What Crate Size Is Best For Golden Retrievers?

If you have just brought home a new Golden Retriever puppy, or have a semi-grown adolescent pup, then you’re probably wondering what the best size crate is going to be.

It’s a good idea to get a crate early on, as crate training will be easier for young pups than adults who have not been crated before.

As they grow, they will come to know their crate as a comfortable familiar space to relax and sleep.

How Large Should A Golden Retriever Crate Be?

The best crate size for your Golden Retriever should provide enough room for them to move around and sit in comfortably, leaving a few inches at the top and side walls. Generally, a fully grown adult dog requires a large to extra-large dog crate.

What About Golden Retriever Puppies?

So what about small puppies? Do i need to buy a dog crate as my pooch grows through every stage?

Most dog crates feature divider panels that you can use to section the crate to fit your pooch well, based on their size.

As they grow you can go on adjusting the divider position until they fit the whole dog crate.

Can A Dog Crate Be Too Large?

A dog crate should not be too large as it can affect your dog’s house training.

For instance, they will be more likely to use it for other purposes, including as their bathroom.

• According to biologists researching wolf habits, wolf dens typically measure 40x50x20 inches.

• Therefore, based on the adult size of a Golden Retriever, look for an approximately 42′ dog crate.

Specifically, a dog crate with dimensions of 42x24x30 inches will normally be a good size for your adult Golden retriever.

Crates designed for large-sized dogs are heavy-duty, sturdy, and durable.

What Is The Best Type Of Crate?

Generally, there are five different types of dog crates to choose from.

The type you choose could depend on your dog’s personality, your needs, or maybe aesthetics if you want something that fits in with the decor of your home or yard.

1. Soft Crates

Soft dog crates pack into a small size, and are cozy and highly portable.

These are not generally a good option for large dogs, at least not as a permanent solution for home use.

Some larger and thicker material models are available, and if your dog is not a determined escape artist they could be useful for traveling, where your pal can have their own bed at night.

2. Plastic Crates

If you often travel with your dog, then a plastic dog crate is a good choice.

Plastic dog crates are light allowing for easy transportation, particularly in cars.

Plastic crates are quite cozy such that your dog can comfortably take a nap in there, and with a blanket offers a warm environment for your pet in cold climates.

Airflow can be a bit limited in a plastic crate, so they aren’t so great for summertime use, and your pooch may have a limited view of the outside world compared to a more open wire crate.

3. Aesthetic Wooden Crates

These are luxurious dog crates that can double up as furniture in your home.

They fit seamlessly into your home décor, and come in a variety of wood finishes, colors, and designs.

Despite their appealing nature, aesthetic crates are difficult to move around unlike the wire crates, and don’t fare well outdoors due to weather.

Also, some wooden crates are highly destructible especially if your retriever loves to chew up stuff, and can be difficult to clean especially if the bottom floor isn’t waterproof.

4. Wire Crates

Wire dog crates also known as dog kennels are the most popular type of dog crates.

This dog crate features thick wires that allow for good ventilation, making them suitable for use in shady spots in hot climates.

Wire dog crates also feature a divider, ensuring that the crate grows with your dog right from the puppy stage until fully grown adult size.

What I love most about these crates is the removable floor tray that allows for easy cleaning, and also that they can be folded flat for travel – making them very portable.

If your Retriever loves chewing and escaping, you may find a wire cage is not enough to contain them, so this choice may depend on your dog’s temperament.

5. Sturdy Metal Crates

Sturdy dog crates are heavily-built crates that are not only durable but also suitable for large dogs such as golden retrievers.

These are a good choice for home, as they are difficult for dogs to escape from, and due to their sturdy construction will last many years.

Another plus with metal crates is that they are reasonably easy to clean, usually having a removable tray underneath for easily removing waste.

Caster wheels are normally attached to the bottom, making it easy to move the crate with your dog inside, and makes them very suitable for airline travel.

Like with wire mesh cages, crates with metal bars offer good airflow for summer months, however you need to ensure they are in a shady spot away from the sun.

On the downside, sturdy metal dog crates are quite expensive, but worth the outlay when you consider how long they last, and their versatility.

