Whether you’re traveling, camping or looking for a more permanent crate-bed for your dog, you’ll want to choose carefully. While searching, it might be a good idea to do some homework to make sure you’re getting the crate that best suits your needs. There are many options and while any could satisfy your pup’s needs, it couldn’t hurt to form a mental checklist of what you want to get out of your crate.
When choosing the right dog crate, you want to make sure you’re getting the right size. So step one is to measure your dog. Beyond size, there are different types of dog crates. We looked at dozens of large dog crates, including wire crates, luxury crates, and portable dog crates to find the best options based on price, durability, ease of use, feedback from Amazon users, and other factors. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the best large dog crates you can buy, depending on your needs.
In our research, one crate simply stands out among the rest: the New World Folding Metal Dog Crate. Not only is it durable, but it’s available with in a variety of sizes with a choice of one or two doors.
The 5 Top-Rated Large Dog Crates
Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | New World Folding Metal Dog Crate | 4.6 |
Runner Up | Crown Pet Crate | 4.5 |
Best Plastic Crate | Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel | 4.5 |
Best Metal Crate | MidWest Life Stages Single-Door Folding Crate | 4.6 |
Best Portable Kennel | Pet Playpen Foldable Portable Exercise Kennel | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
The New World Folding Metal Dog Crate is our pick out of all the large dog crates on the market. One of the biggest drawcards it offers is choice. You’ll be able to choose from 5 different size options as well as between a single or double door. The largest size available is 48-inches, followed by 42-inches (pictured). The crate also breaks down to fold flat and comes with a carrying handle should you choose to travel with it.
The durability of this crate is at a level you’ll be comfortable with for your pooch. The wire is a durable metal, not the rubber which can remind your dog of his rubber toys. This simple feature may actually deter your dog from trying to chew his way out. There are two heavy-duty latches on each door to add another layer of security and the crate tray is removable so you will be able to clean up a bit easier without too much concern of accidents ruining your floors.
And whether you decide to stick with crate training or if you decide that isn’t the right fit for your family, this crate won’t break the bank either way. The two largest options are both just over $70, making this high-quality crate’s value unparalleled. And speaking of reviews, there are over 12,000 reviews on Amazon, giving it an overall rating of 4.7; and that many people can’t be wrong.
New World Folding Metal Dog Crate Key Features:
- Available Size(s): 24”, 30”, 36”, 42”, and 48”
- Double or single door option
- Folds flat for transport or storage
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
Our Runner Up Pick: Crown Pet Crate Table
The Crown Pet Crate Table is the gorgeous luxury dog crate that will make your eyes widen in appreciation. We love large dog crates that pull double-duty as furniture, and what we love even more is when they’re crafted from tough rubberwood, a durable hardwood usually compared to teak. You can choose between 2 sizes, medium or large and 2 different colors, espresso or mahogany. The stained and lacquered finish is a fine addition to your home décor, while the well-constructed crate is as strong, functional and safe as any other kennel on the market.
The door swings both ways allowing you to keep the door open and out of Fido’s way or gives a comfortable exit and entry for your pooch. The latch is stainless steel and easy to use while the floor is made with a waterproof melamine MDF that makes for an easy clean.
You may want to take note, most double duty crates that also act as tables tend to pull in sub-par reviews. But this crate is a perfect illustration of “You get what you pay for.” Most wood crate on amazon have around a 3.0 rating with under a 100 reviews, but this beauty blows away it’s competitors with a 4.5 ratings with over 200 reviews. It’s not a cheap crate and certainly not within everyone’s budget. But if you’re looking for a well reviewed wood pet crate, look no further.
Crown Pet Crate Table Key Features:
- Available Size(s): Medium and Large, in two finishes
- Swing-through door rotates inside, when necessary, to keep it out of the way
- Multiple vents provide a well-ventilated space and a 360-degree view
- Waterproof, melamine-covered, MDF floor not only absorbs liquids and odors, but is very easy to clean
Best Large Plastic Dog Crate: Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
If you’re looking for the ultimate in safety and hassle-free pet travel, the Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel delivers. This heavy duty crate is compliant in all USDA and IATA regulations for shipment of live animals. The locking door features a squeeze latch that is nearly impossible for a dog to manipulate open but incredibly easy for those of us with opposing thumbs. It is made in the United States with 95% pre-consumer recycled plastic along with heavy duty metal side vents and door.
