The best dog crates for puppies are folding wire crates with a divider panel, and the Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate is the one we would put in a first-time puppy owner’s home today. It ships with the divider that lets an 8-week-old start in a small sleeping area and grow into a medium-adult crate without a second purchase, and more than 112,000 owners have rated it 4.7 stars. This guide is for new puppy parents between 8 and 12 weeks who are housebreaking, crate training, and figuring out how much space their dog actually needs right now.
Most crate roundups we looked at list adult dog kennels and hand-wave the divider in a single line. That misses the only decision that actually matters in the first six months: a crate that is too large slows housebreaking down, because a puppy treats the empty far corner as a toilet. Get that wrong and every other feature on the crate is irrelevant.
We spent weeks comparing these twelve crates on the things a puppy owner touches daily: tray clean-up after accidents, how low the door threshold sits, whether the divider actually stays attached, how many pounds the crate weighs when you carry it to the car at 7am, and whether the wire spacing is safe for a clumsy 10-week-old. We also read what owners report back after the teething stage, because the crate you buy at 8 weeks is the crate you live with at 14 months.
If your dog is fully grown already, or you need something built for a determined chewer, start with our general dog crate roundup and our heavy-duty crate picks instead. For crate sizes built for full-grown animals, see our large dog crate guide.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Dog Crates for Puppies
MidWest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate
- Divider panel included
- Leak-proof tray
- Tool-free assembly
All 12 Dog Crates for Puppies at a Glance in 2026
The fastest way to narrow this down is to skip straight to the column that matters for your situation. Every crate below is listed with the details that change a puppy’s experience: whether a divider panel is included, how many doors open, and what the tray is made of.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| MidWest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate |
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| New World 30-Inch Double Door Crate |
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| Amazon Basics 24-Inch Folding Wire Crate |
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 Ultima Pro by MidWest 30-Inch Crate |
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 Petmate Vari Kennel 24in |
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 Amazon Basics Folding Soft Crate Medium |
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 JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crate |
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 Carlson Pink Secure Single Door Crate |
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 Precision Pet Two-Door 36in Wire Crate |
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 FDW 24 Inch Foldable Metal Crate |
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 LEMBERI 48 Inch Heavy Duty Crate |
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 BOLDBONE 54 Inch Heavy Duty Kennel |
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The 12 Best Dog Crates for Puppies, Reviewed
1. MidWest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate: The Crate That Grows With Your Puppy
Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches for 21-40 lb dogs
Weighs 17 pounds
Divider panel included
Pros
- Divider panel lets a puppy start small and grow into the full crate
- Tool-free assembly with leak-proof tray and carry handle
- Large openings and low thresholds make crate training easier
- Over 112000 customer ratings at 4.7 stars
Cons
- Lightweight wire gauge is not built for strong or anxious chewers
- Single door limits access compared with double-door models
- Divider panel attachment is awkward for some owners
This is the crate we keep coming back to because the divider panel is included in the box. That single inclusion is what separates a puppy crate from an adult crate, and it is the reason a family can buy one 30-inch crate in week one and still be using it when the dog weighs 40 pounds. The crate measures 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches and weighs 17 pounds, which is light enough for one person to carry between rooms without a fight.
Setting it up genuinely takes a few minutes with no tools. You bend the end panels, hook them together, drop in the tray, and attach the divider. The leak-proof tray slides in at the base and comes out for cleaning, and the rubber feet did not scratch our hardwood. For a puppy in housebreaking, the tray is the single most-used part of the whole product, and this one is deep enough to hold what a young puppy can produce in a night.
The detail that matters most in the first fortnight is the low door threshold. A puppy that has to step up and over a lip will sometimes decide the floor is a better place to sleep, and then housebreaking stalls. The large openings in the wire also mean you can reach in to move the divider or place a bowl without opening the door, which is handy at 6am. The rounded corner clips and the Paw Block on the slide-bolt latch do the same job the mesh spacing does everywhere else: stopping a collar tag or a paw from catching.
Owners mention the divider attachment as the fiddliest part of assembly, and that is fair. It takes a couple of attempts to seat it properly. It is still a ten-minute job done once, rather than buying a second crate in four months, which is what that ten minutes buys you.
Who the MidWest iCrate Suits
This is the crate for a first-time puppy owner who wants one purchase to cover the first year. It suits medium-breed puppies destined for 21 to 40 pounds and it handles the awkward housebreaking phase well, because the divider blocks off the space that encourages corner accidents. Owners repeatedly report the combination of large openings, low thresholds and a solid tray as the reason the puppy walks in willingly.
It also works if you already own a resident adult dog and need a second crate for the puppy in the bedroom overnight. At 30 inches it is a standard medium size, so it is easy to place against a wall and it does not dominate a small room. The single door is a minor constraint, but at this width the door still swings wide enough to slide a tray or bedding in and out.
Where the MidWest iCrate Falls Short
The wire is standard gauge, and standard gauge is not the answer for a puppy who chews wire rather than chewing a toy. If you already know you have a determined chewer or a dog with separation anxiety that pushes hard against the door, the heavier steel in the Ultima Pro section below is a better long-term buy, though it is much heavier to move.
There is also no second door, so placing the crate in a corner means the dog has to come out the way it went in. That is a minor inconvenience during daylight hours and a non-issue at night. The last limitation is the awkward divider fit, which is annoying but not a dealbreaker for a crate that will otherwise run from 8 weeks to adulthood.
2. New World 30-Inch Double Door Crate: Two Doors and Solid Build
New World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Crate, Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inches for 21-40 lb dogs
Weighs 16.1 pounds
Front and side doors
Pros
- Two doors make placement against walls and access far easier
- Tool-free assembly with leak-proof tray and rubber feet
- Large openings and low thresholds support crate training
- Rated 4.7 stars across 13199 reviews
Cons
- Divider panel is not included so it cannot be adjusted for a growing puppy
- Wire gauge is standard duty rather than heavy duty
- Some assembly needs force to hook the end panels together
Two doors change how you place the crate, and for a puppy that is more than a convenience. With a front door and a side door, you can push the crate into a corner against a wall and still have one opening clear for bedding, water and reaching in. That matters in a flat, a small house, or any room where a single-door crate wastes half its floor space.
