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Quick answer
UK crate guides put an adult Border Collie in a 36–42 in crate1,2. Pet Crates Direct recommends 42 in; Dogster notes 36 in suits smaller Border Collies.
Your dog may differ, so measure to be sure.
Get an exact crate sizeBorder Collie size and build: what it means for a crate
| Chest girth | about 55–75 cm (our estimate)3Estimate Estimate: no published source gives chest girth for this breed yet, so measure your dog. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12–20 kg4 UK guide: males 14–20 kg, females 12–19 kg. The breed standard gives no weight. |
| Height at the shoulder | 53 cm5 Breed standard ideal: dogs 53 cm, bitches slightly less. |
The UK breed standard gives an ideal height of 53 cm for dogs, with bitches slightly less5. It describes an athletic dog with well-sprung ribs and a deep, rather broad chest6. UK guides put adult weight at 14–20 kg for males and 12–19 kg for females4.
Crate advice for Collies varies. Pet Crates Direct recommends 42 inches1, while Dogster notes that 36 inches suits smaller Border Collies2. We show 36–42 inch crates, and your tape measure decides between them.
Collies are long-legged for their weight, so sitting height can be the deciding measurement rather than length.
How to measure your Border Collie for a crate
- Stand your dog on a level floor. Measure its length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, where the tail joins the body. Don't include the tail7.
- Ask your dog to sit. Measure its sitting height from the floor to the top of its head, or to the tips of its ears if they stand up. Measure sitting, because some dogs are taller sitting than standing7.
- Add space. UK guides suggest adding 5–10 cm to each measurement7, and Pet Crates Direct suggests about 6 inches (15 cm)1. We suggest adding 10 cm, the middle of that range, and treat 5 cm as the snug minimum.
- Compare your two numbers with each crate's length and height. The crate needs to clear both. Check the width too: your dog should be able to turn round comfortably8.
- Check whether the brand gives inside or outside measurements. Wire crates lose very little space inside, but plastic crates and wooden furniture-style crates can be noticeably smaller inside than out.
Border Collie measuring tips
- Some Border Collies carry their ears up. If yours does, measure sitting height to the tips of the ears, not the top of the head7.
- Collies rarely sit still for long. Measure after exercise, with a helper and a treat.
- Measure length to where the tail joins the body. The long tail doesn't count.
More detail, including weighing and measuring a wriggly dog, is in our complete guide to measuring your dog.
Border Collie crate size by brand
In the UK, crates are usually sold by their length in inches: a "36-inch" crate is about 91 cm long. Brands round differently, so always check the actual dimensions in the table.
Ellie-Bo
Standard Dog Cage
Wire crate. Folding wire cage from a UK brand. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider for each size separately. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider separately for each size9.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| S (24 in) | 61 × 46 × 51 cm | 24 × 18.1 × 20.1 in |
| M (30 in) | 76 × 53.5 × 60 cm | 29.9 × 21.1 × 23.6 in |
| L (36 in) | 91.5 × 61 × 66 cm | 36 × 24 × 26 in |
| XL (42 in) | 107 × 71 × 79 cm | 42.1 × 28 × 31.1 in |
| XXL (48 in) | 122 × 79 × 86.5 cm | 48 × 31.1 × 34.1 in |
Highlighted rows match the 36–42 in range UK guides give for an adult Border Collie. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in cm, converted to inches).
Check price on AmazonMidWest
iCrate Folding Dog Crate
Wire crate. Folding wire crate with a divider panel included. Dimensions are published in inches. MidWest includes a divider panel with this crate10.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 61 × 45.7 × 48.3 cm | 24 × 18 × 19 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 48.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 19 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5 cm | 36 × 23 × 25 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 71.1 × 76.2 cm | 42 × 28 × 30 in |
| 48 in | 121.9 × 76.2 × 83.8 cm | 48 × 30 × 33 in |
Highlighted rows match the 36–42 in range UK guides give for an adult Border Collie. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonAmazon Basics
Folding Soft Dog Crate
Fabric crate. Fabric crate on a folding frame. Dimensions are published in inches. No divider panel is offered for this crate.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 in | 66 × 45.7 × 45.7 cm | 26 × 18 × 18 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 53.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 21 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 61 × 61 cm | 36 × 24 × 24 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 78.7 × 78.7 cm | 42 × 31 × 31 in |
Highlighted rows match the 36–42 in range UK guides give for an adult Border Collie. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonPuppy crates and dividers
Border Collie puppies grow fast and often go through a leggy stage. A divider lets you start small in an adult-size crate and give more room as your puppy grows.
Medium-sized dogs reach adult weight sooner than large breeds, but later than toy breeds11, so keep checking the space through the first year.
A divider panel is a removable wall that shortens the inside of a crate. It lets you buy the crate your dog will need as an adult and make it smaller for a puppy, then move it back as your puppy grows. MidWest includes one with the iCrate10; Ellie-Bo sells one to fit each cage size9.
