The Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs in 2025, Tested and Reviewed

While there are dozens of models to choose from, the best dog crates for large dogs are those that are sturdy and appropriately sized for bigger breeds. Large dogs are typically classified as weighing over 50 pounds and standing at least 24 inches tall, while the biggest breeds, like Bernese mountain dogs, greyhounds, and mastiffs, are much larger.

Your dog’s crate should always feel comfortable to them, so size is one area where you never want to skimp. A crate that allows your dog to stand, turn around, and stretch out with ease is essential, as it can serve a few key needs. The right crate can be a valuable training tool, a safe and cozy retreat, and a secure way to keep your dog contained when you need to prevent destructive behaviors, such as chewing.

To find the best models, I tested nine extra-large dog crates in several styles with my 110-pound German Shepherd. He was crate-trained as a puppy and still uses one today as a comfortable resting place. I also interviewed veterinary behaviorists and professional dog trainers to determine which crate features are most important. After evaluating each crate against key criteria, my top pick is the Midwest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. It’s exceptionally sturdy, features two doors for convenient access, and its wire construction provides excellent ventilation. I also recommend two portable crates, which are ideal for travel and temporary use.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog crates for large dogs

Best overall: Midwest Life Stages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate – See at Chewy

Best plastic: Petmate Sky Kennel – See at Chewy

Best soft-sided: DogGoods Do Good Foldable Travel Dog Crate – See at Chewy

Best overall

The extra-large MidWest Life Stages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate was the sturdiest of all of the wire crates I tested. It’s also the best overall pick for the best dog crates, which were tested with smaller pups. According to the manufacturer, the extra-large crate is best for dogs measuring 43 inches in length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail and 26 inches tall from the top of their head to the floor. This size was a good fit for my German Shepherd, who is closer in size to a giant breed. He had enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

The crate’s hooks, which lock the panels together, fasten securely. This made assembly slightly more challenging than some of the other crates, but it was also less likely to bend under force. When I pushed against the panels from the inside, I couldn’t create any meaningful gaps where a dog’s paw or head might get stuck.

I also appreciated the two-door design, each equipped with two easy-to-secure latches. Nancy Field, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Harmony Dog Training, says this offers more flexibility for placement in your home. For instance, you can place the crate lengthwise between two pieces of furniture and access the door on the wider panel. I also found it easy to slide the crate across the floor, which is a major convenience if you need to use it in another room or move it while cleaning.

As with any wire crate, I could hear some metal clanking when latching and unlatching the doors, but it wasn’t excessive, and the door didn’t squeak at all. Dr. Carlo Siracusa, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and professor of clinical small animal behavior and welfare at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says some dogs prefer wire crates because they can observe their environment from inside. For dogs that prefer to be a bit more enclosed, you can add a blanket or crate cover that still allows for air circulation.

Because the extra-large crate folds down to just 3.25 inches for storage or transportation and has a divider, it is a truly versatile option that can last your dog’s entire lifespan. The divider is essential when your dog is a puppy since they require a smaller crate interior during potty training.

Best plastic

Whether for travel or for a dog that prefers a more den-like space at home, the Petmate Sky Dog and Cat Kennel is a sturdy and comfortable choice. Approved for cargo by most airlines, the crate comes with “live animal” and ID stickers. It also includes a food and water bowl, so you can ensure your pet stays hydrated, which is especially important if they’ll be in the crate for an extended period while traveling.

My 110-pound dog fit comfortably in the giant size crate, with plenty of room to turn around and lie down. I appreciate how sturdy it is, especially for travel. In a drop test, it didn’t crack or show any signs of damage. On the large and giant models, the doors feature a four-point latch mechanism for extra security. When I pushed against the door, it barely moved, unlike some of the wire crates, which were less sturdy.

To further test the kennel, I crawled inside and attempted to tip it over, but it didn’t budge. Still, it’s important not to use a heavy-duty crate like this one if your dog experiences anxiety while crated. Siracusa says these dogs can injure themselves, sometimes even fracturing their teeth, when confined to a heavy-duty crate.

The trade-off for its strength is size and bulk. It doesn’t fold down like my top pick, and because it weighs 51.5 pounds, it can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. I had some trouble getting it through narrow doorways and hallways in my older home. That said, when your dog isn’t inside, it’s still light enough to slide across the floor.

Best soft-sided

For dogs who enjoy a cozy, den-like environment, the DogGoods Do Good Foldable Travel Crate is an excellent choice for large breeds. It’s structurally sound and has extra features like storage pockets, seat belt loops, and locking zippers. The crate also features mesh screen windows that can be covered with attached fabric panels, and it comes with both a padded mat and carrying case.

My 10-year-old dog, who has achy joints, found the XXL size comfortable and consistently chose it over the other crates we tested. The design also includes a spot to put a water bottle. Siracusa recommends leaving water for crated dogs. Without access to water, dogs can suffer from severe health issues, such as dehydration, and develop a negative association with the crate, he says.

In my tests, the fabric and mesh withstood simulated scratching well, although the pad did show some signs of wear. This was true of every soft crate I tested, so this style might not be the best option for dogs who like to dig in their bedding.

If portability is a priority or you prefer something less industrial-looking than a wire or plastic crate, this is an excellent choice. However, it’s not a good option for puppies. Field doesn’t recommend a soft crate since a young dog can easily destroy it with their razor-sharp teeth. “For adult dogs who are already crate trained, the cloth crates are lightweight and easy to carry for travel, though,” she says.

