Dog Beds, Crates & Home
Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs
A crate can be a dog's own quiet spot, if it's the right size and never used as punishment [1][2].
We picked three dog crates for large dogs: a folding wire crate with a divider, a soft crate for travel with a calm, medium-sized dog (up to 70 lbs), and a wooden crate that doubles as an end table.
The right dog crate for a large dog is one it can stand, turn and stretch out in [1], sized from your own dog rather than a breed chart. The AKC says to measure your standing dog from nose to tail tip and from floor to the top of the head, then add 3 to 4 inches to each [3]. For most homes that means a folding wire crate with a divider, like the MidWest iCrate 42-inch for dogs of 71 to 90 pounds.
Our 3 picks at a glance
- Best OverallMidWest iCrate 42-Inch Double Door Dog CrateFolding wire crate with two doors and a divider, for 71 to 90 lb dogsCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
- Best for Travel (Medium Dogs)Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36-InchSoft travel crate for calm dogs up to 70 lbs and 32 × 21 inchesCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
- Best Furniture-StyleHzuaneri Furniture-Style Dog Crate, 39.4-InchWood and iron crate that works as an end table, with three doorsCheck price on Amazon (opens Amazon in a new tab)
How we chose these crates
We searched Amazon for large dog crates and furniture-style crates and read the top organic results. We picked one crate of each main type.
Sizing and training advice comes from vet behaviorists at VCA, from Humane World for Animals and from the AKC [1][2][3][5]. For a bed to go inside, see our large dog bed guide. To give a puppy a bigger safe area than a crate, see our dog gate guide. To keep a crated dog busy, see our chew toy picks for aggressive chewers and snuffle mat guide. Crate training a puppy? See our puppy pad picks and how to get dog pee out of carpet.
What vets and trainers say about crates
Size: two veterinary behaviorists writing for VCA say a crate should be big enough for the dog to stand, turn and stretch out [1]. Humane World for Animals says to buy for your puppy's adult size [2]. The AKC suggests measuring your standing dog from nose to tail tip and from head to floor, then adding 3 to 4 inches. It warns that a crate that's too big can encourage a dog to toilet at one end [3].
That's where a divider helps. VCA says you can install one if a puppy sleeps at one end and toilets at the other. It keeps the puppy in a smaller area, as long as it isn't left in for long periods [1].
Time: Humane World says, "Puppies under 6 months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time." It adds that "adult dogs shouldn't be left in a crate for more than 4-5 hours during the day" [2]. VCA and Humane World both say a crate should never be used for punishment [1][2], and the AKC advises against crating a dog with force or anger [5].
In the car, don't count on a wire crate for crash protection. In the Center for Pet Safety's 2015 crate tests, wire crates held with standard rubber straps gave no protection [4].
What size dog crate do I need?
- Stand your dog on a flat floor and measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail [3].
- Measure from the floor to the top of the head [3].
- Add 3 to 4 inches to each [3]. That's your minimum inside length and height.
- Compare with inside dimensions where a listing gives them. Most give outside size; the Hzuaneri is 39.4 inches long outside but 37 inside.
- For a puppy, buy for its expected adult size [2] and block off the extra space with a divider [1].
| Dog measures (nose to tail × floor to head) | Add 3–4 in | Crate to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 30 × 20 in | 33–34 × 23–24 in | A 36-inch crate; the Amazon Basics soft crate (36 × 23.4 × 24 in) fits if the dog is calm and under 70 lb |
| 34 × 22 in | 37–38 × 25–26 in | A 42-inch crate; the Hzuaneri's 23.6-inch inside height is too low |
| 38 × 26 in | 41–42 × 29–30 in | The MidWest iCrate 42 (42 × 28 × 30 in) is right at the limit; consider the 48-inch |
| 44 × 30 in | 47–48 × 33–34 in | A 48-inch crate or larger; none of our three picks |
Worked examples using the AKC's method [3]. Crate sizes from each listing.
Methods differ slightly. The AKC measures to the tail tip and adds 3 to 4 inches [3]; the Amazon Basics listing measures to the base of the tail and adds 4. The AKC's way gives a slightly bigger crate. Don't overshoot either: the AKC warns that an oversized crate can let a dog toilet at one end [3].
Wire vs plastic vs soft vs furniture crates
| Type | Strengths | Drawbacks | On this page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wire (metal) | Sturdiest; best for chewers; good airflow and view; folds | Plain looking; a fabric cover adds privacy | MidWest iCrate 42 |
| Plastic | Works at home and for travel; easy to clean | Check for good ventilation and airline approval if you'll fly | None |
| Soft (fabric) | Light; folds; doubles as a travel carrier | For small breeds that won't chew; harder to clean after an accident | Amazon Basics 36-inch (calm dogs to 70 lb) |
| Wood (furniture) | Most attractive; many double as end tables; sturdy | Heavier, harder to clean, needs assembly | Hzuaneri 39.4-inch |
Strengths and drawbacks summarize the AKC's crate guide [3].
