Selecting the appropriate cage for your pet German Shepherd is another important decision to make in relation to the pet’s comfort, security and health. Many people often ask what size of the dog cage for German Shepherd is appropriate most preferable for the dogs. German Shepherds are large dogs and have lots of energy thus, they need space to run and play as well as place to lie down.
Well, in this article, you will find out how to choose the most suitable cage size for your pet, so your pet would be comfortable and safe. They will come to learn when and the right time to have the correct dimension from puppies to adulthood bearing in mind their activity level.
Furthermore, the functions of the product accessories, which include the ventilation system, the tray system, and the divider system, will be discussed. Thus, at the end of the guide reading, you will have a good understanding of which size of the dog cage fits your German Shepherd and ultimately contributes to the dog’s happiness and healthy growth.
Knowing the Size and Requirement of a German Shepherd
German shepherds are large muscular dogs that are best known for their agility and intelligence, these dogs weigh between 50 to 90 pounds and have a height of 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Due to their solid build and rather large frame, they need sufficient territory to be able to walk properly. These dogs are one of the most intelligent breeds and need physical and mental exercise daily.
Thus, they require a setting that will help them maintain an active lifestyle, the absence of which causes them to become restless and develop behavioral problems. There is a need to determine these needs when it comes to the choice of the right cage size your German Shepherd needs to be in all the time.
Why Size of the Cage Should Be Selected Properly
Determining the suitable cage size for your German Shepherd is vital in the comfort of the dog. A cage that is too small is not comfortable at all, limits the ability to move around and can lead to such problems as joint ache, muscle rigidity and the like. It can also lead to anxiety and stress since the dog has a limited possibility of movement and feels restrained.
On the other hand, when the cage is too large, it cancels the perception of protection that the cage should offer, and, thus, it becomes less of a refuge. Also, it might interfere with the specific training to go to one room or place to sleep, and another to urinate and defecate.
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Selecting an appropriate size of the cage provides enough space to stand, turn around and lay down without stressing the dog, as it causes stress and health issues, as well as affects the training.
Measuring Your German Shepherd
Before you settle for a particular cage for your German Shepherd, it is recommended that you aware the correct measures of your pet. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you measure your German Shepherd for a cage:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Measure the Length:
Next, tell your German Shepherd to sit and then, make it get up.
To do the latter, employ a measuring tape and stretch from the tip of the nose to the rump.
This measurement will tell you the length of the cage that your dog requires.
Measure the Height:
Make sure that your German Shepherd is standing on a flat ground before you start taking your measurements.
This should be measured from the sole of the feet to the top of the head or the ears whichever is higher.
This measurement will assist in establishing the height of the cage when constructing or buying one.
Add Extra Comfort:
Alleviate the situation by adding about few inches depending on the standard, covering the region of 4 to 6 inches upwards to the body length and height.
This extra space will guarantee that your German Shepherd can at least be able to stretch and twist its body and also lie down inside this cage.
Recommended Cage Sizes for German Shepherds
Choosing the right cage size for your German Shepherd is crucial for their comfort and well-being. Here are the recommended cage dimensions based on the age and size of your German Shepherd:
Cage Dimensions
German Shepherd Size Chart
Age Cage Length (inches) Cage Width (inches) Cage Height (inches)
Adult German Shepherd 42 to 48 28 to 30 30 to 32
Puppy (Up to 6 months) 24 to 30 18 to 21 20 to 24
Additional Recommendations
For Adult German Shepherds:
Length: A cage length of 42 to 48 inches is generally suitable for an adult German Shepherd.
Width and Height: Ensure the cage is wide enough (28 to 30 inches) and tall enough (30 to 32 inches) for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
For Puppies:
Length: Start with a smaller cage (24 to 30 inches in length) to provide a cozy and secure environment.
Width and Height: Ensure the cage is appropriately sized for a puppy (18 to 21 inches wide and 20 to 24 inches high).
Upgrade: As your puppy grows, upgrade to a larger cage to accommodate their increasing size and activity levels.
Types of Cages
What Size Dog Cage for German Shepherd
Thus, talking about the cages for German Shepherd it is necessary to understand that there are different types of cages and each of them has its pros and cons. Here are the common types of dog cages and their suitability for German Shepherds:Here are the common types of dog cages and their suitability for German Shepherds:
Wire Crates
Pros:
Ventilation: Fresh air circulation which is good for the dog’s body temperature regulation.
Visibility: Enables your German Shepherd to view the environment which may help in decreasing stress.
Durability: Usually very tough, and durable, good for hefty breeds like German Shepherds.
Adjustability: Said to be available with dividers, thus can be converted to a different size as they grow.
Cons:
Portability: May be rather massive and not as portable from one place to another as more lightweight ones.
