Best Dog Crates For Modern Homes
Dog Products Shopping Guide
Written by
Kosar Koohi Updated 15 July 2026 · 12 Min Read
Kosar is the editor of Pretty Fluffy, a lifelong dog lover, and the proud mom of Yuki, a Maltese who has very high standards. So does Kosar. She researches everything obsessively before it ever makes it onto the page.
Finding the best dog crate sounds simple until you start shopping, and suddenly there are dozens of styles, materials, and must-have features with little to tell you what actually matters.
At its best, a crate is simply a familiar place your dog can return to. It supports training, makes downtime calmer, and gives your dog a consistent spot that feels predictable in a busy home.
This guide breaks the choice into a few clear decisions so you can find the best dog crate for your dog and your space without getting lost in the options.
Quick answer: The best dog crate is the one that matches your dog's size, temperament, and your home. Wire crates suit most dogs and puppies for airflow and easy cleaning, plastic crates feel den-like and travel well, soft-sided crates fold flat for trips, and wooden furniture crates blend into your living space. Measure your dog and add 2 to 4 inches in each direction so they can stand, turn, and lie down in comfort.
Types of Dog Crates
Style matters, but so does function. Just like us, every dog has their own personality and needs.
Some pups love to watch everything going on around them, while others crave a dark, den-like spot to feel safe. Your lifestyle plays a role too. Do you travel often, or are you mostly home? Do you need something that blends with your decor, or something that can take a beating?
Knowing the main styles is the first step to crate success. Here are the types you will come across in your search.
Best Wire Dog Crates
1
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
The reliable all-rounder. This folding wire crate (the popular iCrate line) comes in sizes from around 18 inches up to 48 inches, so it fits everything from toy breeds to large dogs in the 70 to 90 pound range.
It includes a divider panel that lets the space grow with a puppy, a slide-out leak-proof tray for quick cleaning, secure slide-bolt latches, and a choice of single or double doors.
It folds flat without tools, which makes it easy to move or store. Best for everyday home use and house training.
2
KennelMaster Wire Dog Crate
A budget-friendly folding wire crate with the essentials most owners want: good all-around airflow, a slide-out tray for easy cleanup, and a fold-flat design for storage or travel.
Offered in a range of sizes to suit small through large dogs. A practical pick for house training and for calm dogs that do not test their boundaries.
Confirm the size that matches your dog before ordering.
3
KONG Double Door Wire Dog Crate
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
Built for strength, this reinforced steel crate is a smart choice for powerful dogs and determined escape artists.
The two reinforced doors use angled locking tips and paw-block slide-bolt latches for extra security, and a divider panel supports puppy training.
It comes in large and extra-large sizes for big dogs up to around 28 inches tall, and it is chew and scratch resistant with a removable pan for easy cleaning.
Plastic Dog Crates
4
Petmate Plastic Indoor/Outdoor Crate
Price last checked July 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 around 90 to 125 pounds.
The enclosed shell suits travel, car rides, and den-loving dogs, and it wipes clean in seconds.
5
SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
Durable plastic travel kennels, many of them airline-compliant, with some collapsible versions and models that include wheels for easier moving.
The hard shell and wire door give a secure, den-like space that works well for travel and for dogs that prefer an enclosed retreat.
Available in sizes to suit small dogs up to larger breeds.
Soft-Sided Dog Crates
6
GOOPAWS Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A lightweight fabric crate with mesh windows on multiple sides for airflow and a fold-flat frame that packs down small.
It is best suited to calm, house-trained dogs rather than chewers or escape artists, and it makes an easy grab-and-go option for car trips, camping, and visits away from home.
Available in a range of sizes, so measure your dog first.
7
LE SURE Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A portable soft crate built around a lightweight frame and durable fabric shell, with mesh ventilation and a design that makes it easy to move room to room or pack for a weekend away.
Ideal for settled, non-chewing dogs that just need a comfortable spot.
Check the available sizes against your dog's height and length.
8
Petprsco Portable Collapsible Dog Crate
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
Designed for travel, this collapsible crate folds down flat and pops back up quickly, with mesh windows for airflow and soft sides for comfort.
It is a good fit for calm dogs on road trips, at campsites, or staying with family.
