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)
Large dog crates for 2027: 36 to 40 inch crates for dogs from 50 to 90 lb, with the strength to match a large dog leaning on the door.
The short answer
For calm large dogs, the MidWest LifeStages 36 inch double door is the home default, with the Amazon Basics 36 inch as the budget version. For travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel 40 inch suits 70 to 90 lb dogs. For large dogs who escape, only the LUCKUP 38 inch steel crate is in the right strength class. Measure a large dog stretched out, not just standing, before trusting any size label.
Our top picks at a glance
- 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 overall for large dogs
- Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 InchThe airline style kennel for large dogs: a tough shell, a steel wire door, and tie down points for travel.Best for large dog travel
- LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate, 38 Inch, BlackThick steel bars, two locks with safety buckles, and wheels: the answer for dogs who treat wire crates as suggestions.Best for large escape artists
- Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 InchThe classic hard shell travel kennel: heavy duty plastic, a wire door, and ventilation all the way around.Best for medium large dogs
- 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 budget for large dogs
- 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 cheap large dog crate
The picks, ranked
Every product in this lineup was picked for this use case, ranked with our strongest choices first. If a product from the wider category does not genuinely fit this scenario, it is not listed here.
| # | Product | Award | Dimensions | Dog weight range | Model | Doors | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages Double Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best overall for large dogs | 36 in L x 23 in W x 25 in H | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1636DDU | 2, front and side | Divider panel, leak-proof pan, rubber feet |
| 2 | Petmate Sky Kennel, 40 Inch | Best for large dog travel | - | 70 to 90 lb | 00500 | - | - |
| 3 | LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate, 38 Inch, Black | Best for large escape artists | 37.5 in L x 25.5 in W x 32 in H | - | A234 | - | - |
| 4 | Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel, 32 Inch | Best for medium large dogs | - | 30 to 50 lb | 21552 | - | - |
| 5 | MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Best budget for large dogs | - | 41 to 70 lb (maker guidance) | 1536U | 1, front, slide bolt latch | Divider panel and leak-proof pan |
| 6 | Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Folding Metal Wire Dog Crate, Double Door, 36 Inch | Best cheap large dog crate | 36 in L x 23 in W x 25 in H | - | 9001N-36B | 2, front and side | Divider panel and removable tray |
Best overall for large dogs
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 for large dog travel
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 for large 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 for medium large 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 budget for large dogs
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 cheap large dog 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.
Questions, answered
Is 36 inches big enough for a large dog?
It depends on the dog, not the label. A 36 inch crate suits many medium to large dogs in the 41 to 70 lb range, but tall or long large dogs need to be measured stretched out on their side. If the dog cannot stretch fully, step up a size rather than hoping the dog adapts.
Why does my large dog bend a wire crate?
Because wire crates are training tools, not containment systems, and a large dog leaning or pawing hard will flex light wire. If bending is a pattern, move to a heavier wire crate first, and to a steel bar crate like the LUCKUP if the behaviour continues. Adding clips to a bent crate treats the symptom.
Do large dogs need a crate at all as adults?
Many adult large dogs keep using a crate voluntarily as a den, especially after exercise or in busy houses. The door can stay open and the crate becomes a bed with walls. Dogs who no longer need confinement still benefit from a familiar den for travel, vet recovery, and house guests.
Every guide on Dog Crates15 pages
- Topic hubDog Crates
- Best ofThe Best Dog Crates (2027)
- 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)
- 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)
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