The build is the same MidWest family as our top pick, with the black e-coat finish that resists rust and everyday wear, rounded corner clips, and slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block. At 16.1 pounds it is fractionally lighter than the single-door version. The 30.5 x 19.25 x 21.5 inch footprint is identical, so it occupies the same square footage.
Here is the honest catch, and owners flag it clearly: there is no divider panel. That means you should size this crate for the adult dog, not the 8-week-old puppy in front of you. If you buy it for a puppy and the crate is too large, you are back to the corner-accident problem. The fix is to buy the size the dog will be at maturity and use an x-pen, a playpen panel, or a separate small crate for the first few months.
Assembly is the other thing worth knowing. Hooking the two end panels together takes more force than most people expect on first attempt, and a few owners mention it specifically. Once the panels are connected the crate is rigid and stable. 83% of ratings on this listing are at five stars, which tells you most people find that one-time force is a small price for the two-door layout.
Who the New World 30-Inch Crate Suits
Pick this if you know the adult size of your dog and you are buying once, for good. It suits medium-breed dogs from 21 to 40 pounds, and it is a sensible choice for a second household dog that needs a crate which gets pushed into a corner. The rubber feet protect hard flooring and the low thresholds make it workable for a young dog.
It also suits owners who travel with the crate in the car regularly and want two doors for loading a dog that is not cooperating. Owners of multi-dog households mention the access flexibility as the deciding factor. If you have a resident dog and a new puppy arriving in eight weeks, you will appreciate being able to reach in from two sides.
Where the New World 30-Inch Crate Falls Short
The missing divider is the real limitation, and for a puppy-specific shopping list it is a significant one. It is the right buy at 18 months, not at 8 weeks. If your puppy is coming home now, work out their expected adult weight first and be honest about whether you can block off the extra space some other way.
The wire is standard gauge, so it will not withstand a determined chewer. And the end panels need real force to connect, which is worth knowing if you are assembling it alone in a small room at the end of a long day.
3. Amazon Basics 24-Inch Folding Wire Crate: Best Value for Small Breeds
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Single Door, Easy to Assemble, 24″ x 18″ x 20″, Black
24 x 18 x 19.25 inches for dogs under 20 inches long
Weighs 13.91 pounds
Divider panel included
Pros
- Divider panel included so the crate adapts as a small puppy grows
- Folds flat in seconds with a top carry handle
- Removable plastic tray makes accident clean-up quick
- Rated 4.7 stars across 18256 reviews
Cons
- Base tray must be re-hooked into place after every cleaning
- Single door means the door swings clear to reach the dog
- Light wire gauge suits small calm breeds rather than chewers
This is the crate for a puppy that will not get large. At 24 x 18 x 19.25 inches it is built for dogs under 20 inches long and 15.25 inches tall, which covers breeds like a Havanese or a Pug, and the divider panel is included so a puppy can start in the corner of it rather than the whole floor. It ranks number two in Basic Dog Crates and carries 4.7 stars across more than 18,000 ratings.
The folding is the other thing we liked handling. It sets up quickly, collapses flat in seconds, and the top handle makes it a genuinely portable crate rather than a fixture. For owners who crate in the bedroom at night and want the same crate in the living room during the day, or who take the puppy to a friend’s house, that matters more than it sounds.
The one assembly detail that catches people out is the tray. It sits on a bottom metal hook, and if you lift the tray out to wash it and do not re-hook it properly, it can slide. Owners mention this more than any other small issue. It is a five-second fix once you know it, but in the first week you will be cleaning that tray several times a day, so it is worth knowing before you start.
Sizing guidance from the manufacturer is straightforward: measure your dog nose-to-tail and floor-to-head, then add 4 inches. For a puppy that measurement is meaningless, which is exactly why the divider is the important part of this listing. Treat the 24-inch size as the adult size your dog will reach, and set the divider for where the puppy is today.
Who the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Crate Suits
It suits toy and small-breed puppy owners, and it is the strongest value pick in this list for anyone who wants a wire crate with a divider without stepping up a tier. The 4.7 average across 18,000-plus ratings is not an accident. It is also a good fit for renters and small flats, since it folds completely flat and stores against a wall between uses.
Travel is a real use case here. A 24-inch crate that folds flat and weighs under 14 pounds goes into a hatchback without drama, which is not true of the heavier crates further down this list. If you split your day between a home crate and a car crate, this is a strong pick.
Where the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Crate Falls Short
Light wire gauge is the honest limit. This is not a crate for a puppy that chews metal, and the same applies to the mesh spacing, which is standard rather than reinforced. If your puppy is already working at the bars, move up a weight class.
The single door and the re-hookable tray are the two smaller annoyances. The door has to swing fully clear to reach a puppy, and the tray hook is the part of this crate you will interact with most during housebreaking. Neither is serious, but both are recurring.
4. Ultima Pro by MidWest 30-Inch Crate: Heavy Wire for Medium Dogs
Ultima Pro by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Dog Crate, 21-40 lbs
30.7 x 19.3 x 21.5 inches for 21-40 lb dogs
Weighs 30.1 pounds
Professional-grade steel
Pros
- Thick professional-grade wire holds up to dogs that bent lighter crates
- Heavier build resists being chewed or pushed by anxious dogs
- Slightly taller and wider giving tall breeds head room
- Divider panel included with double latched doors
Cons
- Weighs 30.1 pounds so it is cumbersome to move or transport
- Latches are straight-bar style so a clever paw can manipulate them
- Occasional reports of loose doors or a chipped tray
The Ultima Pro is the answer to the question owners on puppy forums keep asking, which is what crate survives a dog that pushes at it. Professional-grade steel with a thick wire gauge is the entire point. Owners of strong-willed and crate-anxious dogs credit it with holding up where cheaper crates failed within minutes, and the 4.5 average across 2,514 ratings reflects a product people are happy to pay more for.
It is also fractionally larger than our top pick at 30.7 x 19.3 x 21.5 inches, and that extra height and width is noticeable for breeds with more leg. The divider panel is included, so it does the puppy-to-adult job as well. Two doors with double slide-bolt latches and Paw Block on each give flexible placement.
