The Best Dog Crate: Your Pup’s Furever Home

Reviewed by Rick Allen

This post was last updated on November 1, 2022

Did you know that there are over 50 brands of dog crates readily available in the United States? That’s before you even get started picking out the right style, model, and size. No one wants to be tricked into buying cheap dog crates designed to maximize profits. So, how can you be sure you’ve found the best one for your dog?

Throughout all of our time at The Pampered Pup we’ve helped so many puppy lovers find the perfect high-quality crate that their dogs love we’ve made certain of one thing:

We know crates.

So whether you’re looking for something fairly straightforward, or perhaps something a bit different than the ordinary, we’ll help you easily find the best dog crate for your pooch to call home.

The Best Dog Crates of 2022

By researching and analyzing dozens upon dozens of today’s top products we have determined conclusively that the best dog crate of 2022 is the Diggs Revol. In this Diggs Revol Dog Crate review, we will take a look at this popular product and see why it is such a great option for pet owners. First, we’ll discuss why the Revol deserves such high praise, then we’ll move on to our reviews of other top-rated options.

Best Overall: Diggs Revol Dog Crate

Real customer reviews from Diggs.pet!

The new Diggs Revol single door dog crate is the state of the art model and our pick for the best overall dog crate. Treat your dog to a comfortable and safe crate with supreme visibility and ventilation. This heavy-duty plastic shell crate has no sharp edges, no grated floors, and provides a cozy, den-like environment – this is truly your dog’s dream home.

Your dog’s safety was a top priority for the design team behind the Diggs Revol crate. Drawing on the knowledge of standards from the baby industry, the Revol was designed with rounded edges to keep them from getting hurt. Did you notice the diamond pattern on the metal panels? This was not simply for looks – the design helps to keep your dog’s paws and jaws from getting injured while using their crate. 

As for YOUR paws? Don’t worry, they thought of that too. Opening these crates is easy on your fingers, yet the locking mechanism is still well-designed and secure to ensure that your pup doesn’t get out from its crate at an inopportune time. Controlling your pup’s movements is also easier thanks to this crate having only one door.

While we’re on the topic of easy, it’s worth pointing out that these Revols is a fully collapsible. You also couldn’t ask for a more secure crate that can be set up and that folds flat using only one hand, thanks to its patent-pending design. This makes it simple for busy pet parents to pull the incredibly lightweight Revol out of the closet and set it up for their pup, and stow it away when it’s time to make some extra room. In fact, these collapsible crates are a perfect candidate for travel, and it includes two comfortable handles and roller wheels to boot.

Like many cheaper wire crates, the Revol includes a dog crate divider making it the perfect puppy crate as your puppy grows to an adult. Or, if you need to slowly introduce a new pup. However, the Revol is still much more durable than wire crates. It has two doors for your dog to go in or out, and one top access point so that you can place treats, toys, or otherwise inside without disturbing them. Add to that a removable plastic pan that makes for easy cleaning, and it’s clear that the team at Diggs really thought of everything when they designed the Revol.

The size itself is typically suitable for large breed puppies or adult medium dogs.

With free returns (no questions asked), free shipping, and even a 30-day free trial you have nothing to lose. The link above will take you to the best place to buy the Diggs Revol crate at the lowest price, day in and day out.

Read more: Diggs Revol Dog Crate review →

Best Heavy Duty: LUCKUP

Many crates are made for small dogs whose reasonable tempers make them ideal candidates for housing in even the flimsiest model. However, for most canines – especially if you have a large, energetic, or even aggressive pooch – you’re going to need something a little bit stronger. As a dog owner, you might turn to the LUCKUP Dog Cage for its steel frame and heavy-duty construction that makes it the ultimate foil to escape artist dogs. This heavy-duty dog crate is one of the most affordable crates compared to the Frisco Ultimate – but is it really worth it to save that extra bit of cash? Let’s discuss why the LUCKUP gets our top recommendation for a heavy duty dog crate.

