Best of
The Best Dog Crates (2027)
The best dog crates for 2027, from folding wire training crates to heavy duty steel, plastic travel kennels, collapsible premium crates and furniture crates.
The short answer
For most dogs, start with a folding wire crate: the MidWest iCrate 36 inch for a simple first crate, or the LifeStages 36 inch double door if the crate sits in a corner. Travellers should look at the Petmate Ultra Vari 32 inch for medium dogs or the Sky Kennel 40 inch for large dogs. Dogs who escape need the LUCKUP 38 inch steel crate, not a stronger wire crate. Calm small dogs suit the Diggs Revol or the EliteField soft crate, and living rooms suit the New Age Pet ECOFLEX or the Merry Products triple door crate. Size by the dog first, then by the room, then by the budget.
Our top picks at a glance
- MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 InchThe default first crate: a folding wire box with a divider, at a price that leaves room for a bed and a cover.Best overall for first time trainers
- MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 InchThe step up from the iCrate: heavier wire, two doors, and the same divider and pan system.Best wire crate for corner placement
- Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 InchTwo doors, a divider and a tray, in the plain black wire crate that undercuts almost everything else.Best budget double door crate
- BestPet Folding Metal Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch, BlackAnother honest budget wire crate: double doors, slide bolt latches, a tray, and a handle for carrying it folded.Best second or spare crate
- Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 InchThe classic hard shell travel kennel: heavy duty plastic, a wire door, and ventilation all the way around.Best plastic kennel for medium dogs
The picks, ranked
| # | Product | Award | Size | Dog weight range | Model | Doors | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best overall for first time trainers | 36 in long, for medium-large breeds | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1536U | 1, front, slide bolt latch | Divider panel and leak-proof pan |
| 2 | MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best wire crate for corner placement | - | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1636DDU | 2, front and side | Divider panel, leak-proof pan, rubber feet |
| 3 | Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch | Best budget double door crate | - | - | 9001N-36B | 2, front and side | Divider panel and removable tray |
| 4 | BestPet Folding Metal Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch, Black | Best second or spare crate | - | - | - | 2, front and side, slide bolt latches | Divider panel, leakproof tray, handle |
| 5 | Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 Inch | Best plastic kennel for medium dogs | - | 30 to 50 lb | 21552 | - | - |
| 6 | Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 Inch | Best plastic kennel for large dogs | - | 70 to 90 lb | 00500 | - | - |
| 7 | Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, Blue | Best small dog kennel | - | Up to 15 lb | 21231 | 2, top load and front | - |
| 8 | LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate, 38 Inch, Black | Best heavy duty crate for escape artists | - | - | A234 | - | - |
| 9 | Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, Smoke | Best premium collapsible crate | - | - | REV001AASG | - | - |
| 10 | EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch, Blue Gray | Best soft crate for calm dogs | - | - | SDC-3036BG | 3 mesh doors, top, front and side | Carry bag and fleece bed |
| 11 | New Age Pet ECOFLEX InnPlace Dog Crate and End Table, Medium, Espresso Black | Best furniture crate for living rooms | - | - | - | 1, front, stainless steel latch | - |
| 12 | Merry Products Triple Door Medium Dog Crate, White | Best wooden crate | 30.6 in L x 20.4 in W x 23.2 in H (listing size) | - | PTH0662020110 | 3, two front and one side | - |
Best overall for first time trainers
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch
The default first crate: a folding wire box with a divider, at a price that leaves room for a bed and a cover.
Strengths
- Folds flat and sets up with no tools, so it moves between rooms and houses without a project
- A divider panel lets one 36 inch crate serve a growing puppy from first weeks to adult size
- A leak-proof plastic pan slides out for cleaning after accidents without tipping the whole crate
- One front door keeps the design simple, with a slide bolt latch that is easy to work one handed
Limitations
- Single door access only, so corner placement can leave you reaching around the crate
- Standard wire gauge will not hold a determined escape artist or a heavy chewer
- The pan is plastic and can crack if dragged across rough floors or chewed from inside
What owners report
Most praised
- Puppy owners say the divider made the first month of house training noticeably tidier
- It folds small enough to ride in a car boot for weekends away without a second crate
- The pan slides out for a quick rinse after accidents instead of a full crate wash
Common complaints
- Strong puppies learn to rattle the single latch louder than owners expect at night
- The wire feels light next to heavier crates once a dog starts leaning on the door
- Corner placement turns the single door into a daily reach-around frustration
| Size | 36 in long, for medium-large breeds |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) |
| Model | 1536U |
| Doors | 1, front, slide bolt latch |
| Includes | Divider panel and leak-proof pan |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: First time crate trainers with a medium to large puppy or adult dog in the 41 to 70 lb range.
