Our 11 Highest Rated Dog Kennels, Cages and Crates Overall in 2023

Are you a traveling dog owner? Or are you, perhaps, looking for a permanent-bed option for your furry friend? Either way, a quality dog crate is your best option – it will make your beloved pet feel safe, secure, and comfortable.

While searching for one, it would be a wise decision to do some homework so that you can get a model that suits your own and your dog’s needs.

As one of the sturdiest dog crates on the market, the Guardian Gear ProSelect Empire definitely deserves our Best Overall award. It’s a genuine heavy-duty kennel, with construction and weight that are guaranteed to prevent even the most aggressive canines from escaping.

Every stress point on the surface of this model has undergone heavy-duty welding, and its corners have been rounded off. It is also rust-resistant, and all of these things easily turn the ProSelect Empire into a crate with the best construction quality on the market.

Whether you’re starting to train a new puppy or doing the same thing with an adult dog, consider purchasing the Midwest Life model if you’re on a tight budget. This affordable folding double-door model effortlessly cuts the housebreaking time in half, and can easily reduce the behavioral issues of your canine friend.

It’s an exceptionally versatile model, and one of the first things to notice about it is the divider panel. Its purpose is to allow the dog owner to conveniently adjust the length of the available space when the need arises. Adjusting the divider as the puppy grows removes the need to purchase several cages of different size, which is yet another money-saving characteristic of this kennel.

For easy placement in the corner of the room or the car, the model also features double doors, which are there to allow both front and side access. This makes things a lot easier, especially if you’re a dog owner who frequently travels with this pooch.

Other features worth mentioning are the satin-black electro-coat finish, slide-bolt latches, as well as the handles for carrying. For the price that it comes at, the Midwest Life is undoubtedly a steal!

Want to learn more? Check out our in-depth analysis here.

As the name suggests, the best thing about it is its design. Due to the fact that it can be collapsed to a height of just 8 inches, this model is incredibly portable – it’s the perfect choice for the traveling dog owners.

Furthermore, it has very narrow spaces between the bars, preventing the pooch from bending them and from reaching the latches. The main build material is aluminum, so there’s no need for worrying about damage during bumpy rides. Aluminum is incredibly lightweight, so it’s pretty easy to carry it around with your hands.

This soft dog crate comes with a number of essential benefits. It combines a steel tube frame with durable, high-quality mesh fabric to provide your dog with an environment that’s both safe and comfortable. As the name suggests, it sports three doors – on the front, on the top, and on the side.

Due to the model’s mesh walls, the interior is well-ventilated, turning this product into an excellent choice for the long car rides in the summer. There’s also a removable & washable cover, as well as some pockets that allow easy storage of the essential accessories.

The model’s high-quality stainless steel build is immediately noticeable – this is a very sturdy product, and as such successfully contains even the most aggressive canines. The material used for its manufacture is also very durable, removing the need to worry about things like corrosion or general deterioration.

Every part of this product was designed with care – there’s the tight spacing between the wires, no sharp edges, and the package includes one of the most durable waterproof covers we’ve seen so far. The fact that the cover is also UV-resistant deserves special words of praise.

With its simple but sophisticated design, the Carlson secure model provides the dog with easy access and a comfortable environment. As you can see from the picture, it features see-through walls, thus allowing the owner to easily monitor his canine friend.

The full steel body of this model is highly durable, and, when assembled, can easily house a dog weighing up to 120 pounds. Maintaining the hygiene is effortless, thanks to the inclusion of a removable black-colored composite pan.

Manufactured and sold by the Amazon brand, this roomy model offers a lot of sleeping & relaxing space for your large dog. It can also be used for house or potty training, as well as for reinforcing the boundaries and rules of your home.

As the name says, the kennel can be bought in two different versions – single and double door. We’ve had the double door version on the test, which is also the one that provides easier access to the pet. Each door sports two slide-bolt latches, effortlessly containing the dog within its interior.

When it comes to pet crates, MidWest is among the most trusted sellers – their models are always designed with comfort, security, and safety in mind. The same can be said for this model, which is, in our opinion, the best one you can purchase as an owner of a smaller canine.

It can be bought in several different variants, with the 2-door one being the best of them. It includes things like the durable dog tray, rubber feet that protect the floor, the divider panel, as well as the strong carrying handle. Transporting and containing your small pup is effortless with this kennel.

