17 Best Dog Crates for Every Home
Dog Products Shopping Guide
Most crates get bought for one job, usually house training a new puppy. Then they quietly pick up a few more. The crate becomes a bedroom, a car seat, the hiding spot when fireworks start, and in plenty of homes a side table for the lamp. Choosing among the best dog crates gets much easier once you know which of those jobs matters most in yours.
The 17 picks below are sorted by type: wire crates for training, plastic kennels for travel, soft crates that fold into a bag, and wooden crates that pass for furniture. A sizing and features guide follows, so the crate fits your dog as well as it fits the room.
Types of Dog Crates and the Dogs They Suit
The best dog crate is the one that matches your dog's size, temperament and daily routine. Wire crates suit most puppies and adult dogs because they breathe well, fold flat and clean easily. Plastic crates feel den-like and travel well. Soft-sided crates suit calm dogs on trips, and wooden furniture crates suit settled dogs who live in a main room.
Size changes the shortlist too. For a giant breed, start with extra large dog crates for bigger breeds, since heavy-duty builds are usually the only ones rated that tall.
| Crate Type | Best For | Durability | Portability | Easy to Clean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire | Most dogs, puppies in training | Good, though it can bend under strong chewers | Folds flat | Yes, slide-out tray |
| Plastic | Travel, den-loving and anxious dogs | Solid, handles chewing better | Does not fold | Moderate, needs taking apart |
| Soft-Sided | Trips, calm and lightweight dogs | Low, not for chewers | Very portable | Harder, fabric stains |
| Wooden / Furniture | Home decor, calm adult dogs | Good, but not chew-proof | Low, stays put | Harder, wood absorbs odors |
Wire vs Plastic Dog Crates
Wire wins on airflow, visibility and cleanup, which is why it is the usual pick for crate training. Plastic feels more enclosed, stands up better to chewing and straps into a car more easily. A nervous dog who settles better with walls around them often relaxes in plastic, or in a wire crate draped with a fitted cover.
Crate, Kennel or Dog Cage?
A crate is usually an indoor enclosure sized for resting. A kennel can mean a hard plastic travel crate or a bigger outdoor run, and a dog cage is most often a wire crate under another name. Go by the dimensions and the intended use, not the label.
Best Wire Dog Crates for Puppies and Training
Wire crates are the workhorse of house training. They fold flat, let a puppy see the family, and most come with a divider so one crate lasts from the first week to adulthood. The crate is only one piece of the first year with your puppy, though, and the routine around it matters just as much.
1
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
The reliable all-rounder. This folding wire crate from the popular iCrate line comes in sizes from about 18 inches up to 48 inches, covering everything from toy breeds to dogs in the 70 to 90 pound range. A divider panel lets the space grow with a puppy, and the leak-proof pan slides out for a quick rinse.
Slide-bolt latches keep the door shut, single and double door versions are sold, and it folds flat without tools. Keep a few puppy pads close by for the accident-prone early weeks.
2
KennelMaster Wire Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A budget-friendly folding wire crate with the basics most owners want: airflow on every side, a slide-out tray and a frame that folds flat for storage or a weekend at the in-laws. Sizes run from small through large, and the mid sizes include a divider.
It suits house training and calm dogs who do not test their boundaries.
3
KONG Double Door Wire Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
Built for strength, this reinforced steel crate is the pick for powerful dogs and clever escape artists. Both doors use angled locking tips and paw-block slide-bolt latches, so a pushy nose cannot nudge them open. A divider panel supports puppy training, and it comes in 30 to 48 inch sizes.
Bored dogs test crate bars with their teeth. Hand over something tougher from these dog toys for strong chewers and the bars become a lot less interesting.
Plastic Dog Crates and Travel Kennels
Hard plastic kennels give a dog solid walls on most sides, which plenty of dogs find calming, and they are the standard choice for car trips and flights. Many anxious dog breeds settle faster in this kind of den than in an open wire crate.
