While we enjoy our dog’s company, the demands of our daily duties cannot allow us to watch over them every minute of every hour. So, how do you go about our daily errands without having to worry about your canine companion?
If you own big dogs, then buying the best dog crate for your large dog is a requirement.
We have reviewed the best large dog crates for 2019 that can stand up to heavy-duty wear and tear from a playful or active dog, and are big enough for your dog to stand up without crouching and comfortably turn around.
We created this list based on Amazon ratings, quality of materials, and other considerations.
Best Large Dog Crates
- Best Overall: MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
- Runner Up: New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
- Best Soft-Sided: Elite Field 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
- Best Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel
- Best Budget: AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
Elite Field 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Petmate Sky Kennel
AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
Reviews of the Best Large Dog Crate for 2019
#1. MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
Best Overall
Available 7 in different sizes
Removable plastic tray
Divider to restrict your dog’s room
Doesn’t contain mess well enough
We picked MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate as the best large dog crate in the market based on its features, quality, size, price, and aesthetics. Since the 1950s, MidWest has been manufacturing pet kennels qualifying it as one of the best brands which prove to be a reliable purchase for pet owners.
Are you wondering about the quality of the crate? Well, the metal frame is very sturdy, and the latches firmly snap into place, sturdily holding the frame together. Should your canine companion be the feisty type, the latches will hold it in place.
Like it’s top-notch quality, its features prove it to be a good purchase. You can find this dog crate in two different types, the single and double door.
It comes with a divider that allows you to give each puppy their own space. Hence, if you have a young pooch, this crate is big enough for him to grow into. All you need to do is remove the divider as he becomes bigger.
The price varies with the size of the kennel you want to purchase whether it’s a single or double door mode. This crate has a lovely satin-black finish that can hardly be scratched off.
#2. New World Folding Metal Dog Crate
Runner Up
Secure heavy-duty double latches
Available in different sizes
Versatile 2-door folding design
Not as attractive, buy crate covers
Pet owners will love how easy this dog crate is easy to assemble, move, and travel with. The metal wire material is strong and durable enough to keep your dog secure at all times.
It comes with double heavy-duty slide-bolt latches that further ensure your pooch is safe. It also comes with a bottom leak-proof plastic pan that is easy to remove and clean.
This large versatile 2-door folding metal dog crate can easily be assembled without tools. It can easily be folded flat and put in storage.
You will find this large dog crate appropriate for situations like traveling, camping, or indoor housing. This kennel is durable and provides for your pet’s den instincts.
#3. Elite Field 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Best Soft-Sided
Available in different sizes and colors
Three mesh doors for easy placement
Easy to wash cover and fleece bed
Not suitable for anxious dogs
The cover is prone to tear
Pet owners looking for an excellent soft-sided large dog crate option, this might be it. It has an attractive yet functional design. It has three zippered doors that safely and secure lock, allowing your pooch to enter the crate from either direction.
The doors are made from mesh which allows sunlight and air to enter the crate and also offer excellent pup visibility easily. You can easily keep the crate clean; all you need is convenient machine washing.
This dog crate is easy to assemble, lightweight, and easy to carry using a carrying case. You can find the kennel available in different colors and sizes; all you have to do is choose what works best for your pooch.
If your pet is enthusiastic, you will love that the outlining of this crate is made from steel tubing that makes it very sturdy. The cover is a blend of hex mesh and polyester fabric. Included in your purchase will be a comfortable fleece bed.
#4. Petmate Sky Kennel
Best Travel
Proper visibility and ventilation
4-way vault door ensures security
Durable design
Lacks the required airline travel hardware
Pet owners who like to travel with their pooches might find this crate a worthy investment. It’s indestructible, comes with a travel kit, and has a 4-way vault door.
With the travel kit, you can use ID stickers and attach clip-on bowls. The 4-way vault door ensures unbeatable security for your dog.
This Petmate crate is available in various sizes so you can order the XL dog crate for your large dog. It features a solid plastic shell that is indestructible, heavy-duty steel wire, non-corrodible wing-nuts, and an interlocking door.
The thought-through construction makes it durable. It is a perfect option for a travel crate that can be carried in hands or placed in the car.
The wire windows installed in the walls allow proper visibility and ventilation. This plastic crate is not only sturdy and long-lasting, but it’s also eco-friendly.
#5. AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
Best Budget
Affordable price
Secure and safe
Paw-safe bottom mini-metal dividers
Not preferable for strong dogs
This folding metal dog crate is an excellent alternative to those working within a fixed purchase. This crate by AmazonBasics is secure and safe, durable and sturdy, and most of all, reasonably priced.
It is easy to carry and store because it easily folds flat. The sliding bolt lock mechanism makes it secure and safe for your dog.
It is available in 6 sizes and in single and double doors. It comes with a removable plastic pan that’s also easy to clean.
It features paw-safe bottom mini-metal dividers that help prevent your pet’s paws from slipping through the bars. The sturdy construction makes this crate durable.
