Quick answer: for a large dog, size the crate by measurement first and weight second. Measure your dog lying down with the front legs stretched out, from the tip of the front paws to the back of the hindquarters, and add about 6 in (15 cm); that is the minimum inside length. Then check that your dog can sit up without ducking. As a shortcut, dogs of 22-40 kg (48-88 lb) usually need our L size and dogs of 40-52 kg (88-115 lb) our XL. Above 52 kg, send us your dog's measurements before ordering.
Large dogs are where crate sizing goes wrong most often, because breed names cover a wide range of body sizes and because a crate that is "large" by the label can still be too short for a long-backed dog. This guide gives you the numbers.
Step 1: measure, do not guess
- Length: your dog lying down with the front legs stretched forward, from the tip of the front paws to the back of the hindquarters, plus about 6 in (15 cm). Nose-to-tail is the wrong measurement; it comes out too short because a resting dog lies with the legs extended.
- Height: your dog sitting, from the floor to the top of the head. That is the minimum inside height.
- Width: a large dog should be able to turn around without touching both walls. If the length is right, width usually follows.
If your dog is between two sizes, or is under 18 months and still filling out, choose the larger size.
Step 2: find the size band by weight
We use the same weight bands across our Mid, BCL, SB CTL and FOD designs. The Classic series uses a three-size scale.
| Size | Mid, BCL, SB CTL, FOD | Classic series |
|---|---|---|
| Medium | 12-22 kg (26-48 lb) | 25-50 lb (11.3-22.7 kg) |
| Large | 22-40 kg (48-88 lb) | 50-80 lb (22.7-36.3 kg) |
| X-Large | 40-52 kg (88-115 lb) | - |
Typical breeds and the size we would start from
Adult weights vary a lot within a breed, and males are often heavier than females, so use the tape measure to confirm.
| Breed | Typical adult weight | Usual size |
|---|---|---|
| Border Collie, Springer Spaniel, Standard Poodle | 14-25 kg (30-55 lb) | M or L, by measurement |
| Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer | 25-36 kg (55-80 lb) | L |
| Siberian Husky, Vizsla, Dalmatian | 18-30 kg (40-65 lb) | L |
| German Shepherd, Doberman, Weimaraner | 30-40 kg (65-90 lb) | L or XL, by measurement |
| Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rhodesian Ridgeback | 35-50 kg (75-110 lb) | XL |
| Great Dane, Newfoundland, Mastiff | over 50 kg (110 lb) | Ask us with measurements |
Step 3: check the exterior size against the room
A crate for a large dog is a real piece of furniture, roughly the size of a sideboard. Measure the wall, alcove or bedside where it will go and leave a few centimetres behind it for air, plus space in front for the door to swing fully. These are the exterior sizes of our L and XL crates (width x height x depth):
| Model | L | XL |
|---|---|---|
| Mid (gabled roof, our best-seller) | 30.6 x 33.9 x 27.3 in (78 x 86 x 69 cm) | 34.9 x 37.0 x 31.4 in (89 x 94 x 80 cm) |
| BCL (slanted roof, widest footprint) | 36.2 x 29.9 x 24.3 in (92 x 76 x 62 cm) | 44.1 x 34.7 x 29.6 in (112 x 88 x 75 cm) |
| SB CTL (tallest) | 35.1 x 34.3 x 25.5 in (89 x 87 x 65 cm) | 42.7 x 40.2 x 31.2 in (108 x 102 x 79 cm) |
| FOD (flat top) | Size 2: 35 x 26.4 x 27 in (89 x 67 x 69 cm) | Size 3: 42.7 x 31 x 33.9 in (108 x 79 x 86 cm) |
| Master | Size 3: 30 x 24 x 29 in (76 x 61 x 74 cm) | Size 4: 35 x 28 x 34 in (89 x 71 x 86 cm) |
| Classic series (Large only) | 37 W x 36 H x 29 D in (94 x 91 x 74 cm), up to 80 lb | - |
Notice that the designs differ in shape more than in size. BCL and FOD are wide and low; Mid and SB CTL are taller and narrower. For a long-backed dog, the wide designs give more floor length; for a dog that likes to sit tall, the gabled designs give more headroom. The full table for every size is on the Size Guide.
What a large dog needs from the crate itself
- Ventilation from more than one side. A big dog gives off more heat. Our designs have vent slots or cut-outs in the side panels and a vent in the roof, so air moves with the door closed.
- A door that holds. A large dog leaning on a door will find a weak latch. Ours is a clear, shatter-resistant acrylic door with a steel latch that only opens from the outside.
- A floor you can take out. A removable, water-resistant floor panel makes cleaning a crate this size much easier than reaching into a fixed base.
- A stable structure. Panels that lock together with pre-drilled hardware stay square; a large dog turning around inside will rattle anything loose.
- A cushion cut to the crate. Included with every house, with a removable, machine-washable cover. Spare cushions in four colours are in our crate cushions.
Is a wooden crate right for a large dog?
For a dog that is already calm in a crate, yes: the layout inside is the same as a wire crate, only enclosed and quieter. Two cases where we would say wait: a dog that is still learning to settle, and a dog that chews the crate itself when anxious. In both, a sturdy training crate and advice from your vet or a qualified trainer come first. Our houses are engineered wood (MDF) panels with a non-toxic finish, made for indoor and covered spaces.
Our large and X-large crates
Every Lotus Dog House is made to order in Gönen, Türkiye, ships in 1-4 business days and arrives flat-packed; assembly takes about 15 minutes. Shipping is free and tracked on orders over US$250 to the US, Canada, the UK and Europe, with duties included.
- Large dog crate furniture: every L and XL size in one place
- BCL Walnut: the widest floor for long-backed dogs
- Mid Walnut: the gabled best-seller, with the most headroom in XL
- Dog crate furniture buying guide: the full checklist for any size
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a Labrador need?
Most adult Labradors weigh 25-36 kg (55-80 lb) and fit our L size, which has an exterior of 30.6 x 33.9 x 27.3 in (78 x 86 x 69 cm) in the Mid design. Confirm by measuring your dog lying down, front paws to hindquarters, plus 6 in (15 cm).
What size crate does a German Shepherd need?
German Shepherds range from about 30 to 40 kg (65-90 lb), which sits on the line between our L and XL sizes. Measure your dog; a long-backed or male Shepherd usually needs XL.
Can a dog over 52 kg (115 lb) use a Lotus crate?
Our standard XL is rated to 52 kg (115 lb). For a heavier or longer dog, message us with the weight and lying-down length before you order and we will tell you whether one of our sizes will work.
Is a bigger crate always better for a large dog?
No. A crate that is far too large feels less like a den and takes more floor space. Aim for the lying-down length plus 6 in (15 cm) and enough height to sit up, then choose the larger option only if your dog is between sizes or still growing.
How much space does a large dog crate take up?
Our L sizes are roughly 78-92 cm (31-36 in) wide and 62-69 cm (24-27 in) deep; XL runs up to 112 cm (44 in) wide. Measure the spot first and leave a few centimetres behind for airflow.
