If you have a larger dog and you want to travel with them, or you just want a safe place they can go at night or when you need them out of the way for a little while, a high-quality large dog crate is absolutely essential to keep your pet contained and away from danger. Unfortunately, with so many crates on the market, it can be difficult to choose one that will work both for your pet, and for your own specific needs.
We reviewed dozens of large dog crates to identify the best of the best. We looked at materials, overall construction, safety, and a host of other factors to identify the crates that are most worth the money, and the best for the safety and comfort of our pets.
During our testing, while we discovered many excellent large crates, the clear overall winner was the MidWest Homes For Pets iCrate Starter Kit. This kit is a turn-key solution if you’re looking for everything you need to crate your pup in one convenient package. This makes it an excellent solution for crate training, or for anyone who wants to get a crate and all the necessary accessories in a hurry.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Large Dog Crates
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Large Dog Crate Overall | MidWest iCrate Starter Kit | 4.8 |
| Best Large Wire Dog Crate | MidWest Homes iCrate Dog Crate | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Large Dog Crate | AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate | 4.6 |
| Best Extra Large Dog Crate | MidWest Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate | 4.6 |
| Best Large Plastic Dog Crate | Petmate Vari Kennel | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and may change over time.
Best Large Dog Crate Overall: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Starter Kit
The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Starter Kit is a great option because it includes everything you need to start crate training your dog including, of course, the crate itself, a perfectly-sized bed, a polyester crate cover, and detachable food and water bowls that can go on the inside or outside of the crate depending on your needs. The bed and cover are both machine washable, which can be a huge help during potty-training as you won’t have to worry about any accidents leaving a lasting stain.
The crate itself is 42”x28” at the base, and 30” tall, making it ideal for dogs typically in the 70-90 lb range, and it comes with a divider that allows you to close off part of the crate to make it a better size for a young puppy, and to adjust it as your puppy grows. A crate that is too big may encourage a puppy to simply use the bathroom in the crate.
The crate also features patented round reinforcing clips at the corners to eliminate sharp edges, and an extra-secure sliding bolt lock to make sure even the most clever of dogs remains safely in the crate. It also has a set of plastic roller feet to protect your hardwood floors, and a locking, water-proof pan to keep any accidents contained. All of this combines to give you an excellent way to crate train your dog without having to worry about making multiple purchases and making sure everything is the right size.
iCrate Starter Kit Key Features:
- Dividing panel to adjust size of the crate as a puppy grows
- Includes machine-washable bed and crate cover, as well as food and water bowls
- Folds flat for easy storage
- One year manufacturer’s warranty
Best Large Wire Dog Crate: MidWest Homes iCrate Dog Crate
The MidWest Homes iCrate is basically the same crate as the one listed above, but it doesn’t come with all the extra add-ons like the bed and the cover and the bowls. This crate is still an excellent option, particularly if you already have all the other bits you need and don’t need a bed and such.
It has the divider for crate training a growing pup, as well as the rollers to protect your floors. It also has the locking, waterproof pan that wipes down easily and quickly to clean up accidents. This makes it ideal for those who have just brought home a new puppy, but may have a bed and bowls and such already on hand and just need a crate for the little one to go into at night until they’re through the potty training and chewing stages.
Buying just the crate by itself is a great option for an experienced dog owner, and it’s sized perfectly for some of the most common dog breeds, which has made this crate incredibly popular with doggie daycares, shelters, and veterinarian offices as well. It also packs up flat for quick and easy storage, making it great for traveling, especially in a car.
MidWest Homes iCrate Dog Crate Key Features:
- Locking, water-proof pan on bottom
- Extremely durable coated wire construction
- Easy to collapse for storage
Best Budget Large Dog Crate: AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
AmazonBasics continues to offer great, no-frills products at affordable prices with the AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate. If you’re looking to get a crate for a large dog on a budget, this is a stellar option with many of the same features as our top choice, including identical dimensions, a waterproof pan liner, and dual sliding-bolt latches.