Whatever the divider setting, your puppy should still be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch8. Check this every week or two while your puppy is growing, and move the divider back as soon as it looks cramped.
For how to introduce a crate to a puppy, and how long it can be used for, follow the RSPCA's and Dogs Trust's step-by-step guidance8,12. Blue Cross also has advice on using indoor kennels13.
Home crate vs car crate
The Highway Code says that in a vehicle, dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained so they can't distract you or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. It lists a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard as ways of doing this14.
A home crate and a car crate do different jobs. At home, size is all about comfort: your dog should be able to stand, turn, lie down and stretch8. In the car, the crate also has to fit your boot and stay put when you brake.
- Measure the boot, not just the dog. Measure the boot floor's length and width, and the height of the opening. In hatchbacks and estates the tailgate often slopes in, so the usable height at the back can be lower than at the front.
- Secure the crate. A crate that slides or tips over when you brake doesn't restrain your dog. Use the car's load-lashing points or a strap if the crate allows it, and follow the maker's instructions.
- Check the crate is meant for cars. Folding wire home crates are made for the home. If you want a crate for the car, check what the maker says about vehicle use and how to secure it.
- Think about heat. Cars heat up fast. Choose a crate with good airflow, keep it out of direct sun, and never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day.
Border Collies in the car
If your Collie travels to walks, training or events, the car crate may need to be smaller than the home crate to fit your boot. It still has to let your dog stand, turn and lie down8.
Wire, plastic or fabric?
Wire
Metal wire crates fold flat, give plenty of airflow and let your dog see out. Most come with a removable tray, and many take a divider. They're the most common choice for home use. Some dogs settle better if part of the crate is covered, but always leave plenty of sides open for air.
Plastic
Plastic crates (often sold as carriers) are enclosed and den-like, easy to wipe clean and common for travel. The walls take up space and airflow is lower, so check the inside dimensions and ventilation.
Fabric
Fabric crates on a folding frame are very light and fold small, which suits trips and holidays. They're only for calm dogs that don't chew, dig or push at the sides, and they're harder to clean.
Which suits a Border Collie?
- Wire: Airy and sturdy, with a clear view out. The best everyday choice for most Collies at home.
- Plastic: Enclosed and easy to wipe clean after muddy walks; mostly used for travel.
- Fabric: Light and folds small, which makes it handy away from home, but only for a Collie that settles calmly. A dog that paws or chews can damage it.
Fit checks: is the crate big enough?
Stand up
Your dog can stand up without stooping or touching the roof8.
Sit up
Your dog can sit up without its head or ears touching the top13.
Wag its tail
Dogs Trust's list includes room to wag its tail12. If the tail hits the sides every time, the crate is tight.
Room for the bed
Measure the crate floor, not the outside, and choose a bed or mat that lies flat inside it.
Common mistakes
- Measuring sitting height to the top of the head on a dog whose ears stand up.
- Assuming every Collie needs the same crate. Collies range a lot in size, so the advice for them does too.
- Measuring the dog standing for height. Measure sitting, to the top of the head or ear tips7.
- Including the tail in the length. Measure to where the tail joins the body7.
- Buying a small puppy crate and replacing it every few months, instead of an adult-size crate with a divider.
- Comparing outside dimensions of a plastic or furniture-style crate with your dog's measurements. Check the inside size.
- Forgetting the car. A crate that suits your living room may not fit your boot.
Border Collie crate questions
What size crate does a Border Collie need?
UK crate guides put an adult Border Collie in a 36–42 in crate1,2. In the brands we cover that means Ellie-Bo Standard Dog Cage: L (36 in) or XL (42 in); MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate: 36 in or 42 in; Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate: 36 in or 42 in. Measure your dog's length and sitting height and add about 10 cm to be sure.
How do I measure my Border Collie for a crate?
Measure length from the nose to the base of the tail with your dog standing, and height from the floor to the top of the head or ear tips with your dog sitting7. Add about 10 cm to each, then compare with the crate's length and height.
What size crate for a Border Collie puppy?
Many owners buy the adult-size crate and use a divider panel to make it smaller while the puppy grows. Your puppy should always have room to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch8.
Are crate sizes in inches the actual length?
Roughly. The number is the crate's nominal length: a 36 in crate is around 91 cm long, but brands round differently. Check the dimensions in the size table.
Do I need a crate in the car?
The Highway Code says dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle, and lists a dog cage as one way, along with a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog guard14. A crate is one option, not the only one.
Should I get a 36 or 42 inch crate for a Border Collie?
Can I use a fabric crate for my Border Collie?
For a calm adult away from home, yes: fabric crates are light and fold small. They aren't a good choice for puppies or dogs that paw, chew or try to get out.
Find your Border Collie's crate sizeBorder Collie harness guide