More For You and Your Favorite Canine

There is much more to the new crate from LUCKUP than just metal bars. A huge part of its appeal is its ease of assembly, and the large kennel can be quickly put together in less than a minute. Four wheels and eight screws are all you need to complete the assembly and get your puppy’s crate up and running for your beloved four-legged friend.

Ease of Access

This dog crate comes with a selection of three different doors for different purposes. The large door in front is the perfect place to let your pooch in and out of the cage. There is also a small door in the front that you can open in order to feed your pup some food, give them a treat, or simply just pet them to say hello when they’re looking particularly adorable. Finally, there is a small door on the top of the crate in case your pet needs to be quickly extracted for any reason.

The Freedom of Mobility

The swiveling castor wheels make it simple to move the LUCKUP around your house whenever you need to rearrange temporarily or permanently. It also comes equipped with a double slide out tray design that easy to clean and reinstalled as they collect debris. This helps to keep your floors and the rest of your house clean.

It comes in a variety of sizes, but the 42 inch dog crate size will work for most pups of more than modest size with plenty of room to accommodate dogs as well as a dog bed. If you’re searching for a decent quality model at a lower price tag than the Frisco, this is one of the more popular crates Amazon has to offer – just take a look at the reviews.

Many of these features also make it an excellent choice for a dog trainer that needs some serious hardware.

Read more: LUCKUP review →

Best Value: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

The classic double duty, double door folding metal dog crate only needs to be able to do a few things. First and foremost, a traditional wire crate helps to keep your dog secure when you’re crate training (or potty training) or if they’re already crate trained – you won’t constantly be keeping an eye on him or her. It also needs to be able to provide a safe and secure enough space that he or she feels comfortable. Finally, the wire crate needs to be able to be moved with relatively little effort, especially if you are planning on traveling with your dog. Fortunately, this travel kennel does all of that.

This is the standard for how folding metal dog crate models work. The design is very simple to put together, and whether you choose the small or XL size dog crate, no tools are required for assembly. You’ll simply flip up the sides and clip them together, something that can be done by a practised hand in about a minute. Your dog still has plenty of space to move about in their crate, and there is nothing that will constrict air flow. MidWest dog crates make a great space for your pooch to stay when he or she needs to be out of the way or when you want to make sure that he or she is feeling like she is in a safe space in an unusual situation.

The only downside with these Midwest crates is that determined dogs may get out. This is not a problem for the vast majority of dogs, but a determined dog will be able to get out. If your dog is fine with crates, though, this can be a great fit for him or her.

Oh, and some models even come with a midwest icrate starter kit, that includes a fleece bed, to help you get your pooch settled in comfortably.

Read more: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate review →

Best Travel Crate: Petmate Sky Kennel

Are you planning on moving to a new location in the near future? If so, you know you will need to make accommodations for your favorite furry friend. With its durable plastic construction and easy portability, the new Petmate Sky Kennel is the perfect dog travel crate.

Although not recommended for larger than normal breeds, the Petmate Sky Kennel can easily house small to mid-sized pups for safe travel during long rides across the country. Whether you are moving to a new house or simply vacationing in a different state, this portable crate comes with all of the features that are necessary to ensure a safe and happy ride for your pet. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an airline approved dog crate, but these portable dog kennels are is probably the most well-suited for air travel.

This plastic dog crate comes with a full ventilation system that will keep them breathing freely during their travel. It also comes equipped with a secure locking front door that will give dog owners peace of mind.

The Petmate Sky Kennel has been specially designed to give your dog plenty of space to move around in, regardless of their size. This is not one of the conventional storage crates that basically give them space to breathe and not much else. Because of its wide and tall design, your pet will be able to move freely, either standing, sitting, or lying down as they choose. This is a major source of comfort.

For dog owners of small breeds to medium size breeds that need travel crates on a frequent basis, this new Petmate crate comes very highly recommended.

Read more: Petmate Sky Kennel review →

Runner Up: Frisco Ultimate Dog Crate

What are you looking for in a high-quality dog crate? If you truly want great security for your pet, check out the Frisco Ultimate heavy-duty dog kennel. There’s no need to compromise for a flimsy, budget-oriented product or an alleged “great deal” from unknown manufacturers across the globe. This crate for extra large dogs comes from a brand you can trust, and it’s built to the highest of standards in every regard.

Quality For Your Canine

The Frisco Ultimate is constructed with 22-gauge, high-grade steel with bars 1/2″ in diameter. The steel is powder-coated for a smooth finish and welded at stress points for the ultimate level security in these dog crates. You can rest easy knowing your dog won’t simply find a way through the bars of this well-built dog crate, but even more importantly you’ll know for certain that you’ve provided them with a top-quality place to call home.

Safety in Security

There’s more to it than an incredibly well-designed frame though. The Frisco Ultimate comes fully equipped with dual-locks that are built like none we’ve ever seen before. If your dog likes to find their way out of their crate, then this is the perfect option from them.

Glides on Wheels

Whenever you venture into the upper echelon of dog crates, you’ll be quick to find that they can be heavier than the economy models. The Frisco team has done their part with the Ultimate, and have chosen to build it on 4 premium-quality castor wheels with foot breaks. When it comes time to move your extra large dog kennel it’s as simple as pushing it from room to room, and locking it in place when you’re done.

Other Noteworthy Dog Crate Reviews

Of course, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of dog crates on the market today, and while we’ve selected our favorites above there may certainly be a reason that another crate is a better choice given your situation. We’ve put together reviews of more of the most popular kennels for dogs below.

ProSelect Empire Dog Kennel

If you have a big sized pooch, you need a big crate. While most canines eventually start to feel comfortable in their crates, there are always a select few who will try anything to get out. If that’s the case with your pup, you already know how hard it is to keep him or her from destroying a crate. Fortunately, for those seeking an escape-proof or indestructible dog crate, Guardian Gear’s ProSelect Empire large cage will get you pretty darn close. These dog crates will stand up to an amazing amount of abuse from a canine while still providing the kind of environment a pup needs to feel comfortable in his or her own space.

These indoor dog kennels are easily among the toughest-looking crates on the market. Made out of metal and reinforced, it’s tougher than most dogs want to deal with. It’s also on wheels, making it perfect for those who need to move a crate out of the way when their pups aren’t in them. The crate itself is a nice piece of engineering and it’s actually a little lighter than you might expect, though the metal itself is very rugged. If you absolutely need something that’s going to keep your dog safe, this pet kennel will likely work for you. We just feel that the Frisco Ultimate is a better deal.

On average, these dog crates work great. When there are problems, it’s fairly easy to get customer service to send you what you need. While there have been problems reported with the hinges and the wheels, the truth is that most pups aren’t going to be able to even put a dent in this cage. Unless your dog is fighting for its life to get out, he or she shouldn’t have the strength to get out of this XL kennel.

Read more: ProSelect Empire Dog Kennel review →

MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro

The new MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro crate has just been released. Sure, you love having Fido sit next to you in the car while you’re out for a drive. But it just isn’t safe or advisable to have him occupy shotgun during a long and difficult cross country trip. If you’re planning to make a move to a new location and want your dog to come with you, you’ve got to plan ahead in an appropriate manner.

And this is just where the new MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro dog crate comes in. In fact, this particular model is one of the most reliable pet cages currently available on the marketplace. Industry experts have rated the Ultima Pro as the one that makes full use of the thicker wire gauge, as well as the most durable metal. Not to mention the heavy-duty latch system and metal bolts.

This means that the MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro is a natural den on the move for powerful pups who can easily break out of lesser, more flimsy crates. It’s the perfect match as a basic crate training tool and for people who travel often with their pooches in tow. The crate comes with a special subdividing panel that will allow you to store two canines at once in the shelter or help with your canine education.

All in all, the new MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro wire dog kennel is a highly recommended den for your beloved pets, and it’s one of the best cages for sale today. Customer reviews show a high level of satisfaction, and its durable construction with two doors and reasonable price make it a must-have. The 36-inch dog crate is a great fit for medium-sized dogs, and the 24-inch model makes for a perfect small dog kennel.