Skip if: Your dog bends wire, paws latches open, or needs a second door because of where the crate sits in the room.
Best wire crate for corner placement
MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch
The step up from the iCrate: heavier wire, two doors, and the same divider and pan system.
Strengths
- Double doors, front and side, solve the placement problem the single door iCrate cannot
- Heavier LifeStages wire and frame feel sturdier than entry level wire crates in daily use
- Divider panel and leak-proof pan are included for puppy growth and accident cleanup
- Rubber feet protect floors and keep the crate from sliding on smooth surfaces
Limitations
- Still a wire crate, so a determined chewer or escape artist can defeat it
- Heavier than the iCrate, so moving it folded is more of a two handed job
- The pan can warp with heat or heavy use and then stops sliding smoothly
What owners report
Most praised
- Corner placement owners say the side door changed the crate from awkward to easy
- The sturdier wire gets mentioned by owners upgrading from a lighter first crate
- Rubber feet earn quiet praise from renters protecting wood floors
Common complaints
- The pan warps over time for owners who wash it hot or leave it in sun
- Folded, it is bulkier and heavier to carry than the lighter iCrate
- Persistent pawing still bends the door frame on the most determined dogs
| Dimensions | 36 in L x 23 in W x 25 in H |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) |
| Model | 1636DDU |
| Doors | 2, front and side |
| Includes | Divider panel, leak-proof pan, rubber feet |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: Medium to large dogs in the 41 to 70 lb range whose crate sits against a wall or in a corner.
Skip if: You want the lightest crate to carry, or your dog needs steel bar containment rather than wire.
Best budget double door crate
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch
Two doors, a divider and a tray, in the plain black wire crate that undercuts almost everything else.
Strengths
- Front and side doors give two placement options in a room instead of one
- Divider panel included, so the crate grows with a puppy instead of being replaced
- Removable tray and a top handle cover the cleaning and carrying basics
- Folds flat for storage between litters, moves, or travel
Limitations
- Wire and latches are functional rather than heavy, and determined dogs expose that fast
- The tray can slide or rattle if the crate is not on a level floor
- No carry case or cover is included, so travel extras are separate purchases
What owners report
Most praised
- Buyers call the side door the feature that saved an awkward hallway layout
- The divider earned praise from owners raising a puppy in a crate bought once
- Assembly reports are consistently short: unfold, clip, drop the tray in, done
Common complaints
- The tray rattles on hard floors until a mat or rug goes underneath
- Latch feel is described as adequate rather than reassuring by cautious owners
- Larger dogs leaning on the side door flex the panel more than owners like
| Dimensions | 36 in L x 23 in W x 25 in H |
|---|---|
| Doors | 2, front and side |
| Material | Metal wire, black finish |
| Includes | Divider panel and removable tray |
| Model | 9001N-36B |
| Fold | Folds flat for storage |
Best for: Budget buyers who want double door access and a divider without paying for a brand name.
Skip if: Your dog is a wire bender or a latch picker; this is a training crate, not a containment system.
Best second or spare crate
BestPet Folding Metal Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch, Black
Another honest budget wire crate: double doors, slide bolt latches, a tray, and a handle for carrying it folded.
Strengths
- Double doors and slide bolt latches cover the standard training crate feature set
- Folds in seconds with no tools, and a handle makes the folded crate easy to carry
- Leakproof tray catches accidents and slides out for cleaning
- Divider panel is part of the design, so a puppy can grow into the full 36 inch space
Limitations
- Budget wire flexes under a large or strong dog leaning on the door
- Latch quality is workable rather than premium, and owners check it twice at first
- The tray is thin plastic and can crack if the crate is dragged while loaded
What owners report
Most praised
- Second crate buyers say it does the same daily job as their pricier first crate
- The folded handle gets mentioned by owners who store it between fosters
- Puppy raisers like the divider for keeping the sleeping space small at first
Common complaints
- Strong dogs flex the door enough that owners add a carabiner for peace of mind
- The thin tray cracks for owners who drag the crate across a patio
- First impressions focus on light wire, which worries owners until the dog settles
| Dimensions | About 35 in L x 22 in W x 25 in H (from cm listing) |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 20 lb (9.07 kg, per listing) |
| Doors | 2, front and side, slide bolt latches |
| Material | Metal wire, black finish |
| Includes | Divider panel, leakproof tray, handle |
| Fold | Folds flat, no tools required |
Best for: Budget buyers who want a second crate, a travel spare, or a first crate without brand premium.
