What is Dog Crate Furniture? Expert Explanation

Dog crate furniture is a great alternative that's both stylish and multifunctional. It combines the practical use of a dog crate with the lovely look of traditional furniture and can fit well with your home decor. It offers your dog privacy and a place to relax, adding an attractive element to your home.

It can work as a side table, end table, or storage unit while giving your dog a cozy spot. Some have a top for placing things like lamps and books, and others have drawers or shelves for extra storage. It offers your dog privacy and a place to relax, adding an attractive element to your home. Unlike standard metal or plastic dog crates, they are usually made of wood and match your existing furniture beautifully.

The Difference Between Dog Crate Furniture and Regular Dog Crates

Dog crate furniture and regular dog crates differ in several ways. Regarding appearance and material, dog crate furniture, often crafted from wood, resembles regular furniture and seamlessly integrates with home decor. In contrast, standard dog crates are metal, plastic, or fabric. Dog crate furniture generally has a more functional appearance.

Functionally, dog crate furniture can serve as a side table, storage unit, etc., and housing the dog. In contrast, regular crates primarily serve for containment and training.

Regarding portability, dog crate furniture is heavier and less portable. In contrast, many regular crates can be easily folded or disassembled for travel. Dog crate furniture is generally more expensive due to its multifunctionality and higher-quality materials, while regular crates are more budget-friendly.

Category of Dog Crates

Dog Crate Furniture

Dog crate furniture is an excellent choice. It gives your dog a private and relaxing space. At the same time, it makes your home look nice and fits well with your home decor. Unlike typical metal or plastic dog crates, those that look like furniture are often wood-made. The wood goes well with your other furniture in the house.

Small Dog Crate

A Convenient Resting Place for Your Petite Pooch As the name suggests, this type of crate is tailor-made for small dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians. It's compact enough for a small dog to move around comfortably. These crates are often lightweight and easy to move around the house, providing a convenient resting place for your petite pooch.

Medium Dog Crate

A Thoughtful Space for Your Medium-Sized Companion ideal for medium-sized breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Beagles, medium dog crates offer more space than small dog crates, allowing your dog to stretch out fully. They balance portability and functionality, providing a thoughtful space for your medium-sized companion.

Large Dog Crate

Large dog breeds like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers require large dog crates. These crates are spacious enough to accommodate the dog's large body size, enabling it to stand up, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped. They are generally constructed with more durable materials to endure the strength of larger dogs.

Heavy-Duty Dog Crate

Ensuring Safety for Your Energetic Pooch Designed for powerful and energetic dogs that might try to break out of a regular crate, heavy-duty dog crates are made from thick-gauge metal or heavy-duty plastic. They have reinforced corners and sturdy locks, ensuring that even the most determined dogs stay safely inside. These crates provide a secure environment for your energetic pooch.

Collapsible Dog Crate

This type of crate is highly convenient for owners needing to transport their dogs frequently or those with limited storage space. Collapsible dog crates can be easily folded down to a flat or compact shape, making them easy to store in a closet or trunk of a car.

Wooden Dog Crate

Wooden dog crates offer a more natural and homey look. Typically constructed from solid wood or wood-composite materials, they can be a great addition to a home with traditional or rustic decor. They are also relatively durable but may require more maintenance to keep them in good condition, such as regular sanding and refinishing.

Travel Dog Crate

Dog crates are designed explicitly for car, plane, or train trips. They are lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of travel. Many travel dog crates meet airline regulations for pet travel, with proper ventilation and secure closures. They often have features like wheels or handles for easy transportation.

Metal Dog Crate

Metal dog crates, typically made from steel or aluminum, are popular for their strength and durability. They offer good ventilation and visibility for the dog. Metal crates are easy to clean; hose them down or wipe them with a damp cloth. However, they can be heavy compared to other crates.

Plastic Dog Crates

Plastic dog crates are lightweight and often brightly colored. They are relatively inexpensive and are a good option for budget-conscious owners. Plastic containers are also easy to clean and maintain. They are usually molded in one piece, making them more chewing-resistant than other materials.

