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.
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At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
| # | Product | Best for | Key feature | |
|---|
| 1 | | — | 36"L x 23"W x 25"H, rated for 41 to 70 lb dogs | Check ↗ |
| 2 | | — | 42"L x 28"W x 30.5"H, rated up to 95 lbs | Check ↗ |
| 3 | | — | 44.25"L x 28"W x 32.5"H with wheels | Check ↗ |
In depth
The 3 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best overallMidWest Homes for Pets
Lowest price per inch of usable space in this category
- 36"L x 23"W x 25"H, rated for 41 to 70 lb dogs
- Front and side doors
- Removable divider panel
- Leak-proof plastic tray
- Slide-bolt latches
✓ Pros
- Lowest price per inch of usable space in this category
- Divider panel lets one crate serve puppy through adult sizing
- Two doors give flexible placement against walls or in corners
- Largest review base of any crate in this roundup, over 34,000 ratings
✕ Cons
- Standard wire gauge, not built for determined chewers or escape artists
- Plastic tray can crack after a few years of daily use
- No wheels, so repositioning a loaded crate means lifting it
Carlson Pet Products
Best step-up pick. 5"H, rated up to 95 lbs and Front and side doors. One caveat, costs more than the equivalent MidWest size.
- 42"L x 28"W x 30.5"H, rated up to 95 lbs
- Front and side doors
- Multi-point locking latch system
- Removable leak-proof tray
- Folds nearly flat for storage
✓ Pros
- Heavier wire gauge than basic iCrate-style crates at a similar price
- Multi-point latches resist nose-nudging and paw-pawing better than single slide-bolts
- 42-inch size fits most large breeds without upgrading to a giant crate
✕ Cons
- Costs more than the equivalent MidWest size
- Heavier to carry between rooms or load into a vehicle
- Still a standard wire crate, not rated for extreme chewers
Go Pet Club
Best for dogs that need the sturdiest wire crate available, or multi-dog households that want to stack crates to save floor space. 5"H with wheels and Heavy-gauge stackable wire construction. One caveat, assembly reportedly goes faster with two people.
- 44.25"L x 28"W x 32.5"H with wheels
- Heavy-gauge stackable wire construction
- Removable divider and two water bowls included
- Stacks up to three tiers for multi-dog storage
- Wheels for repositioning
✓ Pros
- Heaviest wire gauge of any crate in this roundup
- Wheels make it far easier to move than the MidWest or Carlson
- Stackable design is genuinely useful for multi-dog households or kennels
✕ Cons
- Assembly reportedly goes faster with two people
- Some buyers report weld quality issues on individual units
- Largest, bulkiest footprint even when folded
How we chose these picks
Every pick below earned its place through documented strengths, verified specifications, consistent praise in reputable reviews, and owner-feedback patterns. We don't sell placements, and we don't invent test scores.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Choosing the cheapest option without checking warranty and support quality.
- Assuming all models work with your existing setup, verify compatibility first.
- Skipping the measurements: returns most often come from fit surprises.
- Chasing the newest release when last year's model does the same job for less.
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
There's no single 'best' here, only the best match for your situation. Start from your must-have features, then choose the least expensive pick that covers them.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best dog crates for large breeds right now?
Our top pick is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate (best overall), because lowest price per inch of usable space in this category. The runner-up is the Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch, followed by the Go Pet Club 44-Inch Heavy Duty Stackable 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 large breeds research, though standard wire gauge, not built for determined chewers or escape artists.
What size crate does a large breed dog need?
As a rule of thumb, measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add 4 inches for length, then measure shoulder height and add 4 inches for crate height. Most large breeds (Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers) fit a 42-inch crate, while giant breeds (Great Danes, Mastiffs) need 48 inches or larger. A crate that's too big defeats the den-like security a crate is supposed to provide, so size to the adult dog, not extra room for play.
Is wire or heavy-duty steel better for a large dog?
Standard wire crates like the MidWest iCrate work fine for large dogs that aren't determined chewers or escape artists. For dogs that bend bars, pop latches, or otherwise test a crate's limits, a heavier-gauge crate like the Go Pet Club heavy-duty line or a true escape-proof aluminum crate is worth the extra cost. Match the crate to the dog's actual behavior, not just its size.
How much weight can a standard wire dog crate hold?
Most 42-inch wire crates are rated for dogs up to roughly 90 to 95 pounds, and 44-inch heavy-duty models often extend that to 100 pounds or more. Always check the manufacturer's weight rating for the specific size, since a 36-inch and 42-inch crate from the same line can carry different limits.
Do large breed crates need a divider panel?
Only if you're crating a puppy that will grow into the large breed's full size. A divider lets you shrink the usable space so a puppy doesn't have room to eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. Once the dog is full grown, the divider is removed and the whole crate is used.
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