Best Dog Crates of 2026: Wire, Plastic, and Soft-Sided Options Tested

They offer maximum airflow, fold flat for storage, and usually come with a divider panel so you can resize the crate as a puppy grows. The MidWest iCrate is the textbook example of this category. The downsides are weight and noise — a dog that paws at the sides will rattle the whole thing. Plastic crates, sometimes called airline crates or travel kennels, are more den-like. Dogs that feel anxious in open spaces often settle faster in a plastic crate because the enclosed walls reduce visual stimulation. They are also IATA-compliant for air travel when you buy the right model. The trade-off is that they are bulkier to store and harder to clean thoroughly. Soft-sided crates are lightweight and genuinely portable. They fold into a carry bag and weigh almost nothing. They are ideal for calm, already-crate-trained dogs at hotels, dog shows, or family visits. They are not suitable for puppies, escape artists, or any dog that chews — a determined dog will be out in minutes. Heavy-duty crates, such as those from Impact Dog Crates or Gunner, are built from aluminum or reinforced steel. They are designed for dogs that destroy standard crates — think high-drive working breeds or severe anxiety cases. They are expensive and heavy, but for the right dog they are the only option that actually holds. If your dog has already bent the bars on a standard wire crate, skip straight to this category and stop wasting money on intermediate solutions.

The folding mechanism is smooth and tool-free. The included divider is solid, not flimsy. The rounded corners and baby-safe latch design reflect thoughtful engineering rather than marketing copy. It costs more than a MidWest iCrate, and that premium is real — but for a crate you will use daily for a decade, it is justified. For the budget pick, the MidWest iCrate remains the benchmark. It is widely available, comes in sizes from small to extra-large, includes a divider panel, and has a proven track record across millions of dogs. Assembly takes under five minutes. The double-door version gives you placement flexibility. It is not glamorous, it is not quiet when a restless dog moves around, and the slide-bolt latches are not escape-proof for a truly determined dog. But for a puppy or a calm adult dog, it does the job at a price that is hard to argue with. If you are crate training for the first time and are not sure your dog will take to it, start here. For dogs that need enrichment during crate time, pairing any crate with a KONG Classic stuffed with frozen kibble or peanut butter dramatically improves the experience. The KONG Classic is one of the most consistently recommended tools by trainers for exactly this purpose.

That is it. Bigger is not better when it comes to crates used for housetraining, because excess space removes the natural instinct to keep the sleeping area clean. For large breeds — think Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and similar dogs in the 60 to 90 pound range — you are typically looking at a 42-inch crate. Giant breeds like Great Danes or Mastiffs need a 48-inch crate, and even then you should measure your specific dog rather than relying on breed averages. Large dogs generate more force when they push against crate walls, so wire gauge matters. Thicker wire and more robust latches are worth paying for at this size. For small breeds under 25 pounds — Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus — a 24-inch crate is usually sufficient. The MidWest iCrate in 24-inch is a sensible, inexpensive choice. Small dogs are also better candidates for soft-sided crates if they are already trained, since they lack the size to do real damage. For medium breeds in the 25 to 60 pound range, a 36-inch crate covers most dogs comfortably. When in doubt, size up one increment and use the divider panel to reduce the interior space during the housetraining phase, then open it up as the dog matures. If your large dog is also an anxious one, a ThunderShirt used during crate time can meaningfully reduce stress. It applies gentle, constant pressure similar to swaddling, and many owners report faster settling times when it is used alongside crate training.

It is widely available and inexpensive. It is appropriate for puppies, calm adult dogs, and first-time crate buyers. It is not appropriate for dogs that have already escaped a wire crate or that apply sustained pressure to the walls and door. The latches are the weakest point — a smart dog can learn to work them open. Diggs Revol: This is the mid-tier premium option. It is made from stronger wire, uses a childproof latch system that dogs cannot manipulate, has both a front door and a top door, rolls on wheels for easy repositioning, and folds more compactly than most wire crates. The divider is included and fits snugly. It costs roughly two to three times the price of a comparable MidWest iCrate, which is a real consideration. For households where the crate is a permanent fixture and aesthetics matter, the Revol looks significantly better in a living room. For a dog that is already a moderate escape risk, the better latches provide meaningful security. Impact Dog Crates: These are aluminum-construction heavy-duty crates built for dogs that destroy standard options. They are airline-approved, nearly indestructible, and carry a lifetime warranty. They are also heavy, expensive, and overkill for the average pet dog. If your dog has bent wire bars, chewed through a plastic crate, or injured themselves trying to escape, this is the category you need. Do not buy one preemptively — buy one when you have exhausted other options. Bottom line: Start with MidWest iCrate. Upgrade to Diggs Revol if you want better build quality and features. Move to Impact only if your dog demands it.

