Last Updated on December, 2024
Great Danes are Giants but, at the same time, couch potatoes! They are huge and taller than most dogs, and if stood with their hind legs, they are taller than humans.
These Danes, known as “German Mastiffs,” are super gentle and furious. They love relaxing, sitting on our lap, and enjoying their space, privacy, and time.
Crate Training them can be a rough tide! You know you cannot purchase an ordinary dog crate for your Dane. So, how do you find the perfect crate size that’s large, solid, and secure?
Throughout this article, I’ll walk you down the ultimate guide to finding the right crate size for your Dane. We’d cover the steps on how to measure him, how to crate train him, and the vital factors to consider when picking the ideal crate for your Dane!
Quick Summary
The ideal crate size for a Great Dane should be XL or XXL, standing at 54 inches tall and 44 inches long for an average Dane.
Measuring the dog’s size is important before purchasing a crate, and there are specific guidelines for measuring a Great Dane. Read the article below.
Crate training is essential for Great Danes as it helps them establish boundaries, control their bladder and bowel movements, and build a positive association with their crate. It is important to choose the right size crate, make the crate a happy place, and avoid overusing it.
Table of Contents
What’s the Perfect Crate Size for Your Great Dane?
Your 200-pound Dane is not like your tiny cuddly puppy. Danes are extremely huge, loving, and furious. Taming your Great Dane is no easy job. It’s a commitment! You must make the right move as they have a concise life span of 8 – 10 years!
Crating your Great Dane is not an easy ride. You must pick the perfect crate to train them. So, what’s the ideal crate size for your Dane?
At maturity, a Great Dane is 42 – 52 inches in height and 43 inches in length. So, the crate should be taller and bigger in size so that your dog does not have to remain slouched; instead, it should be able to stretch its legs and limbs and relax in its crate.
So, yeah, purchasing a crate that is larger than your Dane is vital. And measuring your dog’s size before purchase is key! How do you measure your dog’s size? We will discuss that in a second.
You can use these guidelines to shop for the ideal crate for your Great Dane.
- The size of an “average” Dane crate is 54 inches tall and 44 inches long. Therefore, for Great Danes who weigh up to 100 lbs, you can go with the X-large crates that are 33 inches tall and 48 inches long.
- And for Danes from 100 lbs to 200 lbs, you can pick XX-large crates that are 45 inches tall and 54 inches long.
Note: Your Danes crate is its happy place! The more ventilation and free space it has to stretch its long limbs and wag its thick tail, the more relaxed your Dane will be! So will you!
Measuring Your Great Dane for the Ideal Crate Size
Great Danes are dogs with long legs, limbs, and thick tails. They are massive creatures! So, to purchase the right crate size, first, you need to measure your Dane!
It’s a simple process. These guidelines will get your job done in no time.
- Ensure your dog stands straight.
- Measure from the top of his head to the front paw for the height
- Measure the tip of the nose to the base of the tail for the length.
- If your dog has cropped ears, you can measure from the floor to the tip of his ear.
- You can measure from the floor to the top of the head for dogs with floppy ears.
- Finally, add 5 inches to your dog’s length and height to get the right crate.
Remember, your dog is DANE and not a Chihuahua. Space is Vital!
How to Choose the Best Crate Size for Your Great Dane Puppy?
Your puppy is not going to remain your snuggly ball forever! He will grow up, and you’ll probably have to get a crate the bigger your Dane gets.
Are you planning to purchase new-sized crates every time your Dane outsizes its crate?
Or are you looking for a better, cost-effective option to help you in the short and long run?
The inevitable reality is that your puppy is going to grow up! He’s going to outsize your lap!
So the best option is to go with a big, average-sized crate for your Great Dane. Buying a large crate for a Great Dane puppy is the most cost-effective option.
You won’t be wasting time measuring your dog whenever it outsizes to pick a box. You just have to go with a one-time purchase.
You can start with a large crate of 54 inches in height and 44 inches in length and continue crating your puppy in it using a divider. Every time your dog grows, you can move the divider and remove it eventually.
This is going to save you tons!
The Vital Features in a Crate for Your Great Dane
A large crate is vital. So is a crate that is durable, secure, portable, and comfortable. Just like you consider all the factors when choosing the right dog food, you must consider the essential factors when shopping for a crate for your Great Dane!
Here are the factors that you must consider when picking out the perfect crate for your Great Dane.
Size
The 200-pound dog requires a more extensive and ventilated space than any other dog. Surely, you don’t want your Dane to remain slouched and cramped in an uncomfortable position.