For air travel you may need to purchase zip ties but this crate gives holes that fit those perfectly along with the provided metal wingnuts and plastic screws. There are ventilation grates and holes on each side of the crate which will allow your pup to see what’s happening no matter where you take him on his adventure.
You’ll love those secondary features, like the easy-open squeeze latch, no-tools-required assembly, and tie-down strap holes. But our favorite “small” feature with a “big” impact is the interior floor moat. When traveling you never quite know how your pooch will handle it so whether they have an accident, drool up a mess or simply knock over their water, it’s a nice comfort that some protection from the wetness is provided in the crates construction.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Key Features:
- 6 Available Size(s): Up to 15 lbs.; 25-30 lbs.; 30-50 lbs.; 50-70 lbs.; 70-90 lbs.; and 90-125 lbs.
- Made from 95% recycled materials
- All metal side and rear vents, along with metal grate door
- Meets USDA and IATA requirements for shipping live animals
Best Large Metal Dog Crate: MidWest Life Stages Single-Door Folding Dog Crate
Want to cut your pup’s housebreaking time in half? That’s the promise of the MidWest Life Stages Single-Door Folding Dog Crate, a single-door, large and heavy duty metal dog crate. It comes with a divider panel, to ensure proper sizing for small puppies that will grow into big adult dogs. This solves the problem of “What size crate do I get my puppy if I don’t know how big he’s going to become?” brilliantly. You can choose between 6 different sizes and a single or double door for each of those sizes so you’ll be sure to get the exact perfect fit for your dog and home.
This crate has a leak proof removable pan that you can just slide out to clean up and it folds flat with a carrying handle should you choose to relocate. The roller feet are made of a durable rubber that will protect your floors from scuffs and scratches and each door has two latches for maximum security.
Considering this one crate may very well be the only crate your dog will need his entire life, we think the value is unquestionable. Especially when you take into consideration that the metal of this wire crate is a heavier gauge than its competitors with a tighter placement; making it truly worthy of the “heavy-duty” title. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, it also comes with a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty.
MidWest Life Stages Single-Door Folding Dog Crate Key Features:
- Available Size(s): 22”, 24”, 30”, 36” (up to 70 lbs.), 42” (up to 90 lbs.), and 48” (up to 110 lbs.)
- Easily folds down to portable size, then pops up again in seconds
- Double or single door options available
- ABS composite tray is easy to clean and, unlike metal-bottomed crates, provides a sleeping surface that won’t rust, corrode, warp or smell
Best Portable Kennel: Pet Playpen Foldable Portable Exercise Kennel
Here’s a kennel of a different shape – octagonal, that is! The Pet Playpen Foldable Portable Exercise Kennel is an eight-sided doggy playpen that gives your pooch a convenient, comfortable place to relax. There’s plenty of room to play here, while the attached floor ensures your pet’s safety and the durable, water-resistant material is easy to clean. This travel playpen folds flat for easy transport and storage and the removable mesh top allows you east access without having to worry about your pup running out.
This would be perfect to take your pet with you on a camping adventure or to just give him his own little home inside your home. You can use this for a larger dog to have some extra space that most crates don’t have, or pop in two of your furry friends and let them enjoy each other while they’re secured in a comfortable and secure environment.
The manufacturer of this crate feels so confident their product will fit your family’s needs that they offer more than just a warranty, they offer 100% customer satisfaction with a money back guarantee.
Pet Playpen Foldable Portable Exercise Kennel Key Features:
- Available Size(s): One-size, available in four colors
- 4 included stakes: Simply secure it to the ground to create an unmoving, outdoor play area
- Reinforced corners, protected seams and water resistant construction
- Built-in extras, including a water dispenser, bottle holder, and plenty of side pockets
Who Should Buy a Large Dog Crate
First you’ll need to determine for sure if your dog is a large dog. You can ask your vet or simply look up your dog’s specific breed to see the predicted weight of an adult. Large dog breeds are typically any dog that ranges between 50 to 85 pounds. Any smaller and they’re medium sized; any larger and they’re giant sized.
