Why Everyone Loves A Shih Tzu
Not many people know that the name Shih Tzu means little lion and, if youve ever had one, youll realize, its a pretty apt title. Also called chrysanthemum-faced dogs, they are one of the friendliest dogs you could wish to own and theyre great with kids of all ages.
It is an agile dog which is why choosing the right Shih Tzu dog carrier is always something to consider carefully. They are affectionate, curious and generally have bags of personality which can, on occasion, verge on the needy.
Here are some quick but interesting facts about the breed that you may not know:
- Theyve been around as pets for thousands of years.
- They originally came from Tibet.
- They were a target during the Communist Revolution and nearly got wiped out entirely.
- They ended up coming to the U.S., transported by soldiers who were in China at the time, where the breed began to thrive and recover.
- Shih Tzus are a favorite celebrity dog. Colin Farrell has one, as does pop diva Beyoncé.
The height of an adult Shih Tzu is between 8 and 10 inches, and they can live from 10 to 16 years. Like many small dogs, they have relatively low exercise needs which is why they tend to get carried more than larger breeds.
Most Shih Tzus dont like to be left alone for long periods which can make them unsuitable if everyone is out at work during the day. They are, however, great with people and the perfect dog choice for first-time owners.
Smonter Heavy Duty Dog Crate
The Otaid Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate may be a bit of an eyesore but its definitely one of the sturdiest crates on the market. The SMONTHER heavy-duty dog crate, on the other hand, is a much more attractive option that also happens to be bite-proof.
Made with a special Y-pattern design, this crate is not only beautiful but also bite-proof, ensuring that your furry friend will be safe and sound while youre away. The crate itself is made out of a well-welded steel bar and coated with a non-toxic finished surface, giving you peace of mind knowing that your dog is safe.
The difference between this crate and the Otaid Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate is that this one has a top-door design. This makes it much easier to get your dog in and out of the crate. You will be thankful for this feature in the event of an emergency.
However, just like the Otaid Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, this one also has a problem with the bottom. The plastic tray is not very sturdy and may break if your dog is a strong chewer.
Well, it seems to me this problem is common with all heavy-duty crates on the market. To solve this problem, you can always switch out the plastic tray with a metal one. Its easy to install and will definitely last longer.
Pros:
Best Dog Crate For The Car
If you are looking for a large enough German Shepherd dog crate you can put in your car, then this is it. This Amazon Basics portable and folding dog crate is perfect for vehicle travel.
This soft dog crate comes in an assortment of sizes, including a Large 36 crate and an Extra Large 42 crate.
There are two doors one at the top and one in the front. The double door crate also features mesh windows to help with ventilation on all four sides of the dog crate.
For safe and secure travel, there are also secured zipper closures and fastening straps. When you want the doors to stay open, simply unzip them and roll them up.
The frame of this soft sided dog crate is PVC, and it is covered in polyester fabric. It takes seconds to set it up and requires no tools to do so. But if youre worried get a seat cover.
When you are done with it, you can fold it down, and it stores flat for easy transport and compact storage.
Recommended Reading: How To Make German Shepherd Back Legs Stronger
Is A 36 Inch Crate Big Enough For A Golden Retriever
Crate Size for Golden Retrievers Based on the adult size of a Golden Retriever, their crate size should be roughly 42 inches in length. Specifically, aim for dimensions of 42 height x 28 width x 30 height. What is this? If you have a female Golden Retriever, you may be able to get away with the 36 inch dog crate.
What Are Other Factors To Look For In A Good Dog Crate For German Shepherds
Dont forget to consider the following points when picking a crate for your pooch:
- Quality If a German Shepherd happens to react badly to confinement, a crate of more substantial quality, such as a metal or steel crate, would be deemed necessary. Good crates should be sturdy and have door hinges made to withstand escape attempts and resist bending. Moreover, they should have a durable bottom-lining tray so the dog cannot push out, chew, or dig.
- Comfort Windows and Ventilation are two factors that are important because if the crate is overly confined, this could result in separation anxiety. A well-ventilated crate will ensure that a German Shepherd is comfortable and kept inside for longer durations.
- Security Locks are an additional factor to consider as these will prevent any escape attempts while keeping the dog safe during transportation times. Look for double locks to provide the maximum level of security while slam locks easily engage, making securing your dog in the crate easier.
- Ease of Assembly This relates to the issue of portability. A crate that is easy to collapse, carry and assemble is ideal for a German Shepherd being transported frequently.
- Ease of cleaning Ensure to choose a crate that is easy to clean. You can do this by looking for a crate with a cleaning tray attached, which will dispose of the dogs waste much more conveniently.
