How to find the best large dog crates around

Dog crates are a popular tool amongst pet parents and sitters alike, especially during training. While it may seem simple on the surface, choosing the best dog crate for large dogs can be a little tricky. And after a while of trawling the net, it can be hard to see the kennels for the crates.

As there's a little more to think about when it comes to choosing the best large dog crate, we've dipped our paws in and collected a few different types to get you started. So, let's find a space for your pooch to run in their sleep, kick back for an afternoon snooze, and wake themselves up snoring - in private!

Choosing the right crate

As a pet parent, you'll have a set of must-haves and must-avoids when it comes to choosing the right crate for your fluffy pal. But there are a few crate features to consider before you bring home the best dog crate for your large dog…

• Size. Make sure your large-sized dog has room to manoeuvre around, but not so much that they see it as a potty space.
• Transportable. If you're looking for the best travel crate for a large dog, make sure it's light enough to move around with a decent handle.
• Safe and secure. Make sure your new dog crate has lockable doors that'll keep your fluffy pal inside.
• Material. If your pooch is still a puppy or they're prone to gnaw, consider the material you choose. Plastic or durable metal is better than wood if you're worried about its longevity.
• Ventilation. Wire crates are great for ventilation, as they only have thin bars. While plastic crates can be more durable, they can get pretty stuffy.
• Storable. If you're looking to get your pooch crate trained but you don't have room to keep it out all the time, consider a collapsible crate that can be folded flat.
• Easy to clean. Most crates will have a metal or plastic tray that can be easily removed, and crates with double doors tend to be more accessible.

Types of dog crates

Wire-folding dog crates

Wire folding dog crates are one of the most accessible and common types on the market. Like some of the ​​best dog crates for large dogs, they're super hardwearing and easily foldable. Popular amongst new pet owners as they're easy to clean, the bottom is often removable and can be cleaned out - ideal for puppy training! If your pooch prefers a darker space to sleep, simply drape a towel over the top. To make these crates liveable for your pooch, pop a bed or cushion in the bottom to protect your fluffy pal from the hard base. 

Pros: Durable, easy to clean, adaptable for comfort, accessible in most stores.

Cons: Slightly unattractive, a little heavy, requires an additional bed or cushion.

Soft-sided dog crates

The best dog crates for large dogs who love to be super comfy, these puppy homes are ideal if you're travelling. Otherwise known as pop-up and canvas crates, they're super lightweight. Also more comfortable than a wire dog crate, they're softer and can mould to your pooch's shape and sitting position. But if you've got a pooch who's prone to destructive behaviour, a soft-sided dog crate might not be what you're looking for, as they're made of soft material that can easily be torn through.

Pros: Easy to set up, transportable, collapsible, lightweight.

Cons: Not very durable, sometimes difficult to clean, flimsy material.

Plastic dog carrier crates

Plastic crates can provide a safe space for your pooch if you're travelling, but aren't the best dog crates for large dogs if you're looking for something collapsible. Despite looking a little confined, some of our pet pals may find these sorts of crates more comfortable and soothing than a crate with an exposed shell, like a wire crate. Like a mini dog kennel, plastic crates can provide a nice dark space for your pooch if they sleep better that way, or if the outside world is a little too stimulating during inevitable travel.

Pros: Easy to clean, wipeable, easy to carry with a handle, creates a cosy, dark space.

Cons: Can be bad for the environment, hard to store, hard to find in extra large sizes, less durable than wire and metal crates.

Heavy-duty dog crates

These sorts of crates aren't the best dog crates for large dogs if you need something transportable, but can be handy for training. As the name suggests, they're super heavy, which means they're difficult to transport and set up - they are made of steel, afterall. These crates are often made for pooches struggling with destructive behaviours, but it's worth noting that they don't solve the issues they're having. 

Pros: Available for large dogs, durable.

Cons: Difficult to put together, not transportable, rather ugly!

Furniture dog crates

Finding the right dog crate for larger dogs, often it means sacrificing style for the most practical dog crate. While providing a sheltered space for your pooch to chill, they can also function as a coffee table or even a nightstand - the best dog crates for large dogs if you love multi-functionality. Often made of wood, you can choose casings that chime with the style of your home. We'd advise only introducing a furniture dog crate if your pooch is house trained, and hasn't adopted a gnawing pastime!

Pros: Fashionable, multi-functional, cosy.

Cons: Not transportable, easily chewed, not so suitable for pooches in training.

Best value large dog crates

Wire dog crates tend to be pretty affordable, and not to worry if you've got an extra large dog. They tend to come in a range of sizes, so are ideal if your pooch is on the heavier side!

Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate, 36"

This secure soft crate is a fantastic value for money for large dogs up to 70 pounds. Along with ventilation and easy two door latches, it boasts a secure door latch too. Made from heavy duty plastic, pup parents will be delighted with it as much as their pup pal.

Size: 91.4L x 61W x 61H centimetres OR 36 by 24 by 24 inches;

Price: $48.65

Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate

This collapsible dog crate is also a heavy duty dog crate! As well as being great for travel (the crate's frame folds flat), this is a good crate to be used by multiple dogs, including being designed to fit dogs that are miniature bears.

