🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Care Products

Expert Picks: Best Heavy Duty Dog Crates for Chewers 2026

Dogs that chew through crates often need training and exercise, not just a stronger crate. We recommend the Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate for 2026.

PE
ProPawPicks Editorial Team
ProPawPicks Reviewer
Updated

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🐶 ★ Top Pick: Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate Check Price on Amazon →
10 gauge
Recommended wire thickness for chewers
8+ hours
Maximum daily crate time
2 inches
Minimum clearance above dog's head
Crash tested
Safety certification for car travel
⚡ Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate. Roto-molded construction with a steel door and aircraft-grade latches make this crate incr.
  • Best Budget: ProSelect Empire Heavy Duty Dog Cage. Made from 10-gauge welded wire with a reinforced frame, this cage is tough and affordable.
  • Best for Large Dogs: MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate. Offers reinforced corners and a divider panel for growing puppies.
  • Best for Airline: Petmate Sky Kennel. Meets most airline cargo requirements and is made from durable plastic with metal door.
  • Best for Car Travel: Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate. The same crate as Best Overall, but specifically excels in car safety with its crash testi.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

ProductBest For
Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate Best Overall Check price →
ProSelect Empire Heavy Duty Dog Cage Best Budget Check price →
MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door Folding Meta… Best for Large Dogs Check price →
Petmate Sky Kennel Best for Airline Check price →
Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate Best for Car Travel Check price →

Quick answer

The best heavy duty dog crate for chewers is the Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate for its roto-molded construction and aircraft-grade hardware. If you need a more budget-friendly option, the ProSelect Empire Cage offers strong welded wire. For extra large breeds, the MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door with reinforced corners is a solid choice.

What to consider for Heavy Duty Dog Crate For Chewers

Dogs that chew through crates need a combination of strong materials and escape-resistant design. Look for welded wire with thick gauge (10 to 12 gauge) or roto-molded plastic. Latches should be heavy duty and lockable. Avoid crates with thin plastic pans that can be chewed; replace with metal pans if possible. Size is critical: the crate must be large enough for the dog to stand and turn, but not so large that they can gain leverage to bend bars.

What to look for in a travel or containment product (crate, carrier, gate or car seat)

For chewers, prioritize construction over aesthetics. Welded wire crates with no sharp edges are safer. For car travel, a crash-tested crate like the Gunner G1 is ideal. Ventilation should be ample on multiple sides. Easy cleaning is important; a removable tray or washable pad helps. Portability matters if you travel; folding crates are convenient but may be less secure. Ensure the crate is escape-proof with padlock-ready latches.

How we chose these picks

  • Evaluated crate construction materials and gauge of wire or plastic thickness.
  • Checked latch and hinge durability for escape resistance.
  • Considered safety certifications like CPS crash testing for car travel.
  • Reviewed airline approval for travel crates.
  • Assessed ease of assembly, cleaning, and portability.
  • Read verified customer feedback on durability with chewers.
  • Compared price to value for long-term use.
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • A crate or carrier too small for the dog to stand and turn around in.
  • Unsecured carriers in a moving car; always use seatbelt straps or crate anchors.
  • Flimsy gates a determined dog can push through or climb.
  • Over-long crating; never leave a dog crated more than 8 hours a day.

For more guidance, check our dog guides and related categories: dog care products, dog health.

Why this matters

Dogs that chew through crates often have separation anxiety or high energy; addressing the root cause with training and exercise is as important as buying a strong crate.

The Options

Types Explained

Heavy Duty Wire Crate

Made from thick gauge welded wire with reinforced corners and heavy latches. Suitable for strong chewers.

Best for: Home use and dogs that are persistent chewers.

Roto-Molded Plastic Crate

Constructed from durable plastic using rotational molding, often with a metal door. Crash tested options available.

Best for: Car travel and airline transport.

Soft-Sided Carrier

Made from fabric with mesh windows. Lightweight and collapsible, but not chew-proof.

Best for: Well-behaved dogs and airline cabin travel (if approved).

Metal Exercise Pen

A portable enclosure made of wire panels. Not fully enclosed, but can be used for supervised confinement.

Best for: Temporary containment and play areas.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
Best Overall

Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate

View on Amazon

Roto-molded construction with a steel door and aircraft-grade latches make this crate incredibly durable. It's crash tested for car travel and has excellent ventilation. The main trade-off is the high price; it's a significant investment.