Skip if: Your dog tests latches or bends wire; spend the difference on a heavier wire or steel crate.
Best plastic kennel for medium dogs
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 Inch
The classic hard shell travel kennel: heavy duty plastic, a wire door, and ventilation all the way around.
Strengths
- Heavy duty plastic shell with a wire door gives a solid, enclosed den that wire crates cannot
- Ventilation openings around the shell keep airflow moving in a car or a warm room
- Two piece shell bolts together and apart for storage and cleaning in a way wire crates do not
- Made in the USA from recycled materials, with a long production history behind the design
Limitations
- It does not fold, so it eats closet and garage space between trips
- The enclosed shell hides the dog from view, which some owners dislike at home
- Assembly uses screws and wing nuts, so setup is slower than unfolding a wire crate
What owners report
Most praised
- Car travellers say dogs settle faster in the enclosed shell than in an open wire crate
- The shell wipes clean after muddy trips in a way fabric and wire never quite do
- Owners who have owned one for years cite the same kennel surviving multiple dogs
Common complaints
- Storage is the recurring gripe: a rigid kennel this size dominates a closet
- Screws and wing nuts slow assembly compared with a folding wire crate
- Some dogs pant more in the enclosed shell on hot days despite the vents
| Length | 32 in |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 30 to 50 lb |
| Model | 21552 |
| Material | Heavy duty plastic shell, wire door |
| Construction | Two piece shell, made in the USA |
| Ventilation | Openings around the shell |
Best for: Medium dogs in the 30 to 50 lb range who travel by car or need a den that feels enclosed.
Skip if: You need to see your dog from every angle, or you fold the crate away between uses; this one does not fold.
Best plastic kennel for large dogs
Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 Inch
The airline style kennel for large dogs: a tough shell, a steel wire door, and tie down points for travel.
Strengths
- Heavy duty plastic shell with a steel wire door is built for the knocks of travel
- Wire vents on the sides plus a wire door keep air moving through an enclosed kennel
- Tie down holes around the shell let owners secure the kennel in a vehicle or for air travel checks
- Raised interior and a solid floor keep the dog off wet or cold surfaces inside the kennel
Limitations
- At 30.5 lb and 40 in long it is bulky to carry and awkward through narrow doors
- It does not fold, so home storage needs a garage corner or a spare room
- Airline acceptance still depends on the airline and the dog, so check before booking, not after
What owners report
Most praised
- Air travellers value the solid shell and tie down points over a wire crate on travel days
- Large dog owners say the door latch feels properly serious compared with lighter kennels
- The shell handles car boot knocks without the dents and rattles of wire
Common complaints
- Carrying a 30 lb empty kennel through a house draws complaints from everyone assigned the job
- Finding a storage spot for a rigid 40 inch kennel frustrates apartment owners
- Airline rules vary, and owners warn against assuming any kennel is automatically accepted
| Length | 40 in |
|---|---|
| Dog weight range | 70 to 90 lb |
| Weight | 30.5 lb |
| Model | 00500 |
| Material | Heavy duty plastic shell, steel wire door |
| Travel | Airline style construction with tie down holes |
Best for: Large dogs in the 70 to 90 lb range travelling by car or air, where a wire crate feels too open.
Skip if: You fold crates away, or your dog needs maximum airflow and visibility at home.
Best small dog kennel
Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel, 24 Inch, Blue
A small hard kennel with a top door: lower a reluctant small dog in from above instead of pushing it through the front.
Strengths
- Top loading door solves the classic small dog standoff at the front door of a carrier
- Front door as well, so daily use does not always mean lifting the dog in from above
- At 5.2 lb it is genuinely one handed to carry, even with a small dog inside
- Hard plastic shell wipes clean and protects better in a car than a soft carrier
Limitations
- Strictly a small dog kennel; a 20 lb dog will find it cramped for anything but a short trip
- Ventilation is good but the small shell warms up fast in a hot car if left in sun
- No wheels or shoulder strap, so longer carries are a hand carry all the way
What owners report
Most praised
- Vet visit owners say the top door ended the wrestling match at the clinic door
- Its light weight gets praised by owners carrying a puppy plus a bag plus keys
- The shell cleans fast after car sickness, which soft carriers never quite do
Common complaints
- Owners of fast growing puppies outgrow it within months and resent the short life
- The top door latch feels fiddly when holding a wriggling puppy with one hand
- It warms quickly in a sunny car, so owners learn to shade it or move it
| Dimensions | 24.05 in L x 16.8 in W x 14.5 in H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.2 lb |
| Dog weight range | Up to 15 lb |
| Model | 21231 |
| Doors | 2, top load and front |
| Material | Hard plastic shell, wire front door |
Best for: Small dogs and puppies up to 15 lb for vet visits, car trips, and first crate training.