There are single and double door options available based on your needs, and a carry handle on top to make moving the crate itself much easier, especially if you’re going to be moving it in and out of a vehicle. When collapsed, the crate actually carries just like an over-sized briefcase, making it an ideal choice if you’re likely to be putting up and taking down the crate often. The divider makes this a perfect option for a growing puppy, and the size means that any breed up to a large retriever is going to be comfortable in the crate once they’re fully grown.
Finally, the all-metal construction means that even though this is our budget pick, it is actually extremely durable and resistant to both chewing and any impacts it may receive as it gets moved around in the garage. This makes it a great choice for a secondary crate, or for a crate that only gets brought out when you have a dog visiting, but you don’t need a crate full time.
AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Key Features:
- Very affordable price
- Divider for puppy training
- Folds flat for storage
Best Extra Large Dog Crate: MidWest Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate
Do you have a dog over 90 lbs that needs a crate? The Midwest Homes for Pets Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate may be the perfect option for you and your furry friend. This crate is the heavy-duty offering from the same manufacturer that makes our “best overall” pick, and essentially what they’ve done here is make the crate larger and more robust.
It is both taller and wider than the standard offering, and it is constructed with a thicker wire and smaller gaps to make the overall crate much, much sturdier. No pup is chewing their way out of this one, and the crate itself is incredibly strong.
Just like the iCrate, you get a locking plastic pan underneath to quickly and easily clean up any accidents, and you get two lockable sliding-bolt latches per door so your pet isn’t going to be able to escape on their own. Finally, the rounded side clips are a patented design that not only strengthens the crate but also makes the edges less sharp and therefore much safer for you and your dog.
MidWest Homes for Pets Life Stages Folding Metal Dog Crate Key Features:
- Extra-durable construction
- Patented round side clips
- One of the strongest dog crates on the market
Best Large Plastic Dog Crate: Petmate Vari Kennel
A good crate is essential for travel with your dog unless you’re backpacking through the Alps. If you’re going by car, boat, plane, train, or horse and buggy, you’re going to need a good crate, and the Petmate Vari Kennel is just about the perfect choice. It is designed specifically for travel, particularly to meet airline regulations for crating your dog in the cargo hold.
It is perfectly sized for dogs in the 70-90 lb range and features a heavy-duty recycled plastic construction that meets almost all airline regulations for transporting animals. The easy-open front gate has a secure squeeze-to-open latching mechanism that will last for years and is virtually impossible to open accidentally (or on purpose if you’re a dog).
On top of that, the crate features a raised interior to keep your pet from getting dirty in the event that they have an accident, which is, unfortunately, a concern even among the most resolutely potty-trained dogs once you factor in things like the stress of travel. It also has 360-degree ventilation and tie-down holes to make securing the crate quick and easy. All of this works together to make it a truly excellent travel crate, and the best plastic large dog crate around.
Petmate Vari Kennel Key Features:
- Easy to assemble
- Made with 95% recycled plastic
- Intended for dogs 70 to 90 pounds
Who Should Buy a Large Dog Crate
If you’re looking to crate train your dog, or if your dog has outgrown their old crate, then its time to upgrade. It’s important for the health and safety of your pup that they have a crate that is just the right size, and it’s important for your own sake that the crate is durable and easy to use. It needs to stand up to chewing, as well as being collapsed and set back up repeatedly.
Beyond that, choosing a good crate for your pet can not only make potty training and other obedience training markedly easier, but it also gives them a place that they can feel safe and protected. Our dogs still carry the wolf instincts of their ancestors, and one of the strongest of these is the desire to nest or create a den. A crate can satisfy this desire and can help with anxiety or abandonment issues.
Finally, traveling with your pet can be made much less hectic with a crate, and a good crate is absolutely essential for flying with your pup unless they are a service animal. A hard-sided plastic crate with a handle is usually the bare minimum required by airlines.
If you’re keeping your dog in your apartment, you may want to check out Going Pet-Friendly: 5 Beginner’s Tips To Create A Pet-Friendly Apartment For Your Furry Friend.
