Finding the right crate is one of the most important steps in crate training — but with so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which one is best for your dog.
To make things easier, we sorted through the reviews and rounded up the most-loved, pet-parent-approved crates for dogs of all sizes, ages and lifestyles.
Here are the best dog crates for every kind of pup, plus tips on choosing the right one for your dog.
Best Dog Crates by Category
Best wire crate for big dogs: MidWest 2-Door Folding Dog Crate
Best soft-sided crate for big dogs: EHEYCIGA Collapsible Portable Travel Dog Crate
Best plastic crate for big dogs: SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel
Best wire crate for small dogs: MidWest Fold & Carry Single Door Wire Crate
Best soft-sided crate for small dogs: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Kennel
Best plastic crate for small dogs: MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier
Best big-dog travel crate: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Kennel
Best small-dog travel crate: Henkelion Dog Carrier
What Is Crate Training?
Crate training teaches your dog to feel safe, secure and relaxed inside a crate when you’re away or unable to supervise.
A crate acts like a den — a natural hideaway where your dog can rest, decompress and feel protected. It also helps with house training and keeps both your dog and your home safe when you can’t keep an eye on him.
While crate training takes time and patience, most dogs eventually come to see their crate as a cozy, familiar sanctuary.
Which Type of Crate Is Best?
There are several crate styles, each with pros and cons depending on your dog’s age, size and habits.
Wire Crates
A great starting point for puppies.
- Fold flat for easy travel and storage
- Provide visibility and airflow
- Heavy but sturdy
If your puppy gets overstimulated by seeing everything around him, draping a blanket or crate cover over the sides can help him feel more secure — just be sure he can’t chew it.
Plastic Crates
A better choice for adult dogs who are already crate trained.
- More enclosed
- Lightweight
- Great for travel
They typically lack dividers and may be too large or confining for young puppies.
Soft-Sided Crates
Best for older, crate-trained dogs.
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for car travel
- Comfortable and breathable
Not ideal for puppies or dogs who chew — soft material is easy to damage.
Best Dog Crates for Big Dogs
Best Wire Crate: MidWest 2-Door Folding Dog Crate
Available in large to XXL sizes, this sturdy wire crate is a favorite among big-dog parents. One reviewer with a 95-pound German shepherd said it offers plenty of room to grow and is surprisingly easy to fold and set up.
Best Soft-Sided Crate: EHEYCIGA Collapsible Portable Travel Dog Crate
Perfect for crate-trained big dogs, this lightweight canvas crate features a strong frame and roll-up flaps for ventilation. Great for breeds like Bernese Mountain dogs and bulldogs.
Best Plastic Crate: SportPet Designs Plastic Kennel
A durable, roomy option for big dogs with short-term crating needs. One pet parent said “Typically I host Labs and Goldens and the crate is large enough for a comfy crate mat with room in front of it for their food & water.”
Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs
Best Wire Crate: MidWest Fold & Carry Single Door Wire Crate
Comes in sizes as small as XXS — perfect for toy breeds and puppies. Reviewers love how sturdy and long-lasting it is.
Best Soft-Sided Crate: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Kennel
Lightweight, breathable and available in multiple sizes. The smallest size is ideal for terrier-sized pups and creates a cozy den feel.
Best Plastic Crate: MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Carrier
Made for toy and small breeds, this carrier-style crate is well-ventilated with an easy-access front door — perfect for everyday use or short trips.
Best Dog Crates for Travel
Best for Big Dogs: Amazon Basics Folding Soft Kennel
Lightweight, collapsible and well-ventilated — ideal for road trips and easy to pack away when not in use.
Best for Small Dogs: Henkelion Dog Carrier
A TSA-approved favorite for air travel. Fits under most airplane seats and keeps your small pup comfortable. Reviewers rave about its size, comfort and affordability.
Finding the Right Crate Makes All the Difference
With the perfect crate, both crate training and traveling become easier, calmer and more enjoyable for your dog.
Before long, that crate may just become his favorite safe space — the spot he goes to relax, reset and feel right at home.
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