4
Petmate Plastic Indoor/Outdoor Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
An airline-friendly hard plastic kennel with ventilation on all four sides, a secure easy-open latch and a stay-dry moat that pulls moisture away from your dog. Sizes run from 19 inches for dogs under 10 pounds up to 48 inches for large breeds of around 90 to 125 pounds.
The enclosed shell suits car rides and den-loving dogs, and it wipes clean in seconds. Airlines set their own crate rules, so check yours before booking. For the rest of the bag, these dog travel accessories cover the bowls, mats and extras that make a long day easier.
5
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
Durable plastic travel kennels, many of them airline-compliant, with collapsible versions and larger sizes that roll on wheels through the airport. The hard shell and wire door make a secure den on the road and a quiet retreat at home for dogs who like to tuck themselves away.
Big kennels get heavy and awkward in the back of an SUV, and a senior Lab should not be leaping up to meet one. One of these dog ramps for cars and couches saves backs on both ends of the leash.
Soft-Sided Dog Crates That Fold Flat
Fabric crates weigh a fraction of wire or plastic and pack down into a bag, which makes them handy for weekends away. They are for calm, crate-trained dogs only, because a chewer or digger can get through mesh in minutes. These tips for traveling with a dog help a soft crate feel familiar somewhere new.
6
GOOPAWS Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A lightweight fabric crate with mesh windows on several sides and a frame that folds flat. It is an easy grab-and-go option for car trips, camping and visits to family. Several sizes are offered, so measure your dog before you order.
7
LE SURE Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A portable crate built on a light frame with a durable fabric shell, mesh ventilation and four doors. It moves easily from room to room and packs for a weekend away, which suits settled dogs who just need a familiar place to nap. Sizes run from about 26 to 42 inches.
8
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
This one folds flat and pops back up in seconds, with mesh windows for airflow and soft sides for comfort. It works well on road trips, at campsites or for a night at a friend's place. Like every fabric crate, it is the wrong pick for a strong chewer.
9
Ashfield & Harkness Collapsible Soft Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A good middle ground for dogs who like some privacy: the fabric walls feel cozy and enclosed, while mesh panels keep the air moving. It is light and folds away quickly, so it suits calm, house-trained dogs and short stays more than heavy daily use.
10
Morpilot Portable Collapsible Dog Crate
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A packable crate with a fold-flat frame, mesh sides and zippered openings. It is light enough to carry in one hand, and dogs who settle quickly in a covered space tend to take to it fast. Several sizes are available.
Modern Furniture-Style Dog Crates
Wooden crates are built to look like an end table, a nightstand or a TV console, so the crate can stay in the living room without taking it over. They suit adult dogs who are already crate trained and leave wood alone. Wood holds on to smells, so a washable bed and these ideas for managing pet hair and odors at home keep that corner fresh.
11
EasyCom Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A wooden crate with a flat tabletop and ventilated sides that passes for furniture at a glance. It gives your dog a den and you somewhere to set down a mug. Check the size against your dog's measurements before buying.
12
Audreena Pet Crate by Tucker Murphy Pet
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A decor-friendly crate that doubles as a side table, with a wood-finish frame and slatted panels that read as furniture, not kennel. It comes in small, medium and large widths and is ideal for calm adult dogs who already like their crate.
13
HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
Sturdy, with a flat top that works as an end table and steel mesh panels for ventilation and a clear view out. The enclosed design gives a dog a quiet retreat in a busy household, and it comes in more than one size.
14
NARTRU Double Dog Crate Kennel Furniture
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A double crate styled as a long console or TV stand, with a divider that makes two separate compartments, plus two drawers for leashes and treats. Each dog gets their own space, or one big dog gets the whole length.
Thinking about adding a second pup? This guide to getting a second dog covers the questions worth asking first.
15
VOPEAK Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A wooden crate that doubles as a side table, with ventilated panels and a flat top for everyday odds and ends. It offers a cozy den without making the room look like a kennel. Sizes start small, around 27 inches for dogs up to 20 pounds, so check the options for your dog.