Sliverylake XXL Dog Crate

If you’re constantly on the move and need durable crate for your pup, this is the one. The new Sliverylake XXL Dog Crate comes equipped with powerfully built steel cage construction that will stand up to the job. Whether you’re on the move due to being in the military or transporting pets to dog shows, this long lasting cage is a real lifesaver.

The Sliverlylake XXL is specially designed to handle the needs of larger breeds. These may include Doberman, Afghan Hound, Greyhound, St. Bernard, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, German Shepherd and many more. These crates are extra large, roomy, and fully ventilated. It also comes with a removable plastic tray at the bottom that is perfect for removing and disposing of the occasional bit of pet exhaust.

The crate is also well regarded for its portability. It comes complete with a set of four wheels, two of which can be safely locked to hold it in place for storage. Once in place, you can rest assured your dog will be safely contained. The crate features double doors, granting access from the front and also the top.

While other double door options claim to be able to meet the needs of larger dog breeds, this is the one that can fulfill that function for a price that won’t break your budget. For that reason and many others, the new Sliverlylake XXL cage for dogs comes highly recommended in reviews by pet owners and industry experts.

Read more: Sliverylake XXL Dog Crate review →

SMONTER

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If you own a pooch (or several!) of a larger breed, you know that a normal wire crate might not cut it. You need a crate that can stand up to frequent use, and any chewing or prying that your dog might subject it to. For best results, you need a unit like the SMONTER Metal Cage. This is a crate whose durable steel design can get the job done.

The most important feature that the SMONTER Strong Metal Cage provides is its large size. Offering more internal area than most comparable crates, it can also double as a playpen for many dogs or a “cooling off” area for boisterous pets.

This particular dog cage is also known for its extreme portability. With the simple addition of four wheels and eight metal screws, you can turn it into a temporary den on wheels for your favorite friend. The unit also comes with multiple access points. It includes the conventional side door for getting your dog in or out, as well as a door on top for removing them in case of a mishap or to reward them with snacks.

The SMONTER Metal Cage has earned rave reviews from experts and customers alike for its affordability and durability. If you’re looking for a well-priced cage that gets the job done in a quick and efficient style, this may just be the model that fits the bill.

Read more: SMONTER review →

Gelinzon

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When have have a big dog, everything you buy him or her really needs to be a bit more rugged than the average item. Toys, for example, need to be reinforced, and so too do things like leashes and harnesses. It should come as no surprise, then, that your dog’s crate also needs a bit of extra reinforcement when you’re crate training. That’s the general idea behind Gelinzon’s dog crates which will keep even the biggest of dogs safe and happy.

This steel kennel is perfect if your canine companion is rough on less sturdy crates. Built of steel and made to last, this is the kind of crate you need when you want to be sure that your dog isn’t going to get out. As a nice extra measure, it’s also built on wheels – something that will help to ensure that you can move the heavy crate around without having to hurt your own back. It’s a great little bit of convenience that makes this crate even better.

The only real issue with this crate tends to be in terms of shipping. If you buy it from a third-party shipper, expect it to take a bit. This isn’t a problem for everyone, but you’ll definitely want to get this crate as quick as possible. After all, it’s nice to not have to worry about your dog.

Read more: Gelinzon review →

Walcut

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The Walcut is a model with much to recommend. From its durable steel wire construction to its easy portability, this is a unit that is clearly designed to fulfill its appointed task. We had a look at its features and came away with a clear appreciation for its quality.

The first thing you’ll notice is that this crate comes with four wheels to give it the ultimate edge in terms of portability. This alone is enough to recommend it to pet owners who need to keep tabs on dogs who weigh more than the average breed. Instead of having to lift or carry a weighty cage with an even heavier dog inside, just roll it along on the wheels into your car, truck, or RV.

The next major recommendation we can give for this crate has to do with its two-door entry design. You can access the cage from the very front in order to load and unload your dog or feed them treats. You can also use the convenient door located at the top of the cage to extract them in case a mishap of some kind should occur.