The 5 Best Dog Crates for Golden Retrievers

1. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage

The ProSelect Empire Dog cage is arguably one of the best dog crates in its price range for large dogs.

Constructed with 20-gauge steel and ½” diameter steel tubes, the Empire dog crate is sturdy and will last a long time.

Crate cleaning is easy with the removable floor grate and steel tray that holds any dirt and shedding fur for simple clean-up.

The Empire cage is easy to move around with its for caster wheels, which can be locked to prevent it moving, or removed completely if you want the cage to stand on the floor.

The strong steel bars combined with solid welds and dual door latches will hep ensure your dog doesn’t escape when you’re not looking.

The Empire dog cage features durable high-grade hammertone that is scratch and chip resistant, and prevents rusting.

Many dog owners have commented that this cage is very easy to assemble, and it comes with a tool for this purpose.

The ProSelect Empire cage is available in two sizes: 37 and 42 inches. For a full-grown Golden Retriever the 42-inch crate would be the ideal size.

Features

• Constructed with a 20-gauge steel cage and reinforced with steel tubes. 
• Features removable casters for easy of movement
• A special floor grate with a steel tray.
• Welded stress points for extra strength and durability.
• Built to last for long; withstands wear and tear.
• Available in medium and large sizes.

2. Luckup Heavy Duty Dog Cage

If you are looking for an indestructible, rust-free dog crate that is intended for indoor and use, the Luckup heavy duty dog cage is a good choice.

The Luckup heavy-duty cage is made to last and comes with a three-year warranty.

The crate is made of strong durable steel with a hammertone rust-resistant coating.

The paint finish is non-toxic for your dog.

Designers of this dog crate took into consideration the safety and security of your dog. It features two locks with safety latches stopping even the most intelligent dogs escaping from this crate.

The Luckup Heavy Duty features double doors, one at the front that serves as the main entry, and a top door whenever you need to interact with your pup while inside their den.

In addition, you will enjoy the crate’s mobility thanks to its locking caster design. It features 360-degree rotating casters that keep the crate steady when securely locked.

The Luckup dog crate features a removable plastic tray that holds dirt thus simplifying the cleaning process.

Easy to assemble, it takes most people around ten minutes. The only accessories that you need are the screw bolts and four locking wheels. 

Available in different dimensions of 36, 38, 42 and 48 inches, the overall dimension for the 42-inch crate is 41.5×30.5×37.

Features

• Heavy-duty frame. Made of anti-rust and corrosion-resistant steel metal.
• Non-toxic finish.
• Double door (Front and top parts).
• 360-degree locking castor design.
• Features two locks and comprise of safety buckles.
• Removable plastic tray for easy cleaning.
• Easy to assemble.
• Three-year warranty.

3. Crown Pet Crate Hardwood Table

The Crown Pet Crate Table is a decorative yet functional dog crate that doubles up as a high-end table.  It is all your Golden Retriever needs as their safe den.

The crate is crafted using durable hardwood and eco-friendly rubberwood that not only makes the crate long-lasting but also solid with an even appearance.

You will love its beautiful lacquered finish crafted using high-quality mortise and tenon construction.

Significantly, the crate features a security panel that prevents your pup from chewing the wood door, especially during crate training. Note that, once your pooch has been fully trained, you can remove the panel.  

Whether you place it in the bedroom as a decorative nightstand or at the living room as an end table, the Crown pet Crate table will compliment your home décor with its awesome two finishing options, that is, mahogany or espresso.

The crate features melamine covered MDF floor that simplifies the cleaning process, being waterproof it won’t absorb any water or pet odors.

Another awesome feature of this dog crate is the versatile swing-through door that opens in both ways (outwards and inwards) for a comfortable entry and exit of your pooch.

To enhance its safety, the crate features a stainless latch that is not only attractive but also strong and easy to operate.  

The crate is available in two sizes: medium and large.