16
PawHut Dog Crate Furniture
An end-table crate with lockable magnetic doors, steel wire windows and a top sturdy enough for a lamp. The line comes in several sizes, up to larger breeds of around 77 pounds, and adjustable feet keep it steady on uneven floors. A stylish choice when the crate has to live in a main room.
17
Hzuaneri Wooden Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked November 2026 · may vary
A decorative wooden crate that works as an end table or a low TV stand while giving small to medium dogs an indoor den. Ventilated panels keep air moving, and the finished top blends with most decor. Best for calm, house-trained dogs.
What to Look for in a Top Rated Dog Crate
Five stars mean little if the crate is the wrong size for your dog. These are the details that decide whether a crate gets used or ends up holding laundry.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate
Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and add 2 to 4 inches. Then measure from the floor to the top of the ears, or the top of the head if the ears flop, and add another 2 to 4 inches. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie flat. Too much room backfires during house training, because a puppy may use the far end as a bathroom.
Weight Rating and Build Quality
Check the maximum weight rating as well as the length. A crate built for a 50-pound dog should not hold a 70-pound dog day after day. Look for solid welds, reinforced corners and a tray that sits flat instead of buckling.
Crates for Chewers and Escape Artists
Wire can bend under a determined dog, and plastic holds up better without being invincible. For true escape artists, heavy-duty metal or aluminum with double latches is the safest bet, and a carabiner clipped through each slide bolt adds peace of mind.
Any dog who has already broken out once deserves a backup plan. One of these GPS dog collars means a quick search instead of a long, frightening one.
Ventilation and Placement
Aim for vents on at least two sides, ideally four. Poor airflow traps heat and smells, especially in plastic and wooden crates. Keep the crate out of direct sun and away from heaters, and skip stuffy spots like the garage.
Cleaning and Portability
Wire crates win on cleanup thanks to slide-out trays. Plastic often has to come apart for a proper wash, fabric stains, and wood soaks up odors. If you move often or travel, wire and soft crates fold away, while plastic and furniture crates need permanent floor space.
Matching the Crate to Your Dog's Temperament
Anxious dogs often prefer the walls of a plastic or wooden crate, while easygoing dogs settle in almost anything. Seniors appreciate a cozy spot that is easy to step into.
Dogs who need careful handling at the vet do well with crate practice at home first. Slow, treat-based training with one of these comfortable dog muzzles pairs nicely with it.
Choosing a Crate by Size and Life Stage
Best Crates for Puppies
For most puppies, a wire crate with a divider is the smart buy. Size it for the adult your puppy will become, then move the divider back as they grow so the space stays snug enough to support house training. The MidWest and KONG crates above both include one.
Best Small Dog Crate Options
Small dogs feel safest in a compact wire, plastic or soft crate that still lets them stand and turn. Snug beats cavernous. Adding the right bed inside turns it into a spot they choose on their own.
Crates for Large and Giant Breeds
Large and strong dogs need a heavy-duty wire or reinforced metal crate with solid seams and a secure latch. Check height as well as length, since a Great Dane needs headroom that a long, low Basset Hound does not. Plastic can work for calmer big dogs, but power chewers do best in metal.
Crate Training Tips for the First Weeks
Making the Crate a Happy Place
Leave the door open at first and toss treats inside. Then start serving meals in the crate so it comes to mean good things. Close the door for a minute or two while you sit nearby, and build up slowly from there. Never use the crate as punishment.
How Long Can a Dog Stay in a Crate?
It depends on age and bladder control. Young puppies need potty breaks every few hours, overnight included in the early weeks, and adult dogs should not spend most of the day crated. If long workdays are the norm, a midday walk or a dog walker will matter more than any crate feature.
Get the size right, pick the style that fits your dog's habits, and add a soft bed. Most dogs start heading in on their own within a few weeks.
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