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Our Favourite: MidWest Homes. This crate offers exceptional durability with its heavy-duty steel construction, ideal for.
Best for Travel: EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate (2-Year Warranty). Perfect for on-the-go Golden owners, this soft crate is lightweight and folds flat.
Best for Air Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel. This IATA-approved crate is ideal if you fly with your Golden Retriever.
Best on a Budget: Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate. An affordable yet sturdy wire crate suitable for Goldens.
Best Quality: Pro Select Empire Cage. Built like a fortress, this crate is made of heavy-gauge steel with a locking mechanism th.
Best Big-Brand: New Age Pet Durable ECOFLEX Large Dog Crate. This stylish crate looks like furniture and blends into your home.
When choosing a crate for your Golden Retriever, size is the most important factor. Goldens are large, active dogs that need enough room to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Our editorial team researched the best crates for Goldens based on durability, ventilation, and ease of cleaning, keeping their shedding and chewing tendencies in mind.
Goldens are prone to hip dysplasia, so a crate with a flat, supportive floor or a raised bed option is ideal. Also, since they are strong chewers, look for heavy-duty construction. We compared popular brands to find options that balance safety, comfort, and value.
This crate offers exceptional durability with its heavy-duty steel construction, ideal for Golden Retrievers who are strong chewers. The dual slide-bolt latches ensure security, and the removable plastic pan makes cleaning up shedding fur easy.
EliteField 4-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate (2-Year Warranty)
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Perfect for on-the-go Golden owners, this soft crate is lightweight and folds flat. It has reinforced zippers and mesh windows for ventilation, but we recommend it only for well-trained Goldens who are not heavy chewers.
This IATA-approved crate is ideal if you fly with your Golden Retriever. It has robust construction with ventilation on all sides and a leak-proof bottom. The door is sturdy but note that it may not be chew-proof.
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
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An affordable yet sturdy wire crate suitable for Goldens. It features a drop-pan for easy cleaning and a divider panel to adjust size as your puppy grows. The wire is thick enough to resist moderate chewing.
Built like a fortress, this crate is made of heavy-gauge steel with a locking mechanism that even strong Golden Retrievers cannot open. It is ideal for escape artists or anxious chewers, though it is heavy and not portable.
This stylish crate looks like furniture and blends into your home. It is made of eco-friendly bamboo composite, which is durable and easy to clean. The three doors offer flexibility, and it includes a removable tray.
Goldens need a crate that is at least 42 inches long. Measure your dog from nose to tail and add a few inches for comfort. A crate that is too small can cause joint issues, while too large may encourage soiling.
02
Durability and Chew Resistance
Golden Retrievers are known for their love of chewing, especially when young or anxious. Look for heavy-gauge wire or reinforced plastic crates. Avoid soft-sided crates for unsupervised use.
03
Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow prevents overheating, as Goldens have thick coats. Wire crates offer the best ventilation, while plastic crates should have multiple windows. Also, choose a design that allows your dog to see out.
04
Ease of Cleaning
Goldens shed heavily and may have accidents. Look for a crate with a removable, washable tray or pan. Some crates have slide-out pans for quick cleanup.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Crate Training Tips
Introduce the crate slowly with positive reinforcement. Use treats and toys to create a positive association. Never use the crate as punishment. Start with short periods and gradually increase duration.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wash the crate tray weekly with mild soap. Wipe down wire surfaces to remove fur and dander. For fabric crates, machine wash the cover monthly. Check for loose screws or damage regularly.
Health Considerations
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, so ensure the crate floor is not too hard. Add a orthopedic bed or mat for joint support. Also, monitor the temperature inside the crate during hot weather.
Pro tip
Our team suggests choosing a crate with a divider panel for Golden Retriever puppies. This allows you to adjust the space as they grow, preventing them from using one end as a bathroom. Also, measure your dog's height while sitting to ensure the crate allows standing without head touching the top.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a Golden Retriever need?
Most adult Golden Retrievers need a 42-inch crate. However, measure your dog: the crate should be at least 6 inches longer than your dog from nose to tail, and tall enough for them to stand without crouching.
Can I use a soft crate for my Golden Retriever?
Soft crates are suitable for well-behaved, non-chewing Goldens during travel or supervised time. For home use, especially with puppies or anxious dogs, a wire or heavy-duty crate is safer to prevent escape or destruction.
How do I stop my Golden Retriever from chewing the crate bars?
Chewing often indicates boredom or anxiety. Increase exercise and mental stimulation. Provide durable chew toys inside the crate. If chewing persists, consider a heavy-duty crate with thicker bars or spray the bars with a bitter deterrent.
Should I cover my Golden Retriever's crate?
Covering the crate can create a den-like environment that helps anxious dogs feel secure. However, ensure ventilation and monitor temperature, as Goldens can overheat. Use a breathable cover and avoid covering entirely in warm weather.
Is it okay to leave my Golden Retriever in a crate while at work?
Adult Goldens can be crated for up to 4-6 hours, but not a full workday. Puppies need more frequent breaks. If you are away longer, consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare. Always provide water and a comfortable bed.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dogs, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
