Crates: 48" vs 54"

[Puppypeoplenj]

Orca is in my in-laws' old 42" crate that they use for their Golden Retriever puppies. We use it as little as possible because it's such a tight fit for him. He stand up but can't lift his head up naturally, can't stretch out on his back to sleep like he prefers, and has to hunch his head down when he sits. It's just all-around too small.

So, we're looking for another crate for him that isn't crazy expensive. I want him to be comfortable in it and, as I'm looking for a full-time job now, he needs to be okay in there for 8 hours. So I've been pretty stuck on finding a 54" crate. When I mentioned it to his breeder, though, she though 48" should be plenty of room for him.

I would like this crate to be the last we buy. I want him to be comfortable in it until he hopefully one day is able to roam the house while we're out (that day seems very far off) and then to use it for the next puppy, which my SO is already wanting in the next year or two. I am not enthusiastic about this idea, but I digress...

I don't know how to measure Orca properly, but he was 130 lbs when we weighed him a month ago and he appears bigger now. When he stands up and jumps on me, he's now taller than I am by a lot. If the 48" was a decent size I would love that because theyre so easy to find cheaply/used/on sale but if the 54" is the only one that works, then that's what we'll go with. We don't have the option of trying one out. I've been trying to find one he can test out and have been unsuccessful.

 

[2newfs4now]

I've had both sizes... For Max, the 48" was sufficient. Charlie, on the other hand, needed the 54" for the taller door. Charlie would blast out of his crate if there was something that needed his immediate attention Twice, we had him at the vet for what turned out to be a bruised spine and finally put 2 and 2 together. He needed the taller exit. Max never did anything quickly ... I miss those two I have a 48" for in the vehicle and camping (for Asher) and the 54" will be set up for home use when camping season starts later in the spring/summer.

 

[wrknnwf]

I have smaller 42" ones for travel and a 48" for home. All of them were fine for my first three normal sized Newfs. And now I have Mr. Spirit, the giant Newf. I don't have the largest 54" crate and wish I did. But I do have an extra tall ex-pen which might work if I need it. Ex-pens are another alternative for well behaved dogs. They aren't fun to lug around, though.

I also have a smaller (42"?) cloth travel crate which is great if your dog is well behaved and the weather isn't too hot. Not so good for rambunctious, restless dogs or chewers, or those 100 deg days at water rescue events.

Honestly, adult Newfs of any size are much more comfortable in the biggest crates, but they are a pain when it comes to portability.

I ended up purchasing 6 crates over the years and already had a smaller one (30"?) for a previous small dog that ended up working well for the Newfs when they were wee pups. They are all well used, since each has it's size and portability advantages or disadvantages. I don't regret having so many and will probably donate a few of them to rescue at some point. Seven crates...what was I thinking?

I have to think that having a Newf almost guarantees that you will buy multiple items. You purchase something and then find something else that works better. I must have bought 15 different collars and leashes before I settled on the types that would serve the purposes...certain ones for conformation shows, some for obedience shows, others for water work, and then regular daily use collars and leashes. Also two different carts...the first was awfully big and the second one smaller and easier to maneuver (both for me and the dog). Then there are the food bowls...didn't like the first ones I bought...and dog beds, and towels, and grooming stuff and...and...and.

My advice for crates is to get the larger one. Having both sizes, you're covered for just about any situation.

And don't worry...even if your dog breaks the bank, it's worth every penny just to have him. You can't put a dollar value on love, affection, and sloppy kisses. I'm sure he will do everything in his power to ease your pain when you become destitute. LOL!

 

[nowhavethreebears]

I have a 54 which was Gabriel's and a couple of 48s that were Sophie and Hannah's. Gabriel was smallish for a male, but he loved to sleep spread eagle in his crate, so the 54 was perfect for his naps.
Only drawback to it is that it is HUGE and it weighs over 100 lbs. Once you set it up you probably won't be moving it. Gabriel's has been in the same spot in the dining room for almost ten years. Even though he's been gone since last Sept. I can't bear to take his crate down yet.
If you watch for sales, sometimes chewy.com, petco.com, etc. have them on sale for between 100-150 dollars with free shipping. I paid 300 for Gabriel's ten years ago but it's a heavier metal than they make them out of now. It's still in great shape except for the plastic pan. The duct tape repairs I made will keep it going for a good while longer though.

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

We have the 54 and Elvis loves it. He's tall for a newf and fits in just fine - standing, sitting, sleeping on his back, you name it. It's collapsible but heavy, so it takes both of us to get it in the car. Well, my husband can do it alone but it's awkward.

 

[nowhavethreebears]

Mine is the old drop pin style. I didn't realize they even made this size collapsible now!

 

[ElvisTheNewf]

Mine is the old drop pin style. I didn't realize they even made this size collapsible now!

Yup! We got it from PetEdge about 5 years ago. They were offering free shipping and we jumped on it. It could use a new tray eventually, but other than that it's in great shape. Elvis loves it and has never tried to break out, so I'm not sure how it would hold up if a newf was trying to bust out. It has three latches down the door.

 

[dreamchaser456]

My big boy (150 lbs), 32" does fine in the 48" crate. I'm not sure I would be comfortable if he had to spend hours in it though as he can't stand all the way up with head raised (but he likely wouldn't be able to in the larger one either. You do want them to be quiet when in the crate so too big usually equals trouble when they can get to active in them.

 

[Anthony99]

I have both and Avlon will lay in both, but she hangs out the door (never closed) on the 48 sometimes if she isn't back all the way. The 54 she can lay on her back with her legs all stretched out (we call it super dog) and snoring. Yes, the 54 is heavy and has the drop pins.