Quote: Natalya Zahn

and even if we had 2 dogs that got along famously, I still wouldn't trust Oscar in a crate with the other one, in the event that a stressor might trigger him into an outburst. IMO, putting 2 dogs in one crate is just ASKING for trouble

Luc and Teagan (who DO NOT share a crate) are a perfect example. They get along great in the house, outside, walks/running/hiking/backpacking - but look at what happens when they are in a tent together, once I've fallen asleep. It's a smaller, confined space, just like a crate and if I am not awake to fully control the situation, outbursts consistently happen (which is why Teagan now has her own tent). I can't even imagine putting 2 dogs, even if best friends, in a crate together. If they want the dogs to be 'together' that much, put the crates next to/nearby each other.

My two intact, male working line GSDs share the same kennel run.
When I worked hunting terriers it was common to have 2-3 crated together in my old van.
Know your dogs and trust your leadership!

I have 3 Chihuahuas who share a med. size crate.
I know my dogs and how they interact with each other, the crate is also pretty spacious for all their tiny little bodies.

I have another Chihuahua that doesn't share her crate.

I would never put Ivan and another dog together in a crate (if I could find a big enough crate) without supervision.

As Bob said:
Know your dogs and trust your leadership!

I used to keep my hyperactive, dog-aggressive Greyhound in the same kennel run as an older, quiet, submissive potato-shaped female Dobe. The two of them were much happier together than apart and were such a nuisance when separated that I just gave in. If they would have fit, the two of them probably would have happily shared a crate. Other than this odd couple (they even died within a year of each other), I can't imagine putting any of my other dogs in this sort of proximity. We HAVE filled a large crate with puppies to go to the vet, but they didn't seem to mind:-)

Ok, we're getting into specific examples and exceptions. There are always exceptions. I can have mine in the car together just fine, too. I also have kenneled Caleb and Mia together at a friend's boarding facility b/c Mia was panicky at being back in a kennel (humane society flashbacks, I guess). If Caleb was in there w/her, she was just fine. He's too cocky to think I'd ever leave him, LOL!

In general, dogs need their own space. Their crates should be a peaceful retreat for them. Leave the door off a giant crate if you want to give them the option. But don't force them to cohabitate b/c you think it's nicer/easier/cheaper. What the hell kind of board was this anyway? I swear, those "pet bull" people are the absolute worst! Not that this has anything to do w/breed, but to bring breed descrimination into it in defense of the stupid idea is..............well.........stupid.

I have a mini pinscher, who is not DA, but I don't think I want him to be in crate with any small or large dogs. He probably get bullied or picked on. He is not the kind of dog who would claim his own space. I'm ok if he stay with his pack in the dog run that is pretty large enough. He can get very insecure easily if dogs continue to pick on him. I prefer if he is separated, but allowed to hang out with his pack during playtime.

IMHO, there are many reasons not to house two dogs in one crate (the O.P. wasn't really about transport).

It was Craigslist, so I took all the insults with a grain of salt. I had to try to get the person to understand that dogs need personal space, but I got ganged up on, so I'm sure (s)he is still looking for a large dog crate for the dogs. Oh well, all you can do is try, right?

Yeah, I found the "breed discrimination" stuff to be a tad much, too. I wouldn't crate any dogs together personally. There are some dogs that obviously can handle it, and two of my dogs are very good with one another, but after witnessing a dog fight, I would never do it. I am scared sh*tless for the rest of my life, honestly.

I just hate when people pull out the "breed card". It's so tired. I've written articles against breed specific legislation and own bully type dogs. I'm not "the enemy", but I'm not dumb enough to take chances. Stuff can and will happen. All I could do was direct the "Well, my pit bull would NEVER do that!" people here to the FAQ and Q&A sections. My response is, "Really? Your dog would never defer to its instincts like a normal dog? It would never do what it's been bred to do?"

I even had people touting the fact that bully breeds do better in temperament tests than Golden Retrievers, most toy breeds, etc. Those temperament tests measure stability, shyness, aggressiveness, and friendliness. It's important to note the aggression measured is human aggression. It's not the same. You can have a loving family dog that is gentle with everyone it meets, including children, that will not tolerate other dogs.

 Quote: jenni williams

In general, dogs need their own space. Their crates should be a peaceful retreat for them. Leave the door off a giant crate if you want to give them the option. But don't force them to cohabitate b/c you think it's nicer/easier/cheaper. What the hell kind of board was this anyway? I swear, those "pet bull" people are the absolute worst! Not that this has anything to do w/breed, but to bring breed discrimination into it in defense of the stupid idea is..............well.........stupid.

My dogs (3 and 4 y/o, American and English bulldog) sleep in the same crate (door open) every night. I started them off with separate ones, but after a year of them inevitably ending up in each others, I put the eventually never-used one away. I occasionally crate one while working with the other, but would never lock both in.
Is there an upside to splitting them up for the night now?

Are there separate beds available for each?