Puppy crate reviews
Best Puppy Crate UK 2026: Size, Setup & Picks
Which puppy crate actually works for UK homes? Sizing, setup and 3 crates worth buying — including one common mistake to avoid.
By Meg, Dog Product Reviews · Updated 20 March 2026
The single most common crate training mistake? Buying too big. If a puppy has enough room to designate a toilet area separate from their sleeping area, the crate isn't doing its job.
The golden rule: your puppy's crate should be just large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down fully stretched out. No more room than that. If there's extra space, use a divider panel.
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What actually matters here
- Correct size for your breed — just large enough to stand, turn around, and lie down.
- Divider panel included or available — essential for medium-to-large breeds.
- Removable leak-proof tray for easy cleaning after accidents.
- Folds flat for storage and transport.
- Double-door access for flexible room placement.
Crate size guide by breed
Chihuahua, Yorkie (under 5kg): start 18”, adult 24”. Cockapoo, Cavalier (5–10kg): start 24”, adult 30”. Cocker Spaniel, Beagle (10–20kg): start 24” with divider, adult 30–36”. Labrador, Boxer (20–35kg): start 30” with divider, adult 36–42”.
The divider trick: buy the adult size from day one with a divider panel. Shrink the usable space and expand as the puppy grows. Saves buying two crates.
Crate training in the first week: a realistic timeline
Day 1–2: place crate with door open, throw treats inside, feed meals inside. Day 3–4: close door for 30 seconds, extend to 1–2 minutes, stay in the room. Day 5–7: work up to 10–15 minutes with door closed, start leaving room briefly.
Most puppies are sleeping 4–5 hour stretches by day 7–14. Some take to a crate in 48 hours. Others take 3 weeks. Breed temperament and individual personality matter more than technique.
Common crate training mistakes
Never use the crate as punishment. Don't leave a puppy too long — roughly 1 hour per month of age plus one. Don't let the puppy out when they cry — wait for a pause. Don't keep the crate past 12–18 months once they're housetrained.
And the most common: buying too big. If your puppy can wander to a far corner to toilet, the crate is too large. Use a divider.
Quick comparison
Recommended picks
Best for: Best overall puppy crate — complete kit with divider
MidWest MidWest iCrate Double Door Starter Kit
Approx. price: ~£45 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Complete kit: crate, divider panel, leak-proof tray. Double-door design for flexible placement. Folds completely flat for storage. The divider is the single most important feature for toilet training.
Main drawback: Kit price (~£45) is higher than crate-only options. Latches rattle slightly if puppy paws at the door.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
- Divider panel included — essential for crate training.
- Double door for front and side access.
- Leak-proof removable tray.
- Folds completely flat for travel or storage.
- 4.5/5 from 5,000+ reviews.
Cons
- ~£45 is higher than crate-only options.
- Latches rattle slightly.
- 24” maxes out at roughly 10–11kg.
- Included fleece pad is thin — replace with Vetbed.
Best for: Best mid-range crate with double-door access
Ellie-Bo Ellie-Bo Standard 24-Inch 2-Door Crate
Approx. price: ~£30 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Front plus side door gives flexibility in placement. Easy-clean removable tray. Folds flat without tools in about 30 seconds.
Main drawback: No divider panel included — the biggest miss. Some reports of uneven gaps around doors.
Typical price band: ££
Pros
- Front + side door for placement flexibility.
- Easy-clean removable tray.
- Folds flat in 30 seconds, no tools.
- Good value at ~£30.
Cons
- No divider panel included.
- Some QC reports of uneven gaps around doors.
- Latches can be fiddly on the side door.
- Less robust than MidWest for panicking dogs.
Best for: Best budget starter crate for small breeds
Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Small Metal Dog Crate
Approx. price: ~£25 (prices may vary — check Amazon for current price)
Why it made the list: Cheapest reliable crate option at ~£25. Folds flat, removable tray, perfectly adequate for small breeds under 8kg.
Main drawback: Single door only. No divider panel. Lighter gauge wire than MidWest or Ellie-Bo.
Typical price band: £
Pros
- Cheapest reliable crate at ~£25.
- Folds flat for storage.
- Removable tray for cleaning.
- Perfectly adequate for small breeds.
Cons
- Single door only — limits placement.
- No divider panel.
- Lighter gauge wire.
- Not for anxious or medium-to-large breed puppies.
FAQ
What age should I start crate training?
From the day your puppy comes home — typically 8 weeks. The younger they start, the easier it is.
How long can I leave a puppy in a crate?
Their age in months plus one hour. A 2-month-old shouldn't be crated more than 3 hours. No puppy should be crated more than 6 hours at a stretch.
My puppy cries all night in the crate. What do I do?
Check they don't need the toilet. If not, move the crate next to your bed so they can hear and smell you. This usually resolves crying within 2–3 nights.
Should I get a wire crate or a plastic one?
Wire for home use — better ventilation, folds flat, lets your puppy see what's happening. Plastic airline-style crates are best for travel.
Do I need a crate cover?
Most puppies settle faster with one. Use a lightweight cotton sheet, leaving the front partially open for airflow. Skip in summer if temperature is a concern.