You May Like: Best German Shepherd Training Books
Where To Put A Dog Crate In Your House
Should a dog crate be in a bedroom? A dog crate is highly suited to being into a bedroom, especially if you have a young puppy or a dog who suffers from separation anxiety that needs to be comforted at night however this may lead to disrupted sleep. Additionally, its a very warm and cozy spot to put a crate.
Should a dog crate be in a living room? The living room is another great location for a dog crate as it is a high traffic area meaning your dog will be able to see whats going on around them and feel like a part of the family. The disadvantage is that it is a large, draughty space thats likely to be cold at night.
In my personal experience, I prefer to put my dogs crate in the living room. This is because my dog likes to groom herself really loudly at night and this disrupts my sleep. While a wire crate is a bit of an eye sore in my lounge room and it can get cold in winter, I cover it with a dog crate blanket cover set which makes it look much nice whilst keeping my dog warm!
Where should I put my dog crate in my apartment? The best place to put a dog crate in an apartment is in the bedroom as there is generally limited space in living rooms. It is also especially important for your dog to be close to notify you if they need to go to the bathroom as apartments dont have a doggy doors to a backyard.
If You Want More Specific Information Read My Article: Where To Put A Dog Crate In Your House
Advantages Of Plastic Crates
- Lighter and hence more portable than wire, metal ones.
- Bottom of crate can sometimes be used as an open dog bed if the crate is no longer wanted.
- More sheltered, offering better insulation in colder climates
- Better for those that whine and cry if they can see activity and want to be a part of it. Less visibility better for easily distracted dogs and a greater feeling of security for a dog.
- Many are airline approved so can be used for air travel
- Some models have attachable / removable food and water dishes.
- More difficult than most wire crates for escape artists to get out of.
Recommended Reading: How To Clean A German Shepherd
What Size Crate For A German Shepherd: The Best Options For Big Dogs
January 13, 2020 By Meg Austwick
Are you wondering, what size crate for a German Shepherd dog is best?
The best German Shepherd crate size is usually either 42 or 48. But, it will depend on the size of your individual GSD.
Like any breed, male German Shepherds are often larger than females. So males will often need slightly bigger crates.
Its best to buy the right sized adult crate, even from puppyhood. You can simply use a crate divider whilst your dog is growing to its full size.
Products included in this article were carefully and independently selected by the Happy Puppy Site team. If you decide to make a purchase from one of the links marked by an asterisk, we may earn a small commission on that sale. This is at no extra cost to you.
Is It Bad To Leave My Dog In His Crate All Day
Dont leave your dog in the crate too long. A dog whos crated all day and night doesnt get enough exercise or human interaction and can become depressed or anxious. The crate should always have a comfortable bed and the door left open when youre home so your dog can enter it when they need a safe space.
Read Also: How Were German Shepherds Bred
How Big Is A Full
While there are some variations depending on the gender of the animal, generally speaking, a full-grown German Shepherd will stand somewhere between 22 26 inches and weigh around 50 to 90 pounds. This is the average German Shepherd size.
German Shepherds usually get to half their full weight between 4.5 and 6 months, and their adult weight between 12.5-16 months.
You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two.
A different formula you could use is:
So, for example, if your 12-week old pup weighs 18 pounds. You simply divide the current weight by their age in weeks and multiply the result with 52:
18/ 12 = 1.51.5 x 52= 78 pounds
78 pounds would be the expected weight of your adult-sized German Shepherd.
Measure The Height Of Your Dog For His Crate
- To get the height, some dogs are taller in a seated position than they are standing on all fours, sit your dog down so he is sitting proud and upright. Now, referring to the image take measurement B, from the floor to the tallest point of his nose/head.
- Again, add 2 to 4 inches to this and this will give you the shortest height the crate should be.
Armed with these measurements youll now be able to buy the correct size crate for your Labradoror any other dog for readers of Labrador crosses or other breeds.
You May Like: Why Is My German Shepherd Throwing Up
Prevent Accidents And Destruction When Left Alone
Make sure that your pup is not left in a crate too long! According to the U.S. Humane Society, puppies under 6 months old should not be in a crate for more than 3 or 4 hours at a time. If your dog is left in a crate too long, your dog will become anxious and possibly injure themselves by panicking and trying to get out.
When Can I Stop Crating My German Shepherd
This also provides them with a safe place to sleep. Many dogs will consider the crate their bedroom, using it to sleep and enjoy some alone time. You can usually stop closing your dog into your crate when they are around two years of age. Before then, they are usually more likely to get into trouble.
