A dog crate is one of the most valuable tools in puppy raising, providing a safe space for your new companion while aiding in house training and preventing destructive behavior. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right crate can be overwhelming. This comprehensive buyer’s guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the best dog crate for your puppy in 2026.
Why Crate Training Matters
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s understand why crates are so valuable:
- House Training: Dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area, making crates invaluable for potty training
- Safety: Prevents puppies from accessing dangerous items when unsupervised
- Security: Creates a den-like safe space where puppies can relax
- Travel: Essential for safe car travel and required by many airlines
- Veterinary Stays: Crate-trained dogs experience less stress during vet or grooming visits
- Management: Useful tool for introducing puppies to new situations gradually
Types of Dog Crates
Wire Crates
Wire crates are the most popular option for home use, offering excellent ventilation and visibility.
Pros:
- Excellent airflow keeps dogs cool
- Full visibility for anxious dogs
- Foldable for easy storage and transport
- Often include divider panels for growing puppies
- Easy to clean
- Generally affordable
Cons:
- Can be noisy if dog moves around
- Some dogs can escape or injure themselves on bars
- Less insulated (colder in winter)
- Not airline approved
Best For: Home use, puppies, crate training beginners
Plastic/Airline Crates
Hard-sided plastic crates meet airline requirements and offer more enclosed, den-like spaces.
Pros:
- Airline compliant for air travel
- More enclosed/den-like feel
- Generally escape-proof
- Warmer in cool weather
- Quieter than wire
Cons:
- Less ventilation
- Limited visibility may increase anxiety in some dogs
- Don’t collapse for storage
- Harder to clean thoroughly
Best For: Air travel, dogs who prefer enclosed spaces, colder climates
Soft-Sided Crates
Fabric crates on collapsible frames offer lightweight portability.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Compact when folded
- Comfortable and cozy
- Good for travel
- Quiet
Cons:
- Not for dogs who chew or scratch
- Not escape-proof
- Harder to clean
- Less durable
Best For: Already crate-trained dogs, travel, temporary use
Heavy-Duty Crates
Built from aluminum, steel, or reinforced materials for dogs who escape or destroy standard crates.
Pros:
- Nearly indestructible
- Escape-proof for most dogs
- Can contain dogs with severe anxiety
- Long-lasting investment
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Heavy and difficult to move
- May look industrial
Best For: Escape artists, dogs with separation anxiety, large powerful breeds
Furniture-Style Crates
Crates designed to double as end tables or furniture pieces.
Pros:
- Attractive home décor
- Multi-functional
- Blend into living spaces
Cons:
- Less durable than purpose-built crates
- Often more expensive
- Not suitable for destructive dogs
- Harder to clean
Best For: Crate-trained adult dogs, style-conscious pet parents
Best Dog Crates for Puppies 2026
1. MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
Best Overall Wire Crate
The MidWest iCrate is the bestselling dog crate for good reason. It offers excellent value with features like a divider panel, double doors, and a fold-flat design.
Key Features:
- Includes free divider panel for growing puppies
- Double door access (front and side)
- Fold and carry design with handle
- Slide-bolt latches
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
Sizes: 18″ to 48″ | Price: $25-80
2. MidWest Life Stages Double Door Crate
Best for Growing Puppies
Similar to the iCrate but with heavier gauge wire and additional security features. The included divider allows you to expand the space as your puppy grows—one crate for life.
Key Features:
- Adjustable divider panel included
- Heavier gauge wire than iCrate
- Patented L-bar for added security
- Double doors
- Roller feet protect floors
Sizes: 22″ to 48″ | Price: $40-100
3. Petmate Sky Kennel
Best Airline-Approved Crate
The Petmate Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements for air travel and provides a secure, enclosed space that many dogs find comforting.
Key Features:
- IATA compliant for air travel
- Heavy-duty plastic shell
- Wire vents on all sides
- Secure steel wire door
- Tie-down strap holes for vehicle use
- Made in USA
Sizes: 21″ to 48″ | Price: $50-200
4. Diggs Revol Dog Crate
Best Premium Wire Crate
The Diggs Revol is a beautifully designed crate with innovative features like a diamond-mesh pattern (no sharp edges) and a puppy floor that catches accidents.
