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A correctly sized crate becomes a German Shorthaired Pointer’s den, a house-training aid, and a safe space, but the wrong dimensions turn it into a source of anxiety. A German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-to-large athletic gundog, typically 45-70 lb (females 45-60 lb, males 55-70 lb) and standing 21-25 inches at the shoulder, with a short, dense, water-resistant coat with minimal insulation. That build and their extremely high-energy, athletic, and a talented jumper and runner shape exactly what you should look for, and this guide walks through the criteria, the main options, and how to size and choose the right pick.
This is one of the most active breeds you can own. Gear that suits a couch-potato dog will be shredded or outgrown in capability by a GSP that runs 5-10 miles a day.
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Quick answer: For most people in 2026, the best dog crate for german shorthaired pointer is the Adult weight — our #1 rated choice. See the full ranked comparison, alternatives and buying advice below.
German Shorthaired Pointer at a glance
| Trait | Typical range for a German Shorthaired Pointer |
|---|---|
| Adult weight | 45-70 lb (females 45-60 lb, males 55-70 lb) |
| Height at shoulder | 21-25 inches at the shoulder |
| Coat | short, dense, water-resistant coat with minimal insulation |
| Neck girth | 16-20 inches |
| Chest girth | 24-30 inches |
| Recommended crate length | 42 in crate |
What to look for in a crate for a German Shorthaired Pointer
See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food
Correct size
The dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie flat without extra room to soil one corner. For puppies, buy the adult size and use a divider to shrink it during house-training.
Material and use case
Wire crates ventilate well and fold flat; plastic airline-style crates feel more den-like and travel better; heavy-duty steel crates suit strong or anxious dogs that bend standard wire.
Door layout and safety
Look for secure slide-bolt latches, rounded edges, and a leak-proof tray. Double doors add placement flexibility in tight rooms.
Types of crate to consider
There is no single ‘best’ option for every German Shorthaired Pointer; the right type depends on your routine, your dog’s habits, and your budget. Here are the main categories and where each one shines.
- Wire folding: Ventilated, collapsible, includes a divider; the versatile default.
- Plastic/airline: Enclosed and travel-approved for many airlines.
- Heavy-duty steel: Escape- and chew-resistant for powerful or anxious dogs.
- Soft-sided: Lightweight for calm dogs and trips, not for chewers.
How to choose and size it right
Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from floor to the top of the head when sitting, then add 2-4 inches to each figure. Round up to the nearest crate size; it is better slightly large with a divider than cramped.
For a German Shorthaired Pointer specifically, aim for the 42 in crate range noted above and re-check the fit or portion after the first week, since a growing puppy, a seasonal coat change, or weight gain can all shift what works.
Don’t overlook breed-specific health
A German Shorthaired Pointer is prone to bloat (gastric torsion) from a deep chest, plus injuries and wear from a very active lifestyle, so factor that in. The right choice supports those weak points instead of aggravating them, which is the difference between a purchase that lasts and one you replace in a month.
Common mistakes to avoid
Two errors show up again and again. The first is sizing by weight class alone: two German Shorthaired Pointers at the same weight can carry it on very different frames, so always measure. The second is buying on price rather than fit and build quality, which usually means replacing the item sooner and paying more in the long run. Take the extra five minutes to measure your dog and read the maker’s size chart before you order, and check the fit or amount again after the first week of real use.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a German Shorthaired Pointer need?
A medium-to-large athletic gundog generally fits a crate rated to their standing height and length plus a few inches. As a rule, a German Shorthaired Pointer at 45-70 lb (females 45-60 lb, males 55-70 lb) does best in a crate matched to that measured length, not just the weight class on the box.
How long can my German Shorthaired Pointer stay crated?
Adults should not be crated more than about 4-6 hours at a stretch during the day, and puppies far less. The crate is a rest and safety tool, not a substitute for exercise and company.
Bottom line
The best crate for a German Shorthaired Pointer is the one matched to their medium-to-large athletic gundog build, their extremely high-energy, athletic, and a talented jumper and runner, and their tendency toward bloat (gastric torsion) from a deep chest, plus injuries and wear from a very active lifestyle. Start from the measurements and ranges in this guide, choose the type that fits your routine, and prioritize fit and durability over the lowest price. Get those basics right and you will spend less over time while keeping your German Shorthaired Pointer safer and more comfortable.
Ready to decide? Our #1 pick for 2026 is the Adult weight.
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