How to Choose the Perfect Dog Crate

Knowing your pup well will help you choose the right crate. When used strategically, the right crate can help with housetraining and getting a puppy safely through their chewing phase. 

“If you want your dog to crate happily, then it should never be a punishment,” explains Irith Bloom, a certified dog trainer, certified behavior consultant, and owner of The Sophisticated Dog in Los Angeles, California. “Your crate should be a happy, safe place for your dog.”

Here are a few key considerations and questions to ask when you’re looking for the best dog crate to buy for your pet.

When choosing a dog crate, the top factor to consider is size. Your dog should be able to walk into the crate without crouching down, and be able to comfortably turn around with the door shut. Because dogs are usually taller when sitting, it’s OK if they are unable to sit up in the crate, but they should have plenty of room to stand.

A good way to determine the correct size is to measure your dog’s height when standing (top of the dog’s head to the floor) and length (tip of the dog’s nose to the base of its tail). Then, add 4 inches to the dog’s measurements to determine the best dog crate size. 

Puppies need a smaller space right now, but plenty of room as they grow bigger. If your new pet is a puppy, consider a crate with divider panels, like the Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Dog Crate. Dividers prevent a dog from having too much space and can be adjusted as the puppy grows into the crate.

Some dogs really like to see what’s around them, but for other dogs, feeling exposed can heighten their anxiety. Think about whether your dog would do best in a covered crate or a more open one.

Crate usage and crate training go hand-in-hand in ensuring your dog feels secure in their crate.

“You don’t want a dog that injures itself trying to escape its crate,” Bloom says. “If the dog is uncomfortable, they are much more likely to hurt themselves in a wire crate than in a soft-sided dog crate. Although it would take some time and effort, a dog could chew its way out of a soft dog crate. On the other hand, dogs can break their toenails and teeth trying to escape the bars of a wire crate.”

After you’ve determined what size dog crate you need, you should also consider the size and layout of your home when choosing a dog crate. Measure the area of your home where the crate will be kept to make sure it fits.

Will you need to put your dog’s crate away when it’s not in use? Consider a collapsible crate for easier storage. Crates with multiple doors give you more flexibility when it comes to positioning the crate in your home. And if you plan to use your soft-sided crate outside, look for water-resistant material.

Ready to shop? Start by browsing your options below.

These basic, sturdy structures are made of metal, allow a dog to see their surroundings, and provide steady airflow. They often come with a removable floor pan, like this Frisco’s Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate, and sometimes come with dividers too. Larger wire crates can be a bit heavy, but most can be collapsed for easier transport.

Perfect for: Most dogs, including puppies and dogs who are being housetrained.

Find more wire dog crates here.

Furniture-style dog crates are designed to blend into your home décor. Dog crate furniture is usually made of wood, like the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Crate & End Table, with a solid top that can be used as an end table or accent table.

Perfect for: Smaller dog breeds; pet parents who don’t have a separate space to crate their dog aside from their main living area

Find more dog crate furniture here.

These are lighter weight than wire crates and furniture-style crates. They are typically quick to set up and fold away when not in use. Many soft-sided dog crates, including the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft Dog Crate, have two or three doors, so you can let the dog in from the side, front or top, providing several options for getting in and out and giving treats.

Perfect for: Traveling pups and parents, dogs who want to sit up and look around, and pet parents who want a crate they can easily move

Find more soft-sided dog crates here.

These dog crates are extra long and tall, like the Frisco XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Dog Crate, and are usually made of coated metal, or sometimes high-grade steel. Large dog crates will generally have multiple latches on them that may be positioned so even the most clever canine escape artist can’t outwit them. Heavy-duty dog crates can be a smart choice for dogs who need extra security.

Perfect for: The very largest, strongest dogs and cleverest pups

Find more large dog crates here.

After selecting your crate, you may want to add a few extra pieces to make it just right for your dog, including:

• Crate trays: Durable, removable pans are useful when housetraining your dog since the pan slides out from under the crate and can be easily wiped down. Replacement pans are also convenient to have on hand for when your dog is muddy or your dog’s food and water bowls make a mess.
• Dog crate covers. Crate covers slip over your crate to enhance that den feel and offer a quiet, private place for your canine to relax. They often have tabs that hold the cover in place, yet are lightweight enough to provide ample airflow. Dog crate covers come in lots of different sizes and several colors and patterns.
• Crate casters. If you want to be able to move your dog crate around with ease, casters are a super solution. These wheels fit onto the bottom of most wire crates and can lock when your crate is where you want it.

You can buy crate accessories separately, or look for a package that includes what you need. The Frisco Heavy Duty Double Door Dog Crate and Mat Kit, for example, comes with a comfortable mat that fits perfectly inside the crate.

Perfect for: Dogs who need a little something extra

The best dog crate for your dog depends on how you plan to use it and the size of your pup. Wire crates offer airflow and visibility, furniture-style crates blend into home decor, soft-sided crates are lightweight and easy to move, and heavy-duty or extra-large crates are designed for dogs who need more space. 

Your dog’s crate should be big enough that they can enter it without crouching and comfortably turn around with the door shut. Choose a crate that 4 inches taller than your dog’s height (measured to the top of their head) and 4 inches longer than their body (measured from nose to the base of their tail).

If your pup is still growing, consider a crate with divider panels so the space can be adjusted as they grow. Also, measure the area of your home where the crate will be kept to make sure it fits in your space. 

Yes, soft-sided crates are generally lighter weight, quick to set up, and easy to fold away when not in use—making them good fit for pet parents who like to take road trips and travel, and who want a crate they can move easily. Be aware that every airline has unique crate size restrictions for flying with pets.