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Quick answer
UK crate guides put an adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier in a 30–36 in crate1. Pet Crates Direct suggests 30 in for most adult Staffies. We include 36 in for bigger or longer dogs: measure to check.
Your dog may differ, so measure to be sure.
Get an exact crate sizeStaffordshire Bull Terrier size and build: what it means for a crate
| Chest girth | about 55–75 cm (our estimate)2Estimate Estimate: no published source gives chest girth for this breed yet, so measure your dog. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11–17 kg3,4 Breed standard: dogs 13–17 kg, bitches 11–15.4 kg. |
| Height at the shoulder | 36–41 cm3 Breed standard: desirable height at the withers 36–41 cm, related to weight. |
The UK breed standard gives a desirable height of 36–41 cm at the withers, with dogs weighing 13–17 kg and bitches 11–15.4 kg3,4. It describes a close-coupled, muscular dog with a wide front and deep brisket3,4.
That means a Staffy is shorter than a Collie but much broader for its size. Crate length and height usually aren't a problem, but your Staffy needs enough width to turn round comfortably5.
Pet Crates Direct suggests a 30 inch crate for most adult Staffies1. We also show 36 inch crates for bigger or longer dogs, so measure to check. That gives a range of 30–36 in.
How to measure your Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 tail6.
- 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 standing6.
- Add space. UK guides suggest adding 5–10 cm to each measurement6, and Pet Crates Direct suggests about 6 inches (15 cm)7. 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 comfortably5.
- 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.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier measuring tips
- Measure length from nose to tail base with your Staffy standing square. A broad dog can look longer than it is, so measure rather than guess.
- For sitting height, measure to the top of the head. If your Staffy's ears are held up, measure to the ear tips6.
- Watch your Staffy turn round in a room: if it needs a wide circle, choose the roomier crate.
More detail, including weighing and measuring a wriggly dog, is in our complete guide to measuring your dog.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 30–36 in range UK guides give for an adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 30–36 in range UK guides give for an adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier. 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 30–36 in range UK guides give for an adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonPuppy crates and dividers
Staffy puppies fill out through the chest and shoulders as they mature. Medium-sized dogs reach adult weight well before large breeds10, but the build keeps developing, so keep checking the space.
A 36 in crate with a divider can take a Staffy from puppy to adult if you're not sure which size it will need.
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 stretch5. 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 guidance5,11. 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 stretch5. 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.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the car
A 30 in crate fits more boots than a 36 in one. Measure the boot, then check the crate still leaves your Staffy room to stand, turn and lie down5.
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 Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
- Wire: Sturdy and airy. For a strong dog, look for solid latches and a strong frame.
- Plastic: Handy for travel. Check the door and latches are robust.
- Fabric: Not a good match for most Staffies. A strong dog that paws or chews can get through fabric.
Fit checks: is the crate big enough?
Stand up
Your dog can stand up without stooping or touching the roof5.
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 fabric crate for a strong, young Staffy.
- Choosing by height alone. Staffies are short, but broad, and need room to turn.
- Measuring the dog standing for height. Measure sitting, to the top of the head or ear tips6.
- Including the tail in the length. Measure to where the tail joins the body6.
- 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.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier crate questions
What size crate does a Staffordshire Bull Terrier need?
UK crate guides put an adult Staffordshire Bull Terrier in a 30–36 in crate1. In the brands we cover that means Ellie-Bo Standard Dog Cage: M (30 in) or L (36 in); MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate: 30 in or 36 in; Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate: 30 in or 36 in. Measure your dog's length and sitting height and add about 10 cm to be sure.
How do I measure my Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 sitting6. Add about 10 cm to each, then compare with the crate's length and height.
What size crate for a Staffordshire Bull Terrier 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 stretch5.
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 30 or 36 inch crate better for a Staffy?
Pet Crates Direct suggests 30 in for most adult Staffies1. A bigger or longer Staffy may need 36 in. Measure length and sitting height, add about 10 cm, and check the crate clears both.
Is a fabric crate OK for a Staffy?
Usually not. Staffies are strong dogs, and a dog that paws or chews can damage fabric. A wire crate with strong latches is a safer bet.
Find your Staffordshire Bull Terrier's crate sizeStaffordshire Bull Terrier harness guide