As with any soft crate, it is not the right pick for strong chewers.
9
Ashfield & Harkness Collapsible Soft Dog Crate
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A soft-sided collapsible crate that balances a cozy, enclosed feel with breathable mesh panels for ventilation.
Lightweight and easy to fold away, it suits calm, house-trained dogs and short stays rather than heavy daily use.
Confirm the size that matches your dog before ordering.
10
Morpilot Portable Collapsible Dog Crate
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A packable soft crate with a fold-flat frame, mesh sides, and zippered openings for easy in and out.
Light enough to carry with one hand, it works well for travel, camping, and calm dogs that settle quickly in a covered space. Available in a range of sizes.
Wooden / Furniture-Style Dog Crates
11
EasyCom Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A wooden crate designed to look like a piece of home furniture, with a flat tabletop surface and ventilated sides.
It gives settled dogs a den-like retreat that fits neatly into your decor. Like all furniture crates, it suits house-trained dogs that will not gnaw the wood.
Confirm the size for your dog's measurements.
12
Audreena Pet Crate By Tucker Murphy Pet
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A decor-friendly furniture crate that works as a side table while giving your dog an enclosed indoor space.
The wood-finish frame and slatted panels keep it looking like furniture, not a kennel. Ideal for calm adult dogs in the home.
Sizes vary, so check the listing against your dog.
13
HOOBRO Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A furniture-style crate with a sturdy build and a flat top that serves as an end or side table.
Steel mesh panels provide ventilation and visibility, and the enclosed design gives dogs a quiet retreat that suits busy households. Best for calm, house-trained dogs.
Available in more than one size, so match it to your dog.
14
NARTRU Double Dog Crate Kennel Furniture
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A double furniture crate designed to house two dogs, or one dog with extra room, styled as a long console or TV stand.
Two separate compartments with ventilated panels let each dog have their own space while the piece blends into your living room.
A good fit for multi-dog homes with calm, house-trained dogs.
15
VOPEAK Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A wooden furniture crate that pulls double duty as a side table, with ventilated panels and a flat top for everyday items.
It offers dogs a cozy, enclosed den while keeping your space looking tidy. Suited to calm adult dogs that will not chew the frame.
Check the size options for your dog.
16
PawHut Dog Crate Furniture
An end-table style wooden crate with lockable magnetic doors, steel wire windows for ventilation, and a flat top sturdy enough for a lamp or books.
PawHut offers this line in several sizes, from small dogs up to larger breeds around 77 pounds, and adjustable feet keep it steady on uneven floors.
A stylish choice for calm, house-trained dogs whose crate lives in a main room.
17
Hzuaneri Wooden Dog Crate Furniture
Price last checked July 2026 · may vary
A decorative wooden crate that works as an end side table or TV stand while giving small to medium dogs an indoor den.
Ventilated panels keep air moving, and the finished wood top blends with home decor. Best for calm, house-trained dogs.
Confirm the size against your dog's measurements.
Dog Crate Types Compared
If you are weighing one style against another, here is how the four main types stack up at a glance.
| 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 disassembly |
| 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 |
Important Criteria Before Buying a Dog Crate
Once you have a style in mind, a few details make the difference between a crate your dog loves and one that gathers dust. Here is your checklist for making the best choice.
1. Size and Measurements
Getting the size right is non-negotiable for comfort and training. Too small and your pup is cramped.
Too big and they may use one corner as a bathroom, which sets back house training.
The simple rule: measure from nose to tail base and add 2 to 4 inches, then measure from the floor to the top of their ears and add another 2 to 4 inches.
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
For puppies, buy a crate sized for their adult weight and use a divider panel, adjusting the space as they grow.
2. Weight Capacity
Size is not the only number that matters. Always review the crate's maximum weight rating to be sure it safely supports your dog's body.
A crate built for 50 pounds should not house a 70-pound dog regularly. Double-check those figures to keep your fur baby secure.
3. Durability and Material Quality
Your dog's habits dictate the best material. Anxious dogs and escape artists need tough construction.
Wire crates can bend under pressure from aggressive chewers, while plastic handles chewing better but is not invincible. For power chewers, heavy-duty metal or aluminum is the safest bet.