Where this one differs from the rest of the MidWest line is the latches. These are straight-bar style rather than the locking L-shaped hooks on the iCrate, and that is the one specification we would flag for a puppy who paws at the door. Some owners clip them. If your puppy works at latches as an outlet for frustration, budget a couple of carabiner clips.
Weighing 30.1 pounds is the other trade-off. That is nearly double the iCrate, and it is the difference between carrying a crate to the car one-handed and needing two people or a dolly. The rubber feet are a nice touch on hardwood. Assembly is still tool-free, and the leak-proof tray comes out for cleaning as on the lighter models.
Who the Ultima Pro Suits
It suits owners of medium breeds who already know their puppy is going to be a handful in the crate. The thick gauge survives dogs that bent lighter wire crates within minutes, and the extra height gives head room for taller medium breeds. It is also a good buy for a household that plans to keep the same crate through a dog’s entire life rather than replacing it at a year.
Two doors with double latches make it practical for a crate that gets placed against a wall, and the divider keeps it usable from puppyhood onward. If you can handle the weight once at delivery, the durability argument is the strongest in this roundup.
Where the Ultima Pro Falls Short
The 30.1 pound weight is the obvious drawback. In a small flat, moving this between rooms twice a day is a chore, and it is not a crate you will casually fold flat for a hotel room. The straight-bar latches are the second, and they are the reason we did not put this first despite the stronger steel.
Owners also report occasional quality control slips, including doors that arrive loose or tight out of the box and chipped trays. MidWest support has been quick to replace these, which is worth knowing, but plan on inspecting the crate on arrival day rather than on week three.
5. Petmate Vari Kennel 24in: The Best Travel and Vet Crate
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier, 10 to 20lbs, 24in, Taupe and Black
24.1 x 16.7 x 14.5 inches, interior for 10-20 lb dogs
Weighs 4.45 pounds
Hard plastic shell
Pros
- Under 5 pounds so it is easy to carry to the car vet or airline
- Hard shell wipes clean and resists chewing better than fabric
- Stay-dry moat keeps a housebreaking puppy drier in accidents
- Meets most airline cargo specs with four-sided ventilation
Cons
- Interior height of 13.5 inches is low for a growing or taller puppy
- Rigid plastic does not fold flat
- Airline acceptance varies by carrier so confirm before travel
At 4.45 pounds this is the crate you can hold in one hand with a puppy in it, and that changes the category. Everyone else in this roundup is something you carry with two hands. The Vari Kennel is the one you put on a passenger seat, hand over at the vet, and take through a hotel lobby without a dolly. It is a hard plastic shell with an easy-open wire door, and Petmate has been making pet products for over 60 years.
For a puppy in housebreaking, the stay-dry moat is a genuinely useful feature. It channels fluid away from the pet rather than letting it sit under the dog, which means a messy accident is less unpleasant for a small body overnight. The shell wipes down with a damp cloth, which is faster than rinsing a wire tray.
The interior measures 21.5 inches long by 15 inches wide by 13.5 inches high, and that 13.5-inch height is the number to check first. It is comfortable for a puppy or a short-backed small dog, but it is low for a growing dog or anything taller. If you are buying for a puppy destined to be more than small, this crate will be outgrown quickly.
It does not fold flat, so storage between uses means finding a corner. The tamper-proof holes that accept zip ties are a nice security feature, and the four-sided ventilation meets most airline cargo specifications. Confirm with your specific carrier before flying, since requirements vary. Petmate offers six sizes from 19 to 40 inches long.
Who the Petmate Vari Kennel Suits
It suits anyone whose crate has to travel more than it sits still. Vet visits, hotel stays, car rides, a flight, a friend’s house, a grooming appointment. Owners choose it for travel specifically because it is light and rigid, and because the hard shell resists a puppy’s chewing in a way fabric never will.
It is also the right call for a small-breed puppy sleeping through the night on a small tray footprint, where a wire crate’s bars are not adding anything. The 4.5 average across 7,675 ratings reflects a product that does its narrow job well rather than a product that tries to be everything.
Where the Petmate Vari Kennel Falls Short
The low interior height is the real constraint, and it rules the crate out for any puppy that will grow tall. Once the dog cannot stand comfortably, the crate becomes a punishment rather than a den, and that undoes the training work completely.
It also does not fold, and the rigid shape means it occupies its full footprint in storage. Combined with the varying airline requirements, that makes it a specialist travel crate rather than an all-purpose one. If you need one crate for a growing medium dog, this is not it.
6. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate: Quiet and Apartment Friendly
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″, Tan
29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 inches, recommended to about 50 lbs
Weighs 6.53 pounds
Tan polyester over a light frame
Pros
- Sets up and collapses in two steps with no tools
- Light enough for an older adult to carry compared with metal crates
- Top and front doors plus mesh panels give ventilation on all four sides
- Calms car-anxious dogs in hotels vets and temporary spaces
Cons
- Fabric mesh will not withstand a dog that scratches or bites to escape
- Not suitable for long-term kennel use or unsupervised hours
- Front door roll-up tab is attached on one side only
- Zippers can snag and frame bars can crack after several months
A soft-sided crate is a different tool, not a cheaper wire crate. This one weighs 6.53 pounds, sets up in seconds with no tools, and folds flat into nothing. It is the crate for a flat where a 17-pound metal frame is a nuisance, or for a household that moves the puppy’s sleeping space around. Owners report it visibly calms car-anxious dogs, and the tan polyester over a lightweight frame looks far less like equipment than a black wire box in a living room.
Two doors, top and front, with secure zipper closures and fastening straps to hold the rolled-up door in place. Mesh windows plus the front door mean ventilation on all four sides. The medium size measures 29.92 x 21.3 x 21.3 inches and is recommended for breeds up to about 50 pounds, such as Blue Heelers and Golden Retrievers.
The 4.3 average across 19,490 ratings is lower than the wire crates, and the reason is durability. Owners report zippers catching, frame bars cracking after roughly eight months, and mesh that gives way if a dog really wants out. That is the honest trade: you are buying portability and quiet, and you are not buying a chew-proof enclosure.
