Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Get the best products related to our top picks
Choosing the right dog crate is essential for your pet's safety, comfort, and overall well-being, as well as for maintaining harmony in your home. Dog crates serve multiple purposes: they provide a secure den-like space for training, prevent destructive chewing during absences, and offer a safe haven for anxious or aggressive dogs. A poorly chosen crate can lead to escapes, injuries, or stress, while the right one promotes positive crate training and reduces separation anxiety. For large breeds like German Shepherds or Huskies, durability is paramount to withstand chewing or escape attempts, whereas multifunctional designs can blend seamlessly into your living space.
This guide compares budget-friendly options, which prioritize basic functionality and affordability, against premium furniture-style crates that double as end tables or TV stands for aesthetic appeal and added utility. Budget crates, often under $150, focus on heavy-duty steel construction for security but may lack style. Premium ones, ranging up to $350, incorporate wood finishes, storage drawers, and hidden designs but come at a higher cost and may require more assembly.
Readers will learn key features to evaluate, such as size, material strength, and ease of cleaning; budget breakdowns to match their needs; common pitfalls to avoid; and detailed reviews of top products. We'll cover five standout options: the 42 Inch Extra Large Dog Cage with Locking Latches for aggressive chewers; the Dog Crate Furniture 37.8" Large Dog Kennel with sliding barn door; the Hidden Dog Crate Furniture Rustic Brown End Table; the DWVO 91.3" Double Dog Crate Furniture with feeders and drawers; and the 42 Inch Anxiety Relief Dog Crate with double doors. By the end, you'll be equipped to select a crate that fits your dog's size, behavior, and your home's decor, ensuring a worthwhile investment that lasts years. (Word count: 278)
Selecting a dog crate involves assessing your pet's size, behavior, and your household setup. For large breeds, prioritize crates at least 42 inches long to allow standing, turning, and stretching without confinement. Measure your dog from nose to tail base for length, plus shoulder height, and add 3-4 inches for comfort. Consider single vs. double crates if you have multiple dogs, and opt for escape-proof designs with reinforced bars for chewers.
Size and Dimensions: Crates range from 37-42 inches for large dogs, but verify internal space. The 42 Inch Extra Large Dog Cage offers XL sizing ideal for German Shepherds (up to 90 lbs), while the DWVO 91.3" Double provides side-by-side rooms for two medium-large dogs, measuring 91 inches wide for shared use without crowding.
Material and Durability: Steel wire crates like the Anxiety Relief model resist chewing better than wood, which suits calmer dogs but needs chew-proof reinforcements. The Hidden Dog Crate uses solid wood with metal accents for longevity, rated for large breeds up to 100 lbs, unlike flimsier plastic alternatives that dent easily.
Security Features: Look for locking latches, double doors for easy access, and anti-escape bars spaced 1-2 inches apart. The Extra Large Dog Cage has heavy-duty latches for aggressive chewers, preventing breakouts common in basic slide-bolt designs. Premium options like the Dog Crate Furniture add sliding barn doors for secure, stylish entry.
Ease of Cleaning: Removable trays catch accidents; leak-proof plastic ones outperform fabric liners. All reviewed crates include trays, but the Wooden Kennel Table's drawer adds storage for toys, making cleanup simpler than open-bottom steel models that scatter debris.
Aesthetics and Functionality: Furniture-style crates like the Rustic Brown End Table hide the kennel as a 39x26.5-inch side table with a removable top, fitting living rooms better than visible cages. The DWVO TV Stand integrates drawers and dividers, serving as a room divider, unlike utilitarian steel crates that clash with decor.
Additional Perks: Anxiety relief features, such as the double-door design in the XXL model, reduce stress with better ventilation. Feeders in the DWVO crate allow mealtime inside, promoting routine, while pull-out trays in the Hidden model facilitate vet visits without full disassembly.
Portability and Assembly: Foldable steel crates like the Anxiety Relief weigh under 50 lbs for transport, assembling in minutes without tools. Wooden furniture options, such as the 37.8" Kennel, require 30-60 minutes of setup and are stationary, better for indoor permanence.
Dog crates span $0-$349.99, divided into tiers reflecting quality and features. Entry-level (under $100) includes basic steel like the $99.99 Anxiety Relief Crate, offering indestructible builds and essential trays but minimal extras—no storage or style. Mid-range ($100-$200) balances value, as in the $139.99 Extra Large Cage with locking latches for chewers or the $159.99 Wooden Kennel Table, adding furniture appeal and drawers without premium pricing. High-end (over $200), like the $349.99 DWVO Double Crate, delivers multifunctional designs with feeders, dividers, and TV stand utility, ideal for multi-dog homes but overkill for singles. At lower tiers, expect galvanized steel for rust resistance; higher ones use engineered wood for aesthetics. Factor in longevity—budget steel lasts 5-10 years for tough use, while premium wood may need refinishing but enhances home value.
The sweet spot lies in mid-range options ($100-$200), where performance peaks without excess cost. For instance, the $139.99 Extra Large Cage provides escape-proof steel comparable to $200+ models but skips unnecessary wood veneers, scoring high on durability for aggressive breeds. Budget picks like the $99.99 Anxiety Relief excel in core security—double doors and heavy gauge (12-14) bars prevent escapes better than cheaper 16-gauge wires that bend. Premium crates justify costs for aesthetics; the $159.99 Dog Crate Furniture outperforms basic cages in integration, with barn doors reducing noise and visibility stress, but at 20-30% more than steel. Overall, mid-tier delivers 80-90% of premium features (e.g., trays, locks) for 50% less, making it ideal unless you need dual-dog or hidden designs. Avoid ultra-budget under $50, as they often lack reinforcements, leading to returns.