Why you’d want a crate for your dog can be a varied answer. The first and simplest reason for wanting a dog crate is if you plan on crate training. Whether you plan on crate training full time, or for short bursts, you’ll need to make sure your dog’s crate is one he can adjust to well. The type of crate training you choose to do will change the type of crate you get, so you’ll need to decide if he’ll just be sleeping in the crate, in it for an occasionally long duration or if it’s just for the rare circumstance.
You will also need to purchase a crate for your dog if you plan on flying with him. If he comes with you on camping and road trips, you may want to consider a crate to help him feel secure in new environments. And you could need a crate if your pup is easily excited and you need to secure him for short periods of time to protect visitors or children from those bursts of energy.
Important Features to Consider
When you’re looking into finding the best large dog crate suitable for your dog and your home, there are several important features to consider, including:
- Size. You want to make sure the crate is functional and the first step in doing so is making sure the size is right for your pup. If you’re buying for a puppy, keep in mind she will be growing. You may want to talk to your vet about how big your friend is going to get at full size. In order to make sure you’re getting the right crate for your dog, though, you may need to purchase more than one as she grows. Keep this in mind and save the luxury crates for her full grown size.
- Durability. If you’re starting to crate train your dog as a puppy, then you’ll want to avoid putting him in a plastic or cloth crate full time. Puppies like to chew and when they’re first learning their boundaries with a crate, they’ll destroy a crate if it’s not made of heavy duty material. A metal cage is a good place to start with puppy crate training.
- Travel compliant. For the flying pup, you’ll want to check with airport and airline regulations and err on the side of caution. If one airline is more strict than another, then go with the strictest regulation when picking your pooch’s crate. The last thing you want is to arrive at the airport only to be sent away for a non-compliant crate.
- Collapsible. If you plan on taking your dog with you on road trips or camping, then you may want to look at a crate that is made of cloth and collapses easily. That way you can give your dog a place that is his and his alone without taking up a lot of space in your car. And a place that is familiar to him will minimize his anxiety in new places.
- Aesthetics. If you’re planning on keeping your dog’s crate in your living room as a constant fixture, you’ll want to consider the aesthetics of it. You may want to find a crate that will double as a table of some kind. If that’s the case you’ll want to look into matching the rest of your decor with its color and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you determine the size of a dog crate?
Here’s the deal on kennel sizing: First, take your dog’s dimensions. Then, choose a kennel that gives her 1-2 inches height clearance, 4-6 inches length clearance, and just enough room to turn around. Finally, measure the space where you’ll place your crate. Compare your pet’s measurements and interior space against a kennel’s interior and exterior dimensions, and you’ll have the perfect fit!
How do you measure a dog for a crate?
You’ll need to measure your dog’s length, height and width to find the right size. For length, measure from his nose to the end of his tail. His height is measured from his paws to the peak of his head, or ears, if they are clipped. The width shouldn’t be a problem for any crate, but just to be sure, measure the broadest part of his chest and waist.
How long is too long to leave a dog in a dog crate?
You want to make sure your dog doesn’t suffer by being in the crate too long and as such, you’ll want the full days in the crate to be an occasional occurrence. 8 hours is the maximum recommended time for a dog to be locked in his crate. You’ll also want to make sure your dog is getting the proper exercise before periods within his crate; 30-60 minutes is ideal.
You may find, however, your dog actually prefers being in his crate. It may become his comfort zone. If that’s the case, just be sure to leave the crate door open so he can move freely.
Where is the best place to put a dog crate?
Dogs are social creatures so your placement of the crate should not isolate them. For daily use, place the crate in a busy part of the house. Let them see you working in the kitchen or your kids playing in the living room. He will want to feel like part of the pack and putting his crate someplace central will help with that.
At night, you’ll want to keep the crate in your bedroom, at least at first. This will let him see and smell you in order to calm down for sleep. If you don’t want to keep him in the room with you, transition in baby steps each night further away from your bed until the crate is in the place you’d like it to end up for bedtime.