Read Also: What To Know Before Getting A German Shepherd
Dog Crate Sizing Chart
Choosing the proper size dog crate for your dog is not as simple as small, medium, or large. This decision should involve a number of considerations including gender, the possibility of mixed ancestry, age, and even the personality of your dog. Depending on these factors, its possible that your dog will need a crate that is larger or smaller than what is typical for their breed. However, this dog crate sizing chart will give you a good baseline to understand the proper size crate for an adult dog of each breed. From there, you can adjust based on additional factors.
It is also important to keep in mind that there are many varieties of dog crates available today. You have your choice of wire, plastic, soft side, rolling soft side, decorative wicker dog crates and wooden dog crate end tablesalso known as dog crate furniture. Some of these will be adjustable in size so you can use them when your dog is a puppy, then take out pieces to grow with your adult dog. It is also important to consider any other items that you will be putting in the crate with your dog such as water bowls, bedding, toys, or even another dog.
Please consult your veterinarian for additional guidance if necessary.
Frisco Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Our rating: 4.5Size: 42 x 31 x 41 inchesWeight: 102 pounds
Made from 22-gauge steel tubing and indestructible dual door latches, this heavy-duty crate is made for tough dogs and escape artist pets.
It features a slide-out metal tray for easy cleaning and each wheel with foot brakes to keep the large crate securely in place.
Built to last, the high-grade, powder-coated steel resists rusting, scratches and dents with additional strength welding at stress points.
Pros:
- Features a grated floor, so any spills and messes fall through onto the cleaning tray
- The locks are placed out of the dogs reach to prevent them from tampering with the latches
Cons:
You May Like: German Shepherd Rescue New Mexico
At A Glance: Our Top 5 German Shepherd Dog Crate Picks
| 5/5 |
We chose this crate as the best because of its exceptional toughness. The German Shepherd is a large and powerful dog, so it takes a serious crate to contain them.
If you are dealing with a dog that is particularly good at escaping, this cage will probably be a big help.
The whole thing is made of thick steel bars, and all of them are coated with a non-corrosive layer. This ensures that the cage will not be degraded by rust.
Of course, these coatings dont last forever, so you might need to re-enamel this cage every few years. However, you can easily buy a can of spray-on enamel from any hardware store.
This one gets pretty high marks in the portability department. It is somewhat heavy, but it shouldnt be outside the ability of most people to lift.
When your dog is not present, you should have no trouble putting this crate in the back of your vehicle. Whenever you have to move this crate, the caster wheels make it much easier.
These wheels are very strong and should be able to hold the weight of your dog reliably.
At the same time, this is one of the most expensive crates on our list. You will pay a little more for this one, even if it is likely to last for years.
Also, we dont like the fact that this cages floor is composed of slotted steel.
This would have to be a little bit uncomfortable for the dog, so we recommend that you put a blanket or dog bed on the bottom.
Just ask yourself: Would you want to sleep on a cold metal floor?
Helps With Potty Training
Using a crate to potty train your puppy is a quicker way than other methods. Puppies naturally do not like to pee or poop where they sleep and will tend to hold it. Its also another reason to use a crate divider. If the crate is too big, the puppy may feel there is enough space to potty at the far end. You dont want him to treat the crate like the yard where he poops at one end and rests at the other.
Read Also: Why Are German Shepherds So Protective
Summary Important German Shepherd Puppy Crate Training Steps
1. Find a crate Consider the size, material, and style
2. Introduce your new German Shepherd puppy to the crate Spend time with your puppy around the kennel and place her inside at intervals with the door open initially
3. Pick a nighttime and daytime location for the crate
4. Accustom your puppy to spending the night in the crate Place by your bed and set alarms to feed and take your puppy outside at set intervals. Duration lengthens as your puppy matures.
5. Prepare for training with a positive attitude Ignore whining for attention but learn to recognize cries of distress
6. Utilize one or more crate training methods and pick a command Find what motivates your German Shepherd puppy, like food treats, toys, or games
Crate training your German Shepherd is a helpful skill that will last a lifetime, even if you discard the kennel after housebreaking.
A good rule of thumb, according to Cuteness.com, is to get rid of the crate when your puppy has managed to go for two months with no bathroom accidents.
Dispensing with a kennel can mean many things to different owners. You may never bring out the crate again unless your dog needs to board a flight.
Some people still feel more comfortable crating their German Shepherd when they leave for a few hours. Others like the idea that their German Shepherd still sleeps in the kennel as an adult.
You may even give your German Shepherd the option to use her crate by leaving the door open at all times.