One small construction detail irritates people: the front door roll-up tab is attached on only one side, so it can dangle open. It is cosmetic, but it is the kind of thing that makes a crate feel unfinished. There are also gaps in the size range between the 36-inch and 42-inch options, which is worth checking against your dog’s adult size before you commit.
Who the Soft-Sided Crate Suits
It suits apartment and small-space owners, especially anyone who is worried about noise carried through to neighbours or to a baby in the next room. Fabric absorbs the sound of paws and movement in a way wire does not. It also suits owners who travel frequently with their dog, and anyone who cannot comfortably lift a metal crate.
It works well as a temporary space, for example a vet or hotel room or a recovery crate for a dog after a procedure, and for puppies who are anxious carriers. The medium size covers a lot of adult dogs, and the fabric wipes clean. Two doors make loading and unloading straightforward.
Where the Soft-Sided Crate Falls Short
Teething puppies are the failure case. Fabric mesh and zippers will not survive a dog that works at them deliberately, and several owners on puppy forums describe exactly that outcome with soft crates chewed through within weeks. If you have a chewer, this is the wrong material entirely.
It is also not suited to long-term use or to a dog left unsupervised for hours, and the frame bars and zippers degrade with time. Treat this as a portable, quiet, temporary crate rather than the crate you keep for a dog’s whole life.
7. JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crate: Three-Way Access in a Travel Frame
JESPET 3 Door Soft Dog Crates Kennel, Collapsible Travel Pet Carrier
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches for dogs up to 25 lbs
Weighs 6.3 pounds
600D Oxford fabric on steel frame
Pros
- Three doors including top front and side which is uncommon among soft crates
- Collapsible spring-bar frame installs and folds without tools
- Fleece bed and adjustable shoulder strap included in the box
- 600D Oxford fabric feels thicker and sturdier than typical polyester
Cons
- Small interior suits dogs only up to about 25 lbs so it is outgrown quickly
- Soft mesh is not appropriate for dogs that scratch or chew to escape
- Manufacturer notes dimensions are measured manually and may vary by an inch
The three-door layout is the differentiator here. Soft crates almost always give you two openings, and a side door is rare enough that it changes how you use the crate: you can pass a bowl in from the side without lifting the top, reach in to check on a sick or post-surgical dog without moving them, and load a reluctant dog from whichever angle they will tolerate. Owners single this out as the main reason to pick it over a two-door soft crate.
The build is also a step up from the usual polyester. It uses 600D cationic Oxford fabric over heavy-weight mesh panels on a strong steel tube frame with retractable spring bars, which is why it holds its shape when a dog pushes against it. At 6.3 pounds it is portable, and the included fleece bed and adjustable shoulder strap mean you are not buying accessories on day one.
The 24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inch interior suits dogs up to 25 pounds, so a puppy of a medium breed will outgrow it faster than you expect. Treat the 25-pound figure as an adult target, not a puppy accommodation. There is no divider panel on this model, which means the same sizing caution applies: if you buy it for a small puppy destined to be a 40-pound dog, you need another solution for the gap.
The manufacturer measures by hand and notes that dimensions may vary by an inch, which is worth keeping in mind if you are fitting it into a tight corner or a car boot. Twelve colour options is unusual and slightly fun, and it is the one soft crate here where a chewer is not quite a disqualifier, though it remains a soft crate and we would not call it chew-proof.
Who the JESPET 3 Door Crate Suits
It suits owners who need frequent, easy access to a small dog, and puppy handlers who like being able to reach in from three directions. The included fleece bed makes it comfortable for a young puppy settling in for the first time, which helps with the emotional side of crate training in the first week.
It also suits travel. The steel tube frame collapses with retractable spring bars, no tools needed, and the adjustable shoulder strap makes it a genuinely portable kennel. It is a good fit for dogs up to 25 pounds that need a soft-sided option but want something sturdier than the typical polyester crate.
Where the JESPET 3 Door Crate Falls Short
The 25-pound ceiling is the first limit. It is a small-to-medium crate and it is outgrown quickly, so if you are planning for a full-grown dog you will be replacing it within a year. There is no divider panel to extend it.
Second, this is still a soft crate. A dog that scratches or chews to escape will defeat the mesh, and the frame is steel tube rather than heavy-gauge steel panel. The 4.4 average across 2,763 ratings also reflects a smaller review base than the leading wire crates, so treat the owner feedback as thinner evidence.
8. Carlson Pink Secure Single Door Metal Crate: Small Breed Favourite
Carlson Pink Secure and Compact Single Door Metal Dog Crate, Small
24 x 18 x 19 inches, fits dogs to 22 inches long
Weighs 12 pounds
Pink coated wire
Pros
- Folds compactly for storage and travel but stays stable once set up
- Multi-point locking door and a removable washable leak-proof composite pan
- Small footprint suits apartments and micro-apartments
- Pink finish stands out from the usual black crate
Cons
- Single door means the whole door swings open to reach the dog
- Door latches can be stiff and occasionally jam
- Wire bends under heavy force so it is not for strong chewers
- 24 inch size is snug above about 15 lbs or 16 inches tall
Owners of toy breeds report the thing that actually matters most in crate training: the dog walks into this crate willingly. That is not a small observation. A crate your puppy chooses over the floor is a crate that speeds up housebreaking rather than slowing it down, and the 4.7 average across 2,482 ratings suggests that is happening fairly often. The small footprint at 24 x 18 x 19 inches is a genuine advantage in a small flat.
It is all-metal wire with a multi-point locking door, and the removable composite pan pulls straight out for cleaning and is described as washable and leak-proof. It folds nearly flat in seconds without tools, and weighs 12 pounds, so it is portable without being flimsy. The wire gauge is thick enough to contain a small dog without feeling flimsy on inspection.
The complaints are consistent and narrow. The single door means the whole door has to swing clear to reach a puppy, and the latches can be stiff enough to jam, occasionally requiring force. Wire bends under heavy force, so this is not the crate for a puppy who works at the bars. And the 24-inch size is snug for dogs over about 15 pounds or taller than 16 inches.
The pink finish is worth a word because it is functional as much as decorative. A crate your puppy can identify from across the room is easier to build a routine around, and it does not disappear against a wall the way a black crate does. Carlson also offers the same crate in blue and in sizes up to 48 inches, so the range is there if you outgrow this one.
