Last Updated on October, 2024
There are a ton of obligations you have as a responsible Labrador owner. One of them is picking an ideal crate.
Various dog crate sizes are available in the market. If you need clarification on choosing the perfect-sized crate, you are at the right place. Keep reading to find out.
At the end of the article, you will know,
- The perfect crate size for your Labrador
- Factors to consider while choosing the best dog crate
- Pros and cons of using a crate for a Labrador
Quick Summary
The ideal crate size for a full-grown adult Labrador is 42 inches long, 30-31 inches in height, and 23-24 inches wide.
Factors to consider while choosing the best dog crate include size, weight, the area of the home where the crate will be kept, and material.
Using a crate for a Labrador has benefits such as aiding in house-training and providing a safe space, but can also have downsides such as causing separation anxiety if used for extended periods of time.
Table of Contents
What Size Crate for Labrador?
The 42-inch crate is the ideal crate size for a full-grown adult Labrador.
Most adult male Labs weigh between 64-79 pounds. They need an extra-large crate of 42 inches x height, 30-31 inches x width 23-24 inches.
An adult female Labrador weighing 55-71 pounds needs a large dog crate of size 36 inches x height 25-27 inches x width 23-24 inches.
Measuring Your Labrador Retriever for a Crate Measure
The PERFECT SIZE DOG CRATE is when your Labrador can comfortably sit, stand, lay, and stretch out on his side without too much space.
Measure your Labrador to ensure that you get the perfect dog crate size.
Let’s do it.
- Take a measuring tape.
- Make your dog stand on all fours. Measure the dog’s length between its nose tip and the base of the tail.
- Add 3-5 inches to the dog’s length to get the crate length.
- Make your dog sit on his behind. Measure the length from the base of the dog’s head to the floor. Measuring the height while your Lab is seated is important because most dogs are taller while sitting than standing.
- Add 3-5 inches to the dog’s height to get the crate height.
- The crate’s width is proportionate to the height and the length. You have the right size crate if the length and height are correct.
Best Dog Crate Size for a Labrador Puppy
A 24 inches long size crate is suitable for your Lab puppy. But you must keep upgrading to a large dog crate while your Lab puppy grows.
A simple money-saving tip,
Buy a 42 inches extra large crate or 36 inches large crate. Use a divider to adjust the size of the crate to suit your puppy’s size. You don’t need to buy multiple crates while your puppy grows.
Some crates come with a divider. If it doesn’t, you can buy a divider separately.
What if I Put My Lab Pup in a 42-inch/ 36 36-inch large Crate?
As a Labrador owner, you may think you are doing a favor by putting your dog in a crate too large for him. But NO.
A crate is meant to be snuggly and cozy. Moreover, your new puppy will use one end as the bed and the other as the toilet if it has a lot of extra space.
Therefore DON’T GO TOO LARGE.
If you want to learn more about crate size, we have a complete guide that covers everything. Checkout the article here.
Four Common Types of Crates
While shopping for a crate, there are four typical types you can choose from. The right choice depends on the purpose of the crate and your dog’s preference.
- Metal Wire Crates
A Metal crate is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. These heavy-duty crates are easy to transport and store as they fold flat.
Some wire dog crates come with a leak-proof plastic tray and roller feet to protect your wooden floors.
Wire crate gives plenty of ventilation. Metal crates are the best Labrador crates for lab puppies.
- Wooden Crates
A wooden crate looks stylish and blends with your furniture, but it is expensive compared to other crate types.
- Soft-Sided Crates
Very easy to set up, fold down and carry. These crates are ideal for outdoor trips due to their lightweight nature.
- Plastic Crates
A plastic crate is the type of dog crate ideal for traveling. Petmate is one of the plastic dog crates which meets airline cargo specifications. They can be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer required.
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Best Dog Crates for Your Labrador
- Size of Your Labrador
An ideal crate should have enough room for your Labrador to stand up and turn around. Avoid getting tempted to choose a large or a smaller crate. A crate with a small space will make your Lab feel uncomfortable.
- Weight of Your Labrador
You don’t want the crate to collapse under your dog’s weight. Consider the weight while choosing a crate.
An adult male Labrador usually weighs between 64-79 pounds. A 42 inches crate can accommodate this weight. An adult female Labrador weighs 55-71 pounds, and a 36 incheslong crate can accommodate this weight.
If your Labrador weighs between 35-40 pounds, a 24- 30 incheslong crate is suitable.
- Area of the Home Where the Crate is Kept
Measure the area where you plan to keep the crate to ensure it fits the space. Consider a multiple-door crate for flexibility. You can buy a collapsible crate for easier storage.
- Material of the Crate
Ensure the material used is durable, long-lasting, and suits your purpose.
Is a Crate Essential for a Labrador Retriever?
Crates are not an absolute necessity for your Labrador. But veterinarians, dog trainers, and most Labrador parents recommend using a crate as it has many benefits.
Benefits of Using a Crate for Labrador Retrievers
- A dog’s crate gives your Lab a comfy place, a dog’s own space to relax, decompress, and feel safe when left alone at home.
- House training is easier when your puppy is confined to a small space. Crating helps them become house-trained quickly.
- Labrador puppies chew anything that lays on the floor until they are over a year old. When left unsupervised, they may chew things they shouldn’t, like an electric cord.
Crating will keep them safe from being poisoned or choked.
- Crating reduces the likelihood of destructive behavior while you are home away and keeps your possessions safe.
- Aids during an emergency or standard veterinary care.
- Crate training at home makes crate training in a car much smoother.
Downsides of Using a Dog Crate
- If your dog is kept in a crate for extended hours, it can cause separation anxiety, fearfulness, depression, cage rage, and other behavioral problems.
- Crates can cause extreme distress and discomfort to your Labrador if there is no proper ventilation or if it’s smaller in size.
- Crating is dangerous if your dog is wearing a collar or leash. The collar or leash can get stuck on the crate bar and lead to strangulation.
Tips to Make Your Lab’s Crate Extra Comfy
- Add a dog crate cushion liner or a dog bed to the crate.
- Add a warm blanket during winter. Don’t cover all the sides of the crate. Leave room for ventilation.
- Add some of your dog’s favorite toys, chew toys, or treats.
Things to Keep in Mind When You Crate Train a Lab
- Do Not Use the Crate for Your Convenience.
Dogs don’t like to be locked up in a crate for long hours. Leave your dog in a crate as little as you can.
- Do Not Use the Crate As a Form of Punishment.
When crates are used as punishment, your dog will associate the crate with negativity leading to behavioral issues.
- Teach Your Dog to Enjoy the Crate.
Throw some treats into the crate and allow your dog to go into the crate at his own pace. Your dog will associate the crate with positivity when you do this repeatedly.
- Never Let Your Dog Into the Crate With a Collar or a Leash.
A collar or leash can get caught in the crate bar leading to a strangulation hazard.
FAQs
Let’s Pick Up a Crate for Your Labrador
Most adult labs fit into 42-inch/36-inch-sized crates. Measure your Labrador to get the perfect-sized crate. Dividers can be used if the crate is too large for your Labrador.
While buying a crate, consider the size of your Lab, the weight of your Lab, the crate material, and the size of the space where you will put up the crate.
Using a crate for your Labrador has its pros and cons. You can eliminate the cons by acting responsibly and not leaving your Lab in the crate for extended hours.
With all that said, for a hassle-free purchasing experience, I recommend you check out our detailed guide on the best dog crate for Labs.
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