Choosing the correct crate size for a Golden Retriever is not about preference or brand — it’s about measurements, safety, and long-term comfort. An incorrectly sized crate can cause stress, poor posture, accidents during crate training, and difficulty during travel.
If you’re searching for what size crate for Golden Retriever, here is the direct answer:
The correct crate size for an adult Golden Retriever is 42 inches (107 cm).
That size provides enough space for standing, turning, and lying down comfortably without being so large as to undermine crate training or security. This dog crate size guide explains how to choose the right crate size for your dog, based on adult measurements, growth stage, and everyday use.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Size Crate for Golden Retriever (Quick Answer)
For most adult Golden Retrievers, the ideal crate size is 42 inches (107 cm).
Recommended internal dimensions:
- Length: 42 inches (107 cm)
- Width: ~28 inches (71 cm)
- Height: ~30 inches (76 cm)
This size allows a fully grown Golden Retriever to:
- Stand upright without ducking
- Turn around comfortably
- Lie stretched on their side
- Sit without touching the top panel
Anything smaller restricts movement and posture. Anything larger can create behavioural issues during crate training, especially with puppies. The RSPCA also advises that dogs should have enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which directly supports choosing the correct crate size rather than sizing up or down incorrectly.
Golden Retrievers typically reach an adult weight of 25–34 kg, with a long body and deep chest. That combination is exactly why 36-inch crates often look “almost right” but fail in practice, especially once your dog fills out between 12–18 months.
Golden Retriever Crate Size by Age (Using One Crate Only)
You do not need to buy multiple crates as your Golden Retriever grows. The correct approach is to buy a 42-inch crate from the start and use a divider panel. According to The Kennel Club’s official Golden Retriever breed standards, adult Goldens typically fall within a size range that makes a 42-inch crate the most suitable option for proper movement and comfort.
A divider allows you to reduce the usable space while your puppy is small, preventing accidents and encouraging calm behaviour.
Typical progression:
- 8–16 weeks: Divider set short (puppy just able to turn and lie down)
- 4–8 months: Divider gradually extended as height and length increase
- 8–12 months: Divider nearly removed
- 12+ months: Full 42-inch crate used as adult size
This method is safer, more cost-effective, and avoids the disruption of switching crates mid-training.
How to Measure Your Golden Retriever for the Correct Crate Size
Although 42 inches is correct for most Goldens, measuring your dog is still important, particularly if your dog is larger than average or very tall.
To measure properly:
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tail tip)
- Measure from the floor to the top of the head while standing
- Add 5–10 cm to both measurements for comfort
If your measurements exceed:
- 95 cm nose-to-tail, or
- 70 cm standing height
You should still stay with a 42-inch crate, but prioritise models with extra headroom and stronger frames.
Avoid sizing up to a 48-inch crate unless your Golden Retriever is unusually tall or mixed with a giant breed. Larger crates often reduce the sense of security that Goldens respond well to.
Final takeaway
If you remember one thing:
A 42-inch crate with a divider is the correct, future-proof choice for almost every Golden Retriever.
Anything smaller risks discomfort. Anything larger risks poor training outcomes.
Get the size right once, and you won’t need to replace it later. Once you’ve chosen the correct crate size, adding the right bedding is essential. This guide to the best dog beds for Golden Retrievers explains how to maintain comfort without reducing usable crate space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 36-inch crate big enough for a Golden Retriever?
Generally, no. While a small female Golden might fit in a 36-inch crate, it will be tight. A 36-inch crate often lacks the headroom for an adult dog to sit up without hunching. We always recommend the 42-inch (107 cm) size to ensure they can stretch out fully, preventing joint stiffness and anxiety.
What size crate should I get for a Golden Retriever puppy?
Do not buy a small “puppy crate.” Instead, buy the full-size 42-inch adult crate that comes with a divider panel. This allows you to block off the extra space while they are small (preventing toilet accidents in the corner) and gradually move the divider back as they grow. It saves you from buying two crates.
What size crate do I need for a Golden Retriever in the car?
Car crates often need to be slightly smaller than home crates to fit into the boot and provide safety (less room to be thrown around in an accident). For most SUVs, a sloped 36-inch to 40-inch crate is the standard fit for a Golden Retriever.
Should I cover my Golden Retriever’s crate?
Yes. Golden Retrievers are social dogs who can get “FOMO” (fear of missing out) if they see you moving around. Covering the crate (leaving the front open) taps into their natural “den instinct,” making the space feel safer, darker, and calmer for sleeping.
Do Golden Retrievers need heavy-duty crates?
Most Golden Retrievers are gentle and do fine with a standard wire crate. However, if your dog has separation anxiety or is a known escape artist who chews wires, you should invest in a reinforced steel crate (heavy duty) to prevent injury and escape.
How do I measure my Golden Retriever for a crate?
To get the perfect fit, measure your dog when they are standing and lying down:
– Length: Tip of the nose to the base of the tail (add 2-4 inches).
– Height: Floor to the top of the head or ears (add 2 inches).
– Result: If your dog is borderline, always size up.
