When we set out to compare these dog crates, our goal was simple: match the right crate to the right dog and the right use case. We looked at manufacturer sizing charts, build materials, door configurations, and the aggregated feedback owners have left across thousands of reviews. What we found is that crate choice is less about brand loyalty and more about fit. A collapsible travel crate solves a different problem than a wire iCrate sized for a 60-pound dog. In our evaluation we leaned on the manufacturers’ own weight-and-breed guidance, then weighed it against how durable and secure each design actually proves to be for day-to-day use. Below we break down what we like, where each crate fits, and how to choose without guessing.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Crates
★ Top Pick: PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Crate, Folda…
Expert Picks: Best Dog Crates for Sizing & Behavior (2026)
Find the right crate by matching size and type to your dog's behavior. Our top pick is the PetSafe Happy Ride foldable travel crate for dogs up to 60 lbs.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
★ Top Pick: PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Crate, Folda…
5
Crates compared
4
Door configurations reviewed
18 to 70 lbs
Weight range covered
2
Crate types (wire and soft)
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Travel: PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Crate, Foldable Travel Crate for Pets Up to 60 Lbs. We like that the PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Cratefolds flat and is built speci.
- Best Overall: MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble. We chose the 30-inch MidWest iCrate double-door as our overall pick for medium breeds in t.
- Best for Large Breeds: MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble. We recommend the 36-inch single-door iCrate for medium-large dogs in the 41 to 70 pound ra.
- Best Budget: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan. We picked the Amazon Basics soft folding crate as the budget travel option because it coll.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Crate,… | Best Travel | Check price → |
| MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Med… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Med… | Best for Large Breeds | Check price → |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate… | Best Budget | Check price → |
Why this matters
Crate satisfaction comes down to correct sizing and matching crate type to behavior, not gauge of wire or brand name. A chewer in a soft crate or a puppy in an oversized wire crate will frustrate any owner.
The Options
Types Explained
Wire single-door crate
An open-air metal crate with one access door and a slide-out tray, designed as a stationary home base indoors.
Best for: House-training and dogs that need airflow and visibilityWire double-door crate
A folding metal crate with two access points for flexible placement in rooms or vehicles.
Best for: Owners who want placement flexibility and easy in-and-out accessSoft collapsible travel crate
A fabric-and-frame crate that folds flat with zipper entry, built for portability rather than chew resistance.
Best for: Calm, crate-trained dogs and car or short-trip travelThe Rankings
Top 4 Picks
#1
Best Travel
PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Crate, Foldable Travel Crate for Pets Up to 60 Lbs
We like that the PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Dog Car Cratefolds flat and is built specifically for car travel, with a stable footprint for the back seat or cargo area. In our evaluation it suits owners who need a portable kennel rather than a permanent indoor crate.
#2
Best Overall
MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Double Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
We chose the 30-inch MidWest iCrate double-door as our overall pick for medium breeds in the 21 to 40 pound range because the two-door layout gives real placement flexibility. We also like the slide-out pan and divider panel that grows with a puppy.
#3
Best for Large Breeds
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
We recommend the 36-inch single-door iCrate for medium-large dogs in the 41 to 70 pound range where floor space and headroom matter most. The single door keeps the footprint manageable while still fitting bigger dogs comfortably.
#4
Best Budget
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan
We picked the Amazon Basics soft folding crate as the budget travel option because it collapses easily and needs no assembly. We note it is best reserved for calm, crate-trained dogs since the fabric will not survive a determined chewer.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Size to your dog, not your space
Measure your dog standing and add a few inches of height and length. A crate should let the dog stand, turn, and lie flat. Oversizing a puppy crate undermines house-training.
02
Wire versus soft-sided
Wire crates like the iCrate suit chewers and stationary use. Soft folding crates suit calm, crate-trained dogs for travel but are easy to claw through.
03
Door configuration
Single-door crates fit tight corners. Double-door models give you placement flexibility in a room or car. Match the door layout to where the crate will live.
04
Folding and portability
Collapsible crates store flat and travel well. Check fold mechanism quality and whether assembly is tool-free, which matters most for travel use.
05
Escape and security
Look at latch design and slide-bolt strength. Strong or anxious dogs test latches constantly, so secure hardware matters more than thin gauge wire.
06
Cleaning and maintenance
A removable plastic pan in wire crates makes cleanup simple. Soft crates need machine-washable or wipeable fabric, especially for puppies still in training.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Introduce the crate gradually
Feed meals near and then inside the crate, keep the door open at first, and reward calm entry. Rushing crate time can create lasting anxiety.
Size up with a divider for puppies
Use a divider panel so a growing puppy has just enough room to stand and turn. This supports house-training and saves buying a second crate.
Never use the crate as punishment
Keep the crate a positive, calm space. If your dog shows persistent distress, panting, or self-injury, consult a veterinarian or certified behaviorist.
Pro tip
Measure your dog from nose to tail base and floor to top of head while standing, then add four inches to each. Buy the crate that fits that number rather than the one labeled for your breed.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does my dog need?
Measure your dog standing from nose to tail base and floor to head, then add about four inches to each measurement. The crate should let your dog stand, turn around, and lie down fully stretched.
Are soft crates safe for puppies?
Soft crates work for calm, crate-trained dogs but not for puppies in the chewing or house-training stage. Puppies can claw or chew through fabric, so a wire crate with a washable pan is the safer starting point.
Single door or double door, which is better?
A single door suits tight corners and keeps the footprint smaller. A double door gives you flexibility to place the crate in a room or vehicle and access your dog from two sides, which many owners prefer.
Can I use a travel crate as an everyday crate?
A folding travel crate like the PetSafe Happy Ride can serve double duty for calm dogs, but it is designed for portability rather than constant stationary use. For a daily home base, a wire crate is more durable.
How do I stop my dog from escaping the crate?
Choose a crate with sturdy slide-bolt latches and check them before each use. If your dog still escapes or shows distress, the crate may be too small or your dog may need a slower crate-training process guided by a trainer.
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.
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