This guide is intended to make picking a good dog crate for your German Shepherd easier and simpler.
For example, some of the most important things when choosing the best dog crate for your German Shepherd puppy or a full grown dog are:
– the right crate size, measurements and dimensions
– a design for flexibility, comfort, and safety
– a sturdy construction that is durable and able to stand up to some wear and tear
– the right crate type
– suitable materials
– how the dog crate fits in with your plans for crate training your German Shepherd dog or puppy
What we’ve done is put some of the most useful dog crate information in this guide, along with listing some of the top dog crate options.
Let’s take a look!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)
Best Crates For German Shepherd Dogs & Puppies
Our top choices for the best dog crates are:
Best Value Metal Wire Dog Crate
- MidWest iCrate (on Chewy) (up to 48 Inch available)
- MidWest iCrate (on Amazon)
- Frisco Dog Crate (on Chewy) (up to 48 Inch available)
* Metal wire crates fit most tiny to large sizes dogs – refer to the sizing charts available from manufacturers.
Other affordable metal wire crate options include:
Best Soft Dog Crate
- EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate (on Chewy)
- EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate (on Amazon)
Soft dog crates mostly use some fabric and mesh in their construction – so keep this in mind for durability concerns, and more heavy duty applications
Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate
Foldable Metal Exercise Pen
Some people may prefer an exercise pen with an open top instead of a completely enclosed dog crate with a door. Exercise pens can provide more square area inside the enclosure panels too. Some of exercise pen options include:
- Frisco Wire Dog Exercise Pen (on Chewy)
- MidWest Wire Dog Exercise Pen (on Chewy)
- MidWest Foldable Metal Exercise Pen (on Amazon)
Read more about some of the best dog exercise pens here.
*Note – a dog crate should be able to safely and comfortably fit your dog when it is standing, sitting and laying down.
Make sure you measure your dog, and read the product sizing details, and product description prior to purchasing to make sure a dog crate is suitable for your dog.
Best Crate For German Shepherd Dogs & Puppies: Buyer’s Guide
Does My German Shepherd Need a Crate?
Some do, some don’t.
Crates do have a number of potential uses though, so a crate may be more necessary for some dogs than others – depending on what you need it for.
What Size Dog Crate Do I Need For A German Shepherd? – (42 & 48 Inch Crates for German Shepherds)
A 42 Inch (usually XL) or 48 Inch dog crate (usually XXL) is generally suitable for a German Shepherd, depending on its size.
German Shepherd males average 60-65 cms (24-26 in), and 30-40 kg (66-88 lb). Females average 55-60 cms (22-24 in), and 22-32 kg (49-71 lb).
A 42 inch Extra Large Crate with a divider panel should be ideal for a German Shepherd puppy, adult or older dog up to 71 to 90 pounds.
Extra Large dog crates of 42 inches generally have the following dimensions:
42L x 28W x 31H Inches
Some owners with very large German Shepherds (90 pounds plus) may opt for the 48 inch dog crate (XXL), although it’s important to measure your GSD before purchasing a crate of any size.
XXL dog crates of 48 inches generally have the following dimensions:
48L x 30W x 33H Inches
What Size Crate Should I Get For My German Shepherd Puppy?
Fortunately, for convenience and to save money, a good crate will come with a divider panel.
You can still buy a 42 inch or 48 inch crate for your GSD puppy, and use the divider panels to decrease the size of the crate until your dog matures in size – at which point you can remove the divider panel and utilise the full space inside the dog crate.
How To Measure German Shepherd or Large Dog For A Crate
Measure the following measurements in your GSD, and check the crate product specifications to make sure it can support the weight, plus have surplus room (work on the basis of a 42 inch crate or 48 inch crate) for your GSD when fully grown:
– Length (nose to tail tip)
– Width (shoulder to shoulder)
– Height (top of head to paws) – this is probably the most important measurement along with length as you don’t want your dog to be hunching or limited in any way
– Weight
Crate manufacturers usually give good sizing and measuring instructions in their product description.
Materials and Types of Dog and Puppy Crates
The metal wire dog crates are the most popular.
They have decent strength, fold up, can be stored away, can be transported in a car, can be set up easily, can be cleaned easily and are affordable.
Apart from the metal wire dog crates, you may get the following types of crates for the following main features and uses:
Soft Dog Crate
Biggest strength of soft crates is how lightweight they are and how portable they are.
Great for indoors and outdoors, and for trips around town, as well as for vacations and camping trips.
Are affordable, easy to clean, fold up and down.
Made of a soft fabric, and a metal frame.
Plastic Dog Crate
Most people get plastic crates as travel carriers to and from the vets, and get airline approved plastic crates for checked baggage/cargo pet crate transport.
Plastic crates are lightweight. As they get bigger, they do get weaker though, and have a few design flaws with how they can align up and their design.
Wooden Dog Crate
Wooden crates look similar to furniture.
They are purely indoor crates, and are good for matching with your interior furniture and decor.
Wood end tables are the most common wooden dog crates.
Heavy Duty Plastic Dog Crates
A great plastic crate for large dogs.
We are talking about crates like the Rough Tough Kennel and Gunner G1 Kennel.
They are lightweight, VERY heavy duty, great for outdoors, travel, truck beds and hunting.
Good for destructive dogs, dogs that chew, dogs that scratch and escape artists.
Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate
Made of a heavier thicker steel than the metal wire crates.
Designed for chewers, scratchers and escape artist dogs.
Heavy Duty Aluminium Dog Crate
Strong crates that are lighter than steel crates. For chewers, scratchers and escape artist dogs.
Can also be used for airline travel with airline kits.
Other Guides On Dog Crates
Best Overall Dog Crates (this guide contains other useful resources, and a list of the best dog crates across all dog crate categories)
Best Metal Wire Dog Crate – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Soft Sided Dog Crate – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Plastic Dog Crate – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Wooden Dog Crate – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Heavy Duty Aluminium Dog Crate – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Best Extra Large Dog Crates For Giant Breeds
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Having a hard time deciding between 42″ or 48″ for my GSD–he’s not dine growing, but I expect him to top out around 90-100. He is 100% housebroken, currently voluntarily sleeps in the crate that’s becoming way too small (a 36″ given by a friend).
He will be left more often in the crate for a few hours at a time soon. Would HE be HAPPIER in a more “snug” 42″ or “roomy 48”? I am willing to go either way, will probably get a loose cover that allows airflow for his comfort–but not sure which size best for 99-100 lb beast, for physical & emotional comfort.
One more GSD Crate question–he often pulls the folded blankets out of his crate that I’ve used to soften the bottom. He will lie down voluntarily whether there’s a blanket or just hard pan. But I really don’t know why he pulls the blankets out.
Should I just get a crate pad or crate mattress anyway? I’ve heard some dogs prefer a hard surface, what is your opinion? Thanks!