What Size Dog Crate for a Golden Retriever?

On this page (8 sections)

1. What size dog crate does a Golden Retriever need?
2. How do you measure a Golden Retriever for a crate?
3. Which 42-inch crates suit a Golden Retriever?
4. Is a wire or plastic crate better for a Golden Retriever?
5. What crate size should you get for a Golden Retriever puppy?
6. How do you set up and care for a Golden Retriever's crate?
7. What common Golden Retriever crate sizing mistakes should you avoid?
8. Which crate size should you choose for a Golden Retriever?

A 42-inch crate may fit a Golden Retriever, but the right size depends on your dog's measurements and the usable space inside. To answer “what size dog crate for golden retriever,” start with your dog's height and length, then check that they can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Golden Retrievers vary in build, and a puppy will grow into a different fit. A crate label or weight range is a starting point, not a substitute for measuring.

What size dog crate does a Golden Retriever need?

Some adult Golden Retrievers fit a 42-inch crate, while a dog near 90 lb may need a 48-inch model. Measure your dog and compare both dimensions with the crate's usable interior before choosing.

The MidWest 42-inch iCrate and New World crate are described for dogs weighing 71–90 lb, and their product information names Golden Retrievers among suitable breeds. Their stated dimensions are 42.5 x 28.5 x 30.5 in.

The Precision Pet crate is 42 x 28 x 30 in.

Those measurements describe the crate, not necessarily the space available inside. Check your dog's posture in the crate and account for any bedding or mat that takes up floor room.

If your dog is close to the upper end of the stated weight range, or is tall or long for a Golden Retriever, compare a larger option. Our extra-large dog crate guide covers larger choices, and the Labrador crate size guide offers another breed-specific measurement example.

How do you measure a Golden Retriever for a crate?

Measure your dog's standing height and body length, then allow extra room for natural movement. Your dog should be able to stand without crouching, turn around, and lie down without pressing against the walls.

For length, measure from the nose to the base of the tail while your dog stands naturally. For height, measure from the floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is higher.

Compare those measurements with the usable interior rather than relying on exterior dimensions or a breed label. A crate can have enough height but still be too short for your dog to lie down comfortably.

Our step-by-step dog crate measuring guide explains how to take and use those measurements. Measure again as a puppy grows or if an adult dog's weight or body shape changes.

What if your Golden Retriever is between crate sizes?

Choose the larger crate if the smaller one prevents your dog from standing, turning, or lying down comfortably. A little extra room is useful, but a puppy may need a divider to limit the open area while growing.

Don't decide by weight alone when your dog is between sizes. Compare height and length, then check how your dog moves in the space.

Which 42-inch crates suit a Golden Retriever?

The three wire options differ in door access and divider setup, while the Petmate is a 40-inch plastic travel kennel. Choose according to your dog's fit and where you plan to use the crate.

The MidWest iCrate is a practical choice for a puppy if you want a divider included, or for an adult Golden Retriever who fits its interior. Its tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly suit a home setup.

Skip it if you need two door positions or your dog needs more room than a 42-inch crate provides.

Choose the Precision Pet crate if access from either of its two doors helps you place it in your room, or if you want a divider for a growing puppy. It has a removable pan and a 5-point locking system.

Skip it if your measurements show that a 42-inch crate is too small.

The New World crate has a leak-proof tray, rubber feet, and carry handle. Its compatible divider is sold separately, so it can work for a puppy if you're prepared to get that divider.

Skip it if you want a divider included or your dog is near 90 lb and needs more space.

Petmate describes this kennel for dogs weighing 70–90 lb and for car or air travel. It has ventilation openings and tie-down holes.

Skip it as a size choice if your dog cannot stand or lie down comfortably inside, and check your airline's rules before flying.

Is a wire or plastic crate better for a Golden Retriever?

Wire crates suit home use when you want an open design, while the Petmate offers a plastic shell for travel. Choose the type that fits your space, your dog's posture, and how you plan to move the crate.

