107 cm vs 122 cm Dog Crates: Which Size Fits Your Dog?
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Short Answer
Choose a 107 cm dog crate when your dog can stand naturally, turn around and lie comfortably inside that usable internal space after bedding is added. Choose a 122 cm crate when the dog is long-bodied, tall, deep-chested, still growing or looks borderline in the smaller footprint.
The right answer is not the number on the box. Measure your dog in centimetres, check the actual internal length, width and height of the selected crate, then allow for the tray, bedding, door frame and any divider.
If your dog cannot turn without hunching or curl-free resting feels tight, go larger or consider a supervised dog pen or playpen instead of forcing a crate fit.
Key Takeaways
- Use 107 cm for dogs that fit comfortably with room to stand, turn and lie after bedding.
- Use 122 cm when length, height or turning room is borderline in a 107 cm crate.
- Measure the individual dog, not just the breed name or weight range.
- Check usable internal dimensions, because product footprints and variant labels are not standard.
- Allow extra room for crate beds, trays, raised lips, divider panels and door hardware.
- Crates are for calm rest and training steps, not punishment or all-day confinement.
- In hot Australian homes, airflow and placement can matter as much as size.
What the 107 cm vs 122 cm Choice Really Means
A 107 cm crate and a 122 cm crate are usually compared by length, but length alone does not decide fit. The crate also needs enough height for a natural standing posture and enough width for turning and lying positions. A dog that technically fits nose-to-tail may still be uncomfortable if the crate is too low or narrow.
The 15 cm difference sounds small on paper, but it can matter for large Australian dogs such as Labradors, German Shepherds, tall kelpies, Groodles and rescue greyhound crosses. It can also matter in apartments or open-plan homes where the larger crate changes walking space, door swing and cleaning access.
Measure Your Dog Before Comparing Crate Sizes
Start with your dog standing relaxed on a flat floor. Measure from the nose to the base of the tail, then measure from the floor to the top of the head or naturally upright ears. Also measure shoulder width and look at the floor area your dog uses when lying in a normal rest position.
Those four checks tell you whether 107 cm is likely to be comfortable or whether 122 cm is the safer starting point. If your dog is still growing, use expected adult size guidance from your vet, breeder, rescue or adoption notes. A divider can help some puppies use a larger crate gradually, but the divided space still needs to allow standing, turning and lying.
Simple 107 cm vs 122 cm Crate Comparison
| Decision point | 107 cm crate may suit | 122 cm crate may suit |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | Dog has clear turning room after bedding. | Dog looks long, curls tightly or brushes the ends. |
| Height | Dog stands without lowering the head or shoulders. | Dog is tall, deep-chested or has a high head carriage. |
| Home footprint | Smaller footprint fits a laundry, bedroom or living area safely. | Room has enough space for the larger crate, door access and airflow. |
| Growth | Adult dog is already measured and clearly comfortable. | Puppy or adolescent dog may need adult-size planning. |
| Bedding | Low-profile mat still leaves usable space. | Thicker bed, bolsters or tray edges reduce usable space. |
When a 107 cm Crate Is the Better Choice
A 107 cm crate is usually the more practical option when the dog clearly fits and the home layout is tight. It may be easier to place beside a bed, in an open-plan living room, near a quiet laundry area or away from direct sun without blocking household movement.
The smaller footprint can also feel more settled for a crate-trained adult dog that likes a den-like rest space. The limitation is simple: smaller is only better if the dog can still move normally. Do not choose 107 cm just because it fits the room if it makes the dog hunch, twist or avoid entering.
When a 122 cm Crate Is Worth the Extra Footprint
A 122 cm crate is often the better choice when a dog is long through the body, tall at the shoulder, deep through the chest or close to the upper limit of the smaller crate. The extra length can make turning and lying more natural, especially once a mat, tray or raised edge is included.
The trade-off is space. A larger crate needs clear access around it, enough room for the door to open and a location with good airflow. In Australian summer conditions, avoid spots beside hot windows, dryers, ovens, heaters or poorly ventilated corners.
Breed Labels Are Only a Starting Clue
Many shoppers ask whether a Labrador needs 107 cm or 122 cm, or whether a Groodle, kelpie, German Shepherd or greyhound fits one size. Breed can help you shortlist, but it cannot replace measurements. Dogs within the same breed can vary by sex, age, posture, coat, body length and preferred sleeping position.
