Which size for which breed?

Is your dog always with you? Whether for the way to work or when traveling – if you take your dog with you in the car, you need a dog transport box. So your darling is safe at all times.

If you are looking for such a dog box, the question quickly arises: Which size for which breed? This is very important so that your four-legged friend feels comfortable in the box. We explain what you need to look out for, how to find the perfect size and introduce you to three products in different sizes.

Guide: Dog box what size?

Why is size so important?

Put yourself in your dog’s shoes. Staying in a box isn’t a problem for him if he’s used to it. But imagine what it would be like if the box was very small. Pretty uncomfortable, right? Your darling will feel the same way and feel uncomfortable. In the worst case, claustrophobia can develop and your dog won’t go back into the dog box next time.

So that your darling is comfortable on the journey and doesn’t have to bend and tense to have space in the box, you should make sure that your dog can turn around in the box, stand upright and also lie down stretched out. These are the most important basic criteria so that your sweetheart is doing well.

But watch out: A box that is too large also causes problems. Some dog owners want to do it extra well and buy huge crates for small dogs. In this case, the safety of your animal suffers. If you brake sharply or have to swerve in traffic, it can happen that your dog is thrown around in a box that is too large and injures itself.

How big does a dog box have to be?

So the right size is important. But how do I find out what the right size is now?

There are different formulas for this. Basically you have to look at the length, the width and the height of the box.

To the optimal box length to determine you miss your dog from the tail to the tip of the nose and add 15cm to it.

The height becomes measured from the tip of the ear to the paw. For dogs with floppy ears, the highest point of the head is measured instead of the tip of the ear. Also be here then added 15cm.

The width should be at least twice as wide as the dog at the widest point (usually the shoulder).

Is your dog fidgeting and you can’t measure it exactly?

In this case, measurement errors may occur. With wild, playful dogs, it is therefore often helpful to give the dogs a good workout before you miss them. Food can also help the animals to keep still while measuring.

Please note that despite all the measurements, you should also try the box. This way you can see whether your dog actually has enough space and feels comfortable. Do not compromise a la «He’ll get used to it.» Or «It’s tight, but it’ll work somehow.‘ – that’s not fair to your loved one and you’ll get angry about it later. It’s better to look for the perfect box and then enjoy it for a long time.

Which size for which breed?

It is not possible to say in general which size is suitable for which breed. Dogs of one breed can still vary widely in size. Diet and muscle condition also play a crucial role.

Of course it can be said that a German Shepherd will not fit in the smallest box size. Likewise, the largest box is definitely too big for a Spitz. For the exact dimensions, however, you have to measure your dog as described.

Therefore, you should always be critical of manufacturer information that offers the box for certain breeds. Of course, this is a first guideline, but it should never replace an accurate measurement and sample.

Product Recommendations

For small dogs: foldable dog box from Dibea

This fabric dog crate with a steel frame is ideal for small breed dogs. It is very light and easy to carry thanks to the large handles.

Thanks to the folding mechanism, the bag takes up very little space when folded and can therefore always be taken with you.

The box is equipped with nets on all four sides and on the surface, which allow optimal air circulation. So your dog can always breathe fresh air and especially in summer it doesn’t get too warm. Thanks to the large nets, your darling can always observe his surroundings and doesn’t feel like he’s locked in. For breaks, all sides can be closed and darkened by roller blinds.

The material is washable, the soft cushion can be removed and washed. So the bag is always clean.

For medium-sized dogs: Trixie Vario dog box

This transport bag is well suited for medium-sized dog breeds. It is made of durable polyester and is reinforced with a metal frame.

The bag can be opened on three sides, two are on the sides, one is on the top. This gives you a lot of flexibility when standing in the car, for example, and you don’t have to pay attention to where the entrance is.

The entrances can either be closed with nets or additional blinds and are therefore suitable for all weather conditions. While a cool draft is pleasant in summer, a cold draft can be prevented in winter by closing the entrances with the roller blinds.

The care required for this box is very low, a simple wipe is sufficient. The included faux fur can be washed in the washing machine.

The box has Velcro straps on the underside to prevent it from slipping in the car. For outdoor use, the box can be anchored in the ground with pegs.

For large dog breeds: TrendPet Pro foldable dog transport box

This box is ideal for large dogs. It offers plenty of space so that your darling can move freely without bumping into anything. It is particularly noticeable that this box has 5 cm more interior height and thus offers significantly more headroom than other boxes.

The frame of the fabric box is made of aluminum tubes, which provide a lot of stability but are very light at the same time.

Air supply nets are attached to all four sides. There are also four blinds available to darken the room, which also protect your four-legged friend from cold drafts.

In order to offer an optimal fit for the car, the frame of the dog box is slightly beveled in the upper third. It can also be attached to the sides of the trunk and does not have to be in the middle. A 3.5 meter long strap is included for securing in the car.

You can find more dog crates for large dogs in our guide here.

Conclusion

So that your darling feels comfortable in the car and likes to drive away with you, it is important that he feels comfortable in his dog box. In addition to good familiarization, the size of the box is also a decisive factor.

A box that is too big or too small will create problems that are easy to avoid. Before you buy a dog box, you should therefore measure your dog carefully. The mere recommendation of a box for a specific breed is often unreliable.

For example, the product information presented in this article for the respective size of the dog provides a starting point for finding the best product, but measuring and, of course, testing with your dog is crucial.