As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick Answer: The right dog crate depends on your dog’s size, temperament, and how you’ll use it. For most dog owners, the MidWest iCrate ($49.99) is the best all-around choice — foldable, durable, and includes a divider panel for growing puppies.
Why Choosing the Right Crate Matters
A dog crate isn’t a cage — it’s your dog’s safe space. Dogs are den animals by nature, and a properly sized crate gives them a secure, comfortable spot to rest. But pick the wrong crate and you’ll end up with a stressed dog, a destroyed crate, or both.
The most common question on r/puppy101 and r/dogs is: “What size crate should I get?” The answer isn’t just about size — it’s about material, portability, and how you plan to use it. This guide walks you through every factor so you buy the right crate the first time.
Step 1: Measure Your Dog
The #1 mistake people make is guessing their dog’s crate size. Here’s how to measure correctly:
Length: Measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail. Add 2-4 inches. That’s your minimum crate length.
Height: Measure from the floor to the top of your dog’s head (or ears if they stand up). Add 2-4 inches. That’s your minimum crate height.
For puppies: Buy a crate for their expected adult size and use a divider panel to adjust the space as they grow. This saves you from buying multiple crates.
Step 2: Choose Your Crate Type
Wire Crates — Best for Home Use
Wire crates offer the best ventilation, visibility, and value. Most fold flat for storage, come with removable trays for easy cleaning, and include divider panels. They’re the default recommendation for 90% of dog owners.
Plastic/Airline Crates — Best for Travel
Hard-sided plastic crates are airline-approved, more enclosed (which some anxious dogs prefer), and extremely durable. If you fly with your dog or want a more den-like feel, plastic is the way to go.
Premium/Collapsible Crates — Best for Style + Function
High-end crates like the Diggs Revol combine safety, style, and portability. They cost significantly more but offer features like puppy-safe mesh panels, wheels for portability, and modern design that doesn’t look like a cage in your living room.
Step 3: Pick the Right Size
| Dog Weight | Crate Size | Example Breeds |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 lbs | 24″ | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian |
| 25-40 lbs | 30″ | Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, French Bulldog |
| 40-70 lbs | 36-42″ | Border Collie, Boxer, Labrador |
| 70-100+ lbs | 48″ | German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Great Dane |
Our Top 4 Picks for 2026
1. MidWest iCrate — Best Overall
Price: $49.99 | Check price on Amazon →
The MidWest iCrate is the most recommended dog crate on Reddit — and it deserves that reputation. It folds flat in seconds, includes a divider panel for puppies, has a leak-proof plastic tray, and is built with durable metal wire. The single-door design keeps it simple and secure. For $49.99, it’s unbeatable value.
✅ Foldable | ✅ Divider included | ✅ Leak-proof tray | ✅ Best value
2. Amazon Basics Wire Crate — Best Budget
Price: $30.99 | Check price on Amazon →
If budget is your main concern, the Amazon Basics crate does the job at $30.99. It’s a straightforward wire crate with a removable tray and divider panel. Build quality is a step below the MidWest, but for a first crate or a spare, it’s a solid deal. It folds flat and assembles without tools.
✅ Cheapest option | ✅ Divider included | ✅ Foldable | ❌ Thinner wire than MidWest
3. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel — Best for Travel
Price: $129.55 | Check price on Amazon →
The Petmate Ultra Vari is the go-to travel kennel. It’s airline approved, made with heavy-duty recycled plastic, and manufactured in the USA. The enclosed design gives anxious dogs a den-like feeling that reduces stress during travel. Metal wire vents on the sides provide airflow without sacrificing security.
✅ Airline approved | ✅ Made in USA | ✅ Den-like design | ❌ Doesn’t fold — takes up space
4. Diggs Revol — Best Premium
Price: $479.20 (20% off) | Check price on Amazon →
The Diggs Revol is the luxury option — and it shows. It collapses with one hand, rolls on built-in wheels, and uses diamond-mesh panels that are puppy-safe (no gaps for paws to get stuck). The design is modern enough to leave in your living room without it looking like a wire cage. Is it worth $479? For dog owners who value design and safety, absolutely.
✅ Collapses easily | ✅ Built-in wheels | ✅ Puppy-safe mesh | ❌ Expensive at $479
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Dog Crate
1. Buying too big. A crate that’s too large defeats the purpose — dogs won’t treat it as a den and may use one end as a bathroom. The crate should be just big enough to stand, turn around, and lie down.
2. Skipping the divider. If you have a puppy, a divider is essential. It lets you adjust the crate space as your puppy grows without buying a new crate every few months.
3. Using the crate as punishment. Never send your dog to the crate as punishment. The crate should be a positive, safe space — not a timeout zone.
4. Leaving your dog crated too long. Adult dogs shouldn’t be crated for more than 6-8 hours. Puppies need out every 2-4 hours depending on age.
5. Choosing style over function. A pretty crate that doesn’t latch securely or that your dog can escape from is a waste of money. Prioritize security and proper sizing over aesthetics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a crate with one door or two doors?
One door is simpler and more secure. Two doors give you more flexibility in where you place the crate. For most people, one door is fine. Two doors are nice for tight spaces where you need to access the crate from different angles.
How long does crate training take?
Most puppies adjust to a crate within 1-2 weeks with consistent positive training. Start with short sessions (10-15 minutes) with treats and gradually increase the time. Never force your dog into the crate.
Can I use a crate for an adult dog who’s never been crated?
Yes, but go slow. Adult dogs can learn to love their crate with patience and positive association. Start with the door open and meals inside the crate. Most adult dogs adjust within 2-4 weeks.
Final Verdict
For most dog owners, the MidWest iCrate at $49.99 is the best choice — it’s affordable, practical, and includes everything you need including a divider panel. Budget shoppers should grab the Amazon Basics crate at $30.99. Travelers need the Petmate Ultra Vari. And if you want the best of the best, the Diggs Revol is worth the investment.
Related articles you might like: