The best heavy duty dog crate to buy in 2023

One minute you're giving your four-legged friend a pat on the head as they snuggle into their dog crate for the night, and the next, you’re woken up with a slobbery kiss and a tennis ball in your bed. If your average crate is no longer pulling its weight, investing in a heavy-duty dog crate is well worth your while. 

We’ve chosen the best heavy-duty dog crates that are made out of durable materials that won’t crack under pressure - that’s whether you’ve got a pup with a taste for chewing or an escape artist who relies on brute force to bust their way out. Some clever canines can learn to open the latches on an average crate, but these escape-proof heavy-duty dog crates have at least two dog-proof latches that are positioned out of reach of prying paws. While no crate is 100% escape-proof for the most determined dogs, getting a heavy-duty dog crate is your best chance of Fido staying put. But how do you know it’s up for the job? 

How to choose a heavy-duty dog crate

First of all, comfort is key when it comes to a heavy-duty crate for dogs - your four-pawed pal needs to be able to fully stretch out when lying on their side as well as stand up and turn around with ease. If you’re not sure which size dog crate to go for, we recommend sizing up to give a little extra wiggle room. Next, note the weight of the crate - if you want to take your pooch pal on the road with you, you’ll need to buy a crate that doesn’t weigh a ton. Lots of heavy-duty dog crates have wheels which make them easy to move around the house but they won’t be much help on visits to the vet or long road trips - you’re much better off choosing a crate with handles if this is the case. That brings us on to the final thing you need to think about when buying a heavy-duty dog crate - what added bonuses are you looking for? Would additional exits help your pooch pal get in and out, do you need a plastic tray to collect accidents and crumbs, or would an extended warranty give you some much-needed peace of mind? Have a think about your requirements as you scroll through our pick of the best heavy-duty dog crates to buy in 2023.  

Best heavy-duty dog crate overall

Smonter Heavy Duty Dog Cage for Large Dogs

This dog crate is designed to keep adventurous pups at bay with a sturdy steel frame and three anti-collision locks to secure the door. Y-shaped bars at the top discourage chewing and the non-toxic finish means it’s safe for pups to get their gnashers into. The grated bottom is made up of steel tubes and the removable pan makes cleaning up dog mess quick and easy. The four wheels make it easy to move around the house (they can also be locked into place or removed if you don’t need them), but it’s difficult to dismantle and extremely heavy to carry. So, while this dog crate is durable and secure, it’s not the kind of crate to be taken on the road with you.

Best heavy-duty metal dog crate

Confote 37” Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Dog Crate

This stainless steel frame can be easily wiped clean, and the plastic tray positioned at the bottom can be removed and cleaned to prevent anything nasty from ending up on your floor. Although the double doors are dead bolted, some customers have reported that their Houdinis have managed to escape from the top, so we recommend placing something weighty to keep the door secured when it’s not in use. This sturdy dog crate can be easily wheeled from indoors to outdoors and set up takes just five minutes, so your fur baby can curl up and make themselves at home in no time. 

Best large heavy-duty dog crate

Luckup 46 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Cage

This heavy-duty large dog crate is the ideal spot for large dog breeds to enjoy a bit of downtime. The industrial-grade steel frame is built with strong bars made from corrosion-resistant steel, and three solid metal locks keep escape-prone pups at bay. Wide metal slats make the bottom of the cage comfortable for precious paws and reduce the chance of claws getting stuck. At the bottom of the crate is a plastic tray to keep your floor free of accidents and any treats that evade your pooch pal’s mouth. The best part? It’s ready to go in just a few minutes - simply lift up the walls and attach the top (but it does help to have a second pair of hands - or paws). 

Best XXL heavy-duty dog crate

Vitesse Heavy Duty Dog Crate

Built for stability and durability, this heavy-duty steel crate is made from 0.5-inch thick steel tubes which are welded together for maximum strength. The crate features two doors - one large one at the front for easy access and one at the top for pet parents to give pooch pals some love. Two latch locks keep furry friends safely enclosed, and if you’ve got an extra special escape artist, we recommend using a carabiner on the door to add a little extra security. That being said, customers report the cage is strong enough to hold a lion, which is exactly why this extra large heavy-duty dog crate is our favorite for really big-boned breeds. 

Best heavy-duty dog crate for separation anxiety

Impact High Anxiety Crate

This crate is specially designed for four-pawed pals who get nervous around newbies (including your dog sitter) or suffer from separation anxiety. When crate training an anxious doggy, we recommend finding a peaceful place to put the crate so it’s seen as a safe space for them to retreat to when things get a little too much. So what makes this crate so good for nervy pups? It’s nearly im-pawsible to break out of for starters, as manufacturers report not a single furry friend has successfully escaped from the thick aluminum alloy crate. You can forget weak spots as well - this crate has been welded together for maximum security. A zinc-plated paddle latch keeps anxious pups safely inside and you can really button down the hatches by fastening the four additional butterfly latches. Small ventilation holes give your pooch a breather while preventing them from getting their teeth in, and military-grade handles make this crate easy to transport here, there, and everywhere. This crate is a little pricey, but it comes with a 10-year dog damage warranty which will be music to your ears if you’ve got a destructive doggy! We think you’re allowed to break the bank for this one.

Best heavy-duty crate for the home

ProSelect Empire Single Door Steel Dog Crate

This is durable, strong, and made for medium or large-sized dogs with a penchant for playing hard to get… inside a crate. The reinforced half-inch diameter steel tubes are easy to clean but difficult to breach, and heavy-duty welds on all of the stress points mean there’s no cracking the code of this heavy-duty crate. Two door latches are placed just out of reach of mischievous paws to put your mind at ease, and the four wheels make the crate easy to move from room to room.

Best heavy-duty plastic dog crate

Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel

Plastic crates like this one may not be the most durable, but they are certainly easier to transport than most metal crates. This dog crate is made to weather all the bumps in the road associated with travel in addition to meeting most air travel requirements, and it features tie-down holes to secure its position in a moving vehicle. Long road trips just got better with your new backseat driver, as pooch pals enjoy 360-degree visibility and wire grates for ventilation, plus fuss-free assembly means you’ll be on the road in no time!

Best heavy-duty dog crate to match your interiors

Feandrea Dog Crate

This isn’t just a dog crate, it’s also your new side table, bookshelf, or plant stand. Side doors can be installed on the right or left depending on the layout of your interior, and a large door at the front offers easy access for your best bud. The pull-out tray can be placed under the mesh to keep your pooch pal’s space clean, or on top of the mesh providing a smooth, comfortable surface to lie on. 

Need a crate specifically for on-the-road adventures? We've got you covered with this list of the best dog travel crates.