Important Features to Consider
A large crate should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a crate for your large dog:
- Size: Size is one of the most important considerations when choosing a crate for your dog. If the crate is too small, your pet will be uncomfortable and can become stressed or even aggressive. On the other hand, having a crate that is too large may cause your pet to want to relieve themselves at one end of the crate rather than waiting to be let out. This makes choosing a crate that is sized to your dog vital for successful crate training.
- Safety: The safety of both you and your pet should always be foremost in your mind, and that means choosing a crate that latches securely and doesn’t have any sharp edges that you or your pet could be injured on. Sliding-bolt latches and multiple latches per door are the things you want to look for here.
- Durability: Between travel, moving, and potentially chewy pups, durability is a big concern when choosing a dog crate, especially one for a large dog. Wire crates are typically the best option here and are more durable than plastic crates. However, if you have a heavy-duty chewer on your hands, you made need a heavy-duty crate to combat their habits.
- Mobility: Moving your pet’s crate, whether you just need to get it to the other side of the living room or if you’re packing it into the car for a road trip, it can be a hassle. Be sure to choose a crate that either packs down flat, or has a handle or other easy method of carrying.
- Travel Compliance: If you’re planning on flying somewhere and bringing your dog, a crate that meets airline compliance standards is critical. Typically airlines want a mostly-solid plastic crate with a handle, but you’ll need to inquire with your specific airline to ensure your crate meets their specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big of a crate do I need for my dog?
In general, you want there to be enough room for the dog to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably and easily, but not much more than that.
Can a dog crate be too big?
Yes, actually. A crate that is too large may make your dog think that they can simply go to the bathroom at one end of the crate, and then sleep in the other.
How long can dogs stay in a crate?
This depends on the age of your dog. A young dog under 9 weeks is going to need to be let out to use the bathroom every 2-3 hours during the night.
Around the 9 week mark, you can start stretching this to once every four hours at night, and then once they hit 12 weeks you can begin stretching this time until they’re spending the full 7-8 hours at night in a crate. No dog should be left crated for longer than this.
Should I put a dog bed in the crate?
Yes, but what type of bed or bedding material may vary depending on your dog’s training, habits, age, and other factors. For example, a young puppy may require a waterproof bed to help during potty training, and an older dog may require a thicker, more padded bed to comfort aging joints.
Other Large Dog Crates We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other large dog crates. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best large dog crate list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your dog. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Extra Large Dog Crates
- Heavy Duty Large Dog Crates
- Large Plastic Dog Crates
- Large Travel Dog Crates
- Large Wire Dog Crates
Extra Large Dog Crates
Another easy-to-pack crate that’s sized perfectly for larger dogs, this one features a double door and a plastic divider, making it great for puppies.
Key Features:
- Plastic tray for easy cleanup
- Durable black finish to resist rust and corrosion
- Strong steel construction
Cost: $60
BestPet Two Door Large Dog Crate
If you’re looking for a crate that can handle two smaller dogs at once, or you just want something that can conveniently be opened at both ends, the BestPet Two Door Large Dog Crate is an excellent option.
Key Features:
- Extra durable construction
- Door at both ends for ease of access
- Great for travel
Cost: $60
MidWest Homes for Pets XXL Giant Dog Crate
If you’re looking for an XXL crate, for an XXL dog, this one is just about perfect. Extra-strong construction makes it great for bigger dogs.
Key Features:
- 54 x 37 x 45 dimensions make it one of the largest on this list
- Extra-strong mesh to stand up to larger dogs
- Can handle up to 110 lbs
Cost: $150
Paws & Pals Double-Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
This crate allows for easy access from both ends, as well as optional dividers making it good for puppies or multiple small dogs, as well as solitary large dogs.
Key Features:
- Simple to set up and take down
- Double doors for easy access
- Divider available
Heavy Duty Large Dog Crates
MidWest Ultima Pro Extra-Strong Folding Metal Dog Crate
The strongest, thickest-gauge wire construction from our top manufacturer, and a dual-door setup for easy access. What’s not to love?