If a breed guide says your dog is between sizes, treat that as a reason to measure more carefully, not as a final answer. For a narrow-bodied but long dog, length may push you larger. For a stockier dog, width and turning room may matter more than nose-to-tail length alone.
Internal Dimensions vs Product Footprint
Always compare the space the dog can use, not only the outside footprint. Wire thickness, door frames, latches, trays, wheels, divider panels and furniture-style side walls can all reduce usable room. A crate listed by a size name such as L, XL or XXL may not match another product with the same label.
Before buying from the dog crate collection, open the exact product and selected variant. If a listing does not show internal dimensions clearly, treat the size label as incomplete and contact support or choose conservatively rather than buying a borderline fit.
Recommended Products to Compare
The Mobile Heavy Duty Metal Dog Crate is the most relevant starting point when you want a ventilated metal crate with L, XL and XXL options, multiple doors, wheels and a removable tray. It may suit owners comparing larger crate footprints, but you still need to verify the selected option against your dog's measurements.
The 2-in-1 Large Heavy Duty Metal Dog Cage with Removable Divider and Cover may suit shoppers who need a larger metal cage option with a divider and cover. Check carefully that you select the actual cage option rather than a cover-only option, and remember that a divider reduces usable space.
If appearance matters in a living area, the Spacious Wooden Dog Crate End Table is relevant for calm crate-trained dogs and furniture-style placement. Its limitation is that thicker furniture-style construction may affect usable internal space and airflow compared with an open wire crate.
Setup Checks in Australian Homes
Once you have picked the likely crate size, measure the room. Allow space for the door to open, the tray to slide out, bedding to be cleaned and people to walk past without knocking the crate. Avoid placing the crate where direct afternoon sun, poor ventilation or household heat sources can make rest uncomfortable.
For a broader measurement refresher, the existing guide on how to measure your pet for a bed, crate or kennel is a useful companion. Use it alongside the product page, not instead of the product page, because each variant can have different practical space.
Training and Welfare Cautions
Introduce any crate gradually with reward-based training. Keep early sessions short, leave the door open at first and increase duration only when the dog is relaxed. A crate should not be used as punishment, forced isolation or a substitute for exercise, toilet breaks, water, enrichment and social contact.
If your dog panics, drools, barks continuously, claws, bites bars or injures itself when confined, stop and seek qualified advice. A bigger crate may solve a fit problem, but it is not a treatment for separation distress, pain, fear or anxiety.
Final Verdict
Choose 107 cm when your measured adult dog clearly has enough usable space and the smaller footprint helps the crate sit safely in your home. Choose 122 cm when your dog is long, tall, deep-chested, still growing or only just fits the smaller size.
The main trade-off is dog comfort versus room footprint. The crate must be large enough for normal movement, but it also needs a safe location with airflow, shade, cleaning access and household space around it.
Before checkout, confirm the exact variant, availability, included parts and usable internal dimensions. If the measurements are borderline, the larger suitable option is usually the more practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 107 cm big enough for a Labrador?
Sometimes, but not always. Measure the individual Labrador's length, height, width and lying position, then compare those numbers with the selected crate's usable internal space.
Is 122 cm too big for a large dog?
Not if the dog uses the space calmly and the crate fits the room safely. For puppies, a divider may help, but only if the divided area still allows normal movement.
Should I choose the bigger crate if I am unsure?
If your dog is genuinely between sizes, the larger suitable crate is often safer for comfort. Still check width, height, door access and home placement before buying.
Do I measure my dog to the end of the tail?
Measure from nose to the base of the tail, then allow extra room for turning and lying. The full tail is not usually the main length measurement.
Does bedding change the crate size I need?
Yes. Thick bedding, bolsters, trays and water bowls reduce usable room, so check the fit as the dog will actually use the crate.
Are crate size labels standard?
No. L, XL, XXL and centimetre labels can vary by product. Compare live product details and usable internal dimensions, not only the variant name.
Can a 122 cm crate replace a dog pen?
No. A crate and a pen do different jobs. A pen gives more supervised movement, while a crate is for calm rest and gradual training.