Your new puppy is chewing the sofa legs, weeing on the carpet, and sleeping on your head at 3am. The breeder said “get a crate” and your partner said “we are not putting our dog in a cage.” You are caught between practical advice and emotional objection, and neither side has given you enough information to decide.
A dog crate is not a cage and not a punishment — used properly, it is a den. Dogs are denning animals that feel secure in small, enclosed spaces. A crate gives them a safe place to sleep, helps with house training, prevents destructive behaviour when unsupervised, and keeps them safe in the car. This guide covers the best dog crates in the UK for 2026, including folding, heavy-duty, and travel options, with honest advice on sizing, types, and the one mistake that makes dogs hate crates.
In This Article
- Why Crate Training Works
- Types of Dog Crate
- How to Choose the Right Size
- Best Folding Wire Crates
- Best Heavy-Duty Crates
- Best Travel and Car Crates
- Best Soft Fabric Crates
- Crate Accessories Worth Buying
- How to Crate Train a Puppy
- Common Crate Mistakes
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Crate Training Works
The Den Instinct
Dogs descended from wolves, which sleep in dens — small, enclosed, dark spaces that feel safe. A crate mimics this instinct. When introduced correctly, most dogs actively choose to go into their crate to rest, chew a toy, or escape household chaos. It is not imprisonment — it is a bedroom with a door.
House Training
Puppies instinctively avoid soiling their sleeping area. A correctly sized crate (large enough to stand, turn, and lie down, but not so large that they can toilet in one corner and sleep in another) uses this instinct to teach bladder control. The Kennel Club recommends crate training as one of the most effective house-training methods. Our house training guide covers the full process.
Safety
A crate keeps a teething puppy away from electrical cables, toxic plants, and anything else they should not chew when you cannot supervise. It keeps them secure in the car (loose dogs in cars are a serious safety risk — and technically a motoring offence under the Highway Code if they distract the driver). Our dog car safety guide covers the legal requirements.
Calm Space
A crate with a blanket over it becomes a low-stimulation retreat. Anxious dogs, reactive dogs, and over-excited puppies all benefit from having a quiet space they can retreat to when the world gets too much.
Types of Dog Crate
Folding Wire Crates
The most common type. Galvanised steel wire panels that fold flat for storage and transport. Two doors (front and side) are standard. Excellent ventilation and visibility, which helps puppies feel less isolated. The trade-off: they are not pretty. A wire crate in the living room looks functional, not decorative.
Heavy-Duty Crates
Thick gauge steel or aluminium construction designed for dogs that destroy standard wire crates. Escape artists, separation anxiety sufferers, and powerful breeds (Staffies, Huskies, German Shepherds) sometimes need reinforced crates. These cost 2-4 times more than wire crates but are the only option for determined escapers.
Fabric/Soft Crates
Lightweight, collapsible, and easy to carry. Made from nylon or polyester over a frame. Ideal for travel, shows, and well-behaved dogs that do not chew or scratch the fabric. Not suitable for puppies (they will destroy them) or dogs that are not already crate-trained.
Plastic/Airline Crates
Enclosed plastic shells with a wire door. Required for air travel (must meet IATA regulations). More enclosed than wire crates, which some dogs find comforting and others find claustrophobic. Good for car travel because they contain mess and protect the car interior.
Furniture-Style Crates
Wooden or MDF crates designed to look like side tables or cabinets. Aesthetically superior — guests might not even notice it is a dog crate. The functionality is usually worse than a wire crate (less ventilation, harder to clean, more expensive). Best for adult dogs who use the crate calmly rather than teething puppies.
How to Choose the Right Size
The Rule
The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up without touching the ceiling, turn around comfortably, and lie flat on their side with legs extended. It should NOT be so large that they can use one end as a toilet and the other as a bed.
Measuring Your Dog
- Length: Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add 5-10cm.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips for erect-eared breeds). Add 5-10cm.