Skip if: Your dog is over 15 lb, or you need a crate a medium dog can stretch out in for hours.
Best heavy duty crate for escape artists
LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate, 38 Inch, Black
Thick steel bars, two locks with safety buckles, and wheels: the answer for dogs who treat wire crates as suggestions.
Strengths
- Industrial steel bar frame resists bending and chewing far beyond standard wire crates
- Two locks with safety buckles make the door much harder for a paw or nose to work open
- Four wheels, with a removable tray underneath, make cleaning and moving possible despite the weight
- 38 inch size suits medium and large dogs, with larger sizes in the same family for bigger dogs
Limitations
- At 57 lb it is a furniture move, not a travel crate, and stairs are a two person job
- Bar spacing and a steel floor grate need a pad or mat for comfortable long rests
- Assembly is heavier and fiddlier than unfolding a wire crate, and the box is large
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners of former escape artists report the first crate their dog has not opened
- The bar frame gets credit for surviving chewing that destroyed a wire crate in days
- Wheels are praised by owners who clean under the crate without dragging it
Common complaints
- The weight makes delivery day and stair carries a genuine planning exercise
- Dogs rest less comfortably on the grate until owners add a thick pad
- Assembly instructions leave first time buyers working out the lock orientation alone
| Dimensions | 37.5 in L x 25.5 in W x 32 in H |
|---|---|
| Weight | 57 lb |
| Material | Industrial corrosion resistant steel |
| Locks | Two locks with safety buckles |
| Model | A234 |
| Features | Four wheels, removable tray |
Best for: Medium and large escape prone dogs, high anxiety dogs, and owners who have already lost a wire crate.
Skip if: Your dog is calm in a crate, or you need to lift the crate often; at 57 lb this is not a portable pick.
Best premium collapsible crate
Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate, Small, Smoke
A premium collapsible crate that sets up in seconds, rolls on wheels, and looks like it belongs in the room.
Strengths
- Collapses and sets up in seconds with no loose panels to lose or assemble wrong
- Wheels and handles make room to room moves a one person job even with bedding inside
- Paw safe mesh pattern and rounded edges are designed around paws and noses, not just looks
- Maker interior of 25.3 in L x 17.4 in W x 18.5 in H suits dogs up to about 17 in tall or 30 lb
Limitations
- At 25 lb it is heavy for a small dog crate, and carrying it upstairs is a real effort
- The premium price buys design and convenience, not escape proof strength
- Small size only in this listing, so medium and large dogs need a different Revol listing
What owners report
Most praised
- Owners describe setup as genuinely instant compared with folding wire crates
- The wheels get singled out by people who shift the crate between bedroom and living room daily
- It reads as furniture in photos, which matters to owners who hated looking at a wire box
Common complaints
- The weight surprises buyers who expected a portable crate to feel light
- Chewing puppies test the mesh and plastic edges sooner than wire would allow
- The price stings when a puppy outgrows the small size within a year
| Exterior dimensions | 28.5 in L x 19.8 in W x 20.6 in H |
|---|---|
| Interior dimensions | 25.3 in L x 17.4 in W x 18.5 in H (maker) |
| Weight | 25 lb |
| Dog guidance | Up to 17 in tall or 30 lb (maker) |
| Model | REV001AASG |
| Features | Collapsible, wheels, handles, puppy divider |
Best for: Small dog owners who move the crate often and want collapsible convenience without a wire box look.
Skip if: Your dog chews mesh or plastic, or you need a crate for a dog over 30 lb; this size tops out there.
Best soft crate for calm dogs
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36 Inch, Blue Gray
A soft, light, fold flat crate with three mesh doors, a fleece bed and a carry bag in the box.