Key Features:
- Collapsible design with single-hand operation
- Diamond-shaped mesh (safer than traditional wire)
- Built-in puppy floor/divider
- Garage-style door won’t obstruct
- Wheels for easy movement
- Modern, attractive design
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large | Price: $350-575
5. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate
Best Budget Soft Crate
For already crate-trained dogs who need a portable option, the Amazon Basics soft crate offers good value for travel and temporary use.
Key Features:
- Lightweight fabric construction
- Multiple mesh windows for ventilation
- Folds flat for storage
- Includes carrying bag
- Washable fleece pad included
- Very affordable
Sizes: 21″ to 42″ | Price: $25-55
6. Impact Dog Crate
Best Heavy-Duty Crate
For dogs who destroy or escape standard crates, Impact offers aluminum construction that can contain even the most determined escape artists.
Key Features:
- Aluminum construction
- Escape-proof design
- Crash-tested for vehicle safety
- Multiple ventilation options
- Stackable for multi-dog households
- Lifetime warranty
Sizes: Various | Price: $500-1,200
7. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Crate
Best Furniture-Style Crate
The ecoFLEX crate functions as an attractive end table while providing a cozy space for your dog. Made from recycled materials, it’s eco-friendly and stylish.
Key Features:
- Doubles as end table
- ECOFLEX material (wood-plastic composite)
- Won’t warp, crack, or split
- Moisture resistant
- Spindle-style design
- Multiple color options
Sizes: Small to XLarge | Price: $80-200
How to Choose the Right Size
Proper sizing is crucial for effective crate training:
Measurement Guidelines
- Length: Measure from nose to base of tail, add 2-4 inches
- Height: Measure from floor to top of head (or ears if erect), add 2-4 inches
- Width: Should allow dog to turn around comfortably
Size for Puppies
For puppies, you have two options:
- Buy adult-size with divider: Purchase a crate that will fit your dog as an adult, use the included divider to limit space during puppyhood
- Size up: Buy progressively larger crates as your puppy grows (more expensive, but some prefer this approach)
Important: For house training purposes, the crate should be just large enough for your puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down. Too much space allows them to potty in one corner and sleep in another.
Common Crate Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| XSmall | 18-22″ | Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Toy breeds |
| Small | 24″ | Pugs, French Bulldogs, Corgis |
| Medium | 30″ | Beagles, Cocker Spaniels |
| Intermediate | 36″ | Bulldogs, Border Collies |
| Large | 42″ | Labs, Golden Retrievers, Boxers |
| XLarge | 48″ | German Shepherds, Dobermans |
| Giant | 54″+ | Great Danes, Mastiffs, St. Bernards |
Crate Training Tips
Introducing the Crate
- Place the crate in a family area with the door open
- Make it inviting with bedding and treats
- Let your puppy explore at their own pace
- Feed meals inside the crate (door open initially)
- Gradually close the door for short periods
- Slowly increase crate time
What to Put in the Crate
- Bedding: Start with old towels for puppies who might have accidents; upgrade to proper beds once house trained
- Safe toy: Kong or similar durable toy
- Water: Clip-on bowl for extended crating, or skip for short periods
- Crate cover: Can help anxious dogs feel more secure
Common Crate Training Mistakes
- Using the crate as punishment
- Crating for too long (puppies need out every few hours)
- Letting puppy out when crying (reinforces the behavior)
- Wrong size crate (too big or too small)
- Rushing the introduction process
Crate Accessories Worth Buying
- Crate cover: Creates den-like atmosphere, helps with sleep
- Clip-on water bowl: Won’t tip over in the crate
- Machine-washable crate pad: Easy cleanup for accidents
- Crate fan: Improves airflow in hot weather
Conclusion
The right dog crate makes puppy training significantly easier while providing your new companion with a safe, comfortable space of their own. For most puppy owners, a wire crate with an adjustable divider (like the MidWest iCrate or Life Stages) offers the best combination of value, functionality, and versatility.
Remember: crate training should always be a positive experience. When done correctly, dogs come to love their crates as personal retreats. Take your time with the introduction, choose the right size, and you’ll have a valuable tool that serves you and your dog for years to come.
Looking for more puppy training tips? Check out our comprehensive training guides and browse our Tips & Lists section for more recommendations.