The appropriate crate dimensions for Goldendoodle dogs vary based on their age and adult size, but generally, you need a large crate measuring around 42 inches long for an adult Standard Goldendoodle, while Mini Goldendoodles often need a medium crate (30–36 inches).
Choosing the right crate size is crucial for your Goldendoodle’s safety, comfort, and successful house training. A crate that is too small will feel cramped and cause stress. A crate that is too large can actually hinder house training efforts because your dog might use one end as a sleeping area and the other as a bathroom. This in-depth guide will walk you through everything you need to know for selecting the perfect enclosure.
Deciphering Goldendoodle Sizes and Crate Needs
Goldendoodles come in three main size categories: Miniature, Medium, and Standard. Their final adult size heavily dictates the standard Goldendoodle crate size you should purchase. It is wise to buy a crate for their adult size, especially if you are starting crate training early, using dividers to accommodate growth.
Miniature Goldendoodle Crate Needs
Mini Goldendoodles are smaller dogs. They usually result from mixing a Poodle (Toy or Miniature) with a Golden Retriever.
- Expected Adult Height: 14 to 16 inches at the shoulder.
- Expected Adult Weight: 15 to 30 pounds.
For a Mini Goldendoodle, you will likely need a small to medium crate.
Miniature Goldendoodle Crate Recommendations
| Age/Stage | Recommended Crate Length (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Puppy Stage | 24 inches (with divider) |
| Adult Size | 30 to 36 inches |
If you buy a 30-inch crate, it should serve your Mini Doodle well from puppyhood through adulthood, provided you use a divider for the initial training phases.
Medium Goldendoodle Crate Needs
Medium Goldendoodles are a step up in size but are not as large as the Standard variety.
- Expected Adult Height: 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder.
- Expected Adult Weight: 30 to 45 pounds.
These dogs require a sturdy, medium-sized home base.
Medium Goldendoodle Crate Recommendations
| Age/Stage | Recommended Crate Length (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Puppy Stage | 30 inches (with divider) |
| Adult Size | 36 inches |
A 36-inch crate often works best for the adult Medium Goldendoodle, giving them enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
Standard Goldendoodle Crate Needs
Standard Goldendoodles are the largest variety. They are mixed with a Standard Poodle. These dogs are often large, energetic, and need plenty of space.
- Expected Adult Height: 21 to 24 inches (sometimes more).
- Expected Adult Weight: 50 to 90 pounds (sometimes exceeding 100 lbs).
For these giants, you must look at the large Goldendoodle crate dimensions. Never underestimate the size of an adult Standard Goldendoodle.
Standard Goldendoodle Crate Recommendations
| Age/Stage | Recommended Crate Length (Inches) |
|---|---|
| Puppy Stage | 36 inches (with divider) |
| Adult Size | 42 to 48 inches |
If your Standard Goldendoodle is on the larger end (approaching 80-90 lbs), opt immediately for the 42-inch or 48-inch size. This ensures they have enough room for long-term comfort.
How to Choose Goldendoodle Crate: The Measurement Rule
When determining the best crate size for adult Goldendoodle, measurement is key. Forget breed stereotypes for a moment and focus on your individual dog’s measurements. This ensures you select the right dimensions, regardless of whether you choose a wire or plastic model.
Measuring Your Goldendoodle for Crate Fit
You need two main measurements: length and height.
- Length Measurement: Have your dog stand naturally. Measure from the tip of their nose all the way to the base of their tail. Add about 4 to 6 inches to this total. This extra space allows for stretching out.
- Height Measurement: Have your dog stand. Measure from the floor to the top of their head (or the top of their ears, whichever is highest). Add 2 to 4 inches to this total. This ensures they can stand up straight without ducking their head.
Use these calculated totals to match against the crate sizing charts provided by manufacturers. This method provides the most accurate assessment for the appropriate crate dimensions for Goldendoodle dogs of any size.
Crate Types and Sizing Considerations
The material of the crate—whether it is wire or plastic—can subtly affect sizing and durability, especially with strong Goldendoodles.
