A dog crate is simultaneously a training tool, a safety device, and — when introduced correctly — a place of genuine comfort and security for your dog. The right crate depends on your dog’s size, temperament, chewing habits, and your specific use case (travel vs. home use, puppy vs. adult).
We evaluated eight large-breed crates across security, escape resistance, build quality, ease of cleaning, and airline compliance where relevant.
The Golden Rule: Proper Introduction
No crate, regardless of cost, will work well if the dog is forced into it without proper introduction. The goal is for the dog to view the crate as their den — a safe space they choose to go to. This requires gradual positive association: feed meals near the crate, toss treats inside, build up duration slowly.
A dog who is crate-trained properly will often be found sleeping in their crate voluntarily. A dog who was forced into a crate without training will destroy it, harm themselves trying to escape, or develop anxiety.
Types of Crates
Wire crates: Most ventilated. Foldable. Good for home use. Most dogs accept them. Multiple door options. Not suitable for dogs who can bend or escape wire.
Plastic airline crates: Enclosed, den-like feel — many anxious dogs prefer the privacy. Required for air travel. Less ventilated than wire. Good for dogs who prefer enclosed spaces.
Heavy-duty welded metal: For dogs who have destroyed wire crates. Extremely durable. Heavy. More expensive. Not foldable.
Soft-sided fabric: Lightweight and portable. Only appropriate for calm, non-destructive dogs. Dangerous for escape artists.
1. MidWest Homes iCrate — Best Wire Crate
ASIN: B000H8T0UI | ~$59.99
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The MidWest iCrate is the most popular wire dog crate on Amazon, and it earns that position. The double-door design (front and side access) provides flexibility for room placement. The divider panel lets you use one crate from puppyhood through adulthood by adjusting the usable space as your dog grows.
The folding mechanism collapses to a flat panel for storage and travel. The slide-out plastic tray makes cleaning straightforward.
For a puppy or non-destructive adult dog, the iCrate provides excellent value.
Pros:
- Most affordable quality wire crate
- Double door (front + side)
- Includes divider panel for puppies
- Folds flat for storage
- Removable plastic tray
Cons:
- Not for escape artists — determined dogs can bend wire
- No lock beyond a basic latch
- Not airline-approved
2. Petmate Sky Kennel — Best Airline-Approved Crate
ASIN: B000GXZGJS | ~$79.99
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If you fly with your large dog as cargo, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the industry standard. It meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) and most major airline requirements. The thick plastic shell, ventilation on all four sides, and metal wing nuts (required for airline travel) are all included.
Many dogs who are anxious in open wire crates settle well in the enclosed Sky Kennel — the privacy mimics a den environment.
Pros:
- IATA airline-approved for cargo travel
- Excellent for anxious dogs who prefer enclosed spaces
- Durable plastic construction
- Ventilation on all four sides
- Metal hardware for airline compliance
Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier than wire crates
- Less ventilated than wire for home use
- Doors can be stiff initially
3. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage — Best Heavy-Duty
ASIN: B0001AWDWM | ~$219.99
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The ProSelect Empire is the gold standard for dogs who have destroyed everything else. Built from 20-gauge steel tubes welded at every joint, the double latches resist pawing and pushing, and the heavy gauge wire is extremely resistant to bending.
This is the crate recommended for Malinois, Cane Corsos, American Bulldogs, and other breeds that have escaped or destroyed wire crates. It’s expensive, heavy (58 lbs for the large version), and not foldable — but it genuinely contains dogs that nothing else does.
Pros:
- Strongest consumer-available dog crate
- Double-latch door
- 20-gauge welded steel construction
- For dogs who have escaped everything else
Cons:
- Very heavy — difficult to move
- Not foldable
- Most expensive option
- Overkill for non-destructive dogs
4. Carlson Secure & Foldable Metal Dog Crate — Best Value Mid-Range
ASIN: B00BGLS1YM | ~$89.99
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Between the basic iCrate and the heavy-duty ProSelect, the Carlson occupies a solid middle ground. Thicker wire gauge than the iCrate, with a double-door design and a reinforced latch that requires two-step operation to open (reducing the chance a smart dog figures it out). Still foldable.
Pros:
- Thicker gauge than budget wire crates
- Two-step latch mechanism
- Folds flat
- Good intermediate option for dogs who’ve escaped budget crates
Crate Sizing Guide
| Dog Weight | Crate Size |
|---|---|
| Under 25 lbs | Small (24”L) |
| 26-40 lbs | Medium (30”L) |
| 41-70 lbs | Intermediate (36”L) |
| 71-90 lbs | Large (42”L) |
| 90+ lbs | XL (48”L) or XXL (54”L) |
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down stretched out comfortably. For crate training, the space should be just big enough — too large and the dog may use a corner as a bathroom.
FAQ
Q: How long can I leave my dog in a crate? A: Adult dogs (over 18 months): a maximum of 8 hours, once daily. Puppies: their age in months plus one = maximum hours (so a 3-month puppy = max 4 hours). Dogs need bathroom breaks, exercise, and human interaction regularly.
Q: Should I cover the crate? A: Many dogs settle more quickly and sleep more deeply with the crate covered (top and three sides), especially anxious dogs or those who were den-dwellers. Leave the front open for airflow. Use a breathable blanket, not plastic.
Q: My dog howls and panics in the crate. What do I do? A: This is almost always improper introduction, not a fundamental aversion. Go back to basics: feed all meals next to and inside the crate (door open), reward calm presence near the crate, build duration extremely slowly (seconds, then minutes, then hours). If anxiety is severe, consult a certified trainer.
Our Verdict
MidWest iCrate for puppies and non-destructive adult dogs — excellent value and features. Petmate Sky Kennel if you fly with your dog or have an anxious dog who prefers enclosed spaces. ProSelect Empire if your dog has destroyed other crates — don’t buy another cheap crate first.