Look for solid frames and reinforced seams, since cheap options break quickly and cost more in the long run.
4. Ventilation and Airflow
Fresh air is vital to prevent overheating and reduce anxiety. Aim for vents on at least two sides, though four is better for circulation.
Poor airflow traps heat and odors, which is especially true of plastic and wooden crates.
Place the crate away from direct sunlight and stuffy spots like garages, and prioritize maximum ventilation in warm climates.
5. Security and Locking Mechanisms
Coming home to a loose dog is every owner's nightmare. Choose heavy-duty slide bolts or double-door mechanisms over flimsy flip-latches, and always test the lock under pressure.
For determined escape artists or anxious pups, double-latch systems are best, and adding carabiners or a padlock buys real peace of mind.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Messes happen, so easy cleaning keeps your pup's space hygienic. Wire crates win here with slide-out trays that make cleanup quick.
Plastic crates take more effort and often need disassembly. Soft and wooden crates are trickier, since fabric stains and wood absorbs odors, so look for non-porous surfaces and removable floors.
7. Portability and Storage
Consider your space and lifestyle. Small homes and travelers benefit from wire or soft crates that fold flat for easy storage, and soft crates are especially handy for road trips.
In larger homes you might prefer the look of wooden or plastic crates, but remember that plastic options do not fold and need permanent floor space.
8. Your Dog's Temperament and Behavior
Finally, match the crate to your dog's personality. Anxious dogs crave the den-like security of plastic or wooden crates, while calm pups are happy in almost anything.
Escape artists and chewers need sturdy metal or plastic. Puppies tend to learn bladder control best in wire crates, while seniors appreciate a cozy, secure spot.
If you are unsure, start with wire or plastic for maximum control.
Choosing the Best Crate by Size and Life Stage
The best dog crate for a tiny senior and the best one for a bouncy puppy are rarely the same. Here is how the main styles line up with your dog's size and stage.
Best Crates for Small Dogs
Small dogs are comfortable in a compact wire or soft-sided crate that still lets them stand up and turn around.
Aim for snug and den-like rather than oversized, since a cavernous crate can feel less secure. Adding the right bed inside turns it into a spot they actually want to use.
Best Crates for Large Dogs
Large and strong dogs need a heavy-duty wire or reinforced metal crate with solid seams and a secure latch.
Check the weight rating, not just the length, and favor a slide-out tray for easier cleaning.
Plastic can work for calmer big dogs, but power chewers do best with metal.
Best Crates for Puppies
For most puppies, a wire crate with a divider panel is the smart buy. Size it to their adult weight, then use the divider to keep the space small enough to support house training.
Keeping puppy pads nearby helps during those accident-prone early weeks.
FAQ
FAQ
01 What is the best type of dog crate?
There is no single best type, only the best fit for your dog. Wire crates suit most dogs and puppies thanks to airflow and slide-out trays. Plastic crates feel den-like and travel well. Soft-sided crates fold flat for trips, and wooden crates double as furniture at home.
02 What size dog crate do I need?
Measure your dog from nose to tail base and add 2 to 4 inches, then measure floor to ear tips and add another 2 to 4 inches. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down without crouching. For a puppy, size for their adult weight and use a divider.
03 Are wire or plastic crates better?
Both work well, so it comes down to your dog. Wire crates win on airflow, visibility, and easy cleaning, which makes them a solid pick for puppies in training. Plastic crates feel more enclosed and den-like, hold up better against chewing, and are the easier choice for car travel.
04 What is the best crate for a small dog?
Small dogs do well in a compact wire or soft-sided crate that still lets them stand and turn comfortably. Choose a snug, den-like size rather than a cavernous one, since too much space can feel unsettling. Add a soft mat or blanket so it becomes their favorite spot.
With the right size, style, and a few comfort touches, the crate quickly becomes the best seat in the house. Good luck finding the perfect spot for your furry friend.
BEFORE YOU GO, check out these related reads:
- Best GPS Dog Collars for Reliable Location Updates Anywhere
- Best Dog Muzzles for Every Snout and Situation
- 21 Dog Travel Accessories for Your Next Holiday
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