Features

• Made of eco-friendly durable hardwood.
• Durable mortise and tenon construction.
• Beautiful lacquered finish.
• Waterproof melamine-covered MDF floor.
• Removable security panel at the door.
• Versatile swing-through door.
• Multiple vents for increased visibility and proper ventilation.
• Stainless door latch for increased safety.
• Available in medium and large sizes

4. Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel

The Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel is a great dog crate for travel, offering your dog a safe and comfortable travel experience.

The crate allows you to travel along with your dog on airlines as it meets most of the airline cargo specifications.

This kennel is made of heavy-duty plastic that makes it sturdy enough for even the large-sized dogs (up to 90lbs).

The plastic shell along with metal screw construction enhances the safety of your pet as well as the crate’s durability.

The bars found at the crate’s door and windows are made of steel wire strong enough to prevent your dog from escaping from the cage.

The crate can be further secured by tie-down holes, and has a door latch that securely locks the door and is also simple to open using one hand.

The Petmate Kennel features minimal sharp edges, a raised interior, and multiple vents for proper ventilation and 360-degree visibility.  

The crate is easy to assemble as it does not require any tool apart from the metal screws and fasteners.

Another significant feature of this crate is its simple cleaning process owing to the crate’s eco-friendly materials: you can just wipe it down.

The crate is designed so the outer edge of the floor is slightly lowered to allow urine to pass out easily in case of ‘accidents’.  Thus ensuring that your pup does not have to lie on own urine.

Features

• Made of heavy-duty recycled plastic.
• Tie-down strap holes for zip-tie installation.
• Wire vents and raised interior for safety and comfort during travel.
• Multiple vents at the side and the back.
• Features easy-open front latch.
• Meets most airline cargo specifications therefore suitable for air travel.
• Available in a range of dimensions.

5. AmazonBasics Folding Metal Kennel

The AmazonBasics kennel is foldable for ease of storage and portability, making it a great travel option for you Golden Retriever.

When folded, it takes a briefcase-like shape and comes along with a handle that you can use to move it easily from one place to the other.

The AmazonBasics is constructed using sturdy metal wire, enhancing its durability, and coupled with two slide-bolt latches keeps your pet safe and secure.

Ventilation is excellent in this cage, and dogs love being able to see clearly out of the cage in all directions.

This crate features dividing panels made of metal. They are not only durable but also efficient in ensuring that you micromanage this large dog crate to fit your pooch in each of their life stages.

In addition, it is designed with mini-dividers at the bottom surface to prevent even the tiniest paws from slipping through.

It is also easy to clean this crate thanks to the removable composite plastic pan.

You can choose the AmazonBasics Crate either with a single door entry or double door entry (front and side).

Features

• High-quality metal construction. 
• Features divider panel thus grows with your puppy up to full-adult size.
• Versatile: You can choose a single door or double door crate.
• Lightweight, well-ventilated and foldable thus suitable for travel.
• Features mini-dividers at the bottom floor.
• Two slide-bolt latches on each door for added safety.
• Removable composite plastic pan for ease of cleaning.
• Available in different sizes: 22-inch, 24-inch, 30-inch, 36-inch, 42-inch and 48-inch.

Tips on Crate Training your Golden Retriever

There are many benefits attributed to crate training your retriever.

For instance, the crate serves as a safe haven where they can retreat to relax and nap, reducing anxiety in your pup.

Also, you can comfortably leave your pup in the crate and go on with your day’s activities knowing that they are in a safe and cozy place.

Crate training your retriever takes a little time, however with the following tips you will be a step closer to having your pup fully crate trained:

• Golden retrievers are social animals and love to interact with people. Therefore, place the crate preferably in the living room during the day and in the bedroom at night.

• Make the crate as inviting as possible by placing their favorite toys in there and also offering them meals inside the crate. This helps them associate the crate with positive and fun activities.

• Consistently use particular voice commands such as ‘crate time’ whenever you want them to enter the crate. This will help make them accustomed to going in without fuss whenever you speak those words.

• Entice you dog with treats and shower them with praises once they get into the crate. Remember, Retrievers love positive affirmations.

• Don’t crate your Retriever for long periods. At the very most 4-5 hours during the day, and 8 hours at night. Retrievers love companionship and require lots of physical exercise as well. Its best to have multiple shorter sessions in the crate than one long session.