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An English Springer Spaniel is a lot of dog in a medium package: busy, bright, affectionate and, as a puppy or adolescent, capable of dismantling a kitchen in the time it takes you to shower. A crate gives a young Springer a safe place to settle, protects your house during training and, for working dogs, provides secure transport to the field. This guide covers crate size, types and training for a breed that is both high-energy and very attached to its people.
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Sizing a crate for a Springer
Measure the dog standing, from nose to the base of the tail, and add 2-4 inches for length. Measure from the floor to the top of the head and add 2-4 inches for height. Most adult Springers, at 19-20 inches at the shoulder and 40-50 lb, fit a 42-inch crate. Smaller field-bred females may be comfortable in a 36-inch crate. A crate that is too small forces a curled posture; too big, and a puppy may use one end as a toilet.
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
Included for 'Best Dog Crate for English Springer Spaniel' because the listing specifies for Medium-Large Breeds and 41-70 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on Amazon| Springer | Typical weight | Crate size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy 8-16 weeks | 8-20 lb | 42 in with divider | Move divider as the pup grows |
| Field-bred female | 35-40 lb | 36-42 in | Measure; many fit 36 in |
| Show-line female | 40-45 lb | 42 in | Most common size |
| Adult male | 45-55 lb | 42 in | Tall males may prefer 48 in |
| Vehicle crate | Any | Snug fit | Minimise movement in a stop |
Home vs vehicle crates
See also: Best Electric Dog Fences for Reliable, Humane Containment • Best Dog Boots for Basset Hound
Wire crate with divider
Best for the house. Good ventilation for a dog that runs hot after exercise, and a divider allows the crate to grow with the puppy. A breathable cover on three sides creates a den feel.
Plastic kennel
More enclosed, lighter and airline-friendly. Good for Springers that are visually reactive and settle better when they cannot see everything.
Heavy-duty travel crate
For working Springers riding to shoots or trials, a strong aluminium or rotomolded crate strapped to the vehicle’s tie-down points is the safest way to travel. It also contains a wet, muddy dog on the way home.
Crate training a people-oriented breed
Springers are strongly attached to their families and can find separation hard. Build the crate as a happy place: feed meals inside, hide treats in the bedding and offer a stuffed chew only in the crate. Start with short periods while you are home and in view, then gradually leave the room. Avoid using the crate as punishment. Exercise before crating is essential; a Springer that has had a good run and a sniffing session settles far better than one that has been in the house all morning. Adult dogs should generally not be crated for more than four to five hours at a time during the day.
Chew-proofing the crate
Young Springers are enthusiastic chewers and may shred bedding or pull covers through the wire. Use a durable crate pad or a vet bed rather than a plush cushion until the dog proves it is trustworthy. Remove the collar or use a breakaway style to prevent snagging on wire. Provide a chew suited to a 40-50 lb dog, such as a firm rubber toy stuffed with part of the dog’s meal.
Crate as a recovery space
After a hard day in the field or after surgery, a crate keeps a Springer quiet. This matters because the breed’s instinct is to keep going even when tired or sore. If your dog has had orthopaedic surgery for hip or elbow dysplasia, your vet will likely prescribe crate rest, and a dog already comfortable in a crate recovers far more easily.
FAQ
What size crate does an English Springer Spaniel need?
Most adults need a 42-inch crate. Smaller field-bred dogs may fit a 36-inch model; always measure standing height and length first.
My Springer cries in the crate. What should I do?
Increase exercise and mental work beforehand, make the crate more rewarding, and build up time gradually. If distress is severe or the dog injures itself trying to escape, talk to your vet or a behaviourist about separation anxiety.
Bottom line
For most English Springer Spaniels, the best crate is a 42-inch wire crate with a divider for home use, plus a snug, strapped-down travel crate for working dogs. Size it correctly, make it a positive space and pair it with plenty of exercise, and your Springer will learn to switch off in it.
