Introduction

Welcome to Barks & Recreation! I’m Sarah, and today we’re diving into the essential task of selecting the perfect Ruff Land kennel for your dog. While individual preferences can make recommendations challenging, I’ll offer some guidelines for crate sizing and provide tips you can use at home to find the best fit for your furry friend.

Shop Our Selection of In-Stock and Preorder Ruff Land Kennels and Accessories!

Understanding Kennel Sizes

First, let’s look at the variety of kennel sizes that Ruff Land offers. The large kennel measures approximately 35 inches in length, the intermediate is about 30 inches long, and the medium measures roughly 27.5 inches. A unique option available is the Backseat Rider, which is perfect if you’re short on space but your dog requires more room than a medium kennel provides. The Backseat Rider is comparable in height and width to the intermediate but boasts the length of the medium.

Sizing Demonstration with Quill

To better understand these sizes, let me introduce Quill, a 35-pound Australian Shepherd. When determining the right kennel size, height and length are more relevant than weight. Quill stands about 18 inches tall at the shoulder—key measurements to consider for both the door and overall kennel height. The large kennel door height is about 22 inches, intermediate is 20 inches, and the medium is 17.5 inches.

• 

  Quill standing in a Large

• 

  Quill laying down in a Large

• 

  Quill standing in and Intermediate

• 

  Quill laying down in an Intermediate

• 

  Quill standing in a Medium

• 

  Quill has to duck her back to get into a Medium.

In a large kennel, Quill fits comfortably, with ample headroom and space to stretch out without touching the front or rear. While this size is generous for her, it remains a great option for longer trips.

The intermediate size, where Quill typically rides, offers plenty of headroom as she enters and allows her to lay down comfortably. Quill even manages well in the Backseat Rider.

However, the medium kennel proves a bit snug for Quill, as she needs to hunch slightly to enter, with her legs tucked too closely when lying down.

Sizing Demonstration with Brew

• 

  Brew sitting in a Large

• 

  Brew laying down in a Large

• 

  The large (pictured) is roomy, but an intermediate offers lots of space for him.

Next, Brew, a 45-pound dog standing 21 inches tall at the shoulder, offers another sizing perspective. He easily fits into the large kennel, with space to lay flat and sit comfortably. While ideal, the intermediate size also suits Brew if necessary, as he naturally curls up, using minimum space despite his larger frame.

Including Mid-Size and Tina’s Demonstration

• 

  Tina in her Midsize kennel.

• 

  Laying down in a Midsize.

• 

  She's since been updated to a Medium!

We also have a mid-size kennel with a door height about 16.5 inches, fitting between the intermediate and medium lengths. Our last demo dog is Tina, weighing 19-20 pounds and standing about 15 inches at the shoulder. Tina can use the intermediate kennel but finds it a bit spacious. The medium size fits her well without issue, allowing her to move freely. This is what she is currently riding in, because I wanted the double door for more ventilation. Her last kennel was the mid-size, which was still a good size for her – she enters without ducking and lays down comfortably.

Comparing Large and Extra Large

Finally, if you’re considering larger options, compare the large and extra-large sizes. The extra-large, measuring about 43 inches in length, offers more height but maintains the large’s width.

Conclusion and Tips

When choosing a kennel, ensure you measure your dog’s height at the shoulder, essential for gauging door and crate height. A practical tip for determining the right size is to tape out the floor measurements of potential kennel sizes at home, then have your dog lay within the outline. This visual will help you decide if the space is just right, too snug, or too spacious. With these guidelines and demonstrations, selecting the perfect Ruff Land kennel becomes simpler, ensuring comfort and safety for your beloved pet. Please note, these suggestions are my own opinion on selecting a size that is safe for travel, but comfortable for your dog. They do not neccesessarily reflect the views of Ruff Land Kennels. Ruff Land did introduce a sizing selector tool, which you can find here on their website. Happy kennel hunting!

Shop Our Selection of In-Stock and Preorder Ruff Land Kennels and Accessories!