As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate.
Compare
At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
In depth
The 4 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best overallMidWest Homes for Pets
Divider panel is included at no extra cost, unlike some competitors
- Included divider panel
- 36"L x 23"W x 25"H, grows into 41 to 70 lb adult size
- Leak-proof plastic tray for easy cleanup of accidents
- Slide-bolt latches
✓ Pros
- Divider panel is included at no extra cost, unlike some competitors
- One crate covers puppy through adult size for medium to large breeds
- Easy-clean plastic tray handles the inevitable early accidents
- Lowest price per crate of any option that includes a divider
✕ Cons
- Divider panel is a simple metal sheet, not padded
- Standard wire gauge, fine for a puppy but consider upgrading later if the adult dog is destructive
- No wheels for moving the crate between rooms during the day
Carlson Pet Products
5"H, rated up to 95 lbs adult and Included divider panel. Keep in mind that costs more than the 36-inch MidWest for buyers with a medium breed puppy.
- 42"L x 28"W x 30.5"H, rated up to 95 lbs adult
- Included divider panel
- Multi-point locking latches
- Removable leak-proof tray
✓ Pros
- 42-inch size gives real headroom for giant breed puppies at full growth
- Sturdier latches hold up better to a teething puppy chewing on hardware
- Same divider concept as MidWest, scaled up for bigger adult sizes
✕ Cons
- Costs more than the 36-inch MidWest for buyers with a medium breed puppy
- Bulkier to move during the cleaning-heavy early puppy months
- Overkill if your puppy's adult weight is projected under 60 lbs
MidWest
A medium folding crate with a divider panel, sized for dogs about 21 to 40 lb.
✓ Pros
- Divider grows with a puppy
- Folds flat for storage
- Secure slide-bolt latches
- Leak-proof pan
✕ Cons
- Single door limits placement
- Not for escape artists
- Pan can rattle
MidWest
A large folding crate for dogs about 71 to 90 lb with two doors and a divider.
✓ Pros
- Fits large breeds
- Double doors
- Divider panel included
- Folds flat
✕ Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Not for strong escape artists
- Takes up floor space
How we chose these picks
This shortlist is the product of research, not advertising. We cross-checked manufacturer specs against independent reviews and long-term owner feedback, then ranked by value for real use cases.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Buying on brand name alone instead of matching features to your actual use case.
- Overpaying for headline specs you'll never use, define must-haves first.
- Ignoring size — compatibility, and ongoing costs (filters, accessories, refills).
- Trusting star ratings without reading what owners compla in about after 6 months.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best dog crates for crate training puppies right now?
Our top pick is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate (best overall), because divider panel is included at no extra cost, unlike some competitors. The runner-up is the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch, followed by the MidWest LifeStages 30-Inch Single Door Dog Crate.
Is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our dog crates for crate training puppies research, though divider panel is a simple metal sheet, not padded.
What size crate should I buy for a puppy that will grow into a large breed?
Buy the crate sized for the dog's projected adult size and use a divider panel to shrink the usable space while the puppy is small. Buying a crate sized for the puppy now means buying a second, larger crate in a few months, which costs more overall than one adult-size crate with a divider.
How does a divider panel work in a puppy crate?
The panel slides into tracks inside the crate and blocks off the unused portion, so a puppy in a 36-inch crate destined to be 65 pounds might only have 18 inches of usable space at 10 weeks old. As the puppy grows, the panel moves back every few weeks until the full crate is in use.
Why does a puppy need a smaller space inside a bigger crate?
Dogs instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area, and that instinct is the core mechanism behind crate training for housebreaking. If a puppy has enough room to sleep in one corner and eliminate in another, the crate stops reinforcing that instinct, which slows down housebreaking.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate at a time?
A common guideline is the puppy's age in months plus one, in hours, up to a maximum of about 4 hours during the day. A 3-month-old puppy tops out around 4 hours; overnight stretches are typically longer since the puppy is asleep for most of it, but should still include an overnight bathroom break for very young puppies.
Keep researching
Related guides & comparisons