How to Choose the Right Dog Crate Furniture

Consider Your Dog's Size

The size of your dog is crucial. Please make sure the dog crate provides enough space for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A coffee table or storage cabinet-style dog crate furniture might suit larger dogs. In comparison, smaller dogs can fit well in end table-style units.

Match Your Home Decor

Since dog crate should blend seamlessly with your home, consider the style and color of your current furniture. Look for dog crate with clean lines and a sleek finish if your home has modern decor. Choose pieces with wooden accents and a warm color palette for a more traditional or rustic setting.

Quality and Durability

Invest in high-quality dog crate. Check the materials used. Solid wood or sturdy metal frames are more durable than flimsy plastic. Also, please ensure the doors and hinges are well-made and can withstand your dog's movements. Well-built dog crate will last longer and keep your dog safe.

Functionality

Think about what additional features you need. A storage cabinet-style dog crate is a good choice if you need more storage. If you want a convenient place to put drinks or small items, a coffee table or end table dog crate might be the right fit.

What Size Dog Crate do You Need？

Selecting the right size dog crate is crucial for your dog's comfort, safety, and overall well-being. A crate that's too small can cause discomfort and stress, while one that's too large may not provide the sense of security a dog needs. Here are some key factors to consider when determining the appropriate size of a dog crate:

Measure Your Dog's Dimensions

Length: Measure from the tip of your dog's nose to the base of its tail. Have your dog stand in a natural position for a more accurate measurement. Once you have this measurement, add 15 - 24 cm. This additional space allows your dog to stretch its body comfortably. For example, if your dog measures 60 cm from nose to tail base, adding 15 cm gives you a total length requirement of 75 cm for the crate.

Height: Measure from the ground to the top of your dog's shoulders when standing upright. The crate should be tall enough so that your dog can stand up without its head touching the ceiling. Add a few extra centimeters to ensure sufficient clearance if your dog jumps or stands on its hind legs inside the crate.

Width: Measure the widest part of your dog's body, usually around the ribcage. The crate should be wide enough for your dog to turn around freely. A general rule of thumb is to add a few inches to this measurement to account for movement.

Consider Your Dog's Breed and Growth Potential

Small Breeds
Small dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, or Pomeranians typically require a crate 18 - 24 inches long, 12 - 18 inches wide, and 12 - 18 inches high. These dimensions provide enough space for the dog to move around comfortably while giving it a sense of security.

Medium Breeds
For medium-sized dogs such as Cocker Spaniels, Bulldogs, or Beagles, a crate 24 - 30 inches long, 18 - 24 inches wide, and 18 - 24 inches high is usually suitable. Medium-sized dogs need more room to stretch and turn than small breeds.

Large Breeds
Large dogs like German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, or Labrador Retrievers will need a much larger crate. A crate that's 36 - 48 inches long, 24 - 36 inches wide, and 24 - 36 inches high is appropriate for these breeds. They require ample space to stand, lie down, and move around without feeling cramped.

Growing Puppies
If you have a puppy, it's essential to consider its growth potential. Puppies grow rapidly, so buying a crate that will accommodate them as adults is often more cost-effective. You can initially use dividers in larger crates to make the space smaller and then adjust the divider as the puppy grows. This way, the puppy still feels secure in a smaller space while having room to grow into the larger crate.

Function of the Crate

Indoor Living: If your dog's crate is used primarily as an indoor living space, ensure it has enough space for a dog bed, a small toy, and a water bowl. When calculating the crate size, factor in the additional space these items will take up.

Travel: Airlines have specific size requirements for pet carriers, especially if you'll be flying with your dog. Could you check the airline's regulations in advance? Travel crates should generally be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down. Still, they must also fit within the dimensions allowed in the aircraft's cabin or cargo hold.

Space Limitations in Your Home

While providing your dog with an appropriate size crate is essential, you must also consider the space available in your home. A large crate might be impractical if you live in a small apartment. In such cases, you may need to find a balance between the ideal crate size for your dog and the space you have available. However, don't compromise too much on the size, as a cramped crate can cause stress and discomfort for your pet.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, dog crate furniture offers excellent functionality and style for you and your dog. Choosing the right size dog crate requires careful consideration of your dog's size, breed, growth potential, the crate's function, and the space in your home. Considering these factors, you can ensure your dog has a comfortable and secure space in its crate.