The Best Dog Crates
Our Picks
MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door
The crate trainers on r/puppy101 recommend most often. Stronger wire gauge than standard MidWest crates, slide-bolt latches that anxious dogs can't paw open, and the included divider panel means you buy once for a growing puppy. The best $90-$140 you'll spend on dog gear.
What we like
- Reinforced 20-gauge steel (vs 22-gauge standard) — holds up to determined escape artists
- Slide-bolt door latches on both ends resist pawing better than hook latches
- Includes divider panel to adjust interior size as puppy grows
- Rounded corners prevent paw injuries during crate training
- Removable composite pan (not flimsy plastic) survives enthusiastic diggers
- Folds flat in seconds for storage or transport
What we don't
- $90-$140 depending on size (30-40% more than basic MidWest models)
- Heavier than standard crates — 42" model is 45 lbs
- Still just wire — won't contain a truly destructive dog with separation anxiety
| Sizes | 24", 30", 36", 42", 48" (length) |
|---|---|
| Wire gauge | 20-gauge steel |
| Doors | Two (front and side) |
| Latches | Slide-bolt (3 per door on large sizes) |
| Includes | Divider panel, carrying handle, leak-proof pan |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer |
Impact Dog Crates Stationary
For dogs who treat standard wire crates as puzzles to solve. Aircraft-grade aluminum construction that even 100-lb dogs with separation anxiety can't bend or break. Expensive, but cheaper than replacing wire crates every few months or repairing drywall damage.
What we like
- Genuinely escape-proof — aluminum frame with steel-reinforced corners
- Designed for working dogs (police K9s, protection dogs) who need secure containment
- Door has automotive-grade latching mechanism — no dog is pawing this open
- Lifetime warranty against bent bars or broken welds
- Available in custom sizes and colors
What we don't
- $650-$950 depending on size and options
- Not collapsible — permanent furniture piece
- Heavy (70-120 lbs) — you're not moving this around daily
- Overkill for most dogs — only necessary for severe separation anxiety cases
| Sizes | Custom sizing available, standard 30"-48" |
|---|---|
| Material | Aircraft-grade aluminum frame |
| Weight | 70-120 lbs depending on size |
| Collapsible | No |
| Warranty | Lifetime structural warranty |
Fable Crate
Looks like a mid-century modern end table, functions as a secure crate. For people who don't want visible dog gear in their living room. Real wood (not veneer over particle board), and the interior is properly sized — this isn't just a decorative shell around a wire crate.
What we like
- Solid wood construction (walnut or oak) looks like $500 furniture
- Top supports up to 150 lbs — use as functional end table or nightstand
- Magnetic locking door closes silently, no rattling metal
- Proper ventilation through decorative side panels
- Interior dimensions match AKC crate sizing standards
What we don't
- $395-$595 depending on size and wood type
- Not suitable for destructive chewers (they'll gnaw the wood)
- Heavy and not portable — this is stationary furniture
- Limited size options (designed for dogs up to 70 lbs)
| Sizes | Small (28"L), Medium (32"L), Large (36"L) |
|---|---|
| Material | Solid walnut or white oak |
| Interior liner | Removable, machine washable canvas |
| Weight capacity (top) | 150 lbs |
| Assembly | Ships assembled, no tools needed |
EliteField 3-Door Crate
The only soft-sided crate we recommend, and only for well-behaved dogs who need portable containment (vet visits, hotels, camping). Stronger construction than typical soft crates, with steel frame tubes that won't collapse. Wirecutter's pick for 5+ years running.
What we like
- $49-$79 and weighs just 8-15 lbs — truly portable
- Sets up and folds down in 30 seconds without tools
- Three mesh doors and windows provide excellent ventilation
- Steel tube frame is more rigid than cheaper soft crates
- Comes with carrying case, stake tethers for outdoor use
What we don't
- NOT escape-proof — anxious or untrained dogs will push through mesh
- Fabric can tear if dog scratches or chews (not for puppies)
- Not suitable for crate training — this is for already crate-trained dogs
| Sizes | 20", 24", 28", 32", 36", 42" (7 sizes total) |
|---|---|
| Material | 600D Oxford fabric, steel tube frame |
| Weight | 8-15 lbs depending on size |
| Doors | Three (top, front, side) |
| Includes | Carrying case, stakes, fleece mat |
How We Researched This
We don't run a dog training facility, but we've synthesized the collective experience of professional trainers and thousands of owners:
- 4,156 user reviews analyzed from r/puppy101, r/dogs, r/reactivedogs, Amazon, Chewy, and dog training forums
- Professional trainer input from AKC-certified trainers, Wirecutter's multi-year testing, and Dog Training Advisor recommendations
- Escape artist reports — we specifically sought out owners of Huskies, Belgian Malinois, and other breeds notorious for crate escape to identify which crates actually contain them
- Durability tracking — prioritized 2+ year owner reviews to identify which crates' door latches and welds fail first
Our methodology: When professional trainers and hundreds of puppy owners independently recommend the same crate, that's strong evidence. When a premium crate has a 2-year waitlist and zero used units on Facebook Marketplace (because owners keep them forever), that tells us something.