What to look for in a dog crate for a large dog

The experts I consulted emphasized key factors to consider when choosing the right crate for your dog. I also gained valuable insights while testing crates myself.

Size: A crate should be appropriately sized. Your dog should be able to stand, lie down, stretch out fully, and turn around in their crate, says Dr. Katherine Anderson, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and assistant clinical professor at the Cornell Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior. To find the right size, measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while they’re standing, then add 4 inches to that number. This extra space ensures your dog has room to move around. While crates are typically designed to be proportionate to a dog’s overall size based on their length, tall breeds may require extra headroom.

Safety and security: The safety and security of your pet are critical, so look for a crate that’s sturdy enough to contain your pet. Cara Burns, a certified professional dog trainer and owner of Heel. Sit., recommends getting a solid crate that will last a long time, especially if it’s your dog’s first. “If they learn in their first crate that biting at the bars or sliding the tray out can get them freedom or access to things, they will keep trying, and that can be a hard habit to break,” she says. For dogs that become distressed or try to destroy their crate, Anderson says it’s important to seek help from your veterinarian. Finding an appropriate treatment for the behavior is a better solution than getting a tougher crate.

Field also recommends choosing a crate with two latches on the door. Because the best dog crates for large dogs have bigger doors, you’ll want to see two latches. This boosts security and minimizes the size of any gaps dogs can create by pushing on the door.

Materials and crate type: There are many types of crates, including wire crates, plastic travel kennels, soft crates, and furniture crates, all of which I tested for this guide. The furniture-style options I tested weren’t structurally sound enough to recommend. Ultimately, the right crate depends on your home, lifestyle, and your dog’s needs. A foldable crate is ideal if you’ll need to move it often. For everyday use, many people prefer wire crates due to their versatility and lower price.

The experts I spoke to recommended a wide range of crate types. “The type of crate depends on your pet’s preference,” Anderson says. “Some dogs prefer den-like crates with closed sides, such as an airline-style crate, while others prefer the openness of a wire crate.”

Portability: Many large dog crates can be folded down for storage or easy transport from room to room or even home to home. Some are also light enough to slide across a room, although crates for large and giant dogs might not fit through doorways without being folded or disassembled.

Ventilation: Look for a crate that allows for airflow. “Good ventilation and water availability is vital for large dogs, especially during transportation, as they tend to overheat easily,” Siracusa says.

Additional features: Some crates come with extras, such as dividers to adjust the size of the crate’s interior as your dog grows, water bottles and dishes, and features like carrying handles and a removable tray.

How we tested the best dog crates for large dogs

To find the best dog crates for large dogs, I put nine extra-large crates through a series of rigorous tests — dropping them, scratching them, and spilling dog food all over them. Here’s how I conducted each test.

Structural strength: To test the structural strength of each crate, I used a luggage scale to apply 50 pounds of force to the crate doors, sides, top, and bottom, looking for obvious bending and signs of weak connections and joints. I personally sat inside each crate and attempted to tip them over.

For plastic crates, I also dropped each crate from about 6 feet high to see if it cracked or if any parts came loose. I filled the soft crates with 50 pounds of sugar and picked them up to check for sagging and structural strength, simulated scratching with a fork on the fabric, and attempted to rip the crate at a seam with the tines of the fork.

Security and safety: I first felt for any sharp edges or large gaps. Siracusa says that sharp pieces of metal on wire crates can potentially injure dogs. I also operated the latches or zippers on each crate 30 times to check for signs of wear or breakage and pushed at the door and sides of the crate from inside to see if a dog could get their paw or head stuck.

Portability: I slid the assembled crates across the floor. Then, I folded the crates, if possible, and carried them up and down stairs, throughout the house, and into the car to examine how easy they were to grab and go.

Ease of use: I timed how long it took to assemble each crate and noted how easy the process was. I also considered how easily the crate could be broken down and reassembled. I did this at least three times for each crate, paying attention to any difficulties with opening or closing the door or zipper.

Cleaning: To simulate a mess a dog might make, I spread wet dog food on the bottom and sides of each crate, and then I let them sit for an hour. After cleaning up the food, I observed whether any stains or odors were left behind.

Storage: I noted if I could fold the crates flat for storage.

Appearance: Although it’s a subjective measure, I rated each crate’s appearance. I considered the overall look and style and also any color options.

Functionality: In addition to the functional tests described above, I noted any additional functions or features of the crate, such as a divider, multiple doors, and a padded bottom.

Size options: I made sure each crate was available in a range of larger sizes.

Large dog crates FAQs

What size crate should a large dog have?

Anderson says a crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, lie down, stretch out, and turn around. Many brands offer size suggestions based on either your dog’s breed or measurements. “A good rule of thumb is to measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail when they are standing in a natural position, then add 4 inches,” Field says.

What is the best plastic crate for a large dog?

Based on my testing, the Petmate Sky Dog and Cat Kennel is the best plastic crate for a large dog because it is incredibly durable, comes with a water and food bowl, and has a secure four-point latch on the door.

Should I crate-train my puppy?

Anderson says there are several benefits to crating a dog. “Crates can be a beneficial tool for housetraining puppies, setting all dogs up for success when they cannot otherwise be supervised, providing them with a sanctuary space to rest, relax, and enjoy safe toys away from excessive activity, and providing a safe and comfortable environment during travel,” she says.

Why should a dog crate not be too big?

Field says that when a crate is too big, your dog may be tempted to run around rather than settle and sleep. They might also use a corner of the crate as a potty.