This model, the most popular dog crate manufactured by Gunner, is a fantastic option for the dog owners that travel a lot. The reasons behind this are its sturdy construction, well-ventilated interior, rubber feet, two separate locks, as well as the overall compact size.

Capable of housing dogs up to 75 pounds in size, this crate features double-walled roto-molded plastic as its primary build material. The only thing you’ll need for its assembly is a screwdriver, and it takes around half an hour to put it together.

The model has plenty of holes in its gate and walls, providing the pooch with a breathable environment. As we said, it also has two locks on its doors (paddle latch & sliding button), rubber feet that grip the car’s cargo floor, and a drain plug for easy cleaning.

These qualities will allow you to travel with your pooch effortlessly – Gunner Kennels certainly did a good job with this model.

Want to learn more? Check out our in–depth analysis here.

If your dog becomes anxious once you leave the house, he is probably suffering from separation anxiety. You’ll need to get him a suitable crate for his condition, and Jespet 3 Door is one of the best choices on the market.

There are three entrances on this model – on the front, on the side, and on the top. These provide easy access, breathability, and convenience sunlight. Ample ventilation allows the owner to use this model in all seasons, while the included fleece bed provides your four-legged friend with a comfortable place for relaxing.

It’s no wonder that some pet parents prefer plastic crates – it’s easy to double them as travel kennels. Adding some cushioning to Petmate Compass turns this model into a perfect haven for your four-legged companion. Fortunately, that’s not the only good thing about it.

As you can see, the model features sizeable holes on its walls. These offer optimal visibility and easy supervision, but also provide the pooch with necessary ventilation in the summer months. The plastic material itself is heavy-duty and durable, so there’s no need to worry about cracking or breaking.

Best by Material

Like all other dog equipment, the dog crates are built from various materials. Some are very sturdy, such as the steel ones, while some possess qualities that make them look very stylish, such as the wooden kennels. Let’s have a closer look at the three most commonly used materials for the manufacture of pet enclosures:

There are a lot of companies that specialize in the manufacture of steel pet crates. These kinds of kennels are very popular among the pet owners, for a number of reasons. Here are some of them:

First of all, they are stronger and last longer than all other types of cages. Often, they are used for containment and training of large and aggressive dogs, since they can take a lot of beating and easily stop even the strongest escape artists from escaping. Most models have strong locks and provide exceptional security.

On the other hand, steel as the primary build material makes them quite heavy and hard to transport. They are not the best choice for the owners who often move the crates or those who travel frequently.

Best by Specific Type

If we don’t count the build material, the dog cages can also be separated into categories based on their specific types. Some models are manufactured for indoor use only and some to be used in your backyard. There are also durable and sturdy heavy-duty models, as well as “playpens” that provide your puppy with an area for playing.

Often called “dog carriers,” these are becoming more and more popular with time. They provide our four-legged companions with a cozy den-like feeling and are perfect when it comes to vacations and camping. Read our full reviews about soft-sided crates.

They can be particularly useful to the owners of smaller dogs, who will find their compact size and low weight very convenient. Getting the pet in and out of a soft crate is exceptionally easy and hassle-free – there no complicated locks, only zippers.

Another great thing is that these enclosures require no assembly. With no panels, hinges, locks, and screws, setting a soft model up can be done by literally anyone. Moreover, most models sport a foldable, space-saving design for easy storage.

On the other hand, they are not suitable for housetraining and aggressive dogs (or those that chew a lot) as they can easily tear them apart.

Read More: A Buyer’s Guide to The Highest Rated Dog Strollers

Our Picks by Size

The most significant benefit of owning a large dog kennel is pretty obvious – these types of boxes offer the most space. This, in turn, makes them an excellent choice for the owners of large breeds, who will find these enclosures suitable for the needs of their huge four-legged companions.

Due to their size, these are built with durability and reliability in mind, which is precisely why they often sport things like sturdy metal walls, multiple locks, removable waste trays, and other convenient features. Some large models even offer multiple doors, providing the pooch with easier access to the interior.

Since they’re much bigger than all other types of kennels, these enclosures are suited for permanent, stationary use – those who will need to move them often should look for the models with caster wheels.

Our Picks for Specific Uses

Many people like taking their pets along for trips, and who can blame them – picnics are definitely more fun when the dogs are around! However, one can’t just put the dog in the car and be done with it. A dog owner needs to purchase a crate that will allow easy transport of his furry companion from one place to another.

