Dog Crate Buying Guide 2026: How to Choose the Best Crate for Your Pup
Everything from sizing and materials to safety and portability
By Mubboo Editorial Team · Updated May 25, 2026 · 10 min read
The Short Answer
Choosing the right dog crate depends on your dog's adult size, your home layout, and how you plan to use it. Wire crates offer durability and ventilation, plastic crates are best for travel, and soft-sided crates prioritize portability. This guide breaks down the key features to consider and highlights top-rated models from Amazon.
A dog crate is more than a containment tool—it's a safe den for your pet. Whether you're crate-training a puppy, providing a quiet space for an adult dog, or traveling with your furry friend, choosing the right crate affects your dog's comfort and your peace of mind.
In this guide, we cover sizing, materials, door configurations, safety features, and the best models for every situation—all backed by Amazon verified-buyer reviews and expert input from sources like the AKC.
You just brought home a 10-week-old Golden Retriever puppy. He's adorable, but he also chews everything in sight and has zero bladder control. A crate is your best tool for house training and preventing destructive behavior—but which one to choose? This guide walks you through every decision point so you can confidently pick the right crate for your dog's age, size, and temperament.
Sizing Your Crate
A properly sized crate lets your dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Measure your dog from nose to tail and add 4–6 inches for length, and from floor to top of head for height. For puppies, choose a crate that fits the adult size and use a divider panel to restrict space during training—this prevents accidents and encourages bladder control.
Our pick for medium breeds (21–40 lbs) is the MidWest iCrate 30-inch, which includes a divider for growing pups. For larger dogs, scale up to the 36-inch or 42-inch models.
Good range
Crate length = dog length + 4–6 inches; height = dog height + 2–4 inches
Red flag
Dog cannot stand without hitting the top or turn around freely
MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds
Includes a divider panel to adjust space as your puppy grows; proven 4.7-star rating from 171K+ verified reviews.
Materials & Construction
Most crates fall into three categories: wire, plastic, and soft-sided. Wire crates are the most durable and ventilated—ideal for home use. Plastic crates are better for travel and security (airline-approved). Soft-sided crates are lightweight and easy to store but not chew-proof.
For a sturdy wire option that resists rust, the MidWest iCrate 36-inch uses a protective e-coat finish and precision-welded corners. It's a top choice for medium-large breeds like Beagles and Bulldogs.
Good range
Wire with e-coat or powder-coat finish; plastic with reinforced corners; soft-sided with ripstop fabric
Red flag
Thin wires that bend easily; flimsy plastic that cracks; soft-sided with single-stitch seams
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate (Single Door)
Durable e-coat wire construction, 4.7-star average from a shared review pool with the 30-inch model—proven reliability.
Assembly & Portability
Wire crates typically require tool-free assembly in under a minute—they fold flat for storage. Plastic crates may need some screwing but are still manageable. Soft-sided crates set up fastest, often in seconds with pop-up frames.
If you need a crate that travels easily, the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate sets up in seconds and folds flat. It weighs just 6.5 pounds and includes two doors for easy loading.
Good range
Tool-free assembly; folds flat or compact; carries easily (under 10 lbs for soft-sided)
Red flag
Requires tools and instructions every time; heavy (over 30 lbs) without wheels
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Medium
Sets up in seconds, folds flat, and weighs only 6.5 pounds—perfect for travel and casual use.
Door Configuration: Single vs Double Door
A single door works fine if the crate sits against a wall; a double door offers placement flexibility. Double-door crates allow you to position the crate in hallways or between rooms without blocking access. They also make it easier to guide your dog in and out.
For large breeds (71–90 lbs) that need spacious, flexible access, the New World 42-inch Double Door Crate provides front and side openings. It's sturdy and leak-proof, with a 4.7-star average from 56K+ reviews.
Good range
Single door for standard placement; double door for hallways or dual access
Red flag
Door latch that can be nudged open from inside; door size too small for the dog to enter comfortably
Midwest Homes for Pets 42-Inch New World Crate, Double Door
Dual doors for flexible placement, large 42-inch size fits Golden Retrievers, and a leak-proof tray.
Travel & Specialty Crates
For air travel or road trips, a hard-sided plastic kennel is often required by airlines. These crates are secure, easy to clean, and provide a cozy den-like environment. Some include top-load doors for easy access in tight spaces.
The Petmate Two-Door Top Load Plastic Kennel is airline-approved for cargo and fits small dogs and cats up to 15 lbs. It features a stay-dry moat that directs fluids away from your pet.