Although a bit on the pricy side, the new Walcut Dog Cage is well worth the investment. If you want to bring your pets along for the journey, this unit makes for an excellent crate and temporary home.

Casual Home 600-44 Pet Crate

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If you’ve been looking for a quick a furniture-style dog crate, this might be the one for you.

The Casual Home pet crate comes complete with a range of features that are guaranteed to appeal to dog lovers all over the world. First and foremost is its full wood design. From top to bottom, this dog crate table is designed not to snap or break under pressure. Wooden dog crates also double as attractive pieces of furniture when placed inside the home.

Prospective buyers should also keep in mind that this end table dog crate comes with a locking front door that will give pet owners peace of mind. The crate is specially ventilated to make sure that your pooch stays cool and gets the air they need to remain healthy.

At the end of the day, the new Casual Home crate is an attractive, durable model that does exactly what it claims to. It’s priced affordably and can be easily assembled in a matter of minutes. If you’re searching for a good dog crate with a mid-range price, you can hardly do better than this attractive new model.

Read more: Casual Home 600-44 Pet Crate review →

Homey Pet Open Top

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Being able to have an open top on a dog crate is a nice feature. After all, it’s a great way to make sure that you are able to interact with your dog while still keeping him or her safe. While it’s fairly easy to find this kind of crate for a small puppy, it’s a little harder when you know that your dog has a tendency to break out of kennels. This is why it’s so important to look at a product like this that combines the best of both worlds.

Dog crates of this nature are usually meant for pets that have a tendency to chew through less durable crates. In this case, the design aspect is also meant to help keep very energetic dogs safe in one place while they are still able to interact with their owners. This crate is made of metal, but the roof can come off like a ceiling hatch in order to allow for more interaction. A great choice for those who need to bring energetic dogs on the go, it allows pet owners a chance to play with their dogs without having to worry about how safe they may be in their kennels.

The only bad news about this crate is that it only holds a dog up to seventy pounds. This means that although it is usually meant for larger dogs, you’ll need a bigger crate if your dog’s extra large. If you have a medium sized dog that is an escape artist, though, this crate is a perfect option to keep houdini dogs in check.

AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate

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There’s absolutely nothing wrong with going for the basics when it comes to a folding dog crate. After all, the wire crate design is so popular because it works. Four walls, two wire doors, and a solid surface are really all most people need when they’re looking for a wire crate. This particular AmazonBasics crate may not be much different from the designs that you’ve seen in a thousand other places, but that’s really what makes it so great – Amazon chose not to reinvent the wheel with this puppy kennel.

If you’ve ever had a dog, you probably already know how this wire crate works. It’s easy to put together, with sides the clip into one another. You can pull it down in about thirty seconds, and set-up only takes about a minute. The crate is fairly sparse, with an optional divider that does make it possible to keep two dogs in the same unit. There’s nothing fancy here, but you really don’t need much when you’re just trying to make sure that your dogs have their own extra space in which to rest and get away from it all. Best of all, these are relatively cheap kennels when compared to other similar options.

There’s not a lot to say that’s negative about this Amazon dog crate, and it does receive quite positive customer reviews. Yes, incredibly strong dogs can knock it down – but the average dog won’t even try to do so. If you need a good crate, this is where you need to start. A design that stands the test of time really doesn’t need to do much more than it already does.

Read more: AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate review →

EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

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A soft-sided dog crate can have some real benefits. A soft sided crate, for example, is usually much better for travel than their metal cousins. Soft-sided dog crates are also a lot easier for most people to deal with when it comes time to pack them up, as they don’t take up quite the same amount of space. Soft crates also tend to feel a little more humane for dogs, as there’s no fear of your dog getting hurt against the edges. If you need a soft crate, this might be the best choice for you.

