There are a lot of reasons to crate train a dog, but when you have a large dog, it can be tricky to find a crate that works for your pet. When shopping for a dog crate for large dogs, you need to consider things like whether it’s an appropriate size for your dog, if it’s durable enough to withstand chewing and clawing, and portability should you need to take it with you on your travels.
Our vet advisor, Dr. Danielle Morosco, reviewed a variety of dog crates for large dogs to find the top choices for most pet parents. Dr. Morosco’s top pick is the MidWest Homes Dog Crate. This crate is great because it comes in multiple sizes suited for large dogs, it’s easy to assemble and transport, and it’s easy to clean. Read how she chose the top 5.
If you’re planning on crate training your dog, you’ll also want to ensure that it your dog considers it a safe and cozy space. A dog bed or a pad designed specifically for dog crates will make it more comfortable for your pup.
Our Vet’s Top 5 Dog Crates for Large Dogs
Here are the top picks from our veterinarian. Compare the ratings and features of different models.
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating | Largest Size Dimensions | Materials | Wheels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | MidWest Homes Dog Crate | 48 x 30 x 33 inches | Metal | ||
| Best Budget | New World Pet Products Folding Metal Dog Crate | 48 x 30 x 33 inches | Plastic, metal | ||
| Best Heavy-Duty | SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate | 46 x 32 x 39 inches | Alloy steel | ||
| Best Plastic | SportPets Design Plastic Kennels | 48 x 32 x 36 inches | Plastic | ||
| Best Collapsible | EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate |
42 x 28 x 32 inches | Alloy steel, 600D fabric |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Dog Crate for Large Dogs
- Owners of large puppies – Crate training can be a valuable tool for house-breaking puppies. Dogs don’t want to go potty in the areas where they spend time, so limiting the amount of space available to them is a good way to get them to hold it instinctively. Of course, it’s not magic. Eventually, they’ll need to go despite what their instincts say, and you should still be taking your puppy outside frequently to give them the opportunity to go potty.1 They should spend most of their time indoors able to run and play.
- Owners of large anxious dogs – For domestic dogs, a crate can be a den where they feel safe, comfortable, and secure. This is great for all dogs but can be especially helpful for dogs that have a tendency to be anxious. A crate gives them a place to go when they’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed.2
- Owners of large destructive dogs – Unfortunately, not all dogs can be trusted alone. While you should definitely be trying to address the root causes of destructive behaviors and train your dog to behave more appropriately, that is a process, and during that process, you’ll probably have to leave your dog alone at some point. A crate is a great way to minimize their ability to be destructive while not under your direct supervision. Just make sure that you select a heavy-duty crate.
- Large dog owners who simply want to crate train – Proper crate training has tons of benefits, so you may want to do it for reasons that have nothing to do with the above, such as in case of emergencies. As long as you’re doing it safely and correctly, crate training can be a positive experience for you and your dog.
Who Should Not Buy a Dog Crate for Large Dogs
- Owners of small or medium-sized dogs – A crate that’s too big for the dog may feel less safe to the dog. It’s also less effective at preventing accidents inside the crate, so owners of small and medium-sized dogs should buy a crate closer to the size of their pups. If your dog is still a puppy and you don’t want to have to buy another crate once they start to get big, get a crate that comes with a center divider. You can use the divider while your dog is little to limit the space they have access to, then remove the divider to give them more space as they grow.3
Research Tips (From a Veterinarian)
As a veterinarian, I’m frequently asked about how to choose a properly sized crate and where to find one large enough for large breed dogs. Here are some of the tips that I give to my patients’ owners. Make sure to look at all the different qualities and features of the crate you’re thinking about getting for your dog and ask your own vet, along with your family and friends, for their recommendations.
- Choose an appropriately sized crate – Your dog should have enough space to stand up, lie down and stretch out, and turn around. It’s best to measure your dog and check the dimensions of the crate prior to ordering.
