Best Dog Crate for Goldendoodles

You searched “best dog crate for goldendoodle” at some point — probably because your doodle is either destroying furniture while you’re out, refusing to settle at night, or you’re bringing home a new puppy and want to set things up right. Whatever brought you here, the crate decision matters more for Goldendoodles than most people realize.

Here’s the problem most first-time doodle owners run into: they buy a crate based on their dog’s current weight, pick the wrong size, and then spend months wondering why crate training isn’t working. Goldendoodles are one of the trickiest breeds to crate-shop for because they come in three dramatically different size ranges — and they grow fast.

This guide covers everything you need to know to pick the right crate for your specific Goldendoodle, plus the seven best options across every size and use case.

What Size Crate Does a Goldendoodle Need?

Goldendoodles don’t fit neatly into one crate size. There are three standard sizes, and the difference between them is substantial:

• Mini Goldendoodle (15–35 lbs): 30″ or 36″ crate
• Medium Goldendoodle (35–50 lbs): 36″ or 42″ crate
• Standard Goldendoodle (50–90 lbs): 42″ or 48″ crate

The rule of thumb: your dog should be able to stand up without hunching, turn around fully, and lie down stretched out. That’s it. You don’t want extra room — especially during puppy crate training. Too much space and they’ll use one end as a bathroom.

If you’re buying for a puppy, get the adult size crate with a divider panel. Every crate on this list includes one. Block off the extra space now, expand it as they grow.

Not sure which size your doodle will be? If your breeder sold them as “medium,” they’re likely hitting 40–55 lbs adult weight. Go with a 42″. When in doubt, size up — you can always use a divider.

Why Crate Training Goldendoodles Is Different

Goldendoodles are Poodle-Golden Retriever crosses, and both parent breeds are people-oriented to an extreme. These dogs were not bred to be alone. They genuinely want to be near their people at all times, which means separation anxiety is common — and crate training done wrong makes it significantly worse.

A few things that matter specifically for this breed:

Ventilation is important. Standard Goldendoodles have dense, curly coats that trap heat. Wire crates with maximum airflow are almost always better than plastic travel crates for daily home use. If your doodle gets hot easily, avoid enclosed crates without heavy ventilation.

They’re chewers. Especially as puppies. Cheap crates with thin gauge wire get destroyed. Look for 3/8″ or thicker wire gauge if you have a heavy chewer.

They’re smart. Poodles are ranked #2 in canine intelligence. Goldendoodles inherit this. A bored, anxious doodle will figure out flimsy latches. Make sure whatever you buy has a solid locking mechanism.

They grow fast. A standard Goldendoodle puppy can go from 20 lbs to 65 lbs in six months. The divider panel system is essential — you’re not buying two crates.

What to Look For When Buying

Double-door design: Access from both the front and the side gives you flexibility in how you position the crate in your home. Many Goldendoodle owners put the crate in a bedroom corner — a side door makes access much easier.

Divider panel: Non-negotiable for puppies. Every good wire crate includes this.

Leak-proof tray: Accidents happen during training. A quality removable tray that doesn’t warp or crack under a big dog saves your floors.

Portability: If you travel or move the crate between rooms, a crate that folds flat without tools is a real quality-of-life win.

Rust resistance: Wire crates take a beating from wet noses and the occasional sloppy water bowl. Electro-coated or powder-coated finishes hold up better long-term.

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The 7 Best Dog Crates for Goldendoodles

1. MidWest iCrate 42″ Double Door — Best Overall for Standard Goldendoodles

The MidWest iCrate 42″ Double Door is the most recommended crate in the Goldendoodle community, and for good reason. It hits every mark: solid wire construction, front and side door access, a divider panel for puppies, and a leak-proof ABS plastic tray that holds up under a big dog.

The double-door design is genuinely useful for Goldendoodles. These dogs tend to have a preferred direction they want to enter — some always nose in from the front, others from the side. Having both options reduces stress during initial training. You can also position this crate in a tight bedroom corner and still access your dog easily from the side.

At 42″, it’s sized right for Goldendoodles in the 50–70 lb range. The divider lets you start smaller with a puppy and expand the space in stages as they grow. Assembly takes under ten minutes with no tools required, and it folds flat for storage or travel.

One note: the standard latches are good but not bulletproof for a determined escape artist. If your doodle is particularly clever with latches, add a carabiner clip as backup. Otherwise, this is the crate most trainers recommend first.

Best for: Standard Goldendoodles (50–70 lbs), puppies that will grow into it

Size: 42″ L × 28″ W × 30″ H

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2. MidWest iCrate 42″ Single Door — Best Value for Standard Goldendoodles

Same quality as the double-door version above, but with just the front door and a lower price. If you’re positioning the crate with clear front access and don’t need the side door, this saves you some money without sacrificing anything important.

