How to select the right size crate for your Samoyed

Samoyeds are an amazing breed of dogs but if they are not properly trained, it could get difficult to handle them. Most Samoyeds owners suggest crate training your Samoyed as a way to train patience and obedience. Saying that you have to choose the right size and type of dog crate that would fit your Samoyed without oppressing them. Though crate training your Samoyed is good but it will only benefit you if you do it properly with the right type of crate of the right size.

Choosing the right crate for your Samoyed

Choosing the right crate may be difficult for those who do not have any experience of owning a dog. Why is it important to get a crate of the right size? This is because a crate that is too small will hamper the movement of your Samoyed and deject them, while a too big crate will not serve the purpose of crate training. Though some people may consider crating their puppies harsh, it is sometimes required to confine them not only for your benefit but for theirs as well. Crate training has numerous benefits and can help your Samoyed in several ways. Check out this article to find out these benefits and continue reading below to see how you can best choose the right crate for your Samoyed.

What size crate does my Samoyed need?

As previously mentioned, getting the right sized crate for your Samoyed is very important if you want to see your dog happy. If its crate is unnecessarily big, it will take too much space in your dwelling. If it is too small then your Samoyed will not feel comfortable inside the crate. Whether your Samoyed is a puppy or a fully grown dog will determine the size of the crate. Usually, a 42″ crate is recommended for a fully grown, large Samoyed.

An average size full-grown male Samoyed can weigh 45-60 pounds (20 kg- 27 kg) and grow up to a height of 21-23.5 inches (50 cm- 60 cm). A full-grown female Samoyed can weigh 35-45 pounds (15 kg-20 kg) and grow up to a shoulder height of 19-21 inches (45cm -53.34 cm).

It takes a newborn Samoyed puppy an average of 16 months to grow to a fully mature adult. So if you get a crate for a puppy Samoyed, you will need a new crate that would fit its size in several months.

How to find a proper crate size for a Samoyed

It is necessary to measure your Sammy to find a crate of proper size. So how to measure a Samoyed? Measuring your Samoyed’s height for their crate is different from measuring their height to track growth. In this case, height is measured from their foot up to their withers, which are the bony parts in their shoulders.

For a crate measurement, however, your Samoyed should be able to sit comfortably without having to hunch down. To measure this, make your Samoyed sit and measure from their foot up to the tip of their head or the tip of their ears. Get a crate which is 4 inches (10 cm) higher than the measured dog height.

How to measure the length of your Samoyed?

To measure the length, just take a tape measure and measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Get a crate that is at least 8 inches (20cm) longer than your dog to allow ample movement around the crate.

Samoyed dog crate sizing guide

After reading this, it will come to your mind that dogs keep growing. If you are crate training your puppy, odds are they will grow out of their crate. This is why it is important not to invest too much money in their first crate. Try to get something low cost which will last at least a few months. After they have grown to their full size, you can consider getting a high-cost good crate. With that said, here is a size guide you can refer to when getting a crate for your Samoyed:

Types of dog crates:

When considering buying a crate, you will have many questions as different types of crates exist in the market. Here is a list of all the crates that you can find in the market and their pros and cons.