Wire Crate Size for Goldendoodle
Wire crates are popular because they offer excellent ventilation and visibility. They are also easy to clean and often come with dividers for puppies.
- Pros: Good airflow, visibility, usually foldable for storage.
- Cons: Can be less insulated, sometimes easier for determined chewers to manipulate latches.
When buying a wire crate size for Goldendoodle, ensure the gauge (thickness) of the wire is robust, especially for Standard sizes, as active dogs can sometimes bend weaker wires. The size recommendations above apply directly to wire crates.
Plastic Crate Size for Goldendoodle
Plastic crates (often called airline crates) are durable, offer more security, and provide better protection from drafts or weather.
- Pros: Very durable, good for travel, secure feeling for the dog.
- Cons: Poor ventilation if not placed correctly, bulkier.
When looking at a plastic crate size for Goldendoodle, always check the interior dimensions carefully. Because of the necessary thickness of the plastic walls, the interior space might be slightly smaller than a similarly sized wire crate. Opt for the next size up if you are between two options when choosing a plastic model.
The Goldendoodle Crate Size Guide for Puppies
The transition from the whelping box to the crate can be smooth, but requires careful selection of the puppy Goldendoodle crate size. Buying a crate that is too big for a puppy is a common mistake that sabotages house training.
Why Crate Dividers are Essential
A puppy Goldendoodle crate size should be just large enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is much larger than this, the puppy will naturally designate one corner for sleeping and the other for eliminating.
- Solution: Purchase the standard Goldendoodle crate size you anticipate needing for the adult dog (e.g., a 42-inch crate for a Standard Doodle) and use the included metal divider panel.
- Adjustment: As the puppy grows, move the divider back every few weeks. This keeps the den small, encouraging the puppy to hold its bladder overnight or when you are away.
This approach saves money by avoiding the need to buy a new crate every few months.
Timeline for Puppy Crate Sizing
| Puppy Age (Approximate) | Crate Size Needed (If using adult crate) |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 Weeks | Move divider to accommodate small space. |
| 3 to 6 Months | Adjust divider every 3-4 weeks as needed. |
| 6 to 12 Months | Nearing full adult size; divider often removed. |
Always supervise your puppy, especially when the divider is moved, to ensure they are not stressed by the increased space.
Travel Crates: A Different Set of Requirements
If you plan on traveling frequently with your Goldendoodle, you will need a specialized Goldendoodle travel crate size. Travel crates prioritize safety during vehicle transit or air travel over maximum lounging space.
Car Travel Crates
For road trips, a secured, heavy-duty crate is best. The size needed depends on how you secure it.
- If the crate sits behind the back seats, you need a crate whose height matches the car’s interior height.
- If the crate sits in the cargo area of an SUV, you might opt for a sturdy plastic or metal crate that fits the cargo bay dimensions perfectly. Comfort in transit is still important, so ensure they can sit and turn, but the crate doesn’t need to be oversized.
Airline Travel Considerations
If flying, the crate must meet specific International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards.
- Dimensions: The crate must be just large enough for the dog to stand without bowing its head, turn around, and lie in a natural position.
- Construction: Must be rigid plastic (airline approved) or heavy-duty wire.
- Ventilation: Must have ventilation on at least three sides.
For air travel, prioritizing the dog’s ability to stand comfortably is more important than maximizing floor space, as they will be confined for the duration of the flight.
Addressing Specific Crate Sizing Challenges
Even with clear guidelines, specific factors can complicate the decision-making process.
What If My Goldendoodle is a Giant?
Some Standard Goldendoodles inherit the larger traits of their Standard Poodle parent and grow beyond 90 pounds. These dogs might require crates that exceed the common retail sizes (like 48 inches).
- Solution: Look into heavy-duty, modular, or custom crates. Crates labeled “Giant” (often 54 inches or larger) are available from specialty manufacturers. Ensure the crate is strong enough to withstand the weight and energy of a very large dog.
