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Quick answer
UK crate guides put an adult Labrador Retriever in a 36–42 in crate1,2. Trained Puppy lists Labradors for 36–42 in crates; Pet Crates Direct recommends 42 in.
Your dog may differ, so measure to be sure.
Get an exact crate sizeLabrador Retriever size and build: what it means for a crate
| Chest girth | 70–95 cm3 Typical adult range published by a UK harness maker, not an official standard. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 25–36 kg4 UK breed guide: males 29–36 kg, females 25–32 kg. The breed standard gives no weight. |
| Height at the shoulder | 55–57 cm5 Breed standard ideal: dogs 56–57 cm, bitches 55–56 cm. |
The UK breed standard puts an adult Labrador at 55–57 cm at the shoulder: 56–57 cm for dogs and 55–56 cm for bitches5. UK breed guides give an adult weight of 25–36 kg4. That makes the Lab one of the larger dogs most families crate.
Shoulder height isn't the number a crate needs, though. The crate has to clear your Lab's head when it sits, which is higher than its shoulders, and it has to be long enough for the whole body from nose to tail base. UK crate guides list Labradors for 36–42 inch crates1, and Pet Crates Direct recommends 42 inches2.
The RSPCA says a crate should be big enough for a dog to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch6. A Lab that likes to sprawl flat on its side needs the longer end of that range, so measure before you choose between 36 and 42 inches.
How to measure your Labrador Retriever 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)2. 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 comfortably6.
- 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.
Labrador Retriever measuring tips
- Measure length with your Lab standing and its head held naturally, from the tip of the nose to where the tail joins the body. Don't include the tail.
- For height, ask your Lab to sit and measure from the floor to the top of its head. A Lab's ears hang down, so the head is the highest point.
- Compare your measurements with each crate's height as well as its length. A tall male can clear a crate's length but still touch its roof when sitting.
More detail, including weighing and measuring a wriggly dog, is in our complete guide to measuring your dog.
Labrador Retriever 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 size8.
| 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 crate9.
| 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 Labrador Retriever. 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 Labrador Retriever. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonPuppy crates and dividers
A Labrador puppy will grow into a 36–42 in crate. Rather than buying a small crate and replacing it, many owners buy the adult size and use a divider panel to make the space smaller at first, moving it back as the puppy grows.
Large breeds keep growing for longer than small ones, often into their second year10, so keep checking that your puppy can stand, turn and stretch out in the space the divider leaves.
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 iCrate9; Ellie-Bo sells one to fit each cage size8.
Whatever the divider setting, your puppy should still be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch6. 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 guidance6,11. Blue Cross also has advice on using indoor kennels12.
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 this13.
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 stretch6. 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.
Labrador Retrievers in the car
A 42 in crate is over a metre long: Ellie-Bo's XL is 107 cm14. Measure your boot floor and the height of the boot opening before you buy, especially in a hatchback where the tailgate slopes in.
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 Labrador Retriever?
- Wire: Plenty of airflow and a clear view out, and it folds flat. The most practical choice for most Labs at home.
- Plastic: Enclosed and den-like, and mostly used for travel. Inside space is smaller than the outside measurements, so check the internal size.
- Fabric: Light and easy to carry, but a strong or bored Lab can chew or dig through fabric. Better for calm adults than for puppies.
Fit checks: is the crate big enough?
Stand up
Your dog can stand up without stooping or touching the roof6.
Sit up
Your dog can sit up without its head or ears touching the top12.
Wag its tail
Dogs Trust's list includes room to wag its tail11. 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
- Buying a 30 in crate for a Lab puppy and outgrowing it within months.
- Choosing by length only. The crate must also be tall enough for your Lab to sit up without touching the top12.
- 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.
Labrador Retriever crate questions
What size crate does a Labrador Retriever need?
UK crate guides put an adult Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 Labrador Retriever 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 stretch6.
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 guard13. A crate is one option, not the only one.
Is a 36 or 42 inch crate better for a Labrador?
Can a Labrador puppy use an adult-size crate?
Find your Labrador Retriever's crate sizeLabrador Retriever harness guide