This soft crate is unique in that it has three doors. This makes it much easier for you to get your dog into the crate and stop the dog escaping, especially if he or she is the type to run around when it’s time to go to sleep. Or you’ve still got a new puppy that’s untrained on your hands. Soft dog crates are also very easy to collapse and move around, which makes them useful for those who typically use this kind of crate on the go.  If a pink dog crate isn’t your style don’t worry, this model comes in a vast selection of colors.

The downside to this crate, as with any soft crate, is that it can be chewed through. If you keep an eye on your dog, though, this shouldn’t be an issue. If your dog is generally not averse to going in a crate or you want something that’s great for travel, though, this may be the best transport crate for you.

2PET Foldable

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While it’s certainly nice to be able to have a sturdy folding dog crate, finding a place to put it can be a problem. Soft crates need to have enough room for your pooch, of course, but finding a good way to store your crate also has to take priority. One of the better foldable crates on the market is the soft foldable crate for 2PET.

This foldable crate really stands out because it’s actually fairly rugged for a soft crate. While most of the outside is fabric, it still has a steel frame inside. This means that it’s going to hold up to more use and it won’t deform just because you’ve packed it away. It’s also machine washable, which is very helpful for those who want to make sure they aren’t always carting around a smelly crate.

The only downside is the soft construction. It’s not a problem for most pups, but big canines might cause some issues if they want to get out. If you get the right crate for the right size of canine, though, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate

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The Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate comes equipped with everything you need to make crating your pets at home a safe and enjoyable experience.

These pet crates come fully stocked with features such as a removable plastic tray. This tray is particularly useful when it comes time to clean up the mess that a pet may leave behind. The crate can also be easily disassembled, with its components being interchangeable as pet gates. For these reasons, the Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate is one of the most popular and useful pet crates currently on the market.

The removable bottom tray will keep them cool and comfortable, while the locking front gate will keep them safely inside. The Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate is a popular best seller in this category precisely because of its extreme versatility and affordable price. Due to the convenient size and solid construction of this small live animal cage, this unit comes highly recommended.

Read more: Merry Pet 2-in-1 Configurable Pet Crate review →

Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate for Pets

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If you’re headed for some quiet time in the great outdoors, why not bring your best dog friend along? The Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate for Pets is the perfect vehicle to transport your favorite pet along with you to the scene of the action.

The Noz2Noz crate is made with special new tight weave mesh windows that are designed to be durable and adaptable at once. The mesh weave fabric keeps the puppy safely and securely within the crate while keeping them cool and giving them plenty of fresh air for ventilation. The crate itself can safely house pups who weigh up to 90 pounds.

After your outdoor adventure is over and you return home, you’ll find that the crate still has plenty of use as an indoor dog kennel for your pet. It comes with specially rounded corners that are designed to protect your home furniture and décor.

Its simple design allows it to be set up and later disassembled within a few short minutes. This and other features have given it worldwide popularity. The Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Indoor and Outdoor Crate for Pets is a unit that comes heavily recommended by industry experts and pet owners alike.

Styles

Remember that choosing a suitable create for your pup will lead to a happy and calm dog. Each crate style has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should assess before settling on one. Below are examples of some of the main styles:

Wire Dog Crates

A wire dog crate is perhaps one of the most common and recognizable styles used for dog training. They can be found in kennels, veterinary hospitals, and even dog shows. The main reason is that it provides a clear sight of the dog at all times.

Another advantage found with most other wire crates is that they have maximum airflow. If you live in a warmer environment or have long-haired pooches, proper ventilation can help make them feel more comfortable. Also, wire crates offer super easy access for maintenance and cleaning, which can be more beneficial if you have a puppy still undergoing home crate training.

On the downside, wire crates can get on the heavy side. If you are traveling in a car, it can turn into a hassle getting it in and out of the vehicle. Also, though visibility can help you keep an eye on your pooch, it may lead to separation anxiety for them as they can see the activities they aren’t allowed to partake in.

Plastic Dog Crates

As plastic crates are considerably lighter than wire crates, they are known to be more portable. You are more likely to use one a lightweight crate like this when you want to travel via plane with your pet. Remember, that you’re not only carrying the crate, but your dog’s weight as well.