Heavy-duty crates. We found no standard for what "heavy-duty" means; it's a listing term. If your dog has bent bars or broken out of a crate, that can be a sign of panic rather than a weak crate. Humane World for Animals says a crate won't solve separation anxiety and that a dog may injure itself trying to escape [2]. Talk to your vet or a behavior professional before buying a stronger box.
MidWest iCrate 42-Inch Double Door Dog Crate
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
VCA's behaviorists say a metal folding crate with a tray floor works well [1]. The 42-inch size is listed for dogs of 71 to 90 pounds, but the listing suggests sizing up to the 48-inch model if your dog is close to 90.
It comes with a divider panel so a puppy can grow into it, a tray the listing calls leak-proof, rubber feet and a carry handle. It has a front and a side door with slide-bolt latches, and folds flat without tools.
Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36-Inch
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
For hotels, camping and overnight stays, a soft crate folds flat and weighs under 10 pounds. This one is 36 by 23.4 by 24 inches, with top and front openings, mesh panels, a washable fleece pad and side pockets.
The listing gives a sensible fit rule: your dog should be able to stand up and turn around, so measure nose to base of tail and head to floor, then add 4 inches.
Good to know
- Folds flat; under 10 pounds
- Top and front openings
- Washable fleece pad; sold by Amazon
Keep in mind
- Not really for large dogs: the title says large, but the spec says medium, for dogs up to 70 lbs and under 32 × 21 inches
- The listing says nothing about chewing, so we wouldn't use it for a dog that chews or tries to escape
- The AKC describes soft crates as an option for small breeds [3]
Hzuaneri Furniture-Style Dog Crate, 39.4-Inch
Ships from and sold by Hzuaneri.
If the crate lives in your living room, this one looks like furniture: an engineered-wood top over bars the listing calls iron pipe, with an arched front door and doors on both sides. It's the only listing here that gives inside dimensions: 37 by 21.8 by 23.6 inches.
The listing names Border Collies, Golden Retrievers and Huskies as good fits. It says two adults can assemble it in 40 to 50 minutes.
Good to know
- States inside dimensions
- Three doors
- Doubles as an end table or TV stand
Keep in mind
- The 220 lb figure is the tabletop's load, per the description, not a dog weight limit
- Heavy (53 lb) and made partly of particleboard; not for moving around
- "Anti-chew" is the listing's claim; it gives no details
- The title says medium/large dogs; the spec says medium, so check the inside dimensions against your dog
Crate sizes side by side
| Product | Type | Size | Doors | Folds | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 42" | Wire | 42 × 28 × 30 in | 2 | Yes | 37 lb |
| Amazon Basics soft | Soft-sided | 36 × 23.4 × 24 in | Top + front | Yes | 9.7 lb |
| Hzuaneri 39.4" | Wood + iron | 39.4 × 23.6 × 24.8 in (inside 37 × 21.8 × 23.6) | 3 | No | 53.2 lb |
Specs as stated on each Amazon listing, checked September 2026.
How long can a dog stay in a crate, by age?
The guidance is cautious, and the numbers differ a little by source.
| Dog | Daytime limit | Who says |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy under 6 months | No more than 3 to 4 hours at a time | Humane World for Animals [2] |
| Puppy, bladder rule | About its age in months plus one hour (4 months is about 5 hours) | AKC [6] |
| Adult dog | No more than 4 to 5 hours during the day | Humane World for Animals [2] |
| Crate-trained adult | Normally happy for about three hours | RSPCA [7] |
| Any dog | Never shut in the crate all day while you're at work | RSPCA [7] |
Where the puppy figures differ, use the shorter one.
Overnight is different. Humane World suggests keeping the crate in or near your bedroom at first, especially for puppies, and moving it gradually once the dog sleeps through the night [2]. By the AKC's bladder rule [6], a young puppy will still need a trip outside during the night.
If your workday runs past these limits, a midday walk or a gated, puppy-proofed room beats a longer crate stretch. See our dog gate guide and puppy pad picks for setting one up.
How to crate train a dog
- Put the crate where the family spends time, with a soft bed inside and the door propped open. Toss treats in and let the dog explore; never push it in [2][5].
- Feed meals in the crate. Start with the bowl at the door and move it farther back over several meals [2][5].
- Once the dog eats inside calmly, close the door during the meal. Open it right after at first, then build up to about 10 minutes after eating [2].