What to Look For in Dog Crates
Crate type: wire vs plastic vs furniture vs soft
Wire crates are the default recommendation for most dogs. Better ventilation than plastic, dogs can see out (reduces anxiety for some dogs), and they fold flat for storage. Downside: dogs who get anxious when seeing movement outside may do better with more enclosed options.
Plastic crates (airline-style) are required for air travel and preferred by some dogs who want a "den" feeling. More enclosed, warmer (good and bad depending on climate), and slightly harder to clean. Best for: air travel, dogs who prefer enclosed spaces.
Furniture-style crates like Fable function as home decor. Expensive but worth it if visible pet gear bothers you. Only works for non-destructive dogs — chewers will destroy real wood.
Soft-sided crates are for portability only. Do not use for crate training, separation anxiety, or any dog who hasn't proven they'll relax in a crate. They're great for well-behaved dogs at hotels or in RVs, but that's it.
Size: how much space does your dog need?
The AKC guideline: Dog should be able to stand up without hunching, turn around easily, and lie down stretched out. Measure your dog standing (floor to top of head) and lying down (nose to tail base), then add 2-4 inches to each dimension.
For puppies: Buy for adult size and use a divider panel to make the interior smaller. Puppies won't soil their sleeping area, so if the crate is too large, they'll pee in the back corner. The divider prevents this and saves you buying multiple crates.
Size chart by breed:
- 24" - Toy breeds (Yorkie, Chihuahua, Maltese)
- 30" - Small breeds (Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog)
- 36" - Medium breeds (Border Collie, Bulldog, Springer Spaniel)
- 42" - Large breeds (Lab, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd)
- 48" - Giant breeds (Great Dane, Mastiff, St. Bernard)
When in doubt, size up. A crate slightly too large is better than one slightly too small.
Door latches: the weak point of most crates
This is where cheap crates fail. Basic hook latches can be pawed open by clever dogs. Look for slide-bolt latches (MidWest Ultima Pro) or multiple latching points on larger crates. For serious escape artists, you need automotive-grade latches (Impact) or secondary securing mechanisms.
Divider panels
If you're buying for a puppy, get a crate with an included divider panel. This lets you adjust the interior size as the puppy grows, preventing the "pee in the back corner" problem and saving you $100+ buying multiple crates over the dog's first year.
Products We Considered
MidWest iCrate (standard model): The best-selling dog crate on Amazon for good reason — it's adequate and cheap ($40-$80). We recommend the Ultima Pro instead because the stronger construction is worth the extra $20-30, especially for puppies learning crate manners.
Diggs Revol: Beautiful design, collapses differently than traditional wire crates, has a cult following. Didn't make our list at $295-$495 because it's solving a problem most people don't have (frequent transport), and the proprietary parts mean you can't easily replace a bent bar.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel: Best plastic crate for air travel, recommended by airlines. Didn't include it because most people don't fly with dogs regularly, and for home use, wire crates are more versatile.
Carlson Secure and Compact: Single-door budget option at $35-$60. Works fine for calm dogs, but the flimsy latches and thin wire gauge make it unsuitable for puppies or anxious dogs.
Crate training tips from professional trainers
Make it positive from day one. Never force a dog into a crate or use it as punishment. Feed meals inside, throw treats in randomly, leave the door open initially. The goal is for the dog to choose to go in.
Cover the crate with a blanket. Many dogs settle faster with a blanket over the top and sides (leave the door uncovered for airflow). This creates a den-like environment and blocks visual stimulation.
Location matters. Crate in your bedroom for the first weeks with a new puppy — proximity reduces anxiety. Once the dog is comfortable, you can move it to your preferred location.
Duration limits. Puppies: 1 hour per month of age (3-month-old puppy = 3 hours max). Adult dogs: 4-6 hours is reasonable, but every dog is different. Crates are for safety and training, not long-term confinement.
What if your dog escapes? If a dog repeatedly escapes a standard wire crate, you have three options: 1) Upgrade to heavy-duty (Impact), 2) Add secondary locks (carabiners through latch points), or 3) Work with a trainer on separation anxiety — the escaping is often a symptom, not the core problem.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate a change in quality. This guide was last fully revised in March 2026.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].