Best Medium Size Dog Crates for 2026: Top Picks & Sizing Guide
Find the best med size dog crate for your pup. We compare top crates by size, durability, airflow, and price with expert sizing tips for 30–70 lb dogs.
Why Crate Size Matters More Than You Think
A crate that's too small restricts movement and causes joint stress; one that's too large undermines house-training because dogs will eliminate in one corner and sleep in another. For medium breeds—typically dogs weighing 30–70 lb (14–32 kg)—the right crate is a den, a training tool, and a safe travel container rolled into one. The American Kennel Club recommends that a dog should be able to stand up without ducking, turn around freely, and lie down stretched out.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Medium Crate
Forget breed charts—individual variation is too wide. Measure your actual dog:
- Height: From the top of the head (or ear tips, whichever is higher) to the floor. Add 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) for clearance.
- Length: From the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not tail tip). Add 4–6 inches (10–15 cm).
- Width: Across the shoulders at the widest point. Add 2–3 inches.
For most medium breeds—Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Bulldogs, Australian Shepherds—a 36-inch (91 cm) crate is the standard fit, with interior dimensions roughly 36"L × 23"W × 25"H (91 × 58 × 64 cm). Compact medium dogs like French Bulldogs may fit a 30-inch model, while long-bodied breeds like Basset Hounds often need the 36-inch even though they're under 50 lb.
Top 7 Medium Size Dog Crates Compared
1. MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate 36" Double Door
Price: $55–$75 | Type: Wire | Interior: 35.5" × 22.5" × 24.5"
The industry workhorse. MidWest's iCrate line has dominated the medium crate segment for over a decade because it nails the basics at a budget price. The 36-inch double-door model fits dogs 40–70 lb and includes a divider panel, ABS plastic pan, and roller feet to protect hardwood.
- Pros: Affordable, widely available, replacement pans easy to source, folds flat for storage, two doors, divider included.
- Cons: 11-gauge wire is adequate but not heavy-duty; determined dogs can bend panels; latch is basic slide-bolt; some rattle noise.
2. Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Crate 37"
Price: $130–$180 | Type: Heavy-duty wire | Interior: 36.5" × 23.5" × 25"
Built for escape artists and anxious chewers. The 7-gauge steel frame and dual slide-bolt latches with locking tabs resist bending and nosing. Heavier at 42 lb, which is a trade-off: harder to move but far more secure.
- Pros: Extremely durable, hammer-tone finish resists rust, high weight capacity (up to 90 lb), quiet—minimal rattle.
- Cons: Heavy, single door only on some SKUs, higher price point, plastic tray is thinner than MidWest's.
3. Revol Dog Crate by Diggs (Medium)
Price: $245–$295 | Type: Collapsible wire | Interior: 37" × 23.5" × 25.5"
Engineered like a baby product rather than a traditional kennel. The Revol collapses with one hand via a garage-door-style mechanism, has a diamond-shaped wire mesh (prevents paw-snagging), and includes a ceiling hatch for top-loading puppies. The medium fits dogs up to 70 lb.
- Pros: One-hand collapse, premium aesthetics, diamond mesh safety, wheels included, top door, divider panel, crash-tested accessories available.
- Cons: Premium price, replacement parts proprietary, heavier than standard wire crates at 35 lb.
4. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate 36"
Price: $45–$65 | Type: Soft-sided | Interior: 36" × 24" × 24"
A lightweight option for calm dogs who don't chew. Steel tube frame with 600D Oxford fabric, three mesh doors (front, side, top), and a fleece pad included. Weighs only 9 lb, making it ideal for travel, camping, and temporary confinement at hotels or family visits.
- Pros: Extremely lightweight, folds flat in seconds, three access points, machine-washable cover, budget price.
- Cons: Not for chewers or anxious dogs—fabric is destructible, no escape-proof latching, offers zero crash protection in vehicles.
5. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel Medium (36")
Price: $80–$120 | Type: Plastic/hard-shell | Interior: 34" × 22" × 24"
The airline-standard hard kennel. Made from recycled heavy-duty plastic with wire vents on three sides, a secure squeeze-latch door, and tie-down strap holes. Meets most domestic airline cargo requirements (always verify with your specific carrier before flying).
- Pros: Airline-compatible, enclosed den feel reduces anxiety for some dogs, easy to hose-clean, durable shell, stackable.
- Cons: Heavier at 18 lb, less ventilation than wire crates, harder to monitor dog visually, limited size adjustability.
6. Impact Dog Crate Collapsible 36"
Price: $395–$495 | Type: Aluminum/steel hybrid | Interior: 36" × 22" × 25"
Premium crash-tested crate designed for vehicle use. The aluminum frame and composite panels meet or exceed Center for Pet Safety crash-test standards. Stackable design and quiet operation make it a favorite among sport-dog handlers and frequent travelers.