Strengths
- Three mesh doors, top, front and side, give access and airflow from almost any placement
- Folds flat and packs into the included carry bag, with a fleece bed included
- At about 13 lb for the 36 inch size it is far lighter than any wire or steel crate here
- Two year warranty is unusually generous for a soft crate at this price
Limitations
- Fabric and mesh will not hold a dog that chews, digs, or charges the door
- The frame can sag or lean if a dog leans hard on one side for a long rest
- Washing the whole crate is harder than hosing a tray, and drying takes time
What owners report
Most praised
- Campers and visitors love packing the whole crate into its bag for a weekend away
- The top door gets praise from owners who lift a sleepy dog in rather than coaxing it
- Mesh airflow is mentioned by owners whose dogs overheated in plastic kennels
Common complaints
- Chewing dogs go through mesh panels, and owners wish the warning were louder
- The frame leans when a large dog sleeps pressed against one wall all night
- Zippers snag on fabric if pulled at an angle, which frustrates tired travellers
| Dimensions | 36 in L x 24 in W x 28 in H |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 13 lb (36 in, per listing) |
| Model | SDC-3036BG |
| Doors | 3 mesh doors, top, front and side |
| Includes | Carry bag and fleece bed |
| Warranty | 2 years (maker) |
Best for: Calm, crate trained medium dogs travelling, camping, or visiting, where weight matters more than strength.
Skip if: Your dog paws, chews, or pushes at fabric; a soft crate is a tent, not a fortress.
Best furniture crate for living rooms
New Age Pet ECOFLEX InnPlace Dog Crate and End Table, Medium, Espresso Black
A crate that doubles as an end table, in a wood plastic composite that shrugs off stains and odours.
Strengths
- ECOFLEX composite of recycled polymers and reclaimed wood fibre resists moisture, stains and odours
- Flat top works as a genuine end table for a lamp or books, hiding the crate in plain sight
- Stainless steel spindles and latch give the front a furniture look without a flimsy plastic door
- Tool free style assembly suits owners who dread flat pack furniture with a bag of bolts
Limitations
- Not a containment crate: anxious or chewing dogs can damage composite panels
- No detachable floor pan in the classic sense, so deep cleaning is less simple than a wire crate
- Indoor use only, and it is heavier and less portable than a folding wire crate
What owners report
Most praised
- Living room owners say guests fail to notice the crate until the dog walks into it
- The top gets real use as a side table, which owners cite as the reason it survived redecorating
- Stain resistance earns praise from owners whose previous wooden crate marked permanently
Common complaints
- The latch feels light for the price, and owners with pushy dogs notice it first
- Chewers mark the composite edges faster than the furniture look suggests
- Assembly leaves small surface flakes that need a wipe before first use
| Size class | Medium, dogs up to 50 lb (maker) |
|---|---|
| Material | ECOFLEX composite, stainless steel spindles and latch |
| Use | Indoor only, for crate trained pets only (maker) |
| Form | Crate and end table combined |
| Sizes in family | Small, Medium, Large, X-Large |
| Doors | 1, front, stainless steel latch |
Best for: Calm, crate trained medium dogs up to 50 lb whose crate lives in a living room, not a garage.
Skip if: Your dog chews furniture, paws at latches, or suffers from anxiety in a crate; the maker flags this itself.
Best wooden crate
Merry Products Triple Door Medium Dog Crate, White
A white wooden crate with three doors and a flat top, built to sit in a bedroom or living room without apology.
Strengths
- Three doors, two front and one side, give flexible access whatever wall the crate sits against
- Solid wooden frame with a flat top reads as a cabinet, not as pet equipment
- Medium size suits a broad middle of dogs without dominating a room the way large crates do
- Sturdy 41.2 lb build stays put instead of skittering across floors when a dog shifts
Limitations
- Wood can be chewed and scratched, and repairs show more than on wire or plastic
- It does not fold, so moving house with it means carrying furniture, not a flat pack
- White paint shows muddy paws and scuffs faster than darker finishes
What owners report
Most praised
- Bedroom owners say the white cabinet look finally ended the argument about crate placement
- The side door earns praise in rooms where the front doors face a wall
- Its weight is seen as a plus: the crate stays where it is put even with a restless dog
Common complaints
- White paint marks quickly, and muddy paws show within the first week
- Chewers leave visible tooth marks on the wooden door frames
- Delivery weight and box size catch buyers who expected flat pack lightness
| Size | 30.6 in L x 20.4 in W x 23.2 in H (listing size) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 41.2 lb |
| Model | PTH0662020110 |
| Doors | 3, two front and one side |
| Material | Wood frame, white finish |
| Breed guidance | Medium |
Best for: Medium, calm dogs whose crate is permanent furniture in a bedroom or living room.