Good range
Airline-approved for cargo (meet IATA specs); top-load door for easy access; fluid-directing moat
Red flag
Not airline-approved if you plan to fly; plastic that cracks in cold weather; no ventilation holes
Petmate Two-Door Top Load Plastic Pet Kennel (24-Inch)
Airline-approved, top-load convenience, and a fluid-directing moat keep your pet comfortable during travel.
Safety Features: Latches & Gaps
Secure latches prevent escapes, and proper bar spacing prevents paws or heads from getting stuck. Look for slide-bolt latches with paw blocks to prevent accidental opening. Bar spacing should be small enough that your dog can't squeeze a leg through.
The New World 42-inch Single Door Crate uses precision-welded corners and a slide-bolt latch with Paw Block. It's a safe, durable choice for large breeds at a budget-friendly price.
Good range
Bar spacing ≤ 1 inch for small breeds, 1.5–2 inches for medium-large; latches with paw block or double-lock
Red flag
Bar spacing large enough for paws to slip through; latch that can be easily pushed up by a determined dog
Midwest Homes for Pets 42-Inch New World Crate, Single Door
Sturdy single-door option with Paw Block latch for security, at a lower weight than the double-door variant.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Choosing a crate that's too small. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A cramped crate causes anxiety and can lead to accidents.
Mistake 2: Skipping a divider for puppies. Without a divider, puppies may use one side as a bathroom. Dividers help with house training by limiting space to a sleeping area.
Mistake 3: Buying a soft-sided crate for a determined chewer. Soft-sided crates are not escape-proof; a teething puppy can tear through the mesh in minutes.
Mistake 4: Ignoring bar spacing. Small breeds need 1-inch or less spacing to prevent paw entrapment. Large breeds can handle 1.5–2 inches.
Mistake 5: Not measuring your dog before ordering. Always measure your dog's length and height while standing, then add a few inches. Don't rely on breed weight ranges alone.
Your Pre-Purchase Checklist
- Measure your dog – from nose to tail base, and floor to top of head while standing.
- Choose crate type – wire for home, plastic for travel, soft for portability.
- Check bar spacing – 1 inch for small, 1.5–2 inches for medium-large.
- Verify latch security – slide-bolt with paw block or double-lock is best.
- Look for a leak-proof tray – essential for accidents and easy cleaning.
- Consider a divider panel – if crate training a puppy, a divider is a must.
- Check assembly – tool-free folding crates save time and frustration.
- Review dimensions – ensure the crate fits the space you have at home.
Our Recommended Starting Points
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure from the tip of your dog's nose to the base of its tail while standing. Add 4–6 inches for length. Measure from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips, whichever is higher) for height. Choose a crate that exceeds both dimensions.
Should I get a wire, plastic, or soft-sided crate?
Wire crates are best for home use due to ventilation and durability. Plastic crates are required for most airlines and provide a cozy den. Soft-sided crates are for travel and casual use but are not chew-proof.
What size crate does my Golden Retriever puppy need?
Buy a 42-inch crate (fits 71–90 lb dogs) and use a divider panel to restrict space during house training. Remove the divider as your puppy grows to adult size.
How do I crate train my puppy?
Introduce the crate gradually with positive reinforcement. Keep the crate in a common area. Use a divider to limit space. Start with short sessions and gradually increase duration. Never use the crate as punishment.
Are wire crates safe for large dogs?
Yes, as long as the bar spacing is appropriate (no more than 2 inches for large breeds) and the latches are secure. Look for rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches to prevent injuries.
Do I need a crate with a divider?
If you have a puppy that will grow into an adult sized dog, a divider is highly recommended. It allows you to adjust the interior space as your puppy grows, aiding house training.
What is the best crate for travel?
For air travel, a hard-sided plastic kennel that meets airline cargo requirements is best. Look for top-load doors and ventilation. For car trips, a soft-sided crate is convenient.
How we wrote this guide
This guide is based on analysis of 497,000+ Amazon verified-buyer reviews across 6 top-rated dog crates. We evaluated each model for sizing accuracy, material quality, assembly ease, safety features, and value. We also cross-referenced expert guidance from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and pet training communities.
Note: Some models from the same brand share a combined review pool on Amazon (e.g., the 30-inch and 36-inch iCrate, and the 42-inch New World double and single door). We have flagged these where applicable and consider the shared volume a strong signal of reliability across the lineup.
About this guide
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Our picks reflect editorial consensus from 3 independent review sources and 497,000+ verified buyer reviews.
Affiliate disclosure: Mubboo earns commissions from qualifying purchases. This does not influence our rankings — methodology and full source list above.