Dog crate reviews
Best Dog Crate UK 2026: Top Picks for Every Breed & Budget
The best dog crates for UK homes — wire, heavy duty, and travel crates for every size. Honest picks with sizing guide, setup tips and real cons included.
By Meg, Dog Product Reviews · Updated 3 April 2026
A dog crate is not a cage or a punishment. Done right, it is a den your dog chooses to sleep in — and one of the most useful bits of kit you will buy in the first two years of owning a dog.
The problem is the market is full of flimsily built cages that fold under pressure, and too many owners buy the wrong size because the product photos make everything look right. This guide avoids both traps.
Our picks are split by use case: best overall wire crate, best for large breeds, best budget, best for strong or anxious dogs, and best for travel. Pick the one that fits your dog's weight, your home layout, and how you actually use it.
Affiliate note: Dog Product Reviews is reader-supported. If you buy through some links on this site, we may earn an affiliate commission. That helps keep the site running, but it does not change how products are selected, ranked or criticised. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What actually matters here
- Size: just large enough for your dog to stand fully upright, turn around, and lie down stretched out. No bigger.
- Wire gauge: heavier gauge wire for larger or more persistent dogs. Lightweight wire bends.
- Tray design: a removable, waterproof base tray is non-negotiable for easy cleaning.
- Door configuration: double-door (front and side) gives much more flexibility for tight spaces and room layouts.
- Fold-flat design for storage or transport — important unless you plan to leave the crate up permanently.
- Latch security: cheap latches pop open; check the latch design carefully for dogs that push or paw the door.
Who this is for
- New owners who need a crate for the first time and want a straightforward recommendation.
- Owners of medium to large breeds (Labradors, Spaniels, German Shepherds) who have outgrown a starter crate.
- Anyone dealing with an anxious, destructive, or escape-prone dog who needs something more robust than a basic wire cage.
- Drivers who need a safe, contained space for the dog in the car boot or back seat.
Who should skip
- Puppy owners who need a first crate with a divider panel — see our dedicated best puppy crate page.
- Owners of very small breeds under 5kg — a basic 24" or 30" starter cage is all you need; no need to overthink it.
Crate size guide for adult dogs
The rule is simple: your dog should be able to stand fully upright without crouching, turn around without touching the sides, and lie down fully stretched. Nothing more. A crate that is too large loses its den feel and creates space for a dog to designate a separate toilet corner — which defeats the point.
Use these as a starting guide: Chihuahua, Toy breeds (under 5kg) — 24" (61cm). Cockapoo, Cavalier, Beagle (8–15kg) — 30" (76cm). Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, Springer (15–25kg) — 36" (91cm). Labrador, Boxer, Dalmatian (25–40kg) — 42" (107cm). German Shepherd, Rottweiler, large Doodles (40kg+) — 48" (122cm).
If you are unsure, measure from the floor to the top of your dog's head when sitting upright, and from nose to base of tail. Add 10cm to each measurement. That gives you the minimum internal crate dimensions to look for.
Wire vs plastic vs fabric: which type do you need?
Wire crates are the default choice for home use. Good ventilation, lets the dog see the room, folds flat, and comes in every size. The right choice for most UK households.
Plastic airline-style crates are better for car travel, vet visits, and nervous dogs that feel more secure in an enclosed den. Less ventilation, but that can actually help calm anxious dogs.
Fabric crates are lightweight and genuinely portable but offer no real containment. Only appropriate for calm, fully crate-trained dogs being taken away from home. Not for everyday home use, and not for any dog with crate anxiety.
Heavy duty steel crates are the answer for escape artists, destructive chewers, and very anxious dogs that destroy standard wire cages. They cost more and are heavy to move, but they solve a specific problem that nothing else does.
How to introduce a crate to an adult dog
Place the crate in a quiet corner with the door open. Throw a few treats inside and leave it alone for a day or two. Most dogs will wander in out of curiosity. Once they are comfortable entering, start feeding meals inside with the door open.
