Medium Size Dog Crates and Kennels 

Written by Dave Miller

Getting a crate for your puppy is a very big decision. It needs to be a space that’s going to help you to train your pup, of course, but it also needs to be a place where your dog is going to feel safe. Whether you are looking for a training aid, a place for your dog to sleep, or even just someplace your dog can stay safe while you are out of the house, you’ll need to find a good crate. Fortunately, you’re in the right place to find an excellent crate for your dog, and you can browse through my complete guide for more. 

My #1 Recommended Medium Dog Crate

Singling out a crate as the best for your pup isn’t easy, but after looking through an exhaustive number of crates I’ve managed to find one that really stands out above the rest in the categories that matter the most. If you want a great crate for your puppy, you really want to look at three specific categories – durability, comfort, and cost. The crate needs to be strong enough to keep your dog safe, comfortable enough that your dog will feel safe inside it, and it needs to come in at the right price for what it offers. Combining the three factors really meant that I had no choice but to name one crate as superior to the rest. 

AmazonBasics Single & Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate

• Very durable
• Easy to collapse and move
• Two entry points makes it easier to position
• Plastic panel makes cleaning easy

This crate is really one of the best out there for a medium-sized dog. It stands out not just because it’s a well-made crate, but rather because it is a crate that seems made for real dog owners. It’s durable to be sure, but it’s still relatively easy to move. The crate can be set up and taken down in just minutes, and it lays flat for easy storage. It’s also got a plastic panel on the bottom that is great as both a base for your dog’s bed or blankets and as an easy-clean surface. All of this is combined at a really reasonable price point, making it a crate you really shouldn’t overlook. 

Runner Ups

While it’s natural to want to go with the best, there are actually some very valid reasons why you might want to choose a different crate. The crate you want might not be in stock, for example, or you might want something as a back-up for your main crate. It’s even possible that your dog might have specific needs that another crate can better meet. If you find yourself in that position, you’ll definitely want to take a look at these five other fantastic crates. 

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

At the end of the day, the best dog crate is the one that works best for your dog. If your dog is a little on the smaller side of medium and you don’t have many pressing security concerns, you may want to think about this crate from Midwest Homes for Pets. It has a great overall design, some really nice features like the double entrance and the siding locks and it’s easy to assemble – it’s just a little on the smaller side. Consider this one to be a solid ‘value’ version of the Amazon crate, one that’s going to serve you well while your dog is a little smaller or if you have to get a back-up crate when you are out of town. 

PROS

• Similar design to the best crates
• Really strong locking mechanism
• Very easy to set up and take down
• Comes with dividers for puppies

CONS

• A little on the small side for a medium crate
• Doesn’t feel quite as durable

Petmate ProValu Double Door Wire Dog Crate

Being a dog owner is expensive. Sometimes your goal is to get the best dog crate for your money, even if that means leaving out a few of the features that you’d like to get. If you find yourself in this spot, one of the best overall values can be found in this crate from Petmate. While it’s fairly similar to the #1 crate on this list in terms of looks, it’s basically a lightweight copy of that same basic design. There are no real bells and whistles here, but it is a strong crate that’s going to do a great job with the average dog. Consider this one if you just need a crate but you’re not quite sure what you’re willing to spend. 

PROS

• Very inexpensive
• Good overall design
• Very lightweight
• Fairly easy to assemble

CONS

• Not quite as strong as other crates
• Feels a little flimsy

Precision Pet Great Crate Double Door Dog Crate

This crate from Precision Pet honestly has quite a bit in common with the best choice on the list. Where this one stands apart, though, is in durability. While it isn’t quite as secure as the number one choice, it is an incredibly solid piece of work that is sure to stand up to all the chewing and scratching that your dog can do. Beyond some minor issues with security and ease of assembly, it’s really got all of the features that a dog owner could want. This is a great back-up crate for those who might have visiting dogs or a great stationary crate for those who don’t foresee having to take their dogs on the road. 

PROS

• Divider for growing dogs
• Very durable
• Very resistant to the elements

CONS

• Set-up and take-down is difficult
• Single lock isn’t as secure

Petnation Port-A-Crate Indoor and Outdoor Home for Pets

While the best crates for long-term use are generally made of metal and are designed with durability in mind, those crates don’t always serve quite as well for travel. If you know that you’re going to take your dog on the road and that he or she is going to have to stay in his or her crate while you are moving, you might want to invest in something a little bit softer. This great crate from Petnation is an excellent soft-sided crate that is easy to set up and take down and that still has plenty of room for even somewhat larger dogs. If your goal is to find a great travel crate, you’re not going to do much better than this one. 

PROS

• Easy to set up
• Made for travel
• Plenty of ventilation

CONS

• Soft sides can get damaged
• Not as much room for the dog

MidWest Homes for Pets Exercise Pen

As a pet owner, you’re not always looking for a crate to keep your dog confined when you’re out of the house. Sometimes it’s just as important for you to have a safe place for your pup to stretch his or her legs outside even if you’re around. This exercise pen from MidWest Homes is a really good example of a dog enclosure that probably won’t satisfy the needs of someone who is looking for a secure enclosure, but would like a space where their dogs can exercise without having to fear them getting out and hurting themselves. With a relatively tall height, double-latched doors and secure anchors, this is a great choice for those who want a nice play space for their dogs but who don’t have a fenced-in area in which they can play. 

PROS

• Plenty of space for dogs 
• Easy to assemble
• Easy access 
• Anchors into the ground

CONS

• Can’t be used indoors
• No top – still an escape hazard for athletic dogs