Skip if: Your dog chews wood, needs a folding crate, or weighs enough to need a large or extra large size.
How we chose
Size by the dog, measured standing
Measure the dog standing, nose to tail base for length and floor to head or ears for height, then add a few inches for turning and stretching. The crate must allow standing without crouching, a full turn, and lying on the side with legs out. Puppies use a divider to keep the space small while house training, then grow into the full crate. Buying two sizes up for growth without a divider creates a toilet corner, not a den.
Containment strength must match the dog
Wire crates suit calm and crate trained dogs. Soft crates suit only dogs who already accept a crate and never chew fabric. Plastic kennels suit travel and denning but not escape artists. Steel bar crates suit dogs who bend wire and work latches. Matching strength to the dog matters more than any other feature: an under strength crate teaches a dog that escape works, and that lesson is hard to unteach.
Doors and placement decide daily use
A single door crate against a wall is a daily annoyance. Double doors, top loading doors, and side doors exist because rooms are awkward, not because makers ran out of ideas. Check where the crate will actually sit, which wall it backs onto, and how you will get a reluctant dog in, before choosing between one door and two, or between front loading and top loading.
Cleaning and moving are part of the product
Every crate gets dirty. Slide out trays, two piece shells, washable fabric, and wipe clean composite all change how often cleaning actually happens. Folding, wheels, weight, and flat pack size decide whether the crate travels, stores, or becomes a permanent piece of furniture. A crate that is hard to clean or move gets used less, and a crate that is not used cannot train a dog.
Questions, answered
What size dog crate do I need?
Measure your dog standing: length from nose to tail base, height from floor to the top of the head or ears, whichever is taller. Add a few inches in both directions so the dog can stand without crouching, turn around, and lie on its side stretched out. If the dog is still growing, buy the adult size with a divider panel and keep the space small during house training.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
As a rough guide, adult dogs cope with a few hours at a time with breaks for toileting, exercise, and company, and puppies need far shorter stretches. A crate is a den and a management tool, not a place to park a dog all day. Dogs who are crated for very long periods without breaks develop stress behaviours that no crate design can fix.
Wire crate or plastic kennel?
Wire crates suit home training: they fold, ventilate well, and let you see the dog. Plastic kennels suit travel and dogs who settle better in an enclosed den: they are sturdier in a car and feel more den like. Many owners end up with both, a wire crate at home and a plastic kennel for the car.
Are soft crates safe?
Soft crates are safe for calm, crate trained dogs who do not chew, dig, or charge fabric. They are not safe containment for anxious, untrained, or chewing dogs, who can go through mesh quickly. If there is any doubt about chewing, buy wire, plastic, or steel instead.
Every guide on Dog Crates15 pages
- Topic hubDog Crates
- Puppy crating has one decisive feature: a divider panel. Without it, a crate bought for adult size gives a puppy a toilet corner and defeats house training. With it, one crate serves from first weeks to adult size. This ranking weights divider quality, pan cleaning, door access for tiny bladders at 3am, and honest size guidance over looks or premium materials.The Best Dog Crates for Puppies (2027)
- Large dogs break the assumptions behind small crates: wire flexes, latches get tested, trays slide, and a 30 lb crate becomes a wrestling opponent. This ranking weights frame strength, door latch quality, floor space for a stretched out large dog, and weight that keeps the crate still, ahead of folding convenience or looks.The Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs (2027)
- Travel crating is a different job from home crating: weight, folding speed, carrying, and car fit matter as much as strength. A 57 lb steel crate is the wrong travel answer even though it is the strongest crate here. This ranking weights portable weight, fold flat size, handles and wheels, and enclosed versus open design for car settling.The Best Dog Crates for Travel (2027)
- ReviewMidWest iCrate Single Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewAmazon Basics Double Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewDiggs Revol Small Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewPetmate Ultra Vari Kennel 32 Inch Review (2027)
- ReviewMidWest LifeStages Double Door 36 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- ReviewLUCKUP Heavy Duty 38 Inch Dog Crate Review (2027)
- Head to headMidWest iCrate 36 Single Door vs LifeStages 36 Double Door (2027)
- Head to headDiggs Revol Small vs EliteField Soft 36 Inch (2027)
- Buying guideDog Crate Buying Guide (2027)
- Fix itDog Won't Go in the Crate? Fixes (2027)
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