In our opinion, the best types of pet enclosures for this purpose are the soft dog crates (also called dog carriers). Since they use soft mesh fabric as the primary build material, they are incredibly easy to move around. Moreover, they provide the pooch with a very comfortable interior and often sport storage pockets for various accessories, such as water bottles.

However, these are not the best choice if your pooch is aggressive or likes to chew a lot. For such canines, you will need something a bit sturdier, like a small kennel with steel wire walls.

Highest Rated Kennels for Specific Breeds

Each breed of dog is different and comes with its own needs and requirements. One can’t really expect to successfully use the same kind for a Labrador puppy and an adult German Shepherd – these canines are different and require different enclosures.

Strong, agile, and ferociously loyal to their owners, the German Shepherds are one of the most beloved breeds of dogs on the planet. Along with the strength, their possible tendency to escape is one of the reasons why the owners need to purchase durable and reliable crates for their German Shepherds.

In other words, selecting a model that’s virtually indestructible is the best solution – steel bars, heavy-duty steel frame, and multiple locks will stop even the most determined members of this breed from making an escape. For that matter, heavy-duty steel kennels are the best choice for the owners of German Shepherds.

However, these products also come with a couple of downsides. The most significant one of them is that they’re quite hard to move around since they’re intended to be used as stationary dog crates.

How to Choose an Ideal Crate for Your Dog – Buying Guide

Using a crate of perfect size will allow your canine friend to feel comfortable, secure, and safe. However, no breed is of the same size, which makes choosing the ideal-sized model quite challenging. Have no worries – we’ll teach you how to measure your four-legged friend and find him a kennel of the proper size. Read our Dog Crate Size Breed Chart.

Dog Breeds by Size

• Extra Small (below 10 pounds):  Shih Tzu, Dachshund, Pomeranian, Chihuahua
• Small (11-25 pounds):  Scottish Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, Shetland Sheepdog
• Medium (26 -75 pounds):  Border Collie, Basset Hound, Bulldog, Brittany Spaniel
• Large (76-100 pounds): Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Retriever
• Extra Large (over 100 pounds):  Newfoundland, Great Dane, Mastiff, Saint Bernard

When buying an indoor or outdoor enclosure for his pet, some dog owners get pretty confused – the market offers crates, kennels, and carriers. What are the differences between these products? Aren’t they all the same thing? Even though the terms are used interchangeably and all types have the same purpose (keeping the dog contained), there are still some slight differences between each variant.

When it comes to keeping our furry friends healthy and active, exercise is undoubtedly among the most essential factors. Those that are about to introduce their dogs to daily training often wonder which type of an enclosure should they choose – a crate or a playpen? Let’s take a closer look:

• Crates

Unlike the two other types, these are the first thing people think about when someone mentions a “dog enclosure.” They can be made out of various materials, such as steel wire, soft mesh fabric, galvanized steel, hard plastics, wood, and others.

They are not as large as the kennels, and are, therefore, suitable for indoor use. Perfect for medium-sized breeds, these items can be seen everywhere – inside the living room, the backyard, in the car, at a picnic, and many other places. They are the most versatile type of dog enclosures, and, depending on the specific type, can be used for potty training, for pets with separation anxiety, as well as safe havens where canines can sleep and relax.

• Kennels

The dog kennels, on the other hand, are bigger and therefore most commonly used for large breeds, such as Mastiff or Great Dane. Due to their durable construction, they are often used outdoors – the owners use them to keep their large dogs contained in the backyard.

These enclosures are also the hardest to escape from, as they feature thick bars and multiple locks. The most expensive models come with built-in houses and have food and water bowls attached to their walls.

•  Carriers

Even though the dog carriers can also be made from plastic, the term usually encompasses models made out of soft materials. As the name suggests, they are a perfect choice for the traveling pet owners due to their high mobility and portability. Typically, they even sport storage pockets for the travel necessities, such as water bottles and various snacks.

The difference between these pet enclosures should be much clearer now – try to obtain one that suits the dog’s and your own needs the best.

• Playpens

The most significant advantage of a playpen is the modularity you get with it. As you can already guess, the owner can quickly change the shape of the playpen in almost any way he wants – square, rectangle, octagonal shape, and others. This will provide the pooch with a sizeable area for playing, sleeping, and relaxing.

