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Best Dog Crates For 2022

Whether you need an area to housetrain your new puppy or you want a safe and secure indoor home for your dog, a sturdy dog crate is one of the best pieces of equipment you could ever buy.

Looking for dog and puppy pens? Check out the best pens here.

Dog crates and cages can have many different features so it helps to do a little research before purchasing. Picking one of the best dog crates on the market could save you a lot of hassle.

For example, you may need something heavy-duty in case your dog is a bit of an escape artist, or you may want something which fits the decor of your home.

Luckily, we’ve already done the hard work for you, having looked high and low for the best training crates, furniture models and most importantly – finding you the perfect sized cage for your pup!

We’ve also written about the best soft dog crate and car crates, in case you’re after something specific to your needs. Otherwise, look below for the best dog crates.

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    Kong Two Door Ultra-Strong Dog Crate
    • Really great price
    • Multiple doors
    • Safe edges and corners to prevent accidents
    Check Price
    Omlet Fido Studio Dog Crate
    • Customisable
    • Can act as a wardrobe
    • Modern look will fit into any room
    Check Price
    The Pet Store Premium Dog Crate
    • Lockable and removable wheels
    • Opening roof for quick access
    • Strong, long-life crate
    Check Price

    The Top 10 Best Dog Crates Reviewed

    1.
    Kong Two Door Ultra-Strong Dog Crate

    If you’re a dog owner, you’ll probably know the name Kong thanks to their dog enrichment treat toys. This crate shows that they’re good at much more than toys, though.

    Firstly, we found it to be one of the strongest on the market. Triple-lock protection means your dog would have to work extra-hard to open the doors, and the latches are actually angled so it is harder for them to slide with ease.

    The doors are also reinforced with heavier gauge wire, and simply trying to bend or alter the wires in any way was hard even with pliers. The corners are rounded and wire edges finished which we loved, having been on the wrong end of a few sharp edges thanks to crates that didn’t make the cut.

    Two doors mean configuration and placement is a bit more flexible, and the doors are plenty large enough as well. The removable base is also low to the ground so those little legs can easily step onto it.

    Still not sold? There’s also a divider panel, so you can adapt the crate as your pup grows (or easily house two small pups together). It is available in small, medium, large and XL and is easily the one we found to tick all the boxes of what we were looking for, as well as having a nice low price tag.

    Features

    • Really great price
    • Multiple doors
    • Safe edges and corners to prevent accidents

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
    • Dimensions: Medium H54.49 x W49.99 x D78.49cm
    • Weight: 10 kg - 20 kg

    2.
    Omlet Fido Studio Dog Crate

    Dog crates are often perfect for puppy crate training, but if you want something which will be your dog’s bed for life then look no further than this dog cage.

    In fact, it isn’t just a bed – it is a full bedroom. There is the actual dog crate, available in 24″ or 36″ sizes, then there is a divider panel and wardrobe at the side. This can include a mirror in case they like to check they don’t have a hair out of place before they head out on walkies; a hook for things such as collars or towels; a shelf to split the space in two; a clothes rail so all of their jumpers and harnesses are on display; and a matching storage box and bowl.

    It is fully customisable, allowing for all, some or none of the above, and is available in black or white too. The top is closed in, so you can use it as a decorative tabletop display (pet-safe) plants or simply keep everything in one place.

    You can place it any way round so the wardrobe is on the left or right, and it is also well secured. The heavy-duty wire is coated in black to look stylish and keep it free of rust and wear. Definitely the best dog crate available to buy for style, and reviews say it is practical too.

    Features

    • Customisable
    • Can act as a wardrobe
    • Modern look will fit into any room

    Specifications

    • Sizes: 24", 36"
    • Dimension: Crate On Own - Small L65 x D49 x H58cm, Large: L92 x D61 x H73cm
    • Weight: 13.8kg/19.2kg

    3.
    The Pet Store Premium Dog Crate

    If your pup is something of a hairy Houdini, you’ll already know that the standard dog crate will never be strong or secure enough to successfully contain their escaping.

    Whether it’s chewing their way out or picking an unstable latch, they always have an escape plan in mind and so your only option is to bring out the big guns – a seriously heavy-duty crate!

    This premium offering from The Pet Store boasts a high-quality, powder-coated steel frame with a hammer tone finish, for a chew-proof, escape-proof home. An opening roof and front door are also fitted with two anti-tamper latches, meaning even the most cunning pooch couldn’t smart his way out. But don’t worry, this isn’t a prison, and the dog crate provides other features besides just extreme lockdown!

