What Size of Dog Crate for a Cocker Spaniel?

A dog crate can play a big role in your Cocker Spaniel's life. It offers your dog a peaceful place to retreat to when life gets a bit too hectic and can be a fantastic way to keep your dog safe too, or even help manage a dog with more destructive tendencies.

There really is no shortage of reasons why a dog crate is an important addition to your home.

But you may have a few questions when choosing a dog crate such as which type of dog crate should you get? What size of dog crate is suitable for a Cocker Spaniel? And what should you look for when buying one?

In this article, we will be covering all of these questions and more. If you are looking for a dog crate for a Cocker Spaniel, this article covers everything you need to know.

What Size of Dog Crate does a Cocker Spaniel Need?

If you are looking for a crate for a Cocker it will need to be these dimensions:

• Length: 30 inches
• Width: 24 inches
• Height: 24 inches

Generally, medium-sized crates will be a good fit. But don't just trust a medium label and always check the dimensions are sizes will vary between different crates.

This space gives your dog enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. You won't want to go much smaller than this as it will be too cramped.

Don't worry too much if your dog is still a puppy, they'll quickly grow into their space. Cocker Spaniels are more or less adult-sized by around a year old.

How to Measure your Cocker Spaniel for a Crate

While I've outlined the size of dog crate required for a Cocker above, adult dogs range in size anywhere from 36-43 cm high generally. This means the perfect size for a dog on the smaller side of the range will be quite different to one fit for a larger dog.

If you want to make sure you have a crate that is the right size or just double-check that your canine companion will have enough space, here is how you do that.

Measure your dog from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, not the full tail stretched out. Then add around two to four inches to this measurement. Also, do the same with their height.

This may sound like it's a bit cramped but keep in mind that all your dog needs to be able to do is stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Types of Dog Crate

There are a few types of dog crates that you will want to consider. Your options include soft-sided crates, folding wire crates, and heavy-duty dog crates.

Each option has its own benefits. Let's take a look at each style of dog crate to help you decide which is best for you.

Folding Wire Crate

This style of crate is my personal favourite. While it may not have the same plush comfort offered by soft-sided dog crates, it more than makes up for it with practicality.

As the name suggests, folding wire crates fold flat when not required. Generally, there will be a plastic tray for the bottom, and the sides will open up with clips to hold them in place.

It is ideal if you don't intend to have your Cocker Spaniels crate up all the time or are going away with your dog for a few days and want to take the crate with you.

Wire crates are pretty inexpensive. You should be able to pick one up without spending that much, and it will last for many years. Our wire crate is seven years old and still going strong!

If you are looking for a wire dog crate, I would recommend taking a look at this folding wire dog crate, which is the perfect size for Cocker Spaniels.

Soft-Sided

Soft dog crates offer a bit more comfort than the other styles of crate. They are usually made from a combination of fabric, mesh, and often some plastic components.

Aside from the comfort, there are a few advantages to this type of crate. It is lightweight, and ideal for travelling.

There are a few things you should consider when getting one of these crates. For example, they can be harder to clean and not quite as secure when compared to the other options. Also, sometimes smart dogs such as Cockers may be able to escape if determined.

Soft-sided crates are still a great way to give your Cocker a comfortable retreat at home. If you are looking for a softer crate take a look at this Amazon Basics folding dog crate.

Heavy-Duty

On the other side of the scale, we have heavy-duty crates. This type of crate may feel like overkill for a lovely little Cocker, but if you have a little Houdini it may be a good investment. It can also be great if your dog has tried to chew their way out of a crate before.

If you need a heavy-duty dog crate this steel dog crate is a solid option. There will be no escaping from here!

FAQs

Now that you have a good understanding of how to pick a dog crate for a Cocker Spaniel, here are some commonly asked questions on it.

Do I Need to Crate Train my Dog?

You don't have to crate train your dog, the benefits far outweigh the time and effort it will take to bring your dog up to speed.

Is it Cruel to Crate a Dog?

There are different schools of thought on if it is cruel to have a crate for a dog. Some dog owners are not a fan of crating a dog believing it to be mean. PETA have data that suggests that prolonged confinement is detrimental to an animal's well-being.

However, this is not talking about a few hours for your dog to sleep in a crate during the night.

On the other side of the coin, there is research that shows the benefits of a dog crate. The RSPCA suggests they can be great for short-term confinement or in some cases can even be advised by a veterinarian for recovery.

Where Should I Place my Dog's Crate?

Try to place your dog's crate in a place that will allow your dog to escape the noise of a busy household. This is even more important for those who with small kids who can be a bit excitable.

You can have a second little fleece bed in the corner of a family room for when your dog wants to be closer to you too.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Dog Crate?

Apart from being the right size, there are a few other features and attributes you should look for when buying a dog crate.

First, make sure it is well made, you want a crate that will be reliable and last for many years. A removable base is also super helpful for cleaning. Particularly if you are still house training your dog.

You should also try to think ahead about what you will be using it for. Are you planning to go away on trips often and need something that will be easily broken down? or have a dog who has chewed a crate before to get out?

These are things you should think about before choosing your crate.

How Long Can I Leave my Dog in a Crate?

It is recommended that you don't leave your dog in a crate for longer than six to eight hours. Though really you won't want to be leaving your Cocker in a crate for more than a couple of hours at max.

Conclusion

As you see there is a wide range of cage options for Cocker Spaniels, each type a little different and bringing its own benefits. No matter if you want the easy storage that a foldable wire crate offers or the safety that a heavy-duty option offers.

If you are interested in learning how to crate train your Cocker we have a guide to that too. Pair that dog crate training guide with one of these brilliant options discussed above and you will be on to a winner.

Hopefully, this advice on how to choose has helped you find the perfect crate size and decide on a type. You are well on your way to having a safe place and helping your dog feel comfortable.

And finally, remember to make it a positive experience if you have a Cocker Spaniel puppy. The first night will set the tone on if your dog treats it like a cage they are being hemmed into, or feel safe and happy.

A crate-trained dog will only make your life easier!