- Consider whether style or functionality is more important to you – Some crates that double as furniture pieces may look very attractive but are often not collapsible and are not as durable as wire crates.
- Choose the appropriate construction for your dog’s needs – High energy dogs that like to chew may destroy plastic or thin-wire crate quickly, so it’s better to opt for a heavy-duty wire crate. Avoid soft-sided crates for high-energy dogs or aggressive chewers.
- Don’t forget the importance of durability and solid construction – Choose a crate made from high-quality, heavy-duty, and nontoxic materials. A well-made crate will feature snaps and locks to keep pieces in place, and it won’t feel flimsy or wobbly. It also won’t have sharp edges that could injure your pup.
- Think about cleanup – Consider the ease of cleanup with a removable bottom pan. If choosing a soft-sided crate, select one made from washable fabrics so you can keep it clean.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $90 and $300
For the most part, dog crates can vary in price from about $90 to $300. Material and construction are the main factors for price when it comes to dog crates. A simple wire crate will be a lot less expensive than a heavy-duty steel one. The size also makes a difference, of course. The larger the crate is, the more the crate will usually cost.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Pets Digest
As a veterinarian, I’ve talked to many large dog owners about how to choose the right crate for their pooch. The recommendations I make here are based on that experience, as well as my own experience as a pet owner. Of course, I also took into consideration the features of each of the crates that I examined, including size, materials, construction quality, collapsibility and portability, and the ease of cleaning. – Dr. Danielle Morosco
The Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs: Full Reviews
Our vet expert’s overall top pick for the best dog crate for large dogs is the MidWest Homes Dog Crate. In fact, it’s the crate she uses for her own German Shorthaired Pointer. It features a durable, sturdy wire frame that allows for plenty of airflow. The rounded corners and side clips reduce the chance of injury. The low threshold makes it easy for dogs to enter, even puppies and elderly dogs. The plastic tray bottom contains messes, is easy to remove, and is easy to clean.
This crate comes in single-door and double-door options with multiple sizes available for large breed dogs. The largest measures 48″ x 30″ x 33″, so it’s big enough for most dogs. It also includes a divider panel so that you can adjust the crate’s size to accommodate your puppy as they grow. It’s easy to collapse and transport, with clips to keep the crate collapsed and handles to make carrying the crate easier.
- Durable wireframe construction
- Comes with a divider panel
- Single door and double door options
- Multiple sizes available
- Easy to collapse and transport
- Not durable enough for destructive dogs
- Quite heavy
Our top budget pick is the New World Pet Products Folding Metal Dog Crate. Like our top pick, this crate features a wireframe design for ventilation and a removable plastic pan floor for easy cleanup. Rounded corners ensure safety. It comes in single door and double door versions, each with two heavy-duty latches per door. Each latch has a paw block to prevent particularly crafty dogs from operating the latch from inside the crate. Protective feet on the bottom of the crate keep your floors from getting scuffed or scratched.
The crate comes in several sizes, with the largest measuring 48″ x 30″ x 33″. New World Pet Products recommends this size for adult dogs that weigh 90 to 110 pounds. Despite the large size, the crate only weighs 38.4 pounds, so it’s a great portable option. Furthermore, the New World Pet Products Folding Metal Dog Crate is easy to set up and easy to fold for transportation, but there is no carry handle or clips to keep it closed while you carry it.
- Easily foldable
- Single door and double door options
- Multiple sizes available
- 2 heavy-duty latches per door
- Removable plastic pan for easy cleanup
- Not sturdy enough for destructive dogs
- No carry handle or clips to keep the crate collapsed during transportation
For destructive dogs, it’s hard to top the SMONTER Heavy Duty Dog Crate. It has a heavy-duty welded steel frame that can withstand even aggressive crate destroyers. The non-toxic coating is safe for dogs that try to chew or lick crates, while the special “Y” design prevents dogs from slipping their snout through the bars. The double-locking mechanism keeps dogs securely inside. The side door has a smaller door inside of it that can be used to provide food, water, or toys to your dog without worrying about them slipping out through an open door.