- Add a cue such as "crate" or "kennel up", reward the dog for going in, and sit nearby. Then step out of sight for short periods, working up to about 30 minutes [2][5].
- Start crating for short absences. Put the dog in 5 to 20 minutes before you leave, and keep departures and returns low-key [2].
- Open the door only when the dog is calm. The AKC says opening it during whining or barking teaches the dog that those behaviors work [5].
Give the dog something to do in there. Humane World, the AKC and the RSPCA all suggest a food-stuffed toy [2][5][7]; for strong jaws, see our toys for aggressive chewers.
Can you crate train an older dog?
Yes. The AKC's method is written for new puppies and adult dogs alike [5]. Humane World suggests an adult dog sleep in the crate near you at first, so it doesn't link the crate with being shut away [2]. Go at the dog's pace, and stay on each step until it's relaxed there.
One exception: if your dog panics when left alone, a crate isn't the fix. Humane World says a crate won't solve separation anxiety and the dog could injure itself trying to get out, and it recommends a professional animal behavior specialist [2].
How to stop a dog barking in the crate
- Don't open the door mid-bark. The AKC and RSPCA both say letting a dog out while it barks or whines teaches it that noise works; wait for a pause [5][7].
- Rule out a toilet trip. If whining goes on for several minutes, Humane World suggests using the phrase your dog links with going outside; if it gets excited, take it straight to its spot and back [2].
- Never punish it. Humane World says to ignore the whining and never punish it [2].
- Give it a job. The RSPCA suggests a stuffed Kong-type toy so the dog isn't barking from boredom, and a cover over part of the crate for a nervous dog [7].
- Go back a step. If the barking keeps up, Humane World suggests restarting the training process [2].
Choosing a crate size and type
Stand, turn, stretch out
VCA says your dog should be able to stand, turn and stretch out [1]. Compare with inside dimensions where given.
Where it will live
Wire folds for storage; soft crates travel; furniture crates stay put.
Crash claims
In the Center for Pet Safety's 2015 tests, wire crates on standard rubber straps gave no protection [4]. Don't count on one in a crash.
Which dog crate to get
- Best Overall: The MidWest iCrate is a folding wire crate with a divider and two doors.
- Best for Travel (Medium Dogs): The Amazon Basics soft crate folds flat for trips, for calm dogs up to 70 pounds.
- Best Furniture-Style: The Hzuaneri hides the crate in plain sight as an end table.
Dog crate FAQ
What size crate does my dog need?
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
Humane World says, "Puppies under 6 months of age shouldn't stay in a crate for more than three or four hours at a time." It also says "adult dogs shouldn't be left in a crate for more than 4-5 hours during the day" [2].
Should I use a crate divider?
It can help. VCA says you can install a divider if a puppy sleeps at one end and toilets at the other. It keeps the puppy in a smaller area, as long as it isn't left in for long periods [1].
Is crating a dog cruel?
Is a wire crate safe in the car?
Don't rely on one for crash protection. In the Center for Pet Safety's 2015 tests, wire crates secured with standard rubber straps gave no protection [4].
Until what age should a dog sleep in a crate?
There's no set age. Humane World for Animals says to keep crating until your dog can be left alone without accidents or destructive habits [2]. For many dogs that's sometime after the chewing and house-training stage, but it varies. Plenty of adult dogs keep sleeping in an open crate by choice, which is fine as long as it's never used as punishment [1][2].
Should I put a bed or blanket in the crate?
Yes, for most dogs. Humane World suggests a comfortable bed or soft blanket that's washable and suited to your dog's size and chewing habits [2], and the RSPCA also says to add soft bedding [7]. If your dog shreds and swallows bedding, take it out for now and call your vet if pieces go missing. Our large dog bed guide beds with covers that wash easily.
Should you cover a dog crate?
Partly, if your dog is nervous. The RSPCA suggests a cover over part of the crate for nervous dogs, and says to keep the crate out of direct sunlight and drafts, with a clip-on water bowl that can't be tipped over [7]. Leave enough sides open for air to move, and don't cover a crate that sits in a warm room.
Sources
- Horwitz D, Landsberg G. How to Crate Train Your Dog. VCA Animal Hospitals, 2019. vcahospitals.com
- Humane World for Animals. How to Crate Train Your Dog or Puppy. humaneworld.org
- Paretts S. How to Choose the Best Crate for Your Dog. American Kennel Club, 2026. akc.org
- Center for Pet Safety. 2015 Crate Study Results. centerforpetsafety.org
- Gibeault S. How to Crate Train Your Dog. American Kennel Club, 2026. akc.org
- American Kennel Club — Potty Training Puppy Tips. akc.org
- RSPCA — Playpen and crate training a puppy. rspca.org.uk