    A raised, removable plastic base keeps pets off the floor, allowing them to avoid draughts and cold ground, while also amazingly reducing odour! The cage can also be fitted with four lockable nylon wheels, meaning moving your crate around the house is simple. Perfect for anyone who maybe has to move the crate into the kitchen at night.

    And with small to extra large sizes, even the tiniest mutt can be contained! We found it to be one of the best if you want style with a good balance of affordability.

    Features

    • Lockable and removable wheels
    • Opening roof for quick access
    • Strong, long-life crate

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
    • Dimensions: 79 x 53 x 61 cm - 123 x 75 x 81 cm
    • Weight: 13.2 kg - 24 kg

    4.
    Argos Double Door Pet Cage

    This large, resilient cage is good for big breeds who could try to break free.

    It is good for indoor use, or when travelling with your pet. When not in use, it can collapse down to barely anything for easier storage. The carry handle allows it to be transported however it is carried.

    A tray in the base is removable and can be cleaned when needed, and it will fit plenty of dedicated crate beds. The double door allows access at either the side or front of the cage, and you can place it either way up so the doors can open the best way out for you.

    We think you would need a big space for the larger sizes as it is tall, but despite its size, it is really sturdy and strong. We think it is one of the best on the market for larger, stronger dogs.

    Features

    • Good size for bigger breeds
    • Carry handle

    Specifications

    • Sizes: Large
    • Dimensions: H71 x W92 x D63cm
    • Weight: 10.4kg

    5.
    Confidence Pet Folding Dog Crate

    When it comes to particularly large dog breeds, finding a suitably sized crate can be incredibly difficult, but we have just the one here.

    While offering every size from small to large, the Confidence Pet Folding Dog Crate is also available in an XXL so you can say goodbye to those big dog problems.

    For German Shepherd, Husky, and Great Dane owners, it means you’ll finally be able to crate train your buddy without the worry of them feeling cramped.

    A simple but efficient design, the Confidence Pet cage has everything you need for a dog crate, including practical foldability, a scratch-resistant plastic tray that slides out for quick and easy cleaning.

    A strong contender for the best dog crate on a budget, too.

    Features

    • Available in XXL size
    • Used by breeders and vets
    • Durable metal construction

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL
    • Dimensions: Large: 92.5cm x 57.5cm x 65.5cm, X Large: 107cm x 70cm x 79cm, 2X Large: 122cm x 74.5cm x 82cm
    • Weight: 15.4 kg (XL)

    6.
    Dogit 2-Door Wire Home

    Whereas those with large dogs need to ensure their pooch’s dog crate is not too small, owners with dinky dogs actually need to make sure their cage is not too big!

    It may be tempting to purchase your Chihuahua, a humongous 48” palace, but large dog crates can actually leave small dogs feeling uncomfy. This is because they don’t feel safe or secure in a wide-open space, and so you need to ensure their ‘den’ is well-fitting.

    This double door wire design from Dogit is designed specifically with pint-sized pups in mind with an 18.2” (XS) and a 24” (S) available.

    It’s an incredibly portable dog crate that can fit snugly in your living room or even at the rear of an SUV or minivan, making it a great travel option! And if you’re worried that a crate will be an eyesore,  Dogit also sells a stylish wooden cabinet that’s specifically designed to fit the crate in.

    An epoxy-coated wireframe also ensures it has a durable structure that’s protected against rust and corrosion, and sliding latches on the doors create a puppy-proof locking system.

    Just throw in a dog bed and a teddy, and you’ve got the ideal home for your friend.

    And don’t worry if you’re a labrador lover who’s after the same features, as this model also comes in plenty of larger sizes!

    Features

    • Security latch for safety
    • Double-door design for easy access
    • Dinky 18.2” size for small dogs
    • Epoxy-coated wire frame for added durability

    Specifications

    • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
    • Dimensions: 61 x 44.5 x 50.8 cm (S)
    • Weight: 5.93 Ibs (S)

    7.
    Iris Ohyama Pet Playpen and Roof

    Ideal for training a small pet such as a puppy, this pen is really easy to assemble and open or close for easy access.

    It comes with closure hooks so the doors really are secure, as well as a removable roof if you want your pet to feel like they have a bit more space. Choose from several colours and sizes so you can match your decor and any colour themes you have going on (perfect if you have matching accessories for them!).

    If the time comes where you only need it temporarily (such as on holiday), it is very easy to disassemble and move around. We found the curved edges to be really beneficial when handling the crate, as there was less risk of sharp edges – ideal if you also have young children.