The MidWest, Precision Pet, and New World models are wire crates with trays. Wire offers visibility through the sides, and the MidWest and Precision Pet options have divider panels included.

The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is a more enclosed plastic crate with ventilation openings and tie-down holes. Its dimensions are 40 x 27 x 30 in, so confirm that your dog fits inside before choosing it for travel.

Read our wire versus plastic dog crate comparison if you're deciding between those styles. For details on wire doors, trays, and fit, see the wire dog crate guide.

What crate size should you get for a Golden Retriever puppy?

A puppy can start in a crate sized for its adult body if a divider keeps the open space appropriate for its current size. The MidWest iCrate and Precision Pet crate include a divider; the New World crate accepts a compatible divider sold separately.

Set the divider so your puppy can stand, turn, and lie down, without leaving a large unused area. Adjust it as your puppy grows and recheck the fit regularly.

If a crate doesn't include a divider, don't assume the full adult interior will suit a small puppy right away. Our puppy crate size guide explains how to think about fit during growth.

How do you set up and care for a Golden Retriever's crate?

Place the crate where your dog can settle, assemble it securely, and check that the tray and door work before use. Leave enough room for your dog to enter and change position without bumping nearby furniture.

Follow the crate's assembly instructions and confirm that all latches are closed. For wire models, make sure the tray is seated properly; for the plastic kennel, check the door and ventilation openings.

Keep the interior simple and sized for your dog. A mat or bedding can make the floor more comfortable, but remove or adjust it if it makes the crate too cramped.

For more ideas, read what to put in a dog crate.

Clean the tray or kennel interior when it needs it and let surfaces dry before adding bedding again. Our guide to cleaning a dog crate covers routine care.

What common Golden Retriever crate sizing mistakes should you avoid?

The most common mistake is buying by breed name or weight alone. A Golden Retriever that falls within a stated range may still be too tall or long for a particular crate.

Other mistakes include comparing your dog's measurements with the outside dimensions, forgetting that bedding takes up space, and keeping a puppy divider in the same position as the dog grows. Recheck your dog's fit instead of assuming it remains right.

Don't choose a travel crate based only on its weight guidance. The kennel must also let your dog stand and lie down, and air travel requires checking the airline's rules for the specific trip.

Which crate size should you choose for a Golden Retriever?

Pick a 42-inch crate if your dog fits comfortably by height and length; compare a 48-inch model if your dog is near 90 lb or needs more room. For a puppy, favor a crate with an included divider unless you are comfortable buying one separately.

Choose the MidWest iCrate for an included divider and a single-door wire setup. Choose the Precision Pet if two doors suit your room, the New World if your adult dog fits and you don't need an included divider, or the Petmate if its enclosed 40-inch design suits your travel needs.

Before buying, measure your Golden Retriever and check the usable interior. Once you have a size, follow our dog crate setup guide to prepare the space.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 42-inch crate big enough for a Golden Retriever?

It can fit some adult Golden Retrievers, but check your dog's measurements and posture. Your dog should be able to stand without crouching, turn around, and lie down naturally.

The MidWest iCrate and New World crate are described for dogs weighing 71–90 lb.

That range is a guide, not a guarantee of fit.

Should I get a 42-inch or 48-inch crate for my Golden Retriever?

Choose between a 42-inch and 48-inch crate by measuring your dog, not by breed name alone. MidWest's guidance for its iCrate and New World models suggests considering a 48-inch crate for dogs near 90 lb.

Compare your dog's height and length with the usable space inside the crate.

How do I measure a Golden Retriever for a crate?

Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail for length, and from the floor to the top of the head or ears for height, whichever is taller. Allow room for natural movement, then compare those measurements with the crate's usable interior.

The outside dimensions may be larger than the space inside.

Can a Golden Retriever puppy use an adult-size crate?

Yes, an adult-size crate can work for a Golden Retriever puppy if a divider limits the open space at first. The MidWest iCrate and Precision Pet crate include divider panels.

The New World crate is compatible with a divider panel sold separately.