We’ve put this guide together to answer one question quickly and in a simple way:
What Kind Of Dog Crate Is The Best For My Dog?
We list all the different types of dog crates you can get, what you might use them for, and what’s good and not so good about each type of crate.
Let’s check them out!
What Kind Of Dog Crate Is The Best For My Dog?
Best Value Metal Wire Dog Crate (Up to 48 Inch Available) – MidWest iCrate (on Amazon), MidWest Life Stages (on Amazon), or AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate (on Amazon)
Best Soft Dog Crate – EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate (on Amazon), or 2PET Soft Foldable Dog Crate (on Amazon)
Best Plastic Dog Crate – there’s several options that rate close together as the best, so check out the best plastic dog crates in this guide
Best Heavy Duty Plastic Dog Crate – check out the Rough Tough Dog Crates, and the Gunner G1 Dog Kennel
Best Wooden Dog Crate – Crown Pet Products Wood Pet Crate End Table (on Amazon)
Best Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate – ProSelect Empire Dog Cage (on Amazon)
Best Heavy Duty Aluminium Dog Crate – Impact Case Dog Crates
Metal Wire Dog Crate
Metal wire dog crates are the most popular dog crate on the market because of their affordability, durability, and portability and ability to fold up.
They are made of thin metal wire, and usually have an easy to clean plastic tray base.
In our opinion, the most versatile and best value metal wire dog crate is the MidWest iCrate which is suitable for small through to large dogs.
Why Get A Metal Wire Dog Crate
- If you want a regular dog crate that folds up and can be used at home, as well as transported easily
Why NOT Get A Metal Wire Dog Crate
- If you want the strongest dog crate on the market or a dog crate for airline travel
Reviews & Buyer’s Guide For Best Metal Wire Dog Crate
Soft Sided Fabric and Metal Frame Dog Crate
Soft sided dog crates are also quite popular. Their main strength is that they are very lightweight, and extremely portable. They’re great for camping and car travel especially.
They are made of nylon fabric, mesh and a metal frame.
In our opinion, the Elitefield and 2PET soft dog crates are the best value, with the Elitefield Crate making up to a 42 inch crate.
Why Get A Soft Sided Dog Crate
- If you want a lightweight and portable dog crate
Why NOT Get A Soft Sided Dog Crate
- If you want a hard or heavy duty dog crate
Reviews & Buyer’s Guide For Best Soft Sided Dog Crate
Plastic Dog Crates
There’s essentially two types of plastic dog crates – the heavy duty and specially molded crates like the Rough Tough Kennel and Gunner G1 crates.
These plastic crates are extremely strong and heavy duty, but lightweight.
Then there’s the regular hardened plastic dog crates that aren’t molded and are simply constructed on separate hardened pieces of plastic.
Plastic crates are for small through to large dogs, and are commonly used for airline checked baggage travel
Why Get A Plastic Dog Crate
- If you want a lightweight, strong crate and you intend on transporting your dog around or flying with them
Why NOT Get A Plastic Dog Crate
- If you don’t plan on taking the dog crate away from your home much, or don’t plan on flying with it
Reviews & Buyer’s Guide For Best Plastic Dog Crate
Wooden Dog Crate
Wooden dog crates are specifically indoor crates that are designed to stay in one place as they are made of finer and less durable wood type materials.
One of the most popular wooden indoor dog crates is the Crown Pet Products Wooden End Table. It comes in a durable wood that is similar to teak, and is finished in one of 2 colors – Mahogany, or Espresso.
The biggest size of this crates is:
- Large (27 Inches): 39.6″D x 27.2″W x 27.3″H > for pets up to 80 lbs. *Take roughly 1.5 to 2 inches off for internal crate dimensions
Why Get A Wooden Dog Crate
- If you want a dog crate that looks like furniture and complements interior settings
Why NOT Get A Wooden Dog Crate
- If you want a heavy duty or outdoor type crate for transport or being exposed to wear and tear and the elements
Heavy Duty Aluminium Dog Crate
Heavy duty aluminium crates have the benefit of being almost as strong as steel crates, but up to a third lighter in some instances.
They are good for destructive dogs, or dogs that chew and scratch. They are also good for escape artist dogs if you get the right model.
The Impact Case aluminium dog crate can be used for small through to large dogs.
Why Get An Aluminium Dog Crate
- If you want a heavy duty dog crate that is lighter than other heavy duty dog crates
- If you have a destructive, heavy chewing, heavy scratching or escape artist dog
Why NOT Get An Aluminium Dog Crate
- They are expensive
- If your dog will be ok with a standard metal wire crate, you dont need a heavy duty aluminium crate
Reviews & Buyer’s Guide For Best Heavy Duty Aluminium Dog Crate
Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate
Heavy duty steel crates are usually made of thicker heavier gauge steel bars.
They are for chewers, scratchers, destructive dogs and escape artist dogs.
The ProSelect Empire dog crates are probably the best quality heavy duty steel crates.
Why Get A Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate
- If you want a heavy duty dog crate
- If you have a destructive, heavy chewing, heavy scratching or escape artist dog
Why NOT Get A Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate
- They are expensive
- If your dog will be ok with a standard metal wire crate, you don’t need a heavy duty steel crate
Reviews & Buyer’s Guide For Best Heavy Duty Steel Dog Crate
Specialty Dog Crates
- Airline Approved Dog Crates
- Extra Large Dog Crates For Giant Breeds
- Hunting Dog Crates
- Collapsible and Folding Dog Crates
- Portable Dog Crates
- Small Dog Crates
- Dog Crates For Car Travel
- Dog Crate For Back of SUV
- Dog Crate For Pickup Truck Beds
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