Same divider panel, same leak-proof tray, same fold-flat design. MidWest’s construction quality is consistent across the line — you’re getting the same wire gauge and latch system.

The tradeoff is purely the second door. In tight spaces or bedroom corners, you’ll miss the side access occasionally. But for most setups where the front is accessible, this is a smart buy.

Best for: Standard Goldendoodles on a budget, setups with clear front access

Size: 42″ L × 28″ W × 30″ H

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3. MidWest iCrate 36″ Single Door — Best for Medium Goldendoodles

Medium Goldendoodles (roughly 35–50 lbs) are often undersized with a 42″ crate — they’ll have too much space and use corners as a bathroom during training. This 36″ version is the right fit for medium doodles and also works well for mini Goldendoodles that are on the larger side.

Everything that makes the MidWest iCrate line reliable applies here: the divider panel, removable tray, fold-flat design. It’s proportioned for a dog that needs to feel snug and secure without being cramped.

If your medium doodle is between sizes — say, 40 lbs but with a big frame — go with the 42″. But for most true medium Goldendoodles, 36″ is the sweet spot.

Best for: Medium Goldendoodles (35–50 lbs), larger mini Goldendoodles

Size: 36″ L × 23″ W × 25″ H

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4. Amazon Basics 48″ Folding Crate — Best for Large Standard Goldendoodles

Some standard Goldendoodles hit 75–90 lbs. For those big dogs, a 48″ crate is the right call — and the Amazon Basics 48″ delivers solid construction at a competitive price.

The wire gauge is adequate for most dogs, and the removable divider panel means you can use it from puppyhood through adulthood. The removable tray is durable and wipes clean easily. Folds flat for storage.

Where this crate falls short compared to MidWest is the latch design. The latches are fine for calm dogs, but a pushy or clever Goldendoodle may figure them out. If you have a large, determined escape artist, either pair this with a carabiner or step up to a heavy-duty option.

For the price and the 48″ size, though, this is genuinely hard to beat. It’s the most affordable option for big doodles that don’t chew or push against their crate.

Best for: Large standard Goldendoodles (70–90 lbs)

Size: 48″ L × 30″ W × 32.5″ H

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5. FDW 48″ Double Door Dog Crate — Best Budget Option for Large Goldendoodles

Another 48″ option for large Goldendoodles, this time with double-door access at a lower price point. The FDW crate has a similar profile to the Amazon Basics — removable tray, divider panel, fold-flat design — with the addition of front and side door access.

The wire is on the thinner side compared to MidWest, so this isn’t the choice if you have a heavy chewer or a dog that throws their weight against the crate walls. But for calm, well-adjusted Goldendoodles that just need a comfortable home base, it works well and saves you money.

Good option if you’re buying a spare crate for a second location (bedroom vs. living room), or if you’re on a tight budget and your large doodle is already well crate-trained.

Best for: Large Goldendoodles (70–90 lbs) on a budget, secondary crates

Size: 48″ L, double door

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6. Aurapaws 36″ with Lockable Wheels — Best for Goldendoodles You Move Between Rooms

This is the standout pick for Goldendoodle owners who move the crate around the house. The Aurapaws crate features a diamond mesh design (vs. square grid), lockable wheels, and a double-latch security system that’s notably more escape-resistant than standard wire crates.

The wheels are the headline feature: lock them when the crate is stationary, unlock to roll it from the bedroom to the living room without lifting. For medium-to-large dogs, rolling a heavy crate is genuinely easier than carrying it. If you tend to move your dog’s crate between rooms based on where the family is hanging out — which makes sense for separation anxiety dogs — this is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

The double secure latch design is also worth noting for smart Goldendoodles that have figured out single-latch crates before. The diamond mesh provides good ventilation while still looking more finished than basic wire crates.

Rated for dogs up to 100 lbs in a 36″ frame, which is unusual. This makes it viable for larger medium doodles (45–55 lbs) who would otherwise need a 42″.

Best for: Doodle owners who relocate the crate often, dogs with escape history

Size: 36″ with wheels, up to 100 lbs

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7. ZOMISIA Collapsible Crate with Wheels — Best for Travel

If you travel with your Goldendoodle and want something more stylish than a standard wire cage, the ZOMISIA collapsible crate is worth a look. The beige neutral color blends into most home aesthetics better than black wire crates, the heavy-duty steel construction is legitimately solid, and the two smooth wheels make it easy to move.

Assembly requires no tools — it pops open and locks in place. The collapsible design means it folds flat for car trips, hotel rooms, or storage between uses.

At 28″, this is sized for smaller dogs, making it best suited for mini Goldendoodles (under 25 lbs). The furniture-friendly aesthetic makes it a good guest room or bedroom option if you care about how it looks.

The limitations are real: this is not the right daily crate for a medium or standard Goldendoodle, and the capacity is lower than traditional wire crates. But as a travel companion or secondary crate for a mini doodle, it punches above its weight.