The biggest downside is that they’re not the most suitable choice when it comes to housebreaking. Moreover, the walls of some models are quite low, and the more determined pups can easily exploit this error.

During the first stages of training, there’s a high chance that your pooch will not stop making noise with constant barking and whining. It can turn into a massive problem if you live in a quiet neighborhood, so let’s take a look at a couple of ways in which you can make your pet quieter:

• Avoid emotional farewells

An emotional farewell is sure to leave your pooch distressed, leading him to whine and bark until you get back home.

• Get the dog exhausted

A tired pooch doesn’t have enough energy for barking. Play with him and take him for walks, making him want to sleep as soon as he’s back inside the crate.

• Place the cage in a comfortable room

Your canine friend needs to feel safe when you’re not around. Placing his new enclosure inside an unfamiliar room certainly won’t help.

• Get your pet a toy

Consider buying a comfort or ball toy for your four-legged friend – it will keep him distracted and make him less anxious. Try to get one of those toys that pop out treats when chewed in the right way.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to keep down the noise by making your pet feel more relaxed. Good luck!

There are a plethora of reasons because of which one would want to train his four-legged friend. An indoor kennel can be of great value when it comes to housebreaking or potty training, and it also presents an excellent way to transport your furry companion. Moreover, the dog can use it as his safe space when he’s scared or anxious.

If you’re about to start with training, take a look at the following tips and make the whole process a bit easier:

1. Casual Introduction

The worst way in which you could introduce your puppy to his new crate is to immediately lock him inside it. The key is in the casual introduction – place the cage in a good spot and add some blankets and toys. In that way, the pooch will have a chance to explore the place on his own. Encourage him to get inside by placing some treats inside the kennel.

2. Positive Association

To make the dog comfortable with staying inside the cage for longer periods, you could start putting his meals inside of it. Place them all the way at the back so that he goes all the way in.

3. Closing the Door

Once the pooch is completely inside and eating, close the door. Open it as soon as he’s done with the meal, and gradually increase the locked time by adding a couple of minutes each day.

4. Extending the Cage Time

To increase the dog’s time inside the cage, use his favorite toys and treats. Hang out by the crate and go to a different room to see how he’s behaving when left alone in the kennel. Encourage the dog to get inside and give him praises every time he does so.

A lot of people flinch in horror when someone mentions “locking the dog in a crate.” An important thing to say here is that our canine friends have a natural denning instinct and that small and enclosed spaces give them a sense of safety and security. Moreover, a dog kennel that’s used correctly is far from cruel and actually provides both the dog and his owner with a number of benefits.

It’s not just a useful tool when it comes to house training but can also keep the pooch safe at home and during the long car rides. It can prevent the bad habits from forming and provide the pup with a safe space he can retreat to when he’s feeling scared or anxious. It quickly becomes the only place in the house which is not stepped over by people – areas with a lot of traffic are not what dogs are looking for when they want to sleep or relax.

Another great thing is that they provide the owner with easy supervision. This is especially useful during the young and adolescent stages, as that’s when the puppies get into trouble when left alone.

A dog cage is only cruel if the dog’s owner uses it cruelly. It’s not the tool that’s cruel, but the person using it in that way.

Pet Kennel Accessories for Maximum Comfort

The cage dryers definitely have their own special place in the grooming world. These handy devices come in three different variants – heated cage dryers, box dryers, and ambient air dryers.

• Heated cage dryers are, in most cases, hanged on the frontal part of the kennel. When used properly, they are very effective and valuable.
• The box dryers, on the other hand, are cabinets with glassed fronts and enclosed sides, in which the heated air is blowing and drying the canine. They usually have things like timers and thermostatic controls.
• And lastly, the ambient air dryers feature no heating elements but rather use the moving air and ambient air temperature to dry the dogs.

If your pet’s cage is situated in a colder environment during a cold winter, consider getting a heating pad. Suitable for both dogs and cats, these items can be used in crates and on floors and provide the pets with a necessary warmness that allows pleasant sleeping.

Most models are electric-powered and are made out of durable materials that easily withstand chewing and clawing. There are many different shapes and patterns available, providing the dog owner with a degree of customization.

Due to the warmth and comfort that they offer, the heating pads can keep the dog secure and warm all year long – it’s one of the best additions an owner can get for his pet.

