Well now, if ya got yourself a Golden Retriever, ya probably wonderin’ what size kennel you need for ’em. Ain’t too hard to figure out, but ya gotta keep a few things in mind. First off, you gotta make sure the kennel is big enough for your dog to stretch out and not feel all cramped up, ya know? A poor dog all squished in there ain’t gonna be happy, that’s for sure.

Now, a good rule of thumb is that the kennel needs to be at least twice as long as your dog. Yep, that’s right. If your Golden’s about 2 feet long, you’ll want a kennel that’s at least 4 feet long. But it ain’t just about the length, you also gotta think about the width. The kennel needs to be wide enough so your dog can turn around and lie down comfortably without getting stuck in the corners like a poor ol’ cat in a box.
Goldens are a big breed, y’know? If yer dog’s a full-grown adult, you’ll be lookin’ at a kennel that’s about 42 inches long. That’s the size most people go for, and it works real well for an adult Golden Retriever. They’re about 23 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder, and weighin’ in anywhere from 65 to 75 pounds if they’re a fella, or a bit smaller if they’re a gal, weighin’ between 55 and 65 pounds.
Now, you might think a 42-inch kennel sounds like a lot, but trust me, it ain’t too big for a Golden. They need room to move around, especially when they’re cooped up for a little while. And the bigger space helps ’em feel more at ease, so they ain’t all stressed out and pantin’.
If ya got a younger pup or a smaller Golden, maybe start with a 36-inch kennel, but as they grow, you might find that 42 inches is just right. It gives ‘em plenty of room to lay down, roll around, or just chill out when they’re not runnin’ around outside. Ain’t nobody wants a dog that feels all squashed up in a kennel—no sir!
When you’re lookin’ at kennels, make sure to check that it’s got good ventilation too. Goldens, they like to run around and get a bit warm, so ya want something with plenty of airflow to keep ’em cool. Ain’t no one wanna see their dog sweatin’ like a pig in a hot kennel. So, pick somethin’ that’s sturdy, but also lets the air through, especially if you live in a warmer place.

Oh, and don’t forget about the floor. Some kennels come with a removable tray so you can clean up easy, and that’s a good thing. ‘Cause let’s face it, dogs can get a little messy sometimes. A solid bottom’s better for puppies though, so they don’t hurt their little paws, but once they get a little older, ya can go with a wire bottom if it’s easier to clean.
Also, consider whether ya want a crate with a door on the front or one on the side. Some dogs don’t mind just walking straight in, while others might feel more comfortable with a side door, like they got a little more space to wiggle in. Ya just gotta see what works best for your pup.
Lastly, a good ol’ dog groomer told me this: Don’t go too small with the kennel just ‘cause it looks like it’ll fit in the corner of the house better. You gotta think about what your dog needs, not what looks good in your living room. A cramped kennel ain’t no good for anyone—least of all your poor dog. Give ‘em the space they need, and you’ll have a happy, healthy Golden Retriever on your hands.
So in the end, a 42-inch kennel is about perfect for most full-grown Golden Retrievers. But, ya know, it all depends on your dog’s size and what they’re used to. Don’t skimp on size—your dog will thank ya for it with lots of tail waggin’ and happy barks!
Tags:[Golden Retriever kennel size, dog kennel, Golden Retriever crate, best kennel for Golden Retriever, dog crate size]
