Give Your Golden Retriever Comfort with a 42-Inch Crate
Find the perfect crate for your Golden Retriever. The 42-inch size ensures comfort, and the MidWest iCrate offers secure latches and versatility for travel.
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Best Overall: MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door. Durable, easy to assemble, and comes with a divider panel for growing puppies.
Best Two Door: MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Two Door. Offers dual access, making it easier to place in tight spaces and for your dog to enter.
Best for Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel. Airline-approved, sturdy plastic construction, and excellent ventilation for safe trips.
Best Heavy Duty: Frisco Heavy Duty Wire Crate. Reinforced steel construction and chew-proof latches for escape artists.
Best Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate. Lightweight, portable, and ideal for indoor use or camping with your Golden.
Quick answer
The best crates for Golden Retrievers are the MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door & Two Door, the Petmate Sky Kennel, and the Frisco Heavy Duty Wire Crate. These offer the right size, ventilation, and security for your Golden.
What to consider for a Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are medium to large dogs, typically weighing 55-75 pounds. They need a crate that is spacious enough to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A 42-inch crate is usually ideal for adults. Consider material: wire crates offer ventilation and visibility, while plastic kennels are better for travel and provide a den-like feel. Durability is key as Goldens can be strong chewers. Look for crates with secure latches and easy assembly.
How we picked
We evaluated crates based on size suitability for Golden Retrievers, construction quality, safety features, ease of cleaning, and customer reviews. We prioritized crates that are sturdy, have good ventilation, and are comfortable for long-term use.
A properly sized crate (42 inches) is crucial for comfort. Wire crates offer versatility, while plastic kennels excel for travel. Always prioritize secure latches.
The Options
Types Explained
Wire Crates
Metal crates with excellent ventilation and visibility. Often foldable for storage.
Best for: Home use, training, and dogs that like to see their surroundings.
Plastic Kennels
Molded plastic crates with a door and ventilation slots. Often airline-approved.
Best for: Travel, vet visits, and dogs that prefer a den-like environment.
Soft-Sided Crates
Fabric crates with mesh windows. Lightweight and easy to set up.
Best for: Indoor use, camping, and well-behaved dogs that don't chew.
Heavy Duty Crates
Reinforced metal or plastic crates designed to withstand chewing and escape attempts.
Best for: Strong chewers, escape artists, and anxious dogs.
The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door
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Durable, easy to assemble, and comes with a divider panel for growing puppies.
Choose a crate that allows your Golden to stand, turn, and lie flat. Measure your dog from nose to tail and add 2-4 inches.
02
Material
Wire crates offer ventilation and visibility; plastic crates provide a cozy den feel and are better for travel; soft crates are lightweight but less durable.
03
Durability
Goldens can be strong chewers. Look for reinforced seams, heavy-duty latches, and chew-proof materials.
04
Portability
If you travel, consider a collapsible wire crate or an airline-approved plastic kennel. Soft crates are also portable but not for chewing dogs.
05
Ease of Cleaning
Removable trays or washable liners make cleaning accidents easier. Look for crates with a removable pan or machine-washable cover.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Cleaning
Wipe down the crate weekly with pet-safe cleaner. Wash removable trays and liners regularly to prevent odors.
Placement
Put the crate in a quiet, family area where your Golden can see you. Avoid drafty or overly hot spots.
Training
Introduce the crate gradually with positive reinforcement. Use treats and toys to create a positive association.
Pro tip
Place a comfy bed or mat inside and leave the door open initially. Toss treats in to build positive association before closing the door.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a Golden Retriever need?
Most adult Goldens need a 42-inch crate. For puppies, use a divider to adjust the space as they grow.
Are wire or plastic crates better for Goldens?
Wire crates are great for home use with good ventilation and visibility. Plastic crates are better for travel and provide a den-like feel.
Can I use a crate for a Golden Retriever puppy?
Yes, crate training is highly recommended. Use a divider to prevent accidents and ensure proper sizing.
How do I stop my Golden from escaping the crate?
Ensure the crate is sturdy and latches are secure. For persistent escape artists, consider a heavy-duty crate with reinforced locks.
Should I cover the crate at night?
Covering can help some dogs feel secure, but ensure ventilation. If your Golden is anxious, a covered crate may help.
How long can a Golden Retriever stay in a crate?
Adult Goldens can generally handle 4-6 hours during the day, but not more than 8 hours overnight. Puppies need more frequent breaks.
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 Dog Crates, 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.