    Features

    • Optional soft roof
    • Colour choice
    • Extra secure locks

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L
    • Dimensions: Various
    • Weight: Various

    8.
    Savic Dog Residence Crate

    Savic is one of the most beloved and trusted brands when it comes to pet products and so you can be sure that their dog crates have been crafted with comfort and owner convenience in mind.

    This wire dog residence is available in many different sizes, and so is a great option for canines towards the larger end of the scale. Easy to assemble, Savic’s model can be packed away neatly for transportation and features a sturdy plastic floor for quick wipe-down cleaning.

    Access to a crate is particularly important for large dogs, as getting inside your home to relax should never be a struggle! Thankfully, Savic’s crate features both a front and side door to allow a spacious entrance when needed.

    It’s also one of the most secure cages on the market, with a sufficient locking mechanism to help keep your pup safe and sound! We did find that it needed a bit of tightening up before use, just to make it extra secure, but a pair of pliers is all that was required.

    Features

    • Zinc-plated frame for improved durability
    • Front and side doors for easy access
    • Available in 6 sizes
    • Easy to clean

    Specifications

    • Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
    • Dimensions: 91 x 61 x 71 cm (L)
    • Weight: 14.9 kg (L)

    9.
    Greenbay Dog Crate

    Let’s be honest; despite their obvious practicality, dog crates don’t exactly look prettiest. Those drab and dull grey cages could never do your pup’s sparkling personality justice, and so you may need a more colourful crate for the pooch in your life.

    That’s where this baby pink crate comes into its own. It’s vibrant and pretty, yet it doesn’t sacrifice practicality either!

    The crate has a two-door design and can be folded completely flat for quick transportation and neat storage. But the best bit is the easy-clean pull-out tray that makes it a perfect option for puppy crate training!

    With sizes from 18” to 24”, it will make for the perfect cosy and colourful home for a small dog or puppy. Ideal for a princess!

    Features

    • Two-door for easy access
    • Folds flat for easy storage
    • Removable plastic tray for quick cleaning

    Specifications

    • Sizes: 18", 24”
    • Dimensions: 50 x 30 x 35cm - 61 x 43 x 50cm
    • Weight: 4.6 kg - 13.7 kg

    10.
    ecoFlex Pet Crate/End Table

    You love your dog, but the thought of getting a crate that will sit in your living room and completely ruin the look of the place is not a nice one.

    This crate is also an end table, meaning it doubles up in function. It would be an ideal pick and one of the best if you are short of space in your home, although do be aware that it’s only for smaller dogs.

    It is available in espresso, black or white to suit any decor, and gives them just enough scope to be able to look out at the world while still maintaining privacy. The ecoflex material it is made from is superior to the strength of wood, and it takes just ten minutes to assemble. The best dog crate if you’re after something compact yet stylish.

    The bars aren’t the strongest so it may not be ideal for a chewer, but great for an older dog who knows not to touch. It is also relatively lightweight compared to some of the other crates on the list, which is a nice surprise.

    Features

    • Also a piece of furniture
    • Choice of colours and sizes
    • 10 year warranty

    Specifications

    • Sizes: S, M, L, XL
    • Dimensions: Small 60.5 x 46.2 x 56.4cm/XL 108.2 x 91.7 x 78.5cm
    • Weight: 10.8kg - 22.6kg

    Buying Guide

    How we chose the best dog crates

    Not only does the best dog crate for your needs make house training a puppy efficient and easy, but they also make fantastic temporary homes for adult canines. They provide a safe space for anxious pups to retreat to and are one of the most relaxing environments you can offer a dog.

    But although they might all appear the same, the best dog crates don’t all have the same properties, and so you need to be aware of all the features a crate or cage can offer to determine the best option for your mutt.

    Size

    The absolute most important thing to consider when buying the best dog crate for your needs is the size. Your dog needs to be able to turn around in the dog crate, yet not feel too open and spacious. Thankfully, the best dog crates come in a range of sizes.

    We looked for features such as the ability to fold it flat for easy storage and a divider panel to make them smaller when they’re just a puppy, as these two functions make it easier for the humans and mean you can use the crate over a longer period.

    A range of sizes was also important to find. Too small and your dog will either be cramped or unable to fit into the dog crate; too big and they’ll feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

    To work out which size of dog crate your breed of dog needs, consult our handy guide below, which is great if you’re opting for traditional wire crates.