Check Price on Amazon →
#2
ProSelect Empire Heavy Duty Dog Cage
Best Budget

ProSelect Empire Heavy Duty Dog Cage

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Made from 10-gauge welded wire with a reinforced frame, this cage is tough and affordable. It includes a metal pan that resists chewing. The downside is it's heavy and not easily portable, and the door latch could be more secure.

Check Price on Amazon →
#3
MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
Best for Large Dogs

MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

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Offers reinforced corners and a divider panel for growing puppies. The double door design provides flexibility. However, the wire gauge is lighter than some heavy-duty options, so determined chewers may bend bars over time.

Check Price on Amazon →
#4
Petmate Sky Kennel
Best for Airline

Petmate Sky Kennel

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Meets most airline cargo requirements and is made from durable plastic with metal door. It has ventilation on all sides and a leak-proof bottom. The plastic can be chewed by persistent dogs, so it's best for travel only.

Check Price on Amazon →
#5
Best for Car Travel

Gunner G1 Intermediate Crate

View on Amazon

The same crate as Best Overall, but specifically excels in car safety with its crash testing and energy-absorbing design. It's heavy and expensive, but for car travel safety, it's unmatched.

Check Price on Amazon →
Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Material Strength

Welded wire should be at least 10 gauge. For plastic crates, roto-molded construction is strongest. Avoid crates with thin plastic pans that can be chewed.

02

Latch Security

Look for heavy-duty latches that can be padlocked. Some crates have slide-bolt latches that are easy for dogs to manipulate.

03

Size and Fit

The crate must allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Too large a crate can encourage chewing and escape attempts.

04

Ventilation

Multiple ventilation panels prevent overheating and provide visibility. For car travel, ensure airflow even when covered.

05

Portability

Folding crates are convenient for travel but may be less secure. Consider weight and handle design if you need to move the crate often.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Cleaning

Remove the tray and wash with mild soap and water. For wire crates, wipe down bars with a pet-safe cleaner. Disinfect regularly to prevent odor.

Maintenance

Check latches and hinges monthly for wear. Tighten any loose screws. Replace bent or broken wires immediately to prevent escape.

Storage

Fold wire crates flat when not in use. Store plastic crates in a dry area to prevent warping. Avoid exposing to extreme temperatures.

Pro tip

Place a metal pan or a chew-proof mat over the plastic tray to prevent your dog from chewing the bottom of the crate.

Frequently asked questions

How do I size a crate for my dog?
Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of head. Add 2 inches to height and length for a comfortable fit. The dog should be able to stand without hitting the top, turn around, and lie down fully stretched. For chewers, avoid oversized crates as they provide leverage for bending bars.
Are heavy duty crates safe for car travel?
Only if they are crash tested. The Gunner G1 is one of the few crates that has passed crash testing. Regular wire crates are not designed to withstand impact and can become projectiles. Always secure the crate with seatbelts or tie-downs, and never place a crate in the front seat.
What are airline rules for dog crates?
Airlines require crates to be IATA compliant. The crate must be hard-sided with a leak-proof bottom, ventilation on at least two sides, and a secure door. Check with your airline for specific size limits. Soft-sided carriers are only allowed in-cabin for small dogs.
How long can I leave my dog in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 8 hours per day, and puppies need more frequent breaks. Continuous crating beyond this can lead to physical and behavioral issues. Always provide water and a comfortable bed.
Is ventilation important in a heavy duty crate?
Yes, proper ventilation prevents overheating and reduces stress. Look for crates with windows on multiple sides. Avoid covering the crate completely with blankets; instead, leave one side open for airflow.
How can I make my crate escape-proof?
Use padlocks on all latches. Reinforce any weak points with zip ties or metal brackets. Ensure the door hinges are secure. For wire crates, use carabiners to secure the door to the frame. Consider a crate cover to reduce visual stimulation.
Should I choose a soft or hard carrier for my chewer?
Hard carriers are essential for chewers. Soft carriers can be easily torn and are not secure. Even heavy-duty soft carriers are not recommended for dogs that chew or scratch. Opt for a hard plastic or wire crate.
What is the best way to crate train a chewer?
Start with positive association by feeding meals in the crate. Gradually increase time with the door open. Use a durable chew toy inside. Never use the crate as punishment. If the dog shows anxiety, consult a certified trainer.
Can a heavy duty crate be used for a puppy?
Yes, but choose one with a divider panel so you can adjust the space as the puppy grows. Ensure the crate is not too large, as puppies may use one end as a bathroom. Monitor for chewing on the crate itself.
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 Care Products, 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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Sources and further reading

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.