Quick answer: a ute dog box is the right size when your dog can stand up, turn around and lie down in it, and the box fits your tray. Measure your dog's length and standing height, measure your tray, then compare both with the box sizes on the product page. Our dog boxes are 1770mm long, to suit a ute tray's width, and 700mm or 1000mm deep.
This ute dog box size guide walks you through each step, using the real sizes from our range.
Step 1: Measure your dog
Measure your dog while it stands on a flat floor. Get someone to help keep it still.
- Length: from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the end of the tail).
- Standing height: from the floor to the top of the head, or to the tips of the ears if they stand up.
- Width: across the widest part, usually the shoulders or chest.
The RSPCA says a crate should be big enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down. So leave room above the head and in front of the nose, not just an exact fit. A growing pup needs room to grow.
Step 2: Measure your tray
A dog box sits across the tray, behind the cab. Measure:
- Tray width, at the narrowest point between the sides or rails.
- Tray length you can spare from front to back. A 700mm-deep box leaves more tray free than a 1000mm-deep one.
- Anything in the way: headboards, ladder racks, tie-down rails or a toolbox already fitted.
Our ute canopy sizes guide shows how to measure a tray step by step. The same method works for a dog box. Ute tub? Measure between the wheel arches too. Our guide to toolbox dimensions for popular utes lists rough tub sizes.
Step 3: Compare with our dog box sizes
These sizes come from our product pages. "Box" is length × depth. "Door" is the door opening listed on the product page, length × height. The 1778 models come in checker plate, raw, black and white, all the same size.
| Model | Box (mm) | Door (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Full dog box 1778-DB, with a swinging internal lid | 1770 × 700 | 550 × 710 |
| Part canopy, part dog box 1778-HDB | 1770 × 700 | 550 × 710 |
| Part canopy, part dog box 1178-HDB-BW (black and white) | 1770 × 1000 | 850 × 710 |
The door opening is 710mm high on every model. If your dog's standing height is close to that, call us before you buy so we can help you check the inside of the dog section.
All our dog boxes are 2.5mm aluminium with a mesh dog cage, two whale tail locks, four gas struts, a full-length piano hinge and four keys. Each product page lists the full sizes, so check the exact model you want.
Step 4: Choose the style
Full dog box
Choose a full dog box if the dog is the main thing you carry. Our full dog boxes have a swinging internal lid. See the checker plate full dog box or the black full dog box.
Part canopy, part dog box
Choose this if you need lockable storage for tools or gear as well as a space for the dog. See the checker plate part canopy, part dog box or the raw flat plate version.
Deeper box
The 1000mm-deep model gives a wider door opening (850mm). It takes more of the tray. Check your tray length first.
Common sizing mistakes
- Measuring the tail. Measure to the base of the tail, not the tip.
- Forgetting the ears. Dogs with upright ears need head room to the ear tips.
- Only measuring the dog. The box also has to fit the tray, past any rails, racks or toolboxes.
- Buying for a puppy's size today. Think about its adult size.
- Two dogs, one space. Every dog needs room to stand, turn and lie down. Measure for all the dogs you plan to carry together.
Questions people ask
What size dog box do I need for my ute?
One that fits your tray width and lets your dog stand, turn and lie down. Our dog boxes are 1770mm long to suit a ute tray, and 700mm or 1000mm deep.
How much room does a dog need in a dog box?
The RSPCA says enough to stand up, turn around and lie down. Leave space above the head or ears and in front of the nose.
Will a dog box fit a ute tub?
Our dog boxes are made to sit on a tray. If you have a tub, measure between the wheel arches and compare with the box size, or call us.
Is a part canopy, part dog box big enough for a large dog?
It depends on your dog. Compare its measurements with the door opening and box size on the product page, and call us if you're unsure.
Next steps
Check the rules for dogs on utes in your state, read how to keep your dog cool in a ute dog box, then browse our ute dog boxes. You're welcome to bring your measurements to our showroom at Unit 13, 340 Hoxton Park Road, Prestons NSW, or call 1300 026 937.