Durability and security features aren’t the only things that this crate has going for it, though. A durable plastic tray slides in underneath the crate for easy cleaning. The roof also opens completely for easy access to the inside of the crate for cleaning and other purposes. The kennel sits on top of four 360-degree rotating wheels, which make it easy to move the crate around, even with your dog inside. The casters also lock to keep the crate in place when you need it. The crate comes in brown and dark silver finishes as well as three different sizes.
- Heavy-duty steel frame with nontoxic coating
- Special “Y” design prevents dogs from slipping their snout through the bars
- Double-locking mechanism
- Locking wheels included for ease of moving and safety
- Very heavy
- Costly
The SportPets Design Plastic Kennel is an excellent lightweight, portable plastic crate for large dogs. It comes in four different larger sizes, with measurements from 31.5″ X 22″ X 23″ to 48″ x 32″ x 35″. The crates weigh between 15.25 and 43.25 pounds and meet IATA Airline Requirements for air transportation. Between that and the low weight, plus the wheels on the bottom and pair of handles on top, the SportPets Design Plastic Kennel is ideal for travel. It even comes with four “Live Animals” stickers to signal to baggage handlers to take care and two dishes that can clip onto the inside of the door to provide sustenance for your dog during their travel time.
The wire mesh windows and door provide plenty of ventilation for your dog, and the floor has a guttered design for easier cleanup of messes. The wheels lock in place but can also be easily removed when you don’t need them. The top of the crate bolts onto the bottom to keep it securely attached while still allowing you to remove the top when necessary, such as for storage or deep cleans.
- Floor gutter design for easy cleanup of accidents
- Carrying handles and wheels for easy transport
- Meets IATA Airline Requirements for air transportation
- Lightweight
- Chewers may chew on the metal bars of the door or windows
- Not quite as durable as we’d like
For those searching for a collapsible dog crate that’s easy to take on the go, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is a great choice. It comes in a couple of different large sizes, one measuring 36″ x 24″ x 28″ and one measuring 42″ x 28″ x 32″, but both collapse down to less than 3 inches thick. Once collapsed, you can carry the crate using the attached handle or put it in the carry bag that comes with the crate. The carry bag itself has a pair of short handles for carrying the crate by hand, as well as a longer shoulder strap.
The crate also has plenty of mesh, including three doors on the front, side, and top of the crate, plus windows on the other sides. There are also two storage pouches for stowing accessories like food, water, a leash, and more. One is removable so that you can take it on the go. The crate also comes with a fleece mat that can be placed inside the crate to keep your dog comfortable. The frame of the crate is made out of sturdy steel, while the cover is made from durable polyester. Both the cover and fleece mat are machine washable.
- Multiple mesh panels for sufficient ventilation
- Steel bar frame with durable polyester material
- Washable cover and fleece mat
- Easily collapsible and transportable with handles and shoulder strap
- No wheels
- Not durable enough for destructive dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What crate size should a large dog be in?
Are bigger dog crates better?
How long should a dog be in a crate?
Should you cover a dog crate?
Article Sources
Pets Digest uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Bovsun M. How to potty train puppies: a comprehensive guide for success. Akc.org. Published March 4, 2022. Accessed May 16, 2022.
- Arford K. Crate training benefits: why a crate is great for you and your dog. Akc.org. Published November 19, 2019. Accessed May 16, 2022.
- Paretts S. What to look for when choosing a dog crate. Akc.org. Published November 12, 2021. Accessed May 16, 2022.
- The Humane Society of the United States. How to crate train your puppy. Humansociety.org. Accessed May 16, 2022.
- ASPCA Pet Health Insurance. How to crate train a puppy. Aspcapetinsurance.com. Accessed May 16, 2022.
Dr. Danielle Morosco, DVM is a Consulting Veterinarian in Clinical Toxicology and experienced small animal emergency veterinarian. She graduated with Honors from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. She loves spending time with her furry family members, composed of 2 rescue dogs and 3 cats.
