taken for puppies to crate train differs with the dog’s age, past experiences, and temperament. Some puppies will get used to their crates within days, and some may take weeks. 

BE PATIENT when you crate-train your puppy. Let your pup get comfortable with the crate at its own pace. KEEP THE TRAINING SESSIONS CONSISTENT.

Not to Dos While Crate Training

  • Never use the crates as a punishment for your dogs.
  • Never let your dogs into crates with a collar or leash.
  • Never leave your Golden Retriever in the crate for extended hours.
  • Do not rush the crate training process.
  • Do not train your dogs with a full bladder when the dogs are hungry, when the dogs are thirsty, or when the dogs are full of energy.

FAQs

For Golden Retrievers, it is best to keep the crate in a place where they can be near human families to benefit from their social and friendly nature, such as a living room, family room, or other area where the family commonly congregates. The crate should also be in a place where the puppy can easily view and hear the family members.

For four to eight week old Golden Retriever puppies, the recommended maximum crate time is 2 hours. For an adult Golden Retriever, the recommended maximum crate time is 4 hours, and should not exceed 8 hours.

To make your dog’s crate comfortable and enjoyable, ensure that it contains a comfortable bed, a water bowl, and some of your pup’s favorite toys.

Let’s Choose a Crate for Your Furry Friend

Forty-two inches is the recommended crate size for an adult-size Golden retriever. Measure your dog to choose the perfect size crate. To purchase the proper size crate for Golden, consider your dog’s size, weight, and area where the crate will be placed. 

Metal, plastic, soft-sided, or wooden dog crates are common. To select the best type of crate for Golden, consider the crate’s purpose, pricing, and your dog’s personality. Although cages are not necessary, crate training can be incredibly beneficial to you and your dog.

Now you know the ideal size and type of crate for your dog. Still, choosing one among so many options at the local pet store might take a lot of work. Read our walkthrough of the best golden retriever dog crate article to pick a quality dog crate.

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Author
Stefano Giachetti
Stefano Giachetti is always excited to share his knowledge and love of animals with you through our blog, IPetGuides. And he has always loved animals and has been blessed to have many pets throughout his life. Currently has a Pomeranian Dog Breed.

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