Alright, guys, I gotta tell you about my experience with picking out a crate for my Rottweiler. It was a bit of a journey, let me say. So, first off, I started researching online ’cause I had no clue what size to get. You know how it is, you type in “rottweiler crate size” and you get a million different opinions.
Initially, I measured my pup, Max. He was still growing, but I figured I’d get something he could grow into. I found some general guidelines that said the crate should be about 6 inches taller and longer than the dog’s expected adult height and length. Sounded easy enough, right?
I went to the pet store, armed with my measurements and a whole lot of hope. I saw crates of all sizes, but I was aiming for a 48-inch one, as most folks online suggested that’s the sweet spot for an adult Rottweiler. They had a few options, and honestly, they all looked kinda the same to me. Metal, plastic, some with double doors, some with dividers. It was overwhelming.
I talked to one of the store guys, and he was pretty helpful. He showed me a 48-inch crate that seemed sturdy and well-made. But then he pointed out that if I wanted to use it for Max as a puppy, I’d need a divider to make the space smaller. Otherwise, he said, Max might use one end as a bathroom and the other to sleep, which would totally defeat the purpose of crate training.
- Measured Max: Got his current size and estimated his adult size.
- Researched Online: Found out a 48-inch crate is generally recommended.
- Visited Pet Store: Looked at different crate types and sizes.
- Got Advice: Learned about using dividers for puppies.
I ended up getting the 48-inch crate with a divider. Setting it up was a breeze. I put in a comfy bed and some toys, and at first, Max was hesitant. But with some treats and positive reinforcement, he started going in on his own. It took a few weeks, but he eventually saw it as his little den.
Now, here’s the kicker. Max grew faster than I expected! Even though I got the 48-inch crate, he started looking a bit cramped after some months. I started to notice when he’d turn around, he had to duck his head a little. He is now 140 lb, but his back height is around 30”. That’s when it hit me – maybe I should’ve gotten an even bigger one. Although most Rottweilers are 24-27” at the shoulder, you know.
The Takeaway
So, my advice? If you’re getting a crate for a Rottweiler, definitely consider their adult size, but also think about their growth spurts. A 48-inch crate might work for most, but if your dog is on the larger side, or if you just want them to have extra space, you might want to size up. Oh, and don’t forget the divider if you’re starting with a puppy!
In the end, I wished someone had told me all this before I bought a crate. It would’ve saved me some time and money. But hey, live and learn, right? Now Max has a crate that fits him perfectly, and we’re both happy campers.
And that, my friends, is my saga of finding the right crate size for a Rottweiler. Hope it helps some of you out there! But remember, I would never chain my dog outside, that can lead to territorial aggression, and of course, I prepared a large fenced yard for my Rottie to run in.