- The larger of these two measurements determines the minimum crate size.
Standard Sizes
- Small (60cm): Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Dachshund
- Medium (76cm): Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, French Bulldog, Whippet
- Large (91cm): Labrador, Golden Retriever, Border Collie, Boxer
- Extra Large (107cm): German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dobermann
- Giant (122cm): Great Dane, Irish Wolfhound, Newfoundland
Puppy Sizing
Buy a crate for the adult size and use a divider panel to reduce the space while the puppy grows. Most wire crates include a divider. This saves buying multiple crates — one investment covers puppyhood through to adulthood.
Best Folding Wire Crates
Ellie-Bo (About £35-70)
The default recommendation for most dog owners. Double-door design, metal tray (removable for cleaning), and a divider panel included. Available in every standard size from small to giant. The build quality is solid for the price — the wire gauge is thick enough to withstand a Labrador puppy’s best efforts. Available from Amazon UK, Pets at Home, and Zooplus.
Kong Space Saving Double Door (About £55-90)
A step up from the Ellie-Bo. The slide-and-lock door mechanism is smoother, the tray is deeper (less spillage from water bowls), and it folds genuinely flat for storage. The Kong brand carries more weight if you care about that. Available from Amazon UK and pet retailers.
Midwest iCrate (About £50-80)
Popular in the US and increasingly available in the UK. The single-press fold-down mechanism is the easiest of any wire crate — genuinely one-handed. Two doors, divider included, and the build quality is excellent. Import pricing varies, so check current UK availability.
Best Heavy-Duty Crates
Impact Case Collapsible (About £400-600)
The gold standard for escape-proof crates. Aluminium construction rated for airline travel and designed to contain the most determined dogs. Used by professional dog trainers and behaviourists. Expensive, but if your dog has destroyed three wire crates, this is the last one you will buy. Available from Impact Case direct (US import) and some UK specialist retailers.
Xtreme Dog Crate by Grain Valley (About £300-500)
Heavy-gauge steel with reinforced corners and a dual-latch door system. Designed for Huskies, Staffies, and other breeds known for separation anxiety escapes. Available from specialist pet suppliers in the UK. Weighs considerably more than a wire crate — factor in portability.
ProSelect Empire (About £200-350)
A mid-range heavy-duty option. 20-gauge steel with reinforced welds and a removable floor tray. Not as indestructible as the Impact Case, but adequate for most determined chewers. Available from Amazon UK.
Best Travel and Car Crates
Petmate Sky Kennel (About £50-90)
An IATA-approved plastic crate suitable for air travel and car use. The enclosed design contains mess, blocks visual stimulation (which calms anxious travellers), and is easy to hose clean. Available from Amazon UK and pet shops.
RAC Dog Crate for Cars (About £40-70)
A folding wire crate designed specifically for car boots. Sloped back panel matches the shape of most hatchback and estate boot spaces. Includes a boot liner. A practical solution for dogs that travel in the car regularly. Available from Halfords and Amazon UK.
Lightweight Fabric Travel Crate (About £25-50)
For well-trained dogs that need a crate at campsites, shows, or visiting friends. Collapses into a carrying bag. Brands like Bunty and RAC offer budget options. NOT for puppies or untrained dogs — fabric offers no containment for a dog that wants out.
Best Soft Fabric Crates
AmazonBasics Soft Dog Crate (About £30-55)
Decent build quality for the price. Steel frame with breathable mesh panels and a removable fleece mat. Folds flat and includes a carry bag. Suitable for travel with calm, trained dogs. Not a permanent home crate and not for chewers.
Bunty Fabric Dog Crate (About £25-45)
A budget UK brand. Lighter and cheaper than the AmazonBasics but adequate for occasional travel use. Available from Amazon UK and pet shops. Our puppy training guide covers when a puppy is ready for a fabric crate.