    Secure Latches

    Despite paws seemingly being less crafty than a pair of hands, dogs are surprisingly nimble when it comes to escaping from a dog crate. We looked for crates that had glowing reviews for security from the majority of reviewers.

    We know that no two dogs are the same. One may chew away at the bars while another could paw the latch open. We immediately discarded any items which rated poor for security. Even though you can use cable ties and other means to boost security, if you’re going to be spending upwards of £50 on a crate, you want it to be able to do the job requires without too much interference.

    Easy-Cleaning/ Tray Base

    To prevent pups from getting ill, you’ll need to clean your dog crate from time to time, so something easy to clean is best.

    For any pet owners that are house training, accidents can be a common occurrence and so it’s crucial to pick a dog crate with a removable tray base. This will ensure you’re not always on your hands and knees scrubbing away and can take it outside to hose and disinfect rather than dirtying your home.

    We looked for this feature in all of our chosen wire crates. A removable tray also makes it easier to fold the cage down flat and store it away. It isn’t always available in the fixed models such as the furniture crates, but cleanliness was still an important factor for us.

    Foldability

    For those that love to travel, the foldability of a cage is absolutely critical. Being able to bring your pup’s home along with you to any vacation or event is a lifesaver and a great feature of wire crates.

    As we have mentioned, a folding metal dog crate can also be handy if you have a smaller home as it can be taken down when you need some space.

    The majority of wire crates on the market can fold down, but ease isn’t always a given. We looked for models which had no complaints about the difficulty of taking the crate down and building it again.

    If you do need something which folds flat for easier storage or can act as a travel crate or pet carrier, it could also be worth considering a soft-sided fabric crate. A soft dog crate is harder to look after, but there are some good ones on the market.

    Doors

    Your door is the portal to the crate, after all.

    As well as the security we have already mentioned, we looked for crates which simply had easy to open and large doors. After all, if the door is too small for the crate, your dog will be put off going inside and could even injure themselves.

    Chew Proof Wire

    Puppies especially enjoy a good chew on the bars of a crate and so you need to ensure that any crate you purchase can withstand their gnashers! Look for products with steel frames or those with special coats that prevent wear and tear, such as PVC frames.

    We found some on the market which claimed to be chew-proof, but there were some horror stories regarding cut mouths and opened wires. These were immediately disregarded.

    Appearance

    For a lot of you, image is everything, and so you need to think long and hard about where your dog crate is going to be displayed within your home. If it’s going to be front and centre in your living room, you might want to consider furniture or a coloured model!

    But remember never sacrifice on security for style points. We were able to choose a few good-looking crates which also ticked all the other boxes, but there were a few which were simply style over substance and should be avoided as they weren’t functional at all. Remember, the prime objective is to keep your dog secure and happy.

    Wheels

    If you like to constantly change the location of your dog’s home, or need a transport crate for taking to events, a wheel based cage can save you breaking your back every time you need to carry their crate from room to room.

    This makes it a bit of an easier version than a pet carrier. There aren’t many on the market, but we searched to try and find you the best overall.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    What size dog crate do I need?:

    Crate Size: By Breed and Weight

    Wire crates are usually listed in inches and tend to range between 18” and 48”. However, there are sizes toward the upper end of the spectrum which are slightly rarer.

    Dogs need at least 6” of extra height and width to their crate to be truly comfortable, and so it’s crucial you pick the appropriate size.

    To see which size of crate each breed of dog needs, consult the guide below.

    • XS – 18“ to 22”

    For very small dogs under 25 lbs.

    Breeds: Affenpinscher, Brussels Griffon, Chihuahua, Chiweenie, Japanese Chin, Maltese, Maltipoo, Morkie, Papillon, Teacup Pomeranian, Puggle, Russian Toy Terrier, Teacup Yorkshire Terrier, Toy Fox Terrier, Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier

    • S – 24”

    For small dogs under 30lbs.

    Breeds: Australian Terrier, Bichon Frise, Border Terrier, Boston Terrier, Cavapoo, Chinese Crested, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Smooth Fox Terrier, Havanese, Jack Russel Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Manchester Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Miniature Poodle, Norfolk Terrier, Norwich Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Pomeranian, Pomsky, Poochon, Pug, Schipperke, Shichon, Shih Poo, Shih Tzu, Silky Terrier, Skye Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Yorkie Poo, Zuchon

    • M – 30”

    For small or medium dogs of 25 to 40 lbs.

    Breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Water Spaniel, Basenji, Bedlington Terrier, Boykin Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Cockapoo, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, French Bulldog, German Pinscher, Irish Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Redbone Coonhound, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Terrier, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Welsh Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Wirehaired Fox Terrier

    • M/L – 36”

    For dogs between 40 and 70 lbs.

    Breeds: American Eskimo, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, Basset Hound, Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound, Beagle, Brittany Spaniel, Bull Terrier, Bulldog, Chinese Shar-Pei, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Harrier, Keeshond, Kerry Blue Terrier, Norwegian Elkhound, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Portuguese Water Dog, Segugio Italiano, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Standard Schnauzer, Treeing Tennessee Brindle, Whippet, Yakutian Laika.

    • L – 42”

    For dogs between 70 and 90 lbs.

    Breeds: Airedale Terrier, American Bulldog, Aussiedoodle, Australian Kelpie, Australian Shepherd, Bearded Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Belgian Tervuren, Bernedoodle, Border Collie, Boxer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chow-Chow, Clumber Spaniel, Dalmatian, German Shorthaired Pointer, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Gordon Setter, Ibizan Hound, Irish Setter, Irish Water Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Pharaoh Hound, Plott Hound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Saluki, Schnoodle, Sheepadoodle, Poodle (Standard), Vizsla

    • XL – 48”

    For dogs between 90 and 110 lbs.

    Afghan Hound, Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Belgian Malinois, Bernese Mountain Dog, Bloodhound, Boerboel, Bouvier Des Flandres, Briard, Bullmastiff, Catahoula Leopard Dog, Chinook, Collie, Doberman Pinscher, Dogue De Bordeaux, German Shepherd, Giant Schnauzer, Greyhound, Komondor, Kuvasz, Newfoundland, Old English Sheepdog, Otterhound, Pointer, Rottweiler, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Tervuren, Weimaraner

    You’ll probably struggle to find a wire crate any larger than this, although there are wire crates available in a 54” size if you own a particularly large breed such as Great Danes.

    • XXL – 54”

    For dogs over 110 lbs!

    Akita, Anatolian Shepherd, Borzoi, Broholmer, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Irish Wolfhound, Leonberger, Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Russian Bear Dog, Scottish Deerhound, St. Bernard

    Is crate training cruel?

    No! While it might seem strange to buy a cage for your dog, if you train them properly, your trusty mutt will actually regard their dog crate as a safe haven to relax in and retreat to when scared.

    However, if used wrongly by dog owners, a dog crate can be cruel. Dogs enjoy exercise and interaction, and so leaving them locked in a crate for well over 3-4 hours can naturally be detrimental to their physical and mental health.

    You should also never use dog crates as a ‘go to your room’ style punishment or prison, as your dog will simply come to fear it.

    What is a dog crate divider?

    Dog crate dividers are not mandatory, but they are a very useful device when crate training a puppy. They allow you to seclude the area of a cage to make it more snug and cosy for a dog who is not yet adult size.

    Essentially, this means you can buy an adult size dog cage and make it smaller, rather than having to buy a slightly larger cage every time your pup grows a few inches.

    Where should I set up a dog crate?

    While it can be tempting to just place your dog crate in any old corner of the room, you still need to to ensure the location benefits your mutt’s welfare.

    Firstly, it needs to be in a low-traffic area, as hallways or places where people are consistently walking through won’t help your dog feel very comfortable. Instead, pick a family room or bedroom, especially if they are a puppy, as being able to see you or other people in your family will help prevent any anxiety.

    You also need to consider external factors around the cage other than people. Make sure the crate is not placed in direct sunlight or other sources of heat which could dehydrate your pup and similarly avoid draughty or cold areas of the home.

    The last thing to consider is any dangers such as placing under a high shelf where objects could fall, power cords and outlets, or even toxic houseplants!

    What about a soft dog crate?

    Soft dog crates are an option, although they are a bit less sturdy and easy to clean when it comes to puppy training as they don’t usually have a plastic tray and aren’t wipeable.

    They are a good option as a travel crate or carrier crate, as they have features such as a carry handle, and mesh windows to prevent escape.

    Are dog crates also used for adult dogs?

    Yes! It can give them somewhere they feel closed and secure. If the house is busy or they just need some shut-eye, they can go into their dog cage which will be enclosed and covered with a cage cover. Great to use as a bed, or as a separate function.

    They are also good if you go on staycations with your dog, as most places may require you to be able to keep your dog off the human beds and certain rooms.

    With older dogs, you may not have to worry as much about things like security if they are happy being in a crate, which could be good if you’re after something a bit prettier!