Key Features:
- Incredibly strong construction
- Front and side doors
- Folds easily
Cost: $105
Sliverylake Heavy Duty Dog Crate
This rolling crate features a dual-latching front door and a metal pan on the bottom to make for easy cleanup.
Key Features:
- Rolling crate
- Easy to move from room to room
- Secure latches
Cost: $205
SmithBuilt Heavy Duty Dog Crate
This crate has wheels and hinges on top to make it easy to remove your pet from above if you need to.
Key Features:
- Locking wheels
- Opens from the top
- Easy to move around
Large Plastic Dog Crate
Pet Gear “The Other Door” 4 Door Steel Crate
This steel and plastic crate has four doors for incredibly easy access from all angles, making it great for rambunctious pets that don’t necessarily want to go into their crate calmly.
Key Features:
- Doors on all sides
- No exposed edges or sharp corners make it a good choice for a house that also has younger children.
- Extra-strong construction
Large Travel Dog Crate
This foldable, soft-sided dog crate is perfect for travel with its meshed sides and padded bottom and even has a handy carrying strap.
Key Features:
- Soft-sided and collapsible
- Washable fabric cover
- Water-resistant
Cost: $95
AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Kennel
Two doors, one on top and one on the front make this a great folding crate for a more boisterous pet and a solid choice for a travel crate.
Key Features:
- One Year Amazon Warranty
- Secure zipper closures
- Padded bottom
Cost: $80
Arf Pets Dog Kennel Travel Carrier
This travel crate is made of machine-washable fabric and has a water-resistant bottom making it great for taking your young puppy on the road.
Key Features:
- Mesh walls for easy ventilation
- Collapsible internal bars
- Carry handle
Cost: $80
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
This triple-door folding crate is a little bit larger on the inside than most similar crates, making it great for bigger dogs.
Key Features:
- Steel-tube frame
- Extra-tough zippers
- Larger than most crates in this category
Cost: $80
This travel crate has a super-soft bottom and thick mesh on the sides to give your pet a very cozy and private den, making it perfect for shy dogs.
Key Features:
- Extra padding on the bottom
- Privacy mesh
- Washable
Cost: $50
Pet Gear 3 Door Portable Soft Crate
This soft crate has three doors and two zippered compartments, making it great for active travel and keeping all your pets accessories together in one place.
Key Features:
- Strong internal-frame construction
- Extremely-compact when folded up
- Triple-door setup
Cost: $125
Petsfit Travel Pet Home Soft Dog Crate
This travel crate has roll-up side doors and a comfy bottom, making it a good choice for pet owners that may have a pet that feels a little nervous in new locations.
Key Features:
- Good for smaller dogs in this range
- Great as an open bed as well
- Good for housebreaking young dogs
Large Wire Dog Crate
Carlson Pet Products Foldable Metal Dog Crate
This all-steel crate features two very-secure latches on the door to make sure your pet stays safe and secure the whole time they’re inside.
Key Features:
- Very affordable
- Good for dogs up to 95lbs
- Easy to pack away
Cost: $50
Internet’s Best Wire Dog Kennel
This colorful crate is perfectly designed for quick and easy setup and takedown, making it a great choice for a travel crate.
Key Features:
- Available in multiple colors
- Convenient carrying handle
- Collapses easily
Cost: $65
MidWest Homes for Pets Ovation Dog Crate
This crate has a specially-designed gate to make it virtually impossible for your pet to escape on their own, or for the door to come open accidentally.
Key Features:
- Rubber feet to protect flooring
- Metal track secures the door when not in use, making it extra secure.
- Double-latching door
Cost: $85
New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
This single-door crate folds easily and is perfect for heavier dos in the 100-110 lb range.
Key Features:
- Folds easily
- Heavy-duty latches
- Great for larger dogs
Cost: $70
This crate is perfectly sized for the most common dog breeds and folds easily for storage or travel.
Key Features:
- Available in several sizes
- Includes a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleanup
- Tray locks in place
Cost: $85