After a few days of relaxed entry, begin closing the door briefly — 30 seconds while you are in the room, then a minute, then five. Work up slowly. An adult dog can usually be relaxed about a closed crate within a week if you do not rush it.
Never use the crate as punishment. Never leave an adult dog crated for more than 4 hours without a break. If your dog is distressed in the crate after two weeks of gradual introduction, speak to a reward-based trainer — rushing the process often makes anxiety worse, not better.
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Main drawback | Approx. price | Price band |
|---|
| MidWest Homes for Pets MidWest iCrate Double Door — 36'' Intermediate | Best overall — medium to large dogs (Spaniels, Collies, Retrievers) | No divider panel included in the standard pack — if you are buying for a growing dog, look for the iCrate kit version that bundles one in. | ~£55 | ££ |
| Ellie-Bo Ellie-Bo Deluxe 42'' Double Door Dog Cage | Best for large breeds (Labradors, Boxers, German Shepherds) | Some QC variation reported in buyer reviews — the latch on the side door can be fiddly. No divider panel included. | ~£50 | ££ |
| Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Large Metal Dog Cage | Best budget crate for calm dogs in medium to large sizes | Single front door only — limits placement options. Lighter wire gauge than MidWest or Ellie-Bo. Not suitable for anxious, escape-prone, or destructive dogs. | ~£35 | £ |
| LUCKUP LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate | Best for escape-prone or anxious dogs | Significantly heavier than standard wire crates — not one you will be moving around daily. Also more expensive. Overkill for calm dogs. | ~£85 | £££ |
| Ellie-Bo Ellie-Bo Fabric Folding Dog Travel Crate | Best travel crate for well-trained dogs | Fabric offers no containment for persistent chewers or anxious dogs — if your dog has any crate anxiety or destructive habits, this is not the right choice. For trained, calm dogs only. | ~£28 | £ |
Recommended picks
Best for: Best overall — medium to large dogs (Spaniels, Collies, Retrievers)
MidWest Homes for Pets MidWest iCrate Double Door — 36'' Intermediate
Approx. price: ~£55 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: The iCrate is the most consistently recommended wire crate in UK dog communities, and for good reason. Solid steel wire, front and side doors for flexible room placement, a leak-proof removable tray, and a fold-flat design that stores in seconds. The 36" intermediate size suits most medium dogs comfortably. The 42" is available for larger breeds.
Main drawback: No divider panel included in the standard pack — if you are buying for a growing dog, look for the iCrate kit version that bundles one in.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
- Consistent build quality across multiple size options.
- Double door (front + side) for flexible room placement.
- Fold-flat without tools in under 30 seconds.
- Removable leak-proof base tray.
- One of the most reviewed dog crates on Amazon UK.
Cons
- Standard pack does not include a divider panel — buy separately if needed.
- Latches can develop a rattle over time if the dog paws at the door.
- Heavier than budget cages — not ideal if you move it daily.
Best for: Best for large breeds (Labradors, Boxers, German Shepherds)
Ellie-Bo Ellie-Bo Deluxe 42'' Double Door Dog Cage
Approx. price: ~£50 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Ellie-Bo's 42" XL is the default large-breed recommendation in the UK. It covers dogs up to around 40kg comfortably, has a front and side door for access options, a removable tray, and folds flat. Good build quality for the price — noticeably more robust than budget alternatives at the same size.
Main drawback: Some QC variation reported in buyer reviews — the latch on the side door can be fiddly. No divider panel included.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
- Genuine XL coverage for large and giant breeds.
- Double-door design — more flexible than single-door cages.
- Folds flat for storage between uses.
- Better wire gauge than budget alternatives at this size.
Cons
- Side door latch can be fiddly on some units.
- No divider panel — not ideal if you are crate training from puppyhood.
- Heavier than MidWest equivalent at this size.
Best for: Best budget crate for calm dogs in medium to large sizes
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Large Metal Dog Cage
Approx. price: ~£35 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Solid entry-level option for dogs that are already calm and housetrained and simply need a safe, contained space. Folds flat, removable tray, front door access. At ~£35, it is the cheapest reliable crate on the UK market for larger dogs.