• Metal wire crates – These are the most popular type of crates used for dogs. It is a very good choice for dogs that have anxiety when left alone as they can see around. They are very beneficial for people who live in hot climates especially since they offer maximum ventilation. If you do not want to invest in many dog crates, this is a good choice since you can make it smaller using a divider. They also have good access to two to three doors. These crates are the best if you are someone who travels since they are usually collapsible.
  The cons for this crate is that it is usually quite heavy, especially the larger ones. It does not offer as much security as some puppies may be able to wiggle out. They are also not ideal for cold temperatures. Also, this crate is the least attractive.
• Plastic crates – Plastic crates are the go-to for people who travel as most of them are airline approved. Even though they are marketed as transport crates they can also be used as permanent home crates. The plastic provides good insulation for cold weather and ideal for dogs who get distracted easily as they provide lesser visibility. It is also more difficult to escape from the plastic crate in comparison to the wire one.
  This crate takes up more space as compared to the wire crate since it is not collapsible. Some dogs may not like the fact that they cannot see what is going on outside. Though plastic is easy to clean, it can hold odours which is why is not preferred especially for puppies who are not home broken yet. It is also not suggested for hotter climates since there is very little ventilation.
• Soft-sided crates – These crates are not suggested being used as a permanent home since they are not durable. They are usually made of cloth and are very practical since they can be folded flat. These crates are ideal for short-distance travel since they are super lightweight and can be easily washed. They might be a great option to use for Samoyed puppies. If you are someone who worries about looks, then these crates are perfect as they are quite attractive.
  A soft-sided crate is not recommended for a full-grown Samoyed as they can get too heavy to carry with the dog inside. They can tear very easily and if your Samoyed is a chewer, odds are the crate will not last very long. Since the door of the crate is closed using a zipper, some dogs can unzip their way out which is not safe.
• Metal heavy-duty crates – If your Samoyed is very destructive, then this is the perfect crate for them. These crates are similar in design to the wire crates but are much more durable as they are made of solid metal. Some models of metal crates are also airline approved which is great for someone who travels with their Samoyed a lot. However, these crates are very bulky, heavy, and not very attractive. If you are willing to spend some money and want something that will last you a lifetime, this crate is just the right choice for you.
• Stylish crates – These crates are high end and can be considered practically furniture for your home. They are made of wood or cane which is why they are expensive. If you want something attractive and stylish, the wooden crates are a perfect choice. They are not recommended for puppies that are not house-trained yet since they cost a lot. However, most of these crates are fitted with plastic trays to make it easier to clean them.

What to consider while choosing a crate for your Samoyed?

The first thing to look into while choosing a crate is size. The size of a crate depends on whether you need it for a fully grown Samoyed or for a puppy. Other characteristics to consider before buying a crate are:

1. Your Samoyed should be secure inside the crate – The right crate needs to be secure enough that your Samoyed should not be able to wiggle out. When they are at the puppy stage, the chances of them escaping from the crate are very high. Make sure that your crate is made in such a way that it will not be possible to escape out through small openings. You could attach extra wires and boards to prevent this but it will be best to get a crate already reinforced with the right materials to prevent escaping.
2. Your Samoyed should feel comfortable inside the crate – A crate serves as a resting place for your Samoyed. It should be your Samoyed’s own area where they can do what they want. The crate you get for your dog should be comfortable enough. Try to keep blankets and pillows to make it snug and pleasant for your pet.
3. Ease of use – A crate should be convenient to use and easy to transport. Most owners usually use a crate to transport their dogs so stick to the crates made of lightweight materials. Make sure the crate you get is easy to carry and is a convenient size for travelling.
4. Safe – As mentioned above, the crate you get should be a safe space for your Samoyed to stay in. Make sure that there are no wires that may harm your Samoyed or other sharp points, hooks, etc. Another thing to remember is choking hazards. Do not place any toys or items that your Samoyed can choke on inside or attached to the crate.

Conclusion

Crates are one of the best investments you can make for your Samoyed. Whether you decide to buy an expensive one or not, any crate will serve the same purpose and that is to make you and your Samoyed’s life easier. Be sure to properly measure out your Samoyed before investing in a crate. Also, be sure to watch some crate training videos or read about crate training here before you buy one.

Related Questions:

Can two of my Samoyeds share a crate?

Though it is not an uncommon practice to have a two-room dog crate for your Samoyeds, it is never recommended. It is always best to have your two dogs in separate crates but in the same room, especially if you have to leave them without supervision. This allows the dogs to live their own dog lives without disturbing each other. When the dogs are still puppies, there is no harm in keeping them in the same crate but not for long periods of time. However, some dogs enjoy sleeping together since it is more snugly. These are a few exceptions but you should leave that up to the dogs to decide.

What are the benefits of having a dog crate?

Having a crate is very beneficial for your Samoyed. Let’s see what you get when you decide to buy a crate:

• A crate gives your Samoyed a safe space for them to just be. You will always find that dogs enjoy being in small spaces like under the table, in a box, and at small corners since small areas make them feel secure. The same way a crate will make your Samoyed feel more secure. It is beneficial for dogs to help them soothe their own anxiety.
• It is item #1 when you need to travel with your pet.
• Crating your dog also helps to protect them when you are not around to keep an eye on them. When you consider getting a puppy, crating them is the best option since they may eat and chew things they are not supposed to when left alone.
• A crate will also be beneficial if your puppy is not house-trained and housebroken yet.