They have a reinforced plastic shell and a wired door at the front. Around the sides of the crate, you’ll notice slits/holes that help with ventilation. Though this type of kennel may not be ideal for warm weather, it does provide better insulation for the colder months.

There is a limited amount of visibility with a plastic dog crate. This may or may not be good depending on your pup’s behavior and personality. Plastic can also trap in odors, which may not be the best if your pooch has a tendency to eliminate in its crate. Plastic designs often can require more cleaning compared to a wire dog crate. However, many of them feature a removable tray in order to place food inside. They may require more hands-on maintenance, but they are actually pretty easy to clean.

Soft-Sided/Tent Crates

For those of you looking for something extremely light in weight, then soft-sided crates may be a better choice. While they may not be the best for dog training, they are super easy to fold down for storage or to transport elsewhere.

They still provide a sense of security, but there is greater visibility and ventilation. Generally, mild-mannered pups not prone to chewing will do better with this kind of kennel. More likely than not, this will not hold up well against puppies who still need training.

In addition, it is not good for traveling in a car. Rather, this type of cage can work if you need to pack up a suitcase with it or even to take your best dog friend hiking or camping with you. In many cases, these more temporary crates can be a better alternative than leaving your dog alone all day. However, as a permanent fixture in your home you may want to look at alternative kennels.

Metal Dog Crates

A metal crate is perhaps the most durable style out of the bunch. Metal crates typically provide as much visibility and airflow as wire crates.

If you have a more aggressive pooch or one that just requires a greater level of security, fixed metal crates can do the job. They can withstand most of what your pup will throw at it, and they’re practically chew resistant.

One thing to note about this style of kennel is that they are not always lightweight. These pet crates can work well for being a permanent fixture in your home that your pooch can go to whenever they need to. You can even find metal crates made from recycled materials.

Decorative and Wooden Dog Crates

If your primary concern is aesthetics, then you may want to search for the more decorative crates. These can be made from a variety of materials from plastic to metal, but most decorative crates are made from some kind of wood. Small and large wooden crates are designed to blend in with the furniture in your home so it looks more welcoming for you, your guests, and even your pooch.

A decorative crate offers more comfort for your pet than anything. A well-trained dog that just needs their own space will probably feel more at home with one of these cages.

Choosing the Correct Size

Regardless of what style of dog crate you want to settle on, before you buy anything, it is important that you know which is the right size crate to choose. You need to take into account not just your pup’s size, but how much space they will need to get in and out of the crate comfortably. Pooches will tend to cry or whine if they are not comfortable in their kennels. They need space, but not too much.

Measure Your Dog

You should know the height and length of your canine when determining which size pet crate to purchase. Dog kennel sizes vary, and measuring your pooch is a simple task that should take little time. And, some models even come in multiple sizes, with some models having up to six different sizes. For length, you can measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. Once you get the measurement, add a couple of inches to it to account for moving room inside the kennel.

For the height, make sure your pup is sitting and measure from the floor to the top of their head. Be sure to account for their ears if they stick up. Likewise with the length, add on a couple of inches to the final measurement.

If you don’t have time to measure your pup, just keep it simple. Large dogs, especially adult dogs, such as labs, dobermans, and bernese are going to need a XLarge dog crate. More petite breeds such as dachshunds, chihuahuas, and pomeranians can be comfortable in something smaller. Though pet crates come in a number of sizes, you can always consider resizable options. A resizable dog crate is beneficial if you’re crate training as you can keep training with a familiar environment as your dog grows. It’s convenient and can save you money over time.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, the best crate for your pooch will boil down to where your canine is at with crate training and behavior. Not all crates work well for all pups, so only you can determine which cage to buy depending on your pet’s temperament. Even so, a heavy-duty crate can provide you and your pup with the necessary security, space, and comfort. It can hold up over the years as well so your pooch can have a long-lasting “home within a home”. And, if you’re ever uncertain about your decision, you can always seek out a professional to provide veterinary advice on what’s most suitable for your dog.

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