PET GATE SIZE GUIDE

Which pet gate is best for my breed of dog?

Pet gates are the best solutions for training puppies and dogs, they enable pet owners to have more freedom to go about their day and create room divides where needed, preventing dogs from going upstairs or entering areas of the home you would prefer they didn’t venture.

Pet gates are sturdy, strong structures, designed to keep your pet safe indoors and out. The size of pet gate you will need will depend on the size and breed of your dog and the type of dog gate you choose may also be determined by their personality. If your puppy is prone to chewing for example then a mesh retractable pet gate may not be for you.

There is more choice than ever before in dog gates, from dog gates for small breeds, dog gates for large breeds, dog gates for stairs and pet room dividers, plus pet pens which are becoming increasingly popular for training puppies. The choice is endless.

Here is a quick pet gate size guide to help you find the best pet gate for your dog or puppy.

HEIGHT AND WIDTH

There are two heights in pet gates, extra tall and medium height gates. 

TALL PET GATES 

Tall pet gates for larger dog breeds

Tall pet gates are generally just over 1metre in height. Extra tall dog gates are best suited to the larger dog breed such as a Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Dalmation, Boxer, Greyhound etc…. For pet owners that also have cats, a tall gate with a cat flap is ideal.

You can choose between a pressure fitted tall gate and a screw fitted tall gate. Both different styles of dog gate are strong and sturdy, however, if you have a particularly large, strong breed of dog such as a German Shepherd or a Rottweiler a tall screw fitted gate may be best.

MEDIUM HEIGHT PET GATES

Medium height pet gates for smaller dog breeds

Medium size pet gates will measure approximately 72-76cm give or take a few cm. These pet gates are best suited to smaller dog breeds such as the Maltipoo, Cockapoo, Bichon Frise, Beagle, Yorkiepoo, Toy Poodle, Chihuahua to name but a few.

The Bettacare Auto Close Pet Gate is a great pet gate for small dogs. The automatic close feature ensures the gate closes automatically when you walk through, this makes for an ideal pet gate for young families, where a young child may forget to close the gate behind them.

MATERIAL

Think about the size of your dog and their personality when choosing a dog gate Metal pet gates Metal pet gates are ideal for any breed of dog. If you have a dog that is particularly prone to chewing such as the French Bulldog, Jack Russel Terrier, Beagle etc… then a metal pet gate is ideal. For dogs that are prone to chewing it is advisable to avoid wooden pet gates and fabric pet gates such as the mesh retractable pet gate. There are plenty of metal dog gates to choose from, extra tall metal gates for a large breed of dog and standard height metal pet gates for a smaller breed of dog in both pressure fitted and screw fitted.

Retractable mesh gates Pet gates that retract are ideal for pet owners looking for a minimal, space saving gate. Some dog breeds such a the Cocker Spaniel and the Jack Russell terrier for example may be more prone to jumping and less suited to a mesh retractable dog gate. If your dog gets very excited, jumps up when they see you and is also prone to chewing, a retractable, mesh, fabric pet gate is not advisable. Retractable gates are best suited to well trained dogs and less excitable and calm natured dogs that will not push against the gate.

Wooden pet gates can be screw fitted and pressure fitted and similar to metal gates they are suited to many pet breeds. Wood dog gates however are obviously made of wood and if chewed, unlike metal pet gates, will no longer look their best. For dogs that may like to bite and chew such as the Chihuahua, French Bulldog or the Golden Retriever (if they don’t get enough excercise) and particularly in the case of teething puppies, a metal dog gate would be more suitable. Wooden pet gates look great and make ideal contemporary pet gates for modern homes, but do make sure your pet is trained and a bit older than a new pup before considering a dog gate in wood.

PRESSURE FITTED V’s SCREW FITTED FOR PETS

Best dog gates for large, strong dogs such as a Rottweiler, Boxer, Siberian Husky etc, are extra tall and screw fitted. A screw fit, tall dog gate is the strongest dog gate you can buy. Screw fitting a gate in place provides additional strength that a pressure fit gate may lack if your dog is particularly strong and prone to pushing against things or jumping up. A screw fit gate will remain firmly in place and prevent your dog from pushing through the gate. Pressure fit gates are ideal for smaller breeds of dog or larger breeds that are less prone to jumping up or just generally less interested in their surroundings. One of the most popular dog gates is the Auto close pressure fitted gate available in black or white in a wide range of sizes to suit most doorways and hallways in most homes.

PET PENS

Is a dog pen better than a dog gate? A dog pen can be used alongside a dog gate and are often used to train a puppy. When an adventurous, playful pup is demanding your time and attention day and night, a puppy pen can can provide light relief. When you pop your puppy in the pen you know that firstly they are safe and secondly they will not be chewing on your furniture the second your head is turned. Putting their familiar toys in the pen with them will provide comfort until they have adapted to their new surroundings. A large puppy pen allows you to also put their bed inside, creating their very own safe play/sleep zone. Dog pens give you freedom in the home and peace of mind when you leave the home. You can relax in the knowledge your puppy will be safe as will your home.