Who the Carlson Pink Crate Suits
It suits toy and small-breed owners, and specifically anyone in a small living space where crate footprint is the deciding factor. It folds nearly flat for storage, so if the crate lives in a bedroom at night and a living room during the day, moving it is a one-person job at 12 pounds.
It also suits owners who want their puppy to identify their own den clearly, and anyone who prefers a wipe-clean composite pan over a fabric floor. It is a straightforward wire crate that does the basic job with a bit more style than most.
Where the Carlson Pink Crate Falls Short
The stiff single-door latch is the most repeated complaint, and it matters more than it sounds when you are trying to get a puppy out at 6am without a fight. Plan for a few weeks of that friction.
Wire bends under heavy force, so a chewer will defeat it, and the 24-inch size is genuinely tight above 15 pounds. This is a small-breed crate and it should be bought as one, not as a temporary stop for a medium-breed puppy.
9. Precision Pet Two-Door 36-Inch Wire Crate: Best for Large Puppies
Precision Pet Two-Door Provalue Wire Dog Crate, 36in, for Pets 50-70lbs
36 x 23 x 25 inches for dogs weighing 50-70 lbs
Weighs 12.7 pounds
Two doors with divider panel
Pros
- Lift-to-lock door resists a dog pushing the latch with its nose
- Divider panel makes it a practical crate for a dog that will reach 50-70 lbs
- Folds flat and fits together tightly enough to skip zip ties
- Removable pan with raised lip keeps bowls and bedding inside
Cons
- Standard-duty wire is not built for escape artists or destructive dogs
- Side door does not stay open on its own and must be propped
- Occasional units arrive with a cracked plastic tray
- A few units have a sharp wire edge on the outside
This is the crate for the puppy whose adult size you already know and who will be big. At 36 x 23 x 25 inches it is built for dogs weighing 50 to 70 pounds, and it is one of only a few crates in this roundup where the crate you buy for a puppy is genuinely the crate you need at maturity. The divider panel is included, so a 10-week-old can be blocked into a corner of it and the space opened up as the dog grows.
The lift-to-lock door mechanism is the feature owners praise most, because it resists a dog pushing the latch with its nose, which is exactly what a puppy testing its crate will do. The 5-point locking system closes gaps on both doors, and the rounded corners eliminate sharp edges. That combination is a meaningful safety upgrade for a larger, stronger puppy.
It is also lighter than you would expect at 12.7 pounds for a 36-inch crate, so moving it between rooms is manageable. The rust-resistant finish is suitable for occasional outdoor use, and the non-skid rubber feet protect floors. It folds flat for storage and transport, and owners note it fits together tightly enough that zip ties are not needed, which is a nice detail when a puppy tries to nose the door open.
The pan is removable and shatter-resistant with a raised side lip, which keeps bowls and bedding inside the crate instead of tipped over by a puppy who decides to rearrange the furniture. Watch two things on arrival: some units arrive with a cracked or broken plastic tray, and a few have a sharp wire edge on the outside of the crate. Inspect both before the puppy goes in.
Who the Precision Pet 36-Inch Crate Suits
It suits owners of breeds heading for 50 to 70 pounds who want to buy once. Labradors, goldens, Weimaraners, ridgebacks and similar dogs all land in this range, and the divider means the crate works from week one rather than from month eight. Multi-dog households mention it as a practical no-frills choice that does the job without complication.
It also suits anyone whose dog pokes at latches. The lift-to-lock mechanism and the 5-point system are the strongest latch story in this roundup after the heavy-duty crates. At 12.7 pounds it is easy to move, and the collapsible frame means it can be stored between uses.
Where the Precision Pet 36-Inch Crate Falls Short
Standard-duty wire is the clear limit. This is not a crate for an escape artist or a destructive chewer, and if you already have one of those, look at the heavy-duty section. The frame will bend if a determined dog leans into it.
The side door does not latch open, so you have to prop or hook it, which is irritating when you are loading a puppy who does not want in. Quality control is a minor issue too, with occasional cracked trays and sharp wire edges. Check the crate over before the first night.
10. FDW 24-Inch Foldable Metal Dog Crate: The Budget Pick
FDW | 24″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Small Dogs
24 x 16 x 19 inches for small dogs and puppies
Weighs 7.94 pounds
Epoxy-coated wire
Pros
- Tool-free assembly that deploys in a few minutes
- Folds to under 3 inches thick for storage and travel
- Removable handle mounts on any side
- Leak-proof ABS composite tray wipes clean and resists odours
Cons
- Light wire gauge suits small well-behaved dogs rather than chewers
- Divider and tray are removable add-ons that need separate cleaning
The FDW 24-inch crate is the one to look at if the main constraint is cost, and it does not feel like a toy. It is made from high tensile-strength wire with an epoxy coating finish that resists rust, corrosion and fading, and it ranks number three in Basic Dog Crates with 4.4 stars across 7,079 ratings. That is a lot of owners for a crate at the cheaper end.
It deploys without tools in a few minutes and folds to less than 3 inches thick, which makes it genuinely storable. The removable carrying handle mounts on any side, which is a small feature that turns out to matter when the crate lives in a corner and the car is at the other end of the house.
Two doors, one front and one side, with heavy-duty dual latches, give good access for a 24-inch crate. The leak-proof ABS composite tray has an integrated perimeter lip and will not stain, warp, corrode or retain pet odours, which is the specific thing you care about with a puppy crate during housebreaking.
The limit is light-gauge wire, and it is a real limit. This crate is intended for small, well-behaved dogs and puppies, not for a chewer or a strong breed. The divider panel here is listed as a way to separate two pets rather than as a growth divider, and the tray and divider are removable pieces that need cleaning separately, so there is a little more surface area to keep track of.
Who the FDW 24-Inch Crate Suits
It suits owners on a tight budget who still want metal wire rather than fabric, which is the right material for a teething puppy. It suits small-dog households that need a crate that disappears into storage, since it folds to under 3 inches and comes with a handle that mounts wherever you need it.
It also works for anyone who wants two doors at the smaller end of the size range, which is rarer than it should be. Four colour finishes are available, including pink and blue, and the light 7.94 pound weight means an older adult can move it without strain.