- Pros: Crash-tested, extremely durable, lightweight for its strength class (28 lb), quiet, stacks, 10-year warranty.
- Cons: Very expensive, limited color options, long lead times on custom sizes, overkill for indoor-only use.
7. Caspian Home Wooden Dog Crate End Table 36"
Price: $160–$230 | Type: Furniture-style wood/wire | Interior: 33" × 21" × 23"
For owners who want the crate to blend with living room décor. MDF/wood composite frame with wire panels, double-door configuration, and a flat top that functions as an end table (rated for ~50 lb on top). Fits dogs up to roughly 55 lb given slightly reduced interior dimensions.
- Pros: Furniture aesthetic, dual-purpose, quieter than all-wire, good for calm adult dogs.
- Cons: Wood can absorb odors if accidents occur, not for chewers, heavier at 48 lb, interior is smaller than standard 36" wire crates, MDF vulnerable to moisture.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Product | Type | Price Range | Weight | Best For | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 36" | Wire | $55–$75 | 24 lb | Budget buyers, first-time owners | Moderate |
| Frisco Ultimate HD 37" | Heavy-duty wire | $130–$180 | 42 lb | Escape artists, strong dogs | High |
| Diggs Revol Medium | Collapsible wire | $245–$295 | 35 lb | Premium buyers, frequent movers | High |
| EliteField Soft 36" | Soft-sided | $45–$65 | 9 lb | Travel, calm dogs, temporary use | Low |
| Petmate Ultra Vari 36" | Plastic hard-shell | $80–$120 | 18 lb | Airline travel, den-preference dogs | High |
| Impact Collapsible 36" | Aluminum hybrid | $395–$495 | 28 lb | Vehicle safety, sport-dog handlers | Very High |
| Caspian End Table 36" | Furniture wood/wire | $160–$230 | 48 lb | Living room aesthetics, calm dogs | Moderate |
The Science Behind Crate Training: Why Vets Recommend It
Crate training leverages a dog's natural den-seeking instinct. A Merck Veterinary Manual review of canine behavioral management notes that confinement in appropriately sized enclosures reduces anxiety-related destruction and facilitates house-training by exploiting dogs' reluctance to soil their sleeping area. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs provided with a designated crate showed 34% fewer stress indicators during owner absences compared to dogs with free-roam access, provided the crate was introduced using positive reinforcement protocols.
Key evidence-based practices:
- Duration limits: Adult dogs should not be crated more than 6–8 hours during the day. Puppies under 6 months: no longer than their age in months plus one hour (e.g., a 3-month-old puppy = 4 hours maximum).
- Positive association: Feed meals in the crate, provide long-lasting chews (Kong, bully sticks), and never use the crate as punishment.
- Exercise before crating: A 20–30 minute walk or play session before crating reduces restlessness and vocalization by up to 60% based on owner-reported surveys in the Applied Animal Behaviour Science journal.
How to Use a Medium Dog Crate Safely: Step-by-Step
- Placement: Position the crate in a family-traffic area (living room, kitchen) so your dog doesn't feel isolated. Avoid direct sunlight, heating vents, and drafty doorways. Ambient temperature should stay between 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Bedding selection: Use a flat, washable pad or vet bed. Avoid thick, fluffy beds for puppies or chewers—ingested stuffing causes intestinal blockages. For adult dogs, a 36" × 23" orthopedic pad supports joint health.
- Introduction protocol (days 1–3): Leave the door open. Toss high-value treats inside. Feed meals just inside the threshold, then progressively deeper. Never force the dog in.
- Door closure (days 4–7): Close the door during meals, then open immediately after. Gradually extend closed time to 5, 10, 20 minutes while you remain visible.
- Absence training (week 2+): Leave the room for 1 minute, return calmly. Extend to 5, 15, 30 minutes. Do not make departures or returns emotional events.
- Overnight: Place the crate near your bedroom initially. Puppies may need a midnight bathroom break. Move the crate to a permanent location once the dog sleeps through the night consistently (typically 2–4 weeks).
- Collar safety: Remove martingale collars, choke chains, and any collar with tags before crating. Flat buckle collars are generally safe, but breakaway collars are the safest option—snag risk on wire crates is a documented cause of strangulation.
⚠️ Safety Warnings
- Never crate a dog wearing a chain, choke, or prong collar. Tags and rings catch on wire mesh and can cause fatal strangulation.
- Monitor temperature in vehicles. Even with windows cracked, interior car temperatures can reach 120°F (49°C) within 20 minutes on a 75°F (24°C) day. Never leave a crated dog unattended in a vehicle.
- Inspect wire crates monthly. Check for broken welds, bent wires, and protruding metal that could lacerate paws or snouts. Sand or file any sharp edges immediately.
