German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

outdoorsman · Posted: 08/05/03, 6:55 pm Post subject: Crate Size

Hershey has outgrown his crate. What size crate does a full size gwp end up in. The crates I see are for up to a 70 pound dog and the next one up is for a 90 pound dog. 70 ppound crate seemed small to me on the shelf. Everything I read says he shouldn't get over 65 pounds. (he has been nuetered). I would prefer the smaller one because it will fit in my Jeep better than than the larger one. So am I safe in getting the kennel for up to 70 pounds or in your experience will he outgrow that?
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cmmilach · Posted: 08/06/03, 9:07 am Post subject: Crate Size

Hi,

My male is 25.25 inches at the shoulder & weighs 70 pounds. He is in the x-large crate they sell at Wal-Mart. I think it is 30 inches high & fits in the back of my Durango just fine. My female wire is also in the x-large crate because when she stretched out in the 400, her feet hit the door.

Hope this helps.

cheerio · Moderator Joined: 11 Mar 2003 Posts: 285 Location: Canada

Cheerio had a Vari Kennel 500. She was quite at ease in it.

Jon P · Senior Joined: 30 Nov 2002 Posts: 93

When thinking of crates, consider the airline requirements if you think you would ever ship your dog (hunting, dog shows, etc.). The airlines have become much stricter on the crate size required for the weight of the dog. Each crate size is allowed only so many pounds for the crate and contents (dog).

I think it is better to pack dogs a little tighter as long as they are comfortable. A small dog in a big crate defeats the purpose of protecting them in a panic stop, sudden swerve, etc.
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Jon P

outdoorsman · Posted: 08/06/03, 2:10 pm Post subject:

I am leaning towards the smaller crate. 36"D x 28"H x 24"W. It will fit in the Jeep easier. I guess if he out grows it I'll have to upgrade to the pick up I want and a larger crate Very Happy

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dualgwp · Posted: 08/07/03, 5:17 am Post subject:

All of my Wires ride in 400 Vari Kennels. I do have a 500, and that one is sometimes used when the dog is in the house and needs crating, but I rarely ever use it in the car. It's just too dang big and only one crate would fit.

The dog needs room to lay down comfortably, stand up with comfortably, but doesn't really need room to stretch it's head up. If you watch, most dogs seem to curl up in them anyhow.

I agree that smaller is better when travelling, less room for them to bounce around it and in case of accident, a small crate will keep them safer.

Bernee

Tony · Master Joined: 22 Oct 2002 Posts: 197 Location: Iowa