Sizing Too Small: Many buy based on current puppy size, ignoring growth; a 42-inch crate suits adult Huskies (24-26 inches tall), but a 36-inch cramps them, causing anxiety. Always measure and choose adjustable dividers for versatility.
Overlooking Chewing Habits: Soft wood crates fail for aggressive chewers; opt for steel like the Indestructible Cage over furniture unless reinforced, as gnawed edges lead to splinters and escapes.
Ignoring Home Aesthetics: Visible cages disrupt decor in small spaces; the Hidden End Table conceals better than exposed steel, preventing visual clutter that stresses owners as much as dogs.
Neglecting Ventilation and Comfort: Crates with poor airflow overheat; ensure 360-degree bars like in the Double Door model. Skip no-tray designs, as they complicate cleaning and harbor bacteria.
Forgetting Multi-Dog Needs: Single crates overwhelm two-dog homes; the DWVO Double avoids fights by separating, unlike forcing pairs into one space, which breeds aggression.
Our top three picks cater to specific needs. Best overall for aggressive large breeds: the 42 Inch Extra Large Dog Cage ($139.99), with its indestructible steel and latches, ideal for German Shepherd owners seeking security without frills. Best for stylish homes: the Dog Crate Furniture 37.8" ($159.99), perfect for medium-large dog parents wanting a functional table with storage, blending utility and decor. Best for multi-dog households: the DWVO 91.3" Double ($349.99), suited for owners of two medium-large pups needing dividers, feeders, and TV stand features for organized living. (Word count: 742)
For large breeds like German Shepherds (typically 22-26 inches tall and 75-95 lbs), select a 42-inch long crate, such as the 42 Inch Extra Large Dog Cage, which provides at least 3-4 inches of clearance on all sides for standing, lying, and turning. Measure your dog's length from nose to tail base and height at the shoulder; add 4 inches to each. Avoid undersizing, as it causes discomfort—e.g., a 36-inch crate cramps adults. For growing puppies, choose models with dividers like the Anxiety Relief Crate to section off space initially, expanding as they mature. Double-check weight capacity; most 42-inch crates handle 90+ lbs, but confirm bar strength for active breeds.
Wooden crates like the Dog Crate Furniture 37.8" or Hidden End Table are suitable for moderate chewers due to reinforcements like metal bars and engineered MDF, but they're not ideal for aggressive ones—opt for steel alternatives like the Indestructible Cage instead. Chew-proofing involves treating edges with bitter sprays, but heavy gnawing can splinter wood over time, unlike welded steel that withstands 500+ lbs of bite force. For Huskies or similar, prioritize all-metal; wooden options excel in calmer homes, lasting 5-7 years with proper care, and blend better aesthetically.
Cleaning varies by type: For steel crates like the Anxiety Relief, remove the plastic tray daily, wipe with pet-safe disinfectant, and rinse weekly—air dry to prevent rust on galvanized finishes. Wooden furniture crates, such as the DWVO Double, use removable trays similarly but spot-clean wood with damp cloths and avoid soaking to prevent warping; apply sealant yearly for longevity. Always remove bedding before cleaning to eliminate bacteria—use enzyme cleaners for urine odors. Frequency: Spot clean accidents immediately, full deep clean bi-weekly. Avoid harsh chemicals that irritate paws, and ensure full drying to deter mold, especially in humid areas.
Yes, crates like the 42 Inch Anxiety Relief with double doors aid training by creating a safe den, reducing destructive behavior in 70-80% of anxious dogs per veterinary studies. Introduce gradually with positive associations—treats and toys inside—and limit crate time to 4-6 hours daily for adults. Features like ample ventilation and easy access, as in the XXL model, minimize stress compared to
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 42 Inch Extra Large Dog Cage with Locking Latches, Indestructible Steel Crate for Aggressive Chewers, Secure Kennel with Removable Tray, for German Shepherd and Husky, XL Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | |
 Dog Crate Furniture, 37.8" Large Dog Kennel Indoor, Wooden Kennel Table with Sliding Barn Door and Storage Drawer, Indoor Dog House for Large/Medium/Small Dogs Grey Rank #2 | N/A | ||
 Hidden Dog Crate Furniture for Living Room, Rustic Brown End Table with Removable Top & Pull-Out Tray, Chew Proof Wooden Indoor Kennel for Large Dogs (39" L×26.5" W×35" H) 39"L×26.5"W×35"H Rank #3 | — | N/A | Check price |
 DWVO 91.3" Double Dog Crate Furniture with Dog Feeder, Dog Kennel Furniture with Drawers, Indoor Dog House TV Stand with 2 Room Divider for 2 Medium Large Dogs, Brown Rank #4 | — | N/A | |
42 Inch Anxiety Relief Dog Crate with Double Door, Indestructible Steel Kennel for Peace of Mind, Heavy Duty Escape-Proof Design, for Large Breeds, XXL Rank #5 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A |
