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A dog crate is an indispensable tool to help you train your dog, keep them safe, and protect your home from damage. The best large dog crates are sturdy, sized appropriately, and comfortable for bigger breeds. Large dogs are typically classified as weighing at least 50 pounds and standing at least 24 inches tall. Popular large dog breeds include Bernese mountain dogs, greyhounds, and mastiffs. An appropriately sized crate for a large dog is important to allow them enough space to move comfortably.
I personally tested nine large dog crates in various styles with my 110-pound German shepherd, who was crate-trained as a puppy and now uses crates as a comfortable resting place. I also talked to a veterinary behaviorist, dog trainers, and an animal behavior specialist who shared what features matter most. This is how I narrowed down my picks to the top model: the MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. The incredibly sturdy crate has two doors and a wire construction that allows for plenty of air circulation. But if that one doesn't work for your home and pet, there are three more crates I'm giving the green light.
Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and evaluates pet products.
Our top picks for the best large dog crates
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
There's no question that 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 our top pick for the best dog crates we tested with smaller pups. The manufacturer says the extra-large crate is best for dogs measuring 43 inches long from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail and 26 inches high from the top of their head to the floor. This size was best for my German shepherd, who is more similar in size to a giant breed. He was able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
The hooks that hold the crate panels together lock in place very securely. While this means it was slightly more difficult to assemble than some of the others, it was also less likely to bend to forces. When I pushed from inside the crate, I couldn't create any meaningful gaps where a dog's paw or head might get stuck.
I also like that the crate has two doors, which Nancy Field, a professional dog trainer at Harmony Dog Training, says gives you more options for placement in your home. For example, I could place the crate lengthwise between two objects in my home and use the door on the narrow panel. I also found it easy to slide the crate across the floor, a major convenience if you wish to use it in another room or while cleaning your home.
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Plus, both doors have two easy-to-secure latches for security. Because it's a wire crate, I could hear some metal clanking when I latched or unlatched the doors, but it wasn't excessive, and the door didn't squeak when I opened and closed it. Carlo Siracusa, director of small animal behavior service at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says some dogs prefer wire crates because they can scan their environment from inside. If you find that your dog prefers to be a bit more enclosed, you can also add a blanket or crate cover that 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 crate 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
Petmate Sky Kennel
The Petmate Sky Kennel is designed to keep your dog safe during travel with its non-collapsible frame.
Whether for travel or just for a dog that prefers a more den-like feel at home, the Petmate Sky Dog and Cat Kennel is a sturdy, comfortable option. The crate, which is approved for cargo by most airlines, 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 a long period of time while traveling.
My 110-pound dog fit comfortably in the giant crate, and he had plenty of room to turn around and lie down. I appreciated how sturdy it is, especially for travel. In my drop test, it didn't crack or show any signs of damage. On the large and giant sizes, the door latches with a four-point mechanism for extra security. When I pushed on the door, it barely moved, whereas some of the wire crates weren't quite as sturdy.
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I also crawled inside and attempted to tip it over, but it didn't budge. Just take caution not to use a heavy-duty crate like this one for dogs who get anxious when crated. Siracusa says these dogs can injure themselves, such as fracturing their teeth, when confined to a heavy-duty crate.
The kennel is admittedly a very large and cumbersome crate that doesn't fold down like wire crates do. Because it weighs 51.5 pounds, it can be difficult to move around in tight spaces. For example, I had some trouble getting it through doorways and narrow hallways in my older home. That being said, it is lightweight enough to easily slide across the floor when empty.
Best soft-sided
For dogs who enjoy the cozy feel of a den and don't mind being crated, the DogGoods Do Good Foldable Travel Crate is one of the best large dog crates because it's structurally sound and has nice extra features like storage pockets, seat belt loops, and locking zippers. It also comes with a padded mat, mesh screens that can be covered with attached fabric panels, and a carrying case.
My 10-year-old dog with achy joints found the XX-large crate comfortable and continually chose it out of all the options I tested. The crate also has a spot to put a water bottle. Siracusa recommends leaving water for crated dogs because being left without water can cause severe health issues, such as dehydration, as well as a negative association with the crate.
The fabric and mesh held up well to simulations of a dog's nails scratching the fabric, though the pad did show some signs of wear. This was something that I found with all of the soft crates I tested, so it might not be the best type of crate for dogs who like to dig in their bed.
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If you want something that's incredibly portable or a crate that doesn't feel as industrial as the wire and plastic designs, this is a quality choice. However, if you're shopping for a crate for a large puppy, 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 large dog crate
The experts I spoke with say there are key factors to consider when choosing the right crate for your dog. I also gained key insights while testing crates myself.
Size: Look for a crate that's appropriately sized for your dog. Anderson says your dog should be able to stand up, lie down, stretch out completely, and turn around in their crate. To find the right size, measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while they are standing and add 4 inches to that number — this ensures they'll have room to move around inside the crate. Crates are typically designed to be proportionate to a dog's overall size based on their length. However, if you have a tall breed, you'll want to ensure the crate is high enough for them to stand inside.
Safety and security: The safety and security of your pet are of utmost importance, so look for a crate that's sturdy enough to contain your pet. Cara Burns, owner and head trainer at Heel. Sit., recommends getting a solid crate that will last a long time, especially if it's your dog's first crate. “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. Anderson says it's important to get help from your veterinarian if your dog is distressed or is trying to destroy their crate. Finding appropriate treatment for the behavior is a better solution than getting a tougher crate.
Field also advises pet owners to choose a crate with two latches on the door. Because the best large dog crates have bigger doors, you'll want to see two latches. This helps increase security and reduce 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 crates, soft crates, and furniture crates, all of which I tested for this guide. Unfortunately, the furniture crates I tested were not structurally sound enough to recommend. Think about what type of crate will work best for your home and your lifestyle and what will be most comfortable for your pet. If you'll need to move the crate often, consider a foldable crate. 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: Some of the best large dog crates can be folded to move from room to room or even from home to home. Many crates are also lightweight enough to slide across a room, though crates for large and giant dogs might not fit through doorways without being folded or broken down.
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 accessories, such as a divider to change the size of the crate interior as your dog grows, water bottles or dishes, and features like carrying handles and a removable tray.
How we tested the best large dog crates
To find the best large dog crates, I put nine crates for large dogs through vigorous testing — 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 that 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.