Crate Accessories Worth Buying
Crate Mat or Bed
A fitted mat keeps the crate comfortable and easy to clean. Vetbed (about £15-30) is the professional choice — warm, machine-washable, and wicks moisture away from the surface. Avoid plush beds for puppies who will shred them. Our best dog beds guide covers other options.
Crate Cover
A blanket or fitted cover turns a wire crate into a den by reducing visual stimulation. Useful for anxious dogs and for nighttime. A fitted cover (about £15-25) looks neater than a thrown-over blanket, but a blanket works just as well.
Water Bowl Clip
A clip-on bowl attached to the crate door prevents spills. Essential for dogs in crates during warm weather or for longer periods. About £5-8 from any pet shop.
Divider Panel
Most wire crates include one. If yours does not, buy a separate panel (about £10-15) to section off part of the crate for a growing puppy.
How to Crate Train a Puppy
The Process (Simplified)
- Place the crate in a common room (living room or kitchen). Leave the door open with treats and a bed inside. Let the puppy explore at their own pace. No forcing.
- Feed meals inside the crate with the door open. This builds a positive association — good things happen in the crate.
- Gradually close the door during meals. Open it as soon as the puppy finishes eating. Extend the closed-door time over several days.
- Leave the puppy in the crate for short periods while you are home and visible. Start with 5 minutes and build to 30 minutes over a week.
- Leave the room briefly while the puppy is crated. Return before they become distressed. Build the duration gradually.
- Nighttime crating — place the crate in your bedroom initially (puppy can see/hear you), then gradually move it to its permanent location over 1-2 weeks.
The Timeline
Most puppies accept the crate within 1-2 weeks if the introduction is gradual and positive. Rushing the process — closing the door before the puppy is comfortable, leaving them for too long too soon — creates negative associations that are hard to undo.
Common Crate Mistakes
Using the Crate as Punishment
Sending a dog to the crate when they misbehave teaches them that the crate means bad things. The crate must always be a positive space — never shouted at while crated, never locked in as a consequence of behaviour.
Crating for Too Long
The RSPCA advises that adult dogs should not be crated for more than 4 hours during the day. Puppies: their age in months plus one = maximum hours (e.g., a 3-month puppy can manage about 4 hours). Overnight is acceptable because the dog is sleeping, but daytime crating should be limited.
Wrong Size
A crate that is too big undermines house training because the puppy can toilet in one corner. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and stressful. Measure the dog, not the room.
Ignoring Distress
A puppy whining for 5 minutes and then settling is normal. A puppy screaming, scratching, or panicking is telling you the process moved too fast. Go back a step. Do not leave a dog in genuine distress — it causes lasting anxiety about confinement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size dog crate do I need? Measure your dog from nose to tail base and from floor to head top. Add 5-10cm to each measurement. The crate should allow them to stand, turn around, and lie flat. For puppies, buy adult size and use a divider panel — most wire crates include one.
Is it cruel to crate a dog? No, when used correctly. Dogs are denning animals that feel secure in enclosed spaces. The Kennel Club and most veterinary behaviourists recommend crate training. It becomes cruel only if the dog is crated for excessive periods, used as punishment, or forced into the crate before they are comfortable.
How long can a dog stay in a crate? Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 4 hours during the day. Puppies can manage their age in months plus one hour (e.g., 3-month puppy = 4 hours max). Overnight is fine because the dog is sleeping. Always provide water and a comfortable bed.
What is the best dog crate for a Labrador? A 91cm (36-inch) folding wire crate. The Ellie-Bo (about £50-60 in large) is the most popular and reliable option. Labs are strong chewers as puppies, so a wire crate with a divider panel is better than a fabric crate until they mature.
Do I need a crate for car travel? It is strongly recommended. The Highway Code states that dogs must be suitably restrained in vehicles. A car crate, dog guard, or harness seatbelt attachment are all compliant options. A crate is the safest in a collision because it prevents the dog becoming a projectile.