Which Dogs are Considered as Large Dogs?
Two factors have to be carefully considered before a dog is categorized as a large dog. The weight, and the size. They measure between 42-52 inches, and weighs between 71-90 pounds.
So which dogs are classified as large dog breeds?
- Bearded Collie
- Boxer
- Belgian Tervuren
- American Bulldog
- Belgian Sheepdog
- Airedale Terrier
- Belgian Malinois
- Australian Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Saluki
- Irish Setter
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Standard Poodle
- Clumber Spaniel
- Vizsla
- Dalmatian
- Gordon Setter
- Chow Chow
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Ibizan Hound
What Do You Need in A large Dog Crate?
Unlike what you need in the best dog crate, large dog crates present a few unique challenges. Here are some of the few things you need in a dog crate:
Wheels
Just like large dogs, large crates can be quite heavy and bulky. Hence, they can be difficult to carry or move around. Find a large crate with wheels, as it will easy to slide around when necessary.
Dividers
Would rather keep buying a new crate each time your dog grows a few more inches? I think not. Therefore, it is wise to buy a dog crate that lasts your dog’s entire life.
With a divider, you only need to buy a crate that is suitable for your dog’s adult size and use the divider to shrink the size of the interior temporarily. As your dog grows, all you have to do is remove the divider and give him access to the entire crate.
Collapsible Crate
A collapsible crate comes in handy when you need to put the crate in story when not in use, or when you have to carry the crate with you. A collapsible crate is also cheaper to ship since it will be shipped in a relatively flat box.
Sturdier Hardware
Large dogs can easily burst out of the crate. So, to prevent, find a crate that is made from heavy-duty hardware. The corner connectors, latches, and hinges, should be made from sturdier hardware.
Thicker Wire
Large crates, are meant to hold large dogs in place. Therefore, you should make sure that the wire used for the crate is sturdy and rigid enough to retain the crate’s structural integrity. Compared to small dogs, large dogs have stronger jaws and teeth. Hence, look for a heavy dog crate that features thicker and stronger wire.
Safety
It is crucial to make sure that you purchase a large dog crate that can safely and securely contain your large pooch inside.
But!
Make sure that the spacing is not too wide.
If the spacing is too wide, your dog’s paw might slip through and cause injury. For your pet’s safety, look for a crate with tighter spaced rods to prevents such injuries. Also, if you opt for plastic crate make sure isn’t manufactured from any harsh chemicals.
The Minimum Size Requirements to Consider Before Buying a Large Dog Crate
Wondering how much ample space your large pooch deserves to move around in a dog crate? Would you want to stay in a cramped room that looks a lot more like a human-size self-service washing machine?
Large usually measure between 42 and 52 inches. Your canine companion deserves enough space to rest and freely move about when you are away or solely for its pleasure. So when getting a dog crate for your large dog, you need to carefully consider the size of the crate.
Height
Technically, the height of the cage should be 4 inches plus the height of your dog from the surface of the floor up to the top of the head when it is standing on all fours. If your pooch is 45 inches tall from the floor to the top of its head, then you add 4 inches to get 49 inches.
If you want to add beddings and toys that may increase your dog’s vertical measurements, then you should also consider that. So if the bedding is about 2 inches thick, the minimum height of the cage should be 51 inches, not 49.
Length
For the length of the cage, it should be at least 4 inches plus your pet’s length from its nose’s tip right down to its outstretched tail’s tip.
So if your dog is about 50 inches long, you should add about 4 inches to get 54 inches which should be the minimum length of the dog cage you need for your puppy.
Width
You will know the width of the dog crate you should get by first determining the appropriate height and length of your dog cage. The width of the cage is measured with the context of the cage’s height and length.
However, make sure that it is at least 31/4 of the cage’s length. So if the cage is 22 inches long, the width of 17 inches should suffice. Find the width that ensures smooth turning around for your dog when in the crate.
If you want your pooch to move freely inside, so he doesn’t have to experience aches, pain, and other secondary problems such as limited mobility, measure your dog first before buying a crate.
However, if you only intend to use the dog crate for crate training, it is not a good idea to get a dog cage larger than your dog. However, you can get a larger crate if it comes with divider panels that allow you to reduce the space when you use the crate for crate training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by measuring your dog before buying a dog crate. Take measurements from the top of the head to the paws, then from the nose tip to the tail tip.
Make sure your pooch can comfortably stand, sit, and lay down while in the crate. With this in mind, select the dog crate that will comfortably accommodate your puppy’s measurements.
Conclusion
The best large dog crate is the one that matches you and your dog’s requirements, and in this case, we find MidWest Home for Pets Dog Crate to be a good choice. We like it because it is secure, versatile, highly durable and portable.
Providing your pooch with the most appropriate crate involves knowing and understanding the different factors you want, including the size, safety, durability and sturdiness, design, and ease of maintenance.
