Buying an XXL dog crate is a big decision, literally. After all, these crates are heavy, they take up a corner of the room, and they aren’t cheap. If you pick one too small, your dog can’t stretch out. On the other hand, pick one too large and house training gets harder. So, let’s work out the right size before you spend the money.
Specifically, this guide covers what XXL means for crates, how to measure your dog, which breeds need one, and how to match an XXL dog bed to the crate.
What Size Is an XXL Dog Crate?
In most brands, an XXL dog crate is 48 inches (122 cm) long. Some companies also sell a 54 inch model and call it XXL or “giant”. For comparison, an XL crate is usually 42 inches. PetSmart’s crate size chart places XXL crates at 48 to 54 inches for dogs over about 91 lbs (41 kg).
Size Chart by Length and Weight
| Crate size | Length | Adult dog weight | Example breeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 24 in (61 cm) | Up to 25 lbs (11 kg) | Pug, Shih Tzu |
| Medium | 30 in (76 cm) | 25–40 lbs (11–18 kg) | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel |
| Large | 36 in (91 cm) | 40–70 lbs (18–32 kg) | Border Collie, Husky |
| XL | 42 in (107 cm) | 70–90 lbs (32–41 kg) | Labrador, German Shepherd |
| XXL | 48 in (122 cm) | 90–110 lbs (41–50 kg) | Rottweiler, XL Bully, Akita |
| XXXL / Giant | 54 in (137 cm) | 110 lbs + (50 kg +) | Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard |
Still, weight is only a rough guide. For example, a lean, long-legged dog may need a bigger crate than a heavier but shorter one, so always measure.
How to Measure Your Dog for an XXL Dog Crate
- Length: with your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Don’t include the tail itself.
- Height: measure from the floor to the top of the head or the ear tips, whichever is higher, while your dog sits upright.
- Add space: finally, add 2 to 4 inches to both numbers. That gives you the minimum inside size of the crate.
Once inside, your dog should be able to stand without the head touching the roof, turn around easily, and lie flat with legs stretched out. If any of those fail, then go one size up.
Which Breeds Need an XXL Crate?
Generally, dogs that weigh over 90 lbs (40 kg) or stand taller than about 26 inches at the shoulder end up in a 48 or 54 inch crate. Common examples include Rottweilers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Akitas, Great Danes, Mastiffs and Newfoundlands.
XXL Crate for an XL Bully
The XL American Bully, often searched as “XXL bully”, is a heavy, broad dog. Under the EBKC breed standard, males stand 20 to 23 inches at the withers and females 19 to 22 inches. Because of their thick chest and muscle, most adult XL Bullies need a 48 inch heavy-duty crate, and very large males may need 54 inches. Also, note that some countries, including England and Wales, place legal restrictions on owning XL Bullies, so check your local rules.
Wire, Plastic or Heavy-Duty: Which Type?
- Wire crates fold flat, give good airflow and usually come with a divider panel. They are the most common XXL choice.
- Plastic crates feel more den-like, and airline-approved models are needed for flying. However, very large plastic crates are bulky.
- Heavy-duty steel crates suit strong chewers or escape artists. However, they cost more and weigh a lot, so place them where they will stay.
If you buy an XXL crate for a puppy, use the divider. That way, it keeps the space small during training, and you can slide it back as the dog grows.
Matching an XXL Dog Bed to Your Crate
An XXL dog bed is normally around 50 inches long, which is slightly bigger than a 48 inch crate. Therefore, if the bed is going inside the crate, buy a crate pad sized for the crate instead of a standard bed.
For a bed outside the crate, measure your dog while sleeping, from nose to the base of the tail, then add 6 to 12 inches, as recommended in this dog bed size guide. Dogs that sprawl need the extra length, while dogs that curl up are happy with a round bolster bed.
Common Buying Mistakes
- Buying by breed name only, without measuring the actual dog.
- Forgetting the crate’s outer size, which is often 2 inches bigger than the inside.
- Skipping the divider panel for a growing puppy.
- Placing the crate in direct sun or next to a heater.
More Guides You May Like
Of course, big sizes cause confusion everywhere. Check our XXL mouse pad size guide for desk setups, or our XS to XXL clothing size chart if you are shopping for yourself.
Choosing the Right XXL Dog Crate
For most large breeds, an XXL dog crate means a 48 inch crate, while giant breeds need 54 inches. In short, measure your dog’s length and height, add 2 to 4 inches, and pick the crate that clears both. Then add a matching crate pad, and your dog will have a space that feels safe rather than cramped.