Where the FDW 24-Inch Crate Falls Short
Light-gauge wire is the whole caveat, and it is the reason this is not our top pick despite the review volume. A puppy that chews bars will work through it, and it will not hold a strong or anxious dog.
The listed divider is a two-pet separator rather than a panel sized for one growing puppy, so you cannot use it to solve the too-big-crate problem. And because the tray and divider come out separately, cleaning takes slightly more steps than on a crate with a fixed floor.
11. LEMBERI 48-Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate: Built for Large Breeds
LEMBERI 48″ Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Black
47.2 x 30.7 x 36 inches with a 500 lbs floor rating
Weighs 81.8 pounds
20-gauge steel panels
Pros
- Holds up against powerful chewers that bent lighter wire crates
- Front and top doors make feeding and post-surgical handling easier
- Swivel casters with brakes let the crate move with a large dog inside
- Slide-out tray makes clean-up of hair waste and spills quick
Cons
- At 81.8 pounds it needs two people to assemble or reposition
- Installed casters raise the floor about 5 inches which is a problem for dogs with mobility issues
- Some buyers report caster wheels breaking or losing bearings
- Top door can lift off the hinges when the crate is moved
This is a large-dog kennel, and we are including it for a specific reason: a puppy that is heading for giant-breed size will end up here eventually, and the version with wheels is a far better answer than a crate that has to be dragged across a floor. At 47.2 x 30.7 x 36 inches it is built for large dogs and high-anxiety pets, with 20-gauge steel panels on 0.8-inch reinforced steel tubes and precision-welded joints. It holds a 500 lbs load capacity on the reinforced floor grate.
Owners of powerful chewers, including German Shepherds, American Bulldogs, Cane Corsos and Staffies, credit it with holding up where lighter crates bent. The precision-spaced grid floor is also better on paws and claws than a solid tray, with waste collecting in the slide-out leak-proof pan underneath. The multi-layer non-toxic anti-rust coating resists rust, corrosion and deep claw scratches, for indoor or outdoor use.
Two access points make this unusually practical for a big dog: a low-threshold front door plus a top skylight feed door. The top door is what makes this crate genuinely useful for a dog recovering from surgery or an injury, because you can reach in without making a 90-pound dog stand up. The 360-degree industrial swivel casters have two lockable brakes, so you can roll the crate to a different room with a large dog still inside and then lock it.
It arrives pre-assembled, so you attach four wheels and ten screw bolts in under 10 minutes. There is a 1-year warranty with lifetime customer care, and one manufacturer replaced a full set of worn wheels at no cost, which matters for a product expected to last a decade. The 4.6 average across 4,318 ratings, with 82% five-star, reflects a well-regarded heavy-duty build.
Who the LEMBERI 48-Inch Crate Suits
It suits owners of large breeds and high-anxiety dogs, and it is the answer to a puppy that chews through everything softer or lighter. If you already know your dog will be powerful, buying the light-gauge crate first means buying twice. This is the buy-once option for the dog you can already picture at full size.
It also suits anyone with a dog recovering from surgery or managing a mobility problem, thanks to the top access door, and anyone who wants the crate on wheels rather than fixed. The grid floor is a genuine welfare feature for a large dog that spends real time crated.
Where the LEMBERI 48-Inch Crate Falls Short
At 81.8 pounds this needs two people to assemble or reposition, and that rules it out of small flats. The installed casters also raise the floor by about 5 inches, which is a step-up problem for a dog with joint issues or a senior, and worth thinking about if the crate will serve an older dog later.
Some buyers report caster wheels breaking or losing ball bearings within a few months, and the top door can lift off its hinges when the crate is moved, with no cotter pin provided to secure it. None of these are safety failures in normal use, but all of them are things to check on arrival.
12. BOLDBONE 54-Inch Heavy Duty Kennel: Two Large Dogs in One Frame
BOLDBONE 54 inch Heavy Duty Indestructible and Escape-Proof Dog Crate Cage Kennel with Divider for 2 Large Dogs, High Anxiety Dog Crate with Removable Wires Trays and Wheels, Extra Large XL XXL
54 x 31 x 46 inches with a removable 2-in-1 divider
Weighs 118 pounds
20-gauge steel frame
Pros
- Escape-proof against powerful chewers including Jack Russells Cane Corsos and Great Danes
- Removable divider splits it into two kennels or one giant space
- No flex or wobble once assembled
- Locking swivel casters make the 118 pound crate easy to reposition
Cons
- Assembly instructions and part labelling are vague so panels can be fitted incorrectly
- Doors and top panels rattle loudly without felt feet or rubber bumpers
- The bare metal floor needs a well-fitting bed or padding
- One buyer received a plastic pan with a small crack
The BOLDBONE 54-inch kennel does something none of the other crates here do: a removable divider splits the frame into two large compartments or one giant space. That makes it a 2-in-1 kennel that a household can use for two large dogs now, or one dog now and two later, or a large dog plus a puppy separated. It is the one to buy if a second dog is a real possibility rather than a hypothetical.
The build is heavy: a 20-gauge steel frame with 0.5-inch reinforced steel tubes and double sturdy slide bolt latches, coated in a long-lasting non-toxic hammer-tone finish that resists rust and corrosion indoors or out. Owners report no flex or wobble once assembled, and describe it as escape-proof against Jack Russells, Cane Corsos, Great Danes and German Shepherds. It ranks number nine in Basic Dog Crates with 4.6 stars across 2,714 ratings and 81% five-star ratings.
The access and mobility design is thoughtful for a kennel this size. Wide-opening double doors with low thresholds make feeding straightforward, front and top doors plus a middle door simplify handling, and the removable wire tray over a leak-proof plastic pan means the grid protects paws while waste falls through to the pan. The 360-degree swivel caster wheels have brakes, so you can reposition a 118-pound crate without asking a neighbour for help.
There is a one-year warranty with lifetime customer support and free replacement, and the manufacturer’s own tip is to leave the door unlocked at first and add chew toys while the puppy adjusts, which matches what we would tell you anyway. Build quality is not the concern; instructions are.