The “Chewer” Crate Conundrum
Goldendoodles, especially during their teething phase, can be destructive. The choice between wire and plastic impacts how long the crate lasts.
- Wire Crates: If your dog is a determined chewer, look for crates made with thicker gauge steel. Avoid crates where plastic trays are easily accessible, as these often become the first target.
- Plastic Crates: Heavy-duty plastic crates are often better for intense chewers, provided they don’t try to chew the door mechanism. They offer a solid barrier that is hard to break through.
When selecting a wire crate size for Goldendoodle, check reviews specifically about latch security.
Maintaining Comfort Within the Crate
The right size is just the first step. Comfort ensures the crate remains a positive space.
Bedding Choices
A Goldendoodle crate should accommodate a comfortable bed without making the dog feel cramped.
- For Puppies: Use thin, washable bedding or even old towels. This prevents large, soft beds from taking up too much essential floor space needed for standing and turning.
- For Adults: Choose a durable, washable crate pad or a bolstered bed that fits the crate footprint precisely. Avoid beds that are excessively thick unless the crate size calculation already factored in the extra height. If the bed pushes the dog’s head too close to the top of the crate, the crate is too small.
Crate Placement Matters
Where you put the crate influences how your Goldendoodle feels inside it.
- Social Setting: Goldendoodles are social. Place the crate in a central area, like the living room or main family space, where they can still feel part of the action.
- Temperature Control: Avoid placing the crate near drafts (like exterior doors) or direct heat sources (like vents or radiators). Good airflow is essential, particularly for thick-coated Doodles.
Finalizing Your Purchase: A Crate Selection Checklist
Before clicking “buy,” review this checklist to confirm you have selected the correct Goldendoodle crate size guide for your needs.
- Did I measure my dog? (Nose to tail + 6 inches; Floor to head + 3 inches).
- Am I buying for the adult size? (If a puppy, do I have a divider?).
- Does the crate allow standing and turning? (Minimum requirement).
- Is the crate style appropriate? (Wire for visibility, plastic for travel/security).
- Does the size fit my intended use? (Larger for home comfort, exact fit for air travel).
By adhering to these measurements and considering the specific traits of your Goldendoodle—Mini, Medium, or Standard—you can confidently select the appropriate crate dimensions for Goldendoodle that will serve as a safe, comfortable den for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goldendoodle Crate Sizing
Q1: Can I use the same crate for my Goldendoodle puppy and my adult dog?
Yes, this is highly recommended! Purchase the large Goldendoodle crate dimensions appropriate for your adult dog (e.g., a 42-inch crate for a Standard Doodle). Then, use the divider panel to shrink the usable space when the dog is a puppy. This saves money and provides a consistent training environment.
Q2: How often should I adjust the divider as my puppy grows?
You should adjust the divider every few weeks, or as soon as your puppy stops using the far end of the crate for bathroom purposes. The goal is to keep the space just big enough for comfort, not luxury, until they are fully house-trained.
Q3: Do Goldendoodles need heavier-duty crates?
Yes. Goldendoodles are intelligent and often quite playful. While not always destructive like some breeds, they can become anxious or bored. Look for crates with secure, slide-bolt latches and sturdy construction. Heavy-gauge wire or thick plastic models are often the best choice for long-term use with this active breed.
Q4: What is the general rule for determining the best crate size for adult Goldendoodle?
The general rule is that the crate length should accommodate the dog standing with its tail fully extended, plus about six inches of extra room. The height must allow the dog to stand up fully without crouching. Always refer to the specific measurements provided by the crate manufacturer for the most accurate fit.
Q5: Are plastic crates better than wire crates for my Goldendoodle?
Neither is universally “better”; it depends on your needs. Plastic crates provide more security and insulation, making them excellent for the Goldendoodle travel crate size requirement. Wire crates offer superior ventilation and visibility, which many owners prefer for home use. Both can be the right wire crate size for Goldendoodle or plastic size if measured correctly.