What Size Dog Crate for a Pit Bull?

On this page (7 sections)

1. What size crate does a pit bull need?
2. What size crate for a pitbull fits a 36-inch model?
3. How do you measure a pit bull for a crate?
4. Should you choose a wire crate or a plastic kennel?
5. How should you set up a crate for a pit bull?
6. What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a pit bull crate?
7. Which crate should you choose for your pit bull?

For what size crate for a pitbull, start with your dog's adult height and length, then choose a crate that allows standing, turning, and lying down. A 36-inch crate may fit some pit bulls, but the right choice depends on the dog's build and the crate's usable interior space.

Measure your dog before comparing models. The three 36-inch options below cover two wire crates for home use and a plastic kennel for travel, with different interiors and setup features.

What size crate does a pit bull need?

A pit bull needs a crate that allows it to stand upright, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Breed name and weight are only starting points because dogs of similar weight can have different body lengths and heights.

Measure your dog while standing, then compare those figures with the crate's interior dimensions. Outside measurements include the frame, door, and tray, so they can overstate the space your dog can use.

Our guide to measuring a dog for a crate explains how to take length and height measurements. You can also compare the fit guidance for a Labrador crate or a Golden Retriever crate, while using your own dog's measurements to make the final choice.

What size crate for a pitbull fits a 36-inch model?

A 36-inch crate can fit a pit bull if its usable interior space matches the dog's measurements. Compare the interior height, width, and length, then check that your dog can change position without pressing against the sides.

The MidWest 36-inch single door iCrate measures 36.5 x 23.25 x 24.75 inches and is intended for dogs weighing 41–70 lb. MidWest recommends considering its 42-inch model for dogs near 70 lb, so choose a larger size if your dog is close to that limit or cannot move comfortably.

The LifeStages by MidWest 36-inch single door crate measures 37.25 x 24.5 x 26.5 inches and is also intended for dogs weighing 41–70 lb. Its slightly different dimensions make it worth comparing directly if your dog is tall or long for a 36-inch model.

Both wire options make sense when you want a home crate with a tray and divider. Skip either one if your dog's measurements leave too little room to stand, turn, or lie down; a weight range cannot override a poor fit.

How do you measure a pit bull for a crate?

Measure your pit bull's standing height and body length, then compare those figures with the crate's interior dimensions. A helper can keep the dog standing naturally while you use a tape measure.

For height, measure from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is higher. For length, measure from the nose to the base of the tail, without including the tail itself.

Check the crate with your dog standing and lying down. If interior measurements aren't available, don't assume the exterior size reflects the usable space.

For a puppy, consider expected adult size but keep the usable area appropriate for training. A divider can reduce the space in some wire crates as the puppy grows; our guide to choosing a dog crate covers sizing, crate types, and door choices.

Should you choose a wire crate or a plastic kennel?

Choose a wire crate for a home setup where you want an open design, or a plastic kennel when an enclosed shell suits your travel needs. In either case, the interior must fit your dog.

The Petmate Vari Kennel 36-inch has interior dimensions of 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 inches and is designed for dogs weighing 50–70 lb. It has a plastic shell, a sturdy wire door, ventilation on all four sides, and a stay-dry moat that directs fluids away from your pet.

Petmate says the kennel meets most airline cargo specifications. Airline requirements vary, so check directly with your airline before travel and confirm that the carrier fits your dog's measurements.

Choose this kennel if you want a shell-style carrier and its interior dimensions work for your dog. Skip it if your pit bull needs more space than 32.5 x 22.2 x 26 inches inside.

A wire crate with a divider may suit a changing home setup better. Compare more options in our big dog crates guide and read about wire vs. plastic dog crates before choosing a style.

How should you set up a crate for a pit bull?

Set up the crate on a flat spot with enough clearance for the door to open fully. Check that the tray sits in place and the door moves freely before inviting your dog inside.

For a wire crate, use the divider if you need to limit the usable area for a puppy. Adjust it as your dog grows, and keep enough room for comfortable standing, turning, and lying down.

Introduce the crate in short, calm sessions and let your dog explore at its own pace. Keep the area around the door clear so your dog can enter and leave without bumping into furniture or other obstacles.

What mistakes should you avoid when choosing a pit bull crate?

The most common sizing mistake is choosing by breed or weight alone. Measure your individual dog and check the interior dimensions, especially if your dog is close to the upper size guidance for a model.

Don't use the outside length as if it were the interior length. A crate can have a 36-inch label and still offer less room inside, particularly when the door, frame, and tray take up space.

Avoid buying a crate before measuring the place where it will sit. Allow room for the door to swing open, and account for bedding that reduces the usable area.

For a growing dog, don't leave a divider in a position that prevents comfortable movement. Recheck fit as your dog grows and move the panel or crate size when needed.

Which crate should you choose for your pit bull?

Choose the MidWest iCrate if you want a 36-inch wire crate with a divider and your dog fits its dimensions. Choose the LifeStages model if its slightly larger listed measurements better match your dog's height or length and you want a fold-flat crate.

Choose the Petmate Vari Kennel if you need a plastic travel-style carrier and its 32.5 x 22.2 x 26-inch interior gives your dog enough room. If none of these interiors fit, compare a larger option in our extra-large dog crates guide.

For what size crate for a pitbull, let your dog's measurements decide: pick the smallest crate that still allows comfortable standing, turning, and lying down. Recheck the fit as your dog grows, and use how to measure your dog for a crate before settling on a size.

Frequently asked questions

What size crate does a pit bull need?

Choose a crate that lets your pit bull stand upright without crouching, turn around, and lie down with legs extended. Measure your dog's height and body length, then compare those numbers with the crate's usable interior space.

A 36-inch crate may suit some pit bulls, but the right size depends on the individual dog's build.

Is a 36-inch crate big enough for a pit bull?

It can be, if your dog can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably inside. Compare your dog's measurements with the usable interior dimensions, since outside measurements include parts that take up space.

If your dog is near the size limit or still growing, check a larger crate before deciding.

How do I measure my pit bull for a crate?

Measure from your dog's nose to the base of the tail for body length, and from the floor to the top of the head while standing for height. Compare those measurements with the crate's interior dimensions and allow room for natural movement.

Weight can help narrow options, but it doesn't replace measuring your dog.

Should a pit bull have a wire or plastic crate?

Choose based on where you'll use the crate. A wire crate suits many home setups and can include a divider, while a plastic kennel has an enclosed shell and a door designed for travel.

Check the interior fit for your dog and confirm any airline rules before travel.