Dogs are usually more comfortable in a crate that caters to their size. A large dog crate may provide too much room for a small breed. The dog can end up feeling exposed and unprotected rather than cozy and safe. However, the crate should allow the dog to stand without its ears touching the top of the crate. Dogs should have room to lay down and turn around without restriction. To get the right size crate, measure your dog when standing from the top of his ears to the floor, from the tip of the nose to the tail’s base, and across the chest. He’ll need four to six inches of clearance from front to back, side to side, and to the top of the crate.