Comfort: May need more cushioning or even a crate mat for the pet to get comfortable in.
Noise: May be a little noisy when the dog is shifting around within the crate.
Three popular wire crate German Shepherds:
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Dog Crate
Frisco Heavy Duty Double Door Dog Crate
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Plastic Crates
Pros:
Security: Is less open and more closed, and this is preferable for some dogs as it may make them feel more protected.
Durability: Tends to be relatively strong and wear-resistant which provide rather good level of protection.
Portability: Flexible which makes it portable especially during travelling since it is lighter as compared to the other novels.
Cons:
Ventilation: Ironically, it may be slightly less airy than the wire crates and could be a problem especially in the hot areas.
Visibility: One disadvantage to have is that there are lesser visibility that may cause discomfort to the dogs which loves to observe things around them.
Size Limitations: Possibly has limited size range meaning that fully grown German Shepherds may not fit into the sizes provided.
Three popular Plastic Crate German Shepherds:
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Petmate Sky Kennel
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel
Soft-Sided Crates
Pros:
Portability: Lightweight and very portable for use in travelling or any short time events and occasions.
Comfort: Soft sides give a comfort zone where one can lay down.
Setup: These are favourites for the corporate events because they are easy to erect and fold away.
Cons:
Durability: Should not be used on dogs which are strong or anxious in pulling since they can either chew or scratch it as this material can be easily destroyed.
Security: Compared to wire or plastic crates, less secure and are not meant for use as containment.
Size Limitations: In many cases not offered in bigger sizes that would accommodate full grown German Shepherds.
Three popular Soft-Sided Crate German Shepherds:
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate
AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Folding Travel Crate
Heavy-Duty Metal Crates
Pros:
Durability: Very stiff and tough, ideal for large-bodied dogs and tendency break out fences.
Security: Essentially offers a high amount of security, which does not allow escapes.
Longevity: Durable, though not designed to breakdown even under having a lot of foot traffic.
Cons:
Weight: Heaviness is at its extreme it forces one to struggle when shifting themselves, let along lifting an object.
Cost: In general, more costly when compared with the other forms of crates.
Three popular Heavy-Duty Metal Crate German Shepherds:
ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Sliverylake Heavy Duty Dog Cage
Furniture-Style Crates
Pros:
Aesthetic: Very versatile and integrates well into the overall theme of home interior while serving as furniture.
Dual Purpose: It can either be used as a table and the like or any other sort of furniture, and at the same time, your pet will be contained.
Comfort: Generally intended for interior use, creating the comfort.
Cons:
Durability: Might not be as tough as wire or large-duty crunches.
Cost: Said to cost more, mostly because of design and the kind of material that is used.
Size Limitations: May not come in bigger sizes that could adequately cover a German Shepherd.
Three popular Furniture-Style Crate German Shepherds:
Merry Products Triple Door Dog Crate
Casual Home Wooden Pet Crate
New Age Pet ecoFLEX Pet Crate
Travel Crates
Pros:
Portability: Originally built with a view to travelling that is why means of transport are easily arranged.
Safety: May well fit the specifications that airlines have for pet carriage.
Comfort: Essentially, it offers your pet dog with a familiar, comfortable, and secure place during your travels.
Cons:
Size Limitations: Feeble when used for large breaths for long periods of time.
Durability: It is normally less durable than the home-use crates.
Ventilation: Possibility of having lesser air circulation when compared to the wire crates.
Three popular Travel Crate German Shepherds:
Petmate Sky Kennel
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Additional Features to Consider
When selecting a cage for your German Shepherd, consider these additional features that can enhance the overall experience for both you and your pet:
1. Double doors so that it will be easier to have access to the structure.
Benefits: Two doors make it possible to place and remove your German Shepherd in the cage through distinct points as compared to one door. This is a good thing especially when the space is limited or during a training session.
3. The trays of this dishwasher should be unique in the sense that they are removable with ease for purposes of cleaning.
Benefits: Cages with removable trays always ensure easy and fast cleaning process is carried out. Occasionally, mishaps occur and having a tray that can be disassembled and washed is convenient keeping your German Shepherd in a clean space. It also assists in cleaning the cage in general since the creatures harbor droppings or feces.
4. Ventilation and Visibility
Benefits: Proper air circulation is important for its comfort especially in the hot areas or during transportation of the animal. They should be either designed with highly placed perforations or meshing, ideal for air circulation yet With security. Fear, on the other hand, disappears with visibility since your dog gets a chance to survey their environment to feel more comfortable.
Conclusion
Thus, it is vital to choose the proper size for the German Shepherd dog cage to enhance the dog’s well-being and comfort. This is important because it discusses who the cage is suitable for, the suggested sizes for the cages that are meant for both puppies and the larger ones for adults, dual doors, divider, and the versatility of the trays.
