Best Puppy Crate for Training (2026)
Wire vs Plastic vs Soft - Complete Comparison + Sizing Guide
🏆 7 Crates Tested⏱️ 12 min read📏 Sizing Guide
Why Crate Training Matters
A crate isn't a cage—it's your puppy's safe space. Done right, crate training speeds up potty training, prevents destructive behavior, and gives your puppy a den where they feel secure.
🏠
Wire Crates
Best ventilation & visibility
📦
Plastic Crates
Den-like, travel-ready
🎒
Soft Crates
Lightweight & portable
📏 Crate Size Guide
Buy for your puppy's adult size and use a divider. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down.
| Breed Examples | Adult Weight | Crate Size |
|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua, Yorkie | 2-10 lbs | 18"-22" |
| Pug, French Bulldog | 10-25 lbs | 24"-30" |
| Beagle, Cocker Spaniel | 25-40 lbs | 30"-36" |
| Lab, Golden Retriever | 55-75 lbs | 42" |
| German Shepherd, Husky | 60-90 lbs | 42"-48" |
| Great Dane, Mastiff | 100+ lbs | 48"-54" |
Quick Comparison
| Crate | Type | Rating | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MidWest iCrate Double Door Best Overall | Wire | ★ 4.9 | $45-85 | Most puppies - best all-around choice |
Petmate Sky Kennel Best Plastic | Plastic | ★ 4.8 | $55-150 | Anxious puppies who need den-like space |
Diggs Revol Dog Crate Best Premium | Wire | ★ 4.8 | $375-575 | Design-conscious pet parents with budget |
Amazon Basics Folding Metal Crate Best Budget | Wire | ★ 4.7 | $30-65 | Budget-conscious first-time owners |
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate Best Soft-Sided | Soft | ★ 4.6 | $35-70 | Travel and already crate-trained dogs |
Petco You & Me Folding Crate Best In-Store Option | Wire | ★ 4.6 | $40-90 | Those who want to see before buying |
Frisco Heavy Duty Dog Crate Best for Strong Chewers | Wire | ★ 4.5 | $85-200 | Strong or escape-artist puppies |
#1 Best OverallWire
MidWest iCrate Double Door
★★★★4.9
18"-48" (6 sizes)
Divider included2 doorsFoldableRemovable tray
✓ Pros
- • Includes divider panel
- • Two doors
- • Folds flat
- • Leak-proof pan
✗ Cons
- • Can be noisy
- • Some dogs bend wire
Best For: Most puppies - best all-around choice
$45-85Buy on Amazon →
#2 Best PlasticPlastic
Petmate Sky Kennel
★★★★4.8
19"-48" (6 sizes)
Airline approvedHeavy-dutyVentilatedSecure latches
✓ Pros
- • Airline approved
- • Feels like den
- • Very durable
- • Easy to clean
✗ Cons
- • Doesn't fold
- • Less visibility
Best For: Anxious puppies who need den-like space
$55-150Buy on Amazon →
#3 Best PremiumWire
Diggs Revol Dog Crate
★★★★4.8
S/M/L/XL
Ceiling doorNo-trap meshPuppy dividerWheels included
✓ Pros
- • Baby crib safety standards
- • Ceiling opens
- • Diamond mesh (no paw trapping)
- • Gorgeous design
✗ Cons
- • Very expensive
- • Heavy
Best For: Design-conscious pet parents with budget
$375-575Buy on Amazon →
#4 Best BudgetWire
Amazon Basics Folding Metal Crate
★★★★4.7
22"-48" (5 sizes)
Divider includedFoldableRemovable trayCarrying handle
✓ Pros
- • Very affordable
- • Includes divider
- • Folds flat
- • Good quality
✗ Cons
- • Single door only
- • Basic design
Best For: Budget-conscious first-time owners
$30-65Buy on Amazon →
#5 Best Soft-SidedSoft
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate
★★★★4.6
20"-42" (6 sizes)
3 doorsPortableMachine washableSteel frame
✓ Pros
- • Lightweight
- • 3 mesh doors
- • Great for travel
- • Washable cover
✗ Cons
- • Not for chewers
- • Less secure
Best For: Travel and already crate-trained dogs
$35-70Buy on Amazon →
#6 Best In-Store OptionWire
Petco You & Me Folding Crate
★★★★4.6
19"-48" (5 sizes)
2 doorsDividerFoldableRemovable pan
✓ Pros
- • Easy to find
- • Divider included
- • Decent quality
- • Two doors
✗ Cons
- • Higher price for quality
- • Pan can slide
Best For: Those who want to see before buying
$40-90Buy on Amazon →
#7 Best for Strong ChewersWire
Frisco Heavy Duty Dog Crate
★★★★4.5
M/L/XL
Heavy-dutyDual latchesReinforcedRust-resistant
✓ Pros
- • 20-gauge steel
- • Escape-proof
- • Dual latches
- • Floor locks
✗ Cons
- • No puppy divider
- • Very heavy
Best For: Strong or escape-artist puppies
$85-200Buy on Amazon →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
As a rule: puppy's age in months + 1 = max hours. A 3-month puppy can hold it for ~4 hours. Never more than 4-5 hours during the day.
Should I cover the crate?
Many puppies sleep better with a cover. Start with partial coverage and see how your puppy responds. Ensure good airflow.
Wire or plastic for crate training?
Wire crates are best for most puppies - better ventilation and visibility. Plastic is better for anxious dogs or if you'll travel frequently.