If you're looking for something that'll be your dog's crate from pup to pooch, these are excellent for crate training as they have a removable plastic tray. Although there's only one door, it's a lightweight crate whilst also being durable.

Size: XL: 48-in L x 30-in W x 32-in H & L: 42-in L x 28-in W x 30-in H

Price: $66.49

Premium large dog crates

SMPethouse large grey dog crate

More of a dog house than a dog crate for locking, this plush piece of furniture will certainly add a touch of style to your living room. Made of beech wood, it's super durable and solid. But, as we'd always advise when it comes to wooden dog crates, make sure your pooch is trained before bringing one home - we don't want teeth marks everywhere, after all!

Size: 40 x 44 x 32 inches

Price: $436.02

PawHut dog crate

This stylish dog crate is a three in one! Use it as a side table, storage unit, and of course, a cosy space for your pooch to kick back and relax. Store treats, toys, leads and more inside. Ideal for day time use, it comes with a handy, washable cushion, so you don't have to worry about fitting a bed inside.

Size: 38.5 x 18.8 x 27.7 inches

Price: $135.99

Diggs Revol Dog Crate

The Diggs Revol dog crate is by far the most expensive for dog owners. However, it is arguably the best overall dog crate. We know, bold statement with a massive price tag, but this crate really has it all. So much so, we can say it's paw-fect for most dogs, maybe every dog...?

It has been tested against some of the best dog escape artists and the crate has come out top dog. With a super secure latch and built from steel mesh wire, this can easily take any dog's weight.

Size: L:44"L x 28"W x 30"H

Price: $675

Top large dog crates with strength

The best dog crates for large dogs who are working on their behaviour will be super hard wearing. Most wire dog crates are pretty durable, so if you simply want a place for your pooch to chill that's unlikely to get gnaw marks, a wire crate will do the trick. If you're on the lookout for something much more heavy duty, we'd advise bringing home a metal dog crate. Granted, they aren't the most pretty designs, but their welded construction means they're certainly not going anywhere, any time soon.

Lords & Labradors Heavy Duty Black Deluxe Dog Crate

This black dog crate has a handy latch on the doors, so can be useful if you're in the process of training your pooch. It's available in five sizes - the largest can fit a Great Dane! Its double door and the rest of the crate's casing is characterised by its thicker bars, but what we really love about this crate is that it comes with a soft corduroy daybed and handy, removable metal floor.

Size: XXL, 32.7 x 48.8 x 29.9 inches

Price: $99.9

Heavy duty metal crate

If you're looking for a crate that'll keep your pooch safe and that probably won't ever get damaged, this steel crate will be right up your street. Bit if you'd like something transportable, this certainly won't be for you. Each bar is welded onto the base, so have no concerns about this coming apart. The double doors means easy access for your pooch pal, and easy cleaning for you, too. While we don't recommend you make a habit of moving this heavy duty crate around often, it does come with handy rolling casters, to make transporting it home or to a new house a tad easier.

Size: 35.4 x 19.2 inches

Price: $245.99

Great large dog crates for at home

While metal crates may as well be indestructible and wooden crates are prone to breaking the bank, a great middle ground is probably the classic wire crate. They're durable, easy to put together, and can come in a variety of colours and sizes.

Lords & Labradors Heavy Duty Iridescent Gold Deluxe Dog Crate

If you fancy something a little more affordable than a wooden crate, but a touch more stylish than a black, wire crate, this gold number could be a great suit. The double doors mean easy access, topped with heavy duty latches to keep your pooch safe and secure. Even though this crate is fab for home, it's complete with a handle, should you need to take your fluffy pal to the vets, head to training classes, or to visit family. And you don't need to worry about buying an extra bed for this crate - it comes with a soft corduroy daybed and a handy, removable tray, making cleaning a whole lot simpler.

Size: XXL, 32.7 x 48.8 x 29.9 inches

Price: $104.99

Silver wire dog crate

Some of the best crates for large dogs are kept simple. This silver-coloured wire crate is ideal for homes with cool tones, and can easily be topped with blankets to keep your pooch cosy. Choose from five sizes, and rest assured there will be generous manoeuvre room for you fluffy pal - it's even suitable for Great Danes. While this crate looks pretty stylish at home, it does come with a handle, should you need to take a trip out to the vets with your pooch.

Size: XXL, 34 x 48 x 28 inches

Price: $124.99 

Wowsubli black wire dog crate

With two lockable doors (i.e. escape artist-proof), this sturdy dog crate can easily be folded flat - ideal if you're looking to save space. While the crate alone is great for keeping your pooch cool during the warmer months, feel free to drape a blanket over the top for an extra layer of warmth - the top tail large dog crates are adaptable. Choosing a crate cover to suit your home is also a much cheaper way to make your dog crate suit your interiors.

Size: XL, 46.8 x 29.1 x 31.4

Price: $79.89

Also looking for beds for larger breeds?

Need an extra cozy dog bed to line that new crate? Here are some of the best dog beds for large dogs, so your gentle giant can slumber in style.