So, a large-sized crate with a divider is ideal for your Great Dane puppy or dog. And it must be away from all the hustle and bustle. So when choosing a crate, the size is a vital feature, and so is the place.
Your Dane should never be isolated, but its crate should be spacious, ventilated, private and secure. There’s no point placing your dog’s den in a place with zero privacy. It’s undoubtedly not going to walk in when its haven is disturbed!
Strong With the Best Material
Danes are players! They can scratch, chew, and mess up the crate during training.
So You need to purchase the best crate with the best material. A strong crate that is easy to clean when messed up and does not hold odors is ideal.
One of the best options is Metal crates. They are less attractive than wooden or soft crates but hold your expectations. Most metal crates hold dividers too.
Travel and Storage-Friendly
Traveling with your Dane is like getting your favorite travel buddy on board. Traveling with a crate to place it in new environments is unavoidable for most pet owners.
For this, you must get a carriable and collapsible crate that makes traveling convenient and stress-free.
Multiple Doors and Secure Lock
You’re at peace knowing your dog is safe and secure. Whether you crate a Great Dane puppy or an adult dog, having a crate with multiple doors, one on the short and one on the long sides, and a secure point precision lock can be great.
Also, it makes cleaning smoother and quicker, which is excellent!
The Perks of Crate Training a Great Dane
You’d probably not want your family, friends, kids, or other animals being chased, bitten, or growled upon when your Dane is home.
Great Danes are people, pleasers.
They are at their best behaviors, extraordinarily loving, and surprisingly patient with kids and strangers when they are WELL TRAINED!
It can be the worst-case scenario otherwise. So, crate training your dog is vital from the very beginning.
Here are a few must-know facts that can make your effort worthwhile when crate training your Great Dane.
Crate training helps any kind of dog when they are trained the right way. They attain a positive association with their crate, making it their safe and secure haven, supporting them to cope with stress and anxiety.
They enjoy having their meals in their crate and control their bowels and bladders without messing around and dirtying your house.
Danes establish clear boundaries at home. As they enjoy resting and relaxing, they walk straight into their Kennel without hesitation for naps and playtime.
How to Crate Train Your Great Dane?
Great Danes can be super friendly, loving, and challenging. You never know when they’ll unleash their furious demeanor. So crate training at a young age is vital and much easier than crate training an adult Great Dane.
Follow these vital tips to crate-train your young Dane.
- Crate training should be an experience of peace, comfort, and safety. Remember, your dog’s positive experience in its crate is vital.
- Choose the best crate size for your dog. It must be large and spacious enough to stretch its long legs and heavy body in its crate. A congested crate is a big No!
- Make the crate a happy place. It should always feel super safe and comfortable. Also, be sure to choose suitable training toys and treats. Place a soft bedding or a crate mat. Avoid stuffing the crate with toys and bedding.
- Choose the right spot when placing the crate. A place that has fresh air and is not isolated. Avoid placing it under direct sunlight and in an extremely warm, noisy, and disturbing area.
- The crate should never be a place for punishments for your Dane. Ensure you feed him in the crate, encourage and gift him every time he steps ahead. Dogs are emotional beings. Keep cheering and applauding for every puppy step they take.
- Take your dog or puppy out for a potty break when they walk out or have their meals in the crate. Usually, adult dogs can hold their bladders, but puppies can’t hold them for too long. So, a potty break is vital.
- Don’t overuse the crate. Overusing the crate will constrict the growth of your dog—especially its elbows, joints, and limbs. Also, crating them for extended hours can lead to stress, anxiety, and boredom. If your dog is entering the crate for naps or playtime, that’s a good habit.
Training your Great Dane is tough, but With the right training methods and practices, they can be the best-loved and disciplined breed who walks right into his crate on time!
Is a Crate Essential for a Great Dane?
Great Danes are super quick learners and responsive while training. When well-trained in their crates, these ruthless dogs can be gentle and surprisingly patient.
A crate is a must for your dog. It creates a private space to rest, relax, and set healthy boundaries.
You’ll never regret gifting your dog the ideal crate. He will never be anxious, bored or stressed when his crate is large, spacious, and comfortable. It will also make your Dane super gentle, patient, and disciplined.
It’s a smart move!
Conclusion
Your Dane’s happy place is a large, spacious, ventilated, comfortable crate. You can never compromise on their needs. As these giant-sized beasts require ample space, a crate that is congested and isolated is a big No!
Picking out the ideal crate and following the right crate training methods is your tool to discipline your Dane and create a positive, healthy relationship with its crate and others.
Speaking of picking a crate, we’ve just made things much easier for you. Check out our guide on the best dog crate for Great Danes here.
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