Even though the cage hammocks are more suitable for cats and smaller animals, they can still be used for dogs of smaller breeds. Just like the previously mentioned heating pads, a hammock can provide your pet with a comfy spot for resting. The fact that they’re hanging makes them perfect for pets that always search for high places when they’re in need of sleep or relaxing.

The market offers a myriad of different brands and models, coming in all shapes and made out of various materials. In our opinion, the best ones are those that can be quickly attached via the included spring clips – setting them up is quick and hassle-free.

In case a heating bed is insufficient for keeping your pooch warm, consider getting a pet cage heater. These come in all shapes and sizes, but most are mounted to the side of the kennel and produce hot air that keeps the pet warm. They are either AC or battery operated, have built-in thermometers, and are often whisper-quiet.

The fans, on the other hand, also offer quiet operation but have a different purpose – to keep pets cool. We advise getting a model with a retractable grip and several different operational speeds.

Due to their small size, the interiors of some dog crates can become excessively warm during hot summers. As you can already guess, this is not good for the dog’s health, especially if he’s of a breed that’s prone to overheating.

Fortunately, an owner can easily purchase a special air conditioner for his pet’s cage. These work just like the regular air conditioners – they pump in the cold air and keep your four-legged companion cool and calm. Unlike the fans, these devices are a bit more expensive – if you’re on a tight budget, you’ll have to find another way to keep your furry friend cold.

Insulated dog covers have the purpose of turning the dog kennel into a cozy spot during colder months. If you’re an owner of a canine who loves traveling with you in the car, you probably know how cold he can get during January or February rides. Tucked into a crate that’s coated with an insulated cover will allow your pooch to stay warm no matter the outside temperature.

Outdoor enthusiasts and dog sports competitors will find these covers useful too – they are of great help when it comes to keeping the dogs warmed up and ready to go. Most models come with multiple pockets, and these can be used for storage of water bottles, treats, and other things.

However, these should be used only with canines that are not excessive chewers – an aggressive or stressful pup can easily damage a cover beyond repair.

A divider panel is among the most versatile accessories you could get for your pet’s enclosure. First of all, it can save you a lot of money – the owners of two pups can use it to divide the crate instead of buying two separate enclosures. It can also be used to segregate the kennel so that the pooch doesn’t outgrow it.

Another purpose is to prevent the puppy from having too much room, as that can lead to toilet accidents. Fortunately, these accessories are not expensive and come in all shapes and sizes, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the one that suits your needs.

Many canines spend a significant portion of their day in their kennel, while their owners are running errands or working. Since every dog owner wants to keep his furry friend comfortable, getting quality bedding is of crucial importance.

Fortunately, today’s market offers crate beds and mattresses that are comfortable, durable, and thick. The most expensive ones are substantially stuffed and provide a lot of support. These indestructible beds are capable of withstanding a lot of abuse, which is an invaluable feature to owners of canines that are rough with their stuff and do a lot of chewing and scratching.

Dog bedding comes in lots of forms – there are flat dog mats, regular dog beds, couches, sofas, as well as pillow beds. They can be filled with various types of materials, such as foam, polyester fill, wood chips, and even with recycled clothes.

No matter which type you choose, you will provide your furry mate with more room from stretching and prevent him from jumping up and down your furniture, which can lead to severe injuries. Furthermore, your dog won’t have to sleep on the flat surface of the crate, which can have a very negative effect on his postural health.

Placing water and food dispensers inside the cage can be very convenient for both the dog and his owner. Your canine friend will have access to food and water at all times, and you will not have to get up and visit him every time it’s feeding time.

The market offers a wide array of different models, although each of them has similar functions. The price of a particular model usually depends on the amount of food/water that it can store, as well as on its build quality and ease of operation.

As you already know, large pet cages can be quite challenging to handle during the long journeys, and not all of them come with a set of caster wheels. Fortunately, there is a simple solution for such situations – using a special dolly can turn a long haul into a simple and easy thing.

The best models feature a durable construction (stainless steel) and have easy-roll but rigid wheels. They also feature heavy-duty pull handles and can be easily disassembled and stored away. Getting a quality dolly will undoubtedly make your life easier if you’re a traveling dog owner.

Not only do these comfortable little houses provide your pup with safety and security, but they can also save the dog from possible danger and dramatically accelerate the in-house training process. They can also help you in teaching the puppy to the toilet at appropriate times and proper places, as well as prevent your possessions from getting damaged when you can’t monitor the dog.