Main drawback: Single front door only — limits placement options. Lighter wire gauge than MidWest or Ellie-Bo. Not suitable for anxious, escape-prone, or destructive dogs.
Typical price band: £
Pros
- Cheapest reliable crate at this size — ~£35.
- Fold-flat for storage.
- Removable leak-proof tray.
- Fine for calm, non-destructive adult dogs.
Cons
- Single door only — less placement flexibility.
- Lighter wire gauge — not for persistent chewers or pushers.
- No divider panel.
- Build quality noticeably below MidWest.
Best for: Best for escape-prone or anxious dogs
LUCKUP LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Approx. price: ~£85 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Heavy-gauge reinforced steel with slide-bolt latches — the kind that a determined Husky or anxious rescue cannot push open. Multiple door access points, removable base tray, and a more secure latch system than standard wire crates. Built noticeably heavier than everyday cages; it shows when you lift it.
Main drawback: Significantly heavier than standard wire crates — not one you will be moving around daily. Also more expensive. Overkill for calm dogs.
Typical price band: £££
Pros
- Reinforced steel — dogs that destroy standard cages cannot escape this.
- Slide-bolt latches are much more secure than standard spring clips.
- Multiple door access points.
- Removable base tray.
- Peace of mind for owners of anxious or strong-willed breeds.
Cons
- Heavy — not a crate you will move around the house regularly.
- More expensive than standard wire cages.
- Does not fold flat as easily as standard wire designs.
- Overkill for calm adult dogs that are already crate-trained.
Best for: Best travel crate for well-trained dogs
Ellie-Bo Ellie-Bo Fabric Folding Dog Travel Crate
Approx. price: ~£28 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Lightweight fabric crate that folds flat into its own carry bag in seconds. Ideal for trips to the vet, stays at family homes, or as a portable sleeping space when you are away. Much lighter and less obtrusive than a wire crate. Zipped doors on three sides for flexible access.
Main drawback: Fabric offers no containment for persistent chewers or anxious dogs — if your dog has any crate anxiety or destructive habits, this is not the right choice. For trained, calm dogs only.
Typical price band: £
Pros
- Folds into a carry bag — genuinely portable.
- Much lighter than any wire equivalent.
- Three-door access for flexible set up.
- Affordable at ~£28.
Cons
- Zero containment for anxious or destructive dogs — zips are easily broken.
- Only suitable for dogs already fully comfortable with crates.
- No rigid base — some dogs dislike the soft floor.
FAQ
What size dog crate do I need for a Labrador?
Most adult Labradors need a 42" (XL) crate. Males typically need 42", while lighter females may be fine in a 36". Measure your specific dog — height sitting + 10cm, and nose to tail + 10cm — rather than going purely by breed.
Is a dog crate cruel?
No, when used correctly. Dogs are den animals by instinct and most will voluntarily sleep in a crate once it is introduced properly. What is cruel is using a crate as punishment, leaving a dog in one for excessive periods, or forcing a dog into one with no introduction.
How long can I leave a dog in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 4 hours at a stretch during the day. Overnight crating (6–8 hours) is fine for most adult dogs once they are comfortable with it. Puppies need much shorter intervals — roughly one hour per month of age plus one.
Should I put a bed in the dog crate?
Yes — a vet bed or folded blanket makes the crate significantly more appealing. Avoid memory foam beds for puppies still being toilet trained as they soak up accidents. A washable Vetbed or a simple folded fleece is the most practical choice.
Wire crate vs plastic crate: which is better?
Wire for home use — better ventilation, folds flat, and the dog can see around them. Plastic airline crates are better for car travel and vet visits, and some anxious dogs feel more secure in the enclosed style. Most owners end up with both over time.
How do I stop my dog whining in their crate?
First rule out whether they genuinely need the toilet. If not, do not let them out while they are whining — this teaches that whining works. Wait for a pause, even a brief one, then open the door. Move the crate near your bed at night if they are anxious; being close to you usually resolves night whining within a few days.