Best for: Mini Goldendoodles, travel use, owners who care about aesthetics

Size: 28″ L with wheels

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Crate Training a Goldendoodle: What Works

The crate itself is half the equation. How you introduce it determines whether your Goldendoodle ever actually relaxes in it.

Never use the crate as punishment. Once you put a dog in the crate angry, they associate it with something bad. It needs to be where good things happen.

Start with the door open. Let your doodle explore it freely for a few days before closing the door at all. Toss high-value treats inside. Feed meals in the crate with the door open. Build a positive association first.

Cover three sides. A blanket or crate cover over the back and sides creates a den-like feel. Many Goldendoodles settle faster in a covered crate because it reduces visual stimulation. Leave the front open.

Kong + crate = life saver. A frozen Kong stuffed with peanut butter buys you 20–30 minutes of quiet engagement and builds a strong positive association with crate time. This is the most practical tool for the first month of crate training.

Don’t extend too fast. Build up alone time in 5-minute increments. Goldendoodles with separation anxiety will whine and cry — don’t let them out when they’re vocalizing, or you’ve just taught them that crying opens the door. Wait for a quiet moment, even brief, before releasing.

Tire them out first. A Goldendoodle that’s had a 30-minute walk or play session before crate time is dramatically easier to settle than one with full energy. Exercise is the biggest crate-training hack nobody talks about enough.

For more on managing your Goldendoodle’s overall health and energy, check out our guide to the best dog food for Goldendoodles with sensitive stomachs — diet affects behavior more than most owners expect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying too small for a puppy. Puppies grow. A 30″ crate that fits your 12-week standard doodle will be useless in four months. Buy adult size with a divider.

Leaving a puppy in too long. Young puppies can’t hold their bladder for long periods. A general rule: puppies can hold it for one hour per month of age, plus one. An 8-week puppy = max 3 hours in the crate.

Plastic airline-style crates for hot coats. Goldendoodles overheat. Enclosed plastic crates restrict airflow significantly. Unless you need one for air travel, wire crates are almost always the better choice for daily home use.

Putting the crate in an isolated room. Social dogs crate better when they can see activity. Bedroom or living room works. Basement or laundry room usually makes anxiety worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate does a standard Goldendoodle need?

Most standard Goldendoodles need a 42″ crate. Dogs on the larger end (70 lbs and up) will need a 48″. Measure your adult dog: they should be able to stand, turn, and lie down stretched out without touching the sides or ceiling.

Should I get a wire crate or a plastic one for my Goldendoodle?

Wire crates are almost always better for Goldendoodles. Their dense coats trap heat, and wire crates provide maximum ventilation. Plastic crates are fine for air travel but shouldn’t be used as daily home crates for this breed.

My Goldendoodle puppy cries in the crate — what do I do?

Don’t let them out while they’re crying. This teaches them that vocalizing opens the door. Wait for a quiet pause — even two seconds — before opening the crate. Also make sure you’re not crating too long for their age, they’ve had exercise before crating, and there’s a Kong or chew to engage with.

How long can a Goldendoodle stay in a crate?

Adult Goldendoodles can typically stay in a crate for 4–6 hours during the day. Overnight is fine once they’re trained. Never exceed 8 hours. For puppies, follow the one hour per month of age plus one rule.

Do Goldendoodles have separation anxiety?

Many do. Both Golden Retrievers and Poodles are highly people-oriented breeds, and Goldendoodles tend to inherit this trait. Proper crate training (never as punishment, gradual alone time buildup, exercise before crating) significantly reduces anxiety. Severe separation anxiety may need professional help beyond crate training.

Can I leave two Goldendoodles in the same crate?

No. Even bonded dogs should have separate crates. Resource guarding and territorial behavior can emerge even in friendly dogs when sharing an enclosed space. Each dog needs their own den.

Is a divider panel necessary?

Yes, for puppies. Without a divider, puppies use the far end of the crate as a bathroom. Block off two-thirds of the space and expand it gradually as they grow and develop bladder control.

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Final Thoughts

The right crate for your Goldendoodle comes down to three things: the right size for their adult weight, wire construction for airflow, and a solid divider panel if they’re still a puppy.

For most standard Goldendoodle owners, the MidWest iCrate 42″ Double Door is the move. It’s the most tested, most recommended crate in the doodle community for good reason. If you have a large standard, step up to the Amazon Basics 48″. If you move the crate around the house often, the Aurapaws with wheels is worth the price.

Whatever you pick, the crate is only as good as how you introduce it. Take the first week slow, build positive associations, and your Goldendoodle can genuinely love their crate — not just tolerate it.

Also worth reading: our guides on the best brushes for doodle coats and best clippers for Goldendoodles — keeping that coat maintained makes crate time much more comfortable for everyone.