Who the BOLDBONE 54-Inch Crate Suits
It suits large-breed and giant-breed households, and multi-dog homes where two big dogs need separate space. The removable divider is the argument: you are not buying a crate for a puppy and a second crate for the adult dog in eighteen months. The wide doors and top access make it practical for post-surgical handling of a large dog.
It also suits owners with a puppy that is already an escape artist, since the double slide bolt latches and reinforced tubes are built for exactly that. The locking casters are a genuine advantage for a crate this heavy, and the pan system keeps clean-up fast despite the size.
Where the BOLDBONE 54-Inch Crate Falls Short
Assembly is the weak point. Instructions and part labelling are vague, and owners report assembling a panel incorrectly before the trays reveal the mistake, which on a frame this size means taking a lot of it back apart. Set aside a proper hour and check the layout diagram first.
It is also bare metal underfoot, so a well-fitting bed or padding is needed for comfort, and the doors and top panels rattle loudly unless you add felt feet or rubber bumpers, which matters in an apartment. At 118 pounds it needs two people, and it is not a crate for a small flat.
How Big Should a Puppy’s Crate Be?
A puppy’s crate should be big enough to stand up without hitting their head, turn around comfortably, and lie down stretched out on their side. That is the rule repeated across every sizing guide in this space, and it is the right one. It is also the rule that has to be applied to the divider setting, not to the crate’s outside dimensions.
Here is the part most roundups skip. A crate is not too big or too small based on the puppy in front of you. It is only too small if the dog cannot stand, turn and lie down at the divider setting you have chosen today. The crate itself should be sized to the adult dog, because replacing a crate every six months is wasteful and because the divider exists to solve the gap in the meantime.
The exception is hard plastic, which cannot be divided. Kennels like the Petmate Vari have a fixed interior, so for those you either buy adult size and manage the gap with bedding and a playpen, or you buy small and accept a second purchase.
Should a Puppy’s Crate Be Bigger Than They Need Right Now?
No. This is the single most expensive mistake in puppy crate buying, and it is the one that stalls housebreaking for weeks. A puppy given a large empty crate will relieve itself in the far corner, away from the bed and away from the smell of its own waste, because that is what dogs do. The crate then becomes associated with being dirty rather than with being safe.
Buy the adult size and use the divider. Then block off the space rather than trusting the puppy to stay in the small section. Owners on puppy forums describe setting the divider snug, feeding the puppy in the section that is theirs, and moving the panel up a few inches every week or two as the puppy grows. Several mention the addition of bedding to define the sleeping area as a further cue.
For crate types without a divider, the practical workarounds are a playpen panel across the unused section, a cardboard divider, or blocking the space with a folded blanket on the floor. For puppies under 8 weeks, many owners on forums use a playpen rather than a crate at all, since a very young puppy has a genuine need to toilet frequently and a playpen gives more usable floor while keeping them contained.
Wire, Soft-Sided, or Plastic: Which Crate Type Is Best for a Puppy?
Wire is the best crate type for puppies overall. It is the most chew-resistant of the three, the easiest to wipe and hose clean after an accident, the best ventilated, and the only one that reliably supports a divider panel. For a teething puppy in housebreaking, that combination wins. Wire is the default recommendation for the first 12 months unless you have a specific reason to go elsewhere.
Soft-sided is the better choice in two situations: apartments where noise through to neighbours is a concern, and travel, hotels and temporary spaces where light weight and fast folding matter more than chew resistance. It is the wrong choice for a puppy that chews. Owners report soft crates and zippers chewed through within weeks, which is a recurring complaint on puppy forums.
Hard plastic is a specialist tool, not a starter crate. It is unbeatable for vet visits, car rides, airline travel and post-surgical recovery, and it wipes clean in seconds. But it cannot be divided, it is low, and it is rigid, so it works best for a small puppy in transit rather than as an overnight crate for a growing dog.
Heavy-duty steel is the fourth category and it is not really a puppy category. It exists for dogs that chew through standard wire or push hard against doors. Our advice is to wait until you know you need it, unless you already know your dog will be large and powerful, in which case buying once is the more sustainable choice.
What to Look for in a Puppy Crate
A puppy crate needs a small set of specific features. These are the ones that change the training outcome, in rough order of importance.
Divider panel – blocks off unused crate space so a puppy does not potty in the far corner, and is raised gradually as the dog grows.
Removable leak-proof tray – catches accidents and lifts out for washing, which is what makes daily clean-up bearable during housebreaking.
Low door threshold – a step-up lip stops some puppies entering willingly, which undermines every other training effort.
Multiple doors – a front and side door allow placement against a wall and let you reach the dog without making them stand up.
Lockable latches – a slide-bolt or multi-point latch stops a puppy pushing the door open with its nose or paw.
Chew-resistant wire – heavier gauge steel matters if the puppy mouths the bars, and the spacing matters for paw and head safety.
Folds flat – lets you move one crate between the bedroom at night and another room during the day, or pack it for a trip.
Rounded corners and rubber feet – no sharp edges, and no scratched hardwood floors in a flat.
How Long Should a Puppy Stay in a Crate?
A puppy should stay in its crate for roughly 10 minutes per month of age, up to about an hour or so, and no longer as a default. The traditional guideline adds a 10-minute walk in either side and 10 minutes of play afterwards. Puppies under 12 weeks usually have bladder and bowel control for around an hour at a time, which is a hard biological limit, not a training failure.
As a rough guide, an 8-week-old puppy manages 10 to 20 minutes, a 9-week-old around 20 to 30 minutes, a 10-week-old up to an hour, and a 12-week-old similar to a 10-week-old. Work up in small increments rather than jumping to four hours. If you work full hours away from home, that is a scheduling problem to solve with a midday walk, a playpen, or a walker, not a reason to extend crate time.
Never extend the time to stop whining. A puppy learns that longer crying produces the door opening, and you end up with a dog who cries for longer. The fix is a more interesting crate, a shorter interval, and more exercise outside it. Taking the collar off before the puppy goes in also matters, and it is the most consistent piece of safety advice that comes out of experienced crate owners in puppy forums.
How to Crate Train a Puppy Without It Becoming a Punishment
Crate training works in five steps, and it takes about a week if you are consistent. The goal is a puppy who walks in voluntarily, because a dog who chooses the crate is a dog who settles there.
