Choosing a crate is really about matching the right size to your dog and picking hardware that holds up to daily use. In our evaluation we looked at folding metal wire crates against manufacturer sizing charts, checking door latches, pan design, and how easily each one collapses for travel or storage. We weighed aggregated owner feedback on bent bars, slipping trays, and latch security. What we like about a good wire crate is the ventilation and visibility it offers compared to enclosed models. We recommend sizing so your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down fully, but not so large that house-training becomes harder. A divider panel lets a crate grow with a puppy. For dogs prone to anxiety, introduce the crate gradually with positive associations, and consult a veterinarian or certified trainer if your dog shows distress.
Choosing Kong Dog Crates
Getting the right size crate matters more than brand. See 2026 top Kong dog crate picks, including the FDW 48 inch with divider for puppies.
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: FDW Extra Large Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Doub…
Check Price on Amazon →
- Best Overall: FDW Extra Large Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,48 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Large Dogs,Black. We like the FDW Extra Large 48-inch crate for big breeds because its double-door design an.
- Best Value: Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Double Door with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 48" x 30" x 32.5", Black. We chose the Amazon Basics double-door wire crate for its removable tray and two access po.
- Best Single-Door: Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36" x 23" x 25", Black. We picked the Amazon Basics single-door crate for owners with tighter spaces who want a si.
- Best For Growing Dogs: 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 selected the MidWest iCrate 36-inch for medium to large breeds in the 41 to 70 pound ra.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| FDW Extra Large Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage wit… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate f… | Best Value | Check price → |
| Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate w… | Best Single-Door | Check price → |
| MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Med… | Best For Growing Dogs | Check price → |
Correct sizing matters more than brand. A crate sized to your dog's adult weight, with a divider for puppies, prevents both escape attempts and house-training setbacks.
Types Explained
Extra-Large Double-Door Crate
Large folding wire crates around 48 inches with two access points for big breeds.
Best for: Large and giant breeds needing full standing and turning room.Mid-Size Folding Crate
Crates around 36 to 42 inches that fold flat and include a removable tray.
Best for: Medium to large dogs and households that travel.Puppy-To-Adult Crate
Crates with a divider panel that adjusts usable space as a puppy grows.
Best for: Owners raising a puppy who want one crate for the long term.Top 4 Picks
FDW Extra Large Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,48 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Large Dogs,Black
We like the FDW Extra Large 48-inch crate for big breeds because its double-door design and folding metal frame give flexible placement and easy storage. In our evaluation we found the size suits large dogs that need full standing and turning room.
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Double Door with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 48" x 30" x 32.5", Black
We chose the Amazon Basics double-door wire crate for its removable tray and two access points at an accessible format. We like that it folds flat for travel while covering a wide range of mid-size to large dogs.
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36" x 23" x 25", Black
We picked the Amazon Basics single-door crate for owners with tighter spaces who want a simpler latch setup. We like the removable tray and straightforward fold, though the single door limits placement options.
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 selected the MidWest iCrate 36-inch for medium to large breeds in the 41 to 70 pound range because it includes a divider panel. We like that the divider lets the crate grow with a puppy toward its adult size.
Key Buying Factors
Size By Adult Weight
Match crate length to your dog's adult size. They should stand, turn, and lie flat comfortably without excess empty space during training.
Door Configuration
Single-door crates fit tighter spaces, while double-door models give flexible placement. Check that latches feel secure and slam-free.
Tray Design
A removable plastic or metal tray makes cleanup easier. Look for one that slides out without lifting the whole crate.
Build Strength
Gauge of wire and weld quality matter for strong or anxious dogs. Heavier-duty builds resist bending at stress points.
Folding And Portability
Most wire crates fold flat for travel and storage. Confirm the fold mechanism is simple and that handles are included for larger sizes.
Divider Panel
A divider lets a single crate grow with a puppy, saving you from buying multiple sizes as the dog matures.
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Introduce Gradually
Make the crate a positive space with treats and short sessions before leaving your dog alone. Forcing it can create lasting aversion.
Right-Size The Space
Use a divider for puppies so the area supports house-training. Too much room can encourage soiling at one end.
Clean And Inspect
Wipe the tray regularly and check latches and welds for wear. A loose latch or bent bar is a safety risk for strong dogs.
Place the crate in a quiet but social part of the home, not isolated in a basement. Dogs settle faster when they can still sense the household nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does my dog need?
Are wire crates better than plastic ones?
Should I use a divider for my puppy?
How do I stop my dog from bending the crate bars?
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
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.
More Dog Crates guides
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.