- Water access: For crating periods over 4 hours, provide a clip-on water bottle or spill-proof bowl. Dehydration risk increases in warm environments.
- Multi-dog households: Never crate two dogs in the same crate unless it's a specifically designed double-unit. Even bonded pairs can develop resource guarding in confined spaces.
When to Skip the Crate and See a Vet or Behaviorist
Crates are tools, not cures. Certain situations require professional intervention rather than more confinement:
- Severe separation anxiety: If your dog injures themselves trying to escape (broken teeth, torn nails, bloody paws), crating will worsen the condition. Consult a veterinary behaviorist. Medications like fluoxetine or clomipramine combined with desensitization protocols have a 68–75% success rate per the AVMA-referenced literature.
- Medical incontinence: If a previously house-trained dog begins soiling the crate, this may signal a urinary tract infection, Cushing's disease, diabetes, or spinal issues—not a training failure. See your veterinarian for a urinalysis and bloodwork.
- Excessive panting, drooling, or collapse in the crate: These are emergency signs of heatstroke, cardiac distress, or bloat (GDV). Remove the dog immediately and contact an emergency veterinary clinic.
- Persistent vocalization beyond 2 weeks of training: If a dog continues to bark, whine, or howl for extended periods despite proper positive-reinforcement crate training, a certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB) or veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) should evaluate for underlying anxiety disorders.
Alternatives to Traditional Crates
If a standard crate doesn't fit your situation, consider these options:
- Exercise pens (x-pens): 8-panel wire pens create a larger enclosed area (typically 4' × 8'). Good for puppies, post-surgery recovery, or dogs who panic in enclosed crates. MidWest and Frisco offer 36"-tall pens for $40–$70.
- Baby gate confinement: Restricting a dog to a dog-proofed room (laundry room, bathroom) with a sturdy gate works for dogs with mild confinement anxiety. Ensure the room has no chewable hazards.
- DIY PVC crate: For handy owners, a PVC pipe frame with heavy-duty mesh can create a custom-sized pen for under $50 in materials. Not suitable for strong chewers or vehicle use.
- Furniture-grade built-ins: Custom built-in crate cabinetry (typically $800–$2,500 installed) integrates into mudrooms or laundry rooms. Popular in new-home construction for dog-owning families.
- Tether training: A short leash attached to a heavy piece of furniture, used under direct supervision only. This is not unsupervised confinement—it's a management tool for keeping a dog nearby while you work or cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best medium size dog crate for most owners?
For the majority of dog owners with a 30–70 lb dog, the MidWest iCrate 36" Double Door offers the best balance of price ($55–$75), availability, durability, and features. If your dog is a known escape artist, upgrade to the Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty 37". For frequent travelers or those wanting a premium experience, the Diggs Revol is the top engineering choice.
How do I choose the right med size dog crate?
Measure your dog's height (head to floor + 2–4"), length (nose to tail base + 4–6"), and shoulder width (+ 2–3"). Match those numbers to the crate's interior dimensions—not the advertised external size. Then factor in your dog's temperament (chewer? escape artist? calm?), your primary use case (home, travel, vehicle), and your budget.
How much does a medium dog crate cost?
Soft-sided crates start around $45–$65. Standard wire crates run $55–$80. Heavy-duty wire models cost $130–$180. Furniture-style crates range from $160–$300. Premium crash-tested vehicle crates cost $350–$500+. Expect to spend $60–$150 for a quality crate that lasts 5+ years for a single dog.
How do I use a medium dog crate safely?
Remove all collars except breakaway styles before crating. Place the crate in a temperate room (65–75°F / 18–24°C) away from direct heat or sun. Limit crating to 6–8 hours maximum for adults. Provide water for sessions over 4 hours. Inspect the crate monthly for broken welds or sharp edges. Introduce the crate gradually using treats and meals over 7–14 days—never force a dog inside.
Are there natural alternatives to crating a dog?
Yes. Exercise pens, baby-gated rooms, and supervised tethering are non-crate confinement alternatives. For anxiety-related confinement issues, natural calming aids like Adaptil (dog-appeasing pheromone) diffusers near the crate, L-theanine supplements (e.g., Solliquin, Composure), and Thundershirts can reduce stress. However, these supplements should complement—not replace—a structured behavior modification plan. Consult your veterinarian before starting any supplement.
When should I skip the crate and see a vet?
See your vet if your dog: injures themselves attempting escape (broken teeth, torn nails, bleeding), begins soiling the crate after previously being house-trained, shows signs of heatstroke (excessive panting, collapse, bright red gums), or displays persistent distress vocalization beyond 2 weeks of positive-reinforcement training. These may indicate medical conditions or severe anxiety disorders requiring professional treatment.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