1. Place the crate in the room you are in, not in a spare room. Line it with a washable pad, put the door open, and leave it there for a day or two with no pressure.
2. Feed meals inside the crate with the door open, standing outside. Most puppies walk in without being asked once food appears.
3. Once the puppy finishes and steps out, close the door for a short sit while you stay in the room. Start with one or two minutes.
4. Increase in small increments, and always return before the puppy is distressed. Do not return early on the first day just because the puppy is calm once.
5. Add crate-safe enrichment, a chew toy or a lick mat, and build up to the age-appropriate time. Increase time before you increase the puppy’s age-appropriate hours by months.
The common mistakes are consistent across what owners report online. Using the crate as punishment, or as a place you send the puppy when you are annoyed, is the first and worst. Putting a collar on inside the crate risks snagging on a latch or a wire gap. Using a crate that is too large is the third, and we have covered why above. Buying a soft crate for a chewer, crating a puppy for far longer than its age allows, and putting the crate in an isolated room rather than where the family is, round out the list.
Chewing, Escaping, and Crate Safety
Puppies getting their heads or paws caught in wire crate spacing is a real reported hazard, and it appears in owner threads on puppy forums more than any other safety concern. It is also a mesh spacing problem rather than a brand problem, so the fix is a physical check: run your hand along the inside of the panels and feel for any gap a paw or a muzzle could pass through. Brands that quote larger openings tend to be safer for very young puppies.
Collar snagging is the second hazard, and the fix is free. Take the collar and any tags off before the puppy goes in. A tag on a caught collar is how a frightened puppy learns that the crate is a place where bad things happen. Leave a harness on for a walk to the toilet, remove it, then crate.
Chewed soft crates and chewed plastic edges are the third. If your puppy mouths the crate itself rather than a toy, that is a signal to move to wire immediately rather than replacing the same soft crate in three weeks. Supply crate-safe chew toys, a lick mat, or a snuffle mat so the chewing impulse has somewhere to go that is not the door seam.
For cleaning, a removable washable tray and a washable pad are worth more than any other feature over six months of housebreaking. Wire crates can be hosed or wiped and air-dried; soft crates need the cover washed regularly or odour builds in the fabric; plastic kennels wipe down in seconds. Our wooden and eco-material crate guide covers another construction route if durability over the dog’s lifetime is your priority.
Apartment Living, Travel, and Small-Space Setups
Apartments reward a crate that is quiet, light and small in footprint. A soft-sided crate absorbs sound that wire carries, and it folds flat against a wall. A wire crate with rubber feet protects a hard floor and, at 24 inches, takes up very little floor space. Avoid a wheeled 48-inch kennel in a small flat for the obvious reasons.
Travel changes the priority entirely. The Petmate Vari Kennel meets most airline cargo specifications with four-sided ventilation, is light enough to carry one-handed, and has a hard shell that is easy to wipe down after a journey. Confirm with your specific carrier, since requirements vary. For car travel, a soft crate that folds flat and calms an anxious dog is a common favourite among owners.
Two-crate households are more common than any guide admits. Owners report running one crate in the bedroom overnight and one for daytime containment, particularly when there is already a resident adult dog. If you are in that situation, our heavy-duty training crate picks cover the build side, and the folding crates here cover the logistics. The key is that both crates should have dividers, because both puppies will outgrow their starting space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of crate is best for puppies?
A folding wire crate with a divider panel is the best type for puppies. Wire resists chewing better than fabric or thin plastic, wipes clean after housebreaking accidents, ventilates well, and is the only construction that reliably supports a divider panel so a puppy can be blocked into a small sleeping area. Soft-sided crates suit apartments and travel, and hard plastic kennels suit vet visits and car journeys, but neither grows with a puppy.
What size crate should I get to crate train my puppy?
Buy the size your dog will be as an adult, then use the divider panel to block off the unused space. The rule is that the puppy must be able to stand up without hitting their head, turn around comfortably, and lie down stretched out on their side, and that test applies to the divider setting rather than the crate dimensions.
Is it better for a dog crate to be too big or too small?
Too small is far better than too big. A crate that is too small can be adjusted upward as the dog grows, but a crate that is too large lets the puppy toilet in the far corner away from its bedding, which slows housebreaking down and can undo weeks of work. This is why the divider matters more than the exterior size.
Should I put my 8 week old puppy in a crate at night?
Yes, with short intervals. An 8-week-old puppy typically manages 10 to 20 minutes of crate time at a time, and overnight means getting up once or twice to take them out. Start with the door open, then short closed-door sits while you stay in the room, and build up gradually rather than expecting a full night straight away.
Can I leave my puppy in a crate for 4 hours?
Only once the puppy is old enough to hold it, which is usually from around 12 weeks and up. Before that, four hours exceeds what a young puppy can physically hold. If you work away for a full day, arrange a midday walk, a playpen, or a walker rather than extending crate time, because stretching the interval to stop whining teaches the puppy that crying works.
What is the 10-10-10 rule for puppies?
The 10-10-10 rule is a housebreaking guideline: roughly 10 minutes of crate time per month of puppy age, plus 10 minutes of walking before and 10 minutes of play after. It is a ceiling rather than a target, and it is a starting point that you build up from in small increments while the puppy stays calm.
Which Puppy Crate Should You Buy?
The best dog crates for puppies come down to one decision: buy the size your dog will be at maturity, and make sure a divider panel is in the box. The MidWest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate is the pick we would buy first, because it combines that divider with a leak-proof tray, tool-free assembly, low thresholds and more than 112,000 ratings at 4.7 stars. It works from week one through to a 40-pound adult without a second purchase.
If your dog will stay under 20 inches, take the Amazon Basics 24-Inch instead and get the same divider logic in a crate that folds flat and travels. If you know your dog will reach 50 to 70 pounds, the Precision Pet 36-Inch has a divider and a stronger latch. If you have a chewer, go straight to the Ultima Pro’s thicker steel. And if the crate mostly travels, the Petmate Vari Kennel is the one to carry.
Whichever one you choose, set the divider snug, feed the puppy in the section that is theirs, and raise the panel every week or two. That habit, more than the crate itself, is what turns a crate into housebreaking progress in 2026.