That is your minimum crate length. Step two: Measure your dog's height from the floor to the top of their head when they are standing naturally. Add four inches. That is your minimum crate height. Step three: Cross-reference those numbers with the manufacturer's interior dimensions, not the exterior dimensions listed on the box. These can differ by several inches. For puppies, buy the crate size your dog will need as an adult and use the divider panel to restrict the space during housetraining. Most reputable wire crate manufacturers include a divider. If yours does not, buy one — it is worth it. A puppy given too much crate space will sleep at one end and eliminate at the other, which defeats the entire purpose of crate training. If you are between sizes, go up. A dog that is slightly cramped will be uncomfortable and resist the crate. A dog with a touch of extra room will still treat it as a den as long as the space is not dramatically oversized. One more practical note: weigh your dog regularly during puppyhood and re-evaluate the divider position every few weeks. Breeds like Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds grow fast, and a divider that was correctly positioned at 10 weeks may be too restrictive by 16 weeks.

Let your dog investigate the crate on their own terms for the first day or two. Toss high-value treats inside without closing the door. Feed meals near the crate, then inside it with the door open, then inside it with the door briefly closed. Build duration slowly — five minutes, then ten, then thirty, then an hour. Never use the crate as punishment. The crate must always predict good things. Food-stuffed toys are the single most effective tool for making crate time positive. A frozen KONG stuffed with your dog's regular kibble mixed with a small amount of wet food or peanut butter gives a dog something to work on and associates the crate with a satisfying activity. Prepare several at once and keep them in the freezer so you always have one ready. The KONG Classic in the appropriate size for your dog is the standard recommendation here for good reason — it is durable, easy to stuff, and holds up to aggressive chewers far better than cheaper alternatives. For dogs with existing anxiety around confinement, a ThunderShirt worn during crate sessions can reduce the stress response enough to allow positive associations to form. It is not a substitute for training, but it can lower the baseline anxiety level enough to make training possible. For puppies that are still being housetrained, high-quality absorbent pads placed near — not inside — the crate give them an appropriate elimination spot during the night or when you cannot supervise. Amazon Basics leak-proof potty pads are a practical, cost-effective option for this purpose. Keep the crate itself clean and dry at all times; a dog that has eliminated in their crate and been left in it will take much longer to develop a positive association. Consistency is the deciding factor. Dogs that are crated on a predictable schedule adapt faster than dogs that are crated unpredictably. Set a routine and stick to it.

Pair it with a frozen KONG and a consistent schedule. Best overall for long-term home use: Diggs Revol. Better build quality, smarter latches, top door access, and it looks good in a living room. Worth the premium if you plan to use the crate for years. Best for travel: A hard-sided plastic airline-approved crate for air travel, or a quality soft-sided crate for road trips and hotel stays with a calm, already-trained dog. Best for escape artists and destructive dogs: Impact Dog Crates. Do not waste money on intermediate solutions if your dog has already destroyed a standard crate. Best for anxious dogs: Any crate type paired with a ThunderShirt and a food-stuffed toy. The crate type matters less than the training approach and the anxiety management tools when dealing with a genuinely anxious dog. Best for large breeds: A 42-inch or 48-inch wire crate with heavy-gauge wire. Measure your dog first. Do not guess based on breed alone. For ongoing pet supply needs beyond the crate itself, browse the full pet supplies category for curated picks on feeders, enrichment toys, training aids, and more. The right crate is the foundation — what you put in and around it determines how well it actually works.