Best Dog Crates for Medium Dogs in 2026: 6 Top Picks

Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Finding the Right Crate for Your Medium-Sized Dog

A dog crate is a portable den that gives medium-sized breeds (roughly 30-60 lbs) like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, and Australian Shepherds a safe, secure space to rest, train, or travel. After fostering more than a dozen medium dogs through Austin Pets Alive over the past 15 years, I’ve tested just about every crate style on the market with my own pups Cooper (45-lb Aussie mix) and Luna (38-lb hound mix).

Comparison Table: Top 6 Crates for Medium Dogs

Picking the wrong size is the #1 mistake new owners make. Your dog should be able to stand up without ducking, turn around comfortably, and stretch out lying down — but no bigger, or potty training gets a lot harder. The American Kennel Club recommends measuring from nose to tail base, then adding 2-4 inches.

1. MidWest iCrate Double Door 36-inch — Best Overall

If I could only recommend one crate, this is it. The 36-inch model fits dogs up to roughly 70 lbs, so it covers the entire medium-dog range with growing room. Cooper has slept in his since he was a 4-month-old fuzzball, and the metal pan still latches like new.

The double-door layout matters more than people realize. We have ours tucked beside the couch, and the side door makes it easy for Luna to wander in for naps without us rearranging furniture. The included divider panel lets you shrink the interior during puppy potty training — a feature that costs $30+ to add on most competitors.

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2. Diggs Revol Dog Crate — Best Modern Design

The Revol is what happens when industrial designers reimagine the wire crate. It collapses with one hand (genuinely — I’ve done it holding a coffee), the corners are rounded so dogs can’t snag a paw, and the diamond-mesh sides look more like furniture than a kennel. My friend keeps hers in the living room and guests assume it’s a bench.

The medium size suits dogs up to 44 lbs. If your medium pup is on the larger side (Boxers, larger Aussies), size up to the Large. The ceiling hatch is genius for puppies who like to be lifted out without crawling.

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3. ProSelect Empire Cage — Best for Heavy Chewers and Escape Artists

For dogs with serious separation anxiety or a history of breaking out, the Empire is the gold standard. Twenty-gauge steel, half-inch reinforced tubing, and welded seams that don’t bend. I fostered a 55-lb hound mix who had bent the bars on three previous crates — he didn’t make a dent in this one.

This is overkill for a calm, crate-trained dog. But if you’re getting calls from neighbors about a dog roaming the apartment building, this ends the problem.

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4. EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate — Best for Travel and Calm Dogs

Soft crates aren’t for every dog, but for one who already knows the routine and doesn’t chew, they’re a game changer. We use ours on weekend trips to the Hill Country — it pops up in 30 seconds and packs into a duffel-sized carry bag.

The 36-inch model handles dogs up to about 70 lbs. Skip soft crates if your dog has any history of clawing fabric or chewing zippers. The ASPCA recommends a fully-trained crate behavior before transitioning to soft-sided.

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5. Petmate Sky Kennel — Best for Airline Travel

If you fly with your dog, you need an IATA-compliant kennel, period. The Sky Kennel meets requirements for most major US carriers and has metal hardware (some airlines reject plastic-clip kennels). The 36-inch size handles medium dogs up to about 50 lbs.

I flew Cooper from Austin to Portland in this two summers ago. He came out the other side calm and dry, with the included food/water cups still attached. Always confirm specs with your specific airline before booking — requirements shift.

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6. Frisco Heavy Duty Crate — Best Mid-Range Durability

This sits between the basic MidWest and the bulletproof Empire. Thicker bars than entry-level crates, dual latches on the door, and a reinforced steel pan that won’t warp. For dogs who push limits without being full-blown escape artists, this is the sweet spot.

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How to Choose the Right Size

Measure your dog from nose tip to base of tail, then add 2-4 inches for length. For height, measure from floor to top of head when sitting and add 2-4 inches. For most medium breeds, a 36-inch crate works. Smaller medium dogs (Beagles, Cockers around 25-35 lbs) often do better in a 30-inch model so they feel den-like rather than cavernous.

Crate Training Tips That Actually Work

The crate should never be punishment. Feed meals inside it for the first week with the door open. Toss treats in throughout the day so your dog wanders in voluntarily. Once she’s relaxed inside, close the door for 30 seconds while you’re sitting nearby, then build up. Skipping these steps creates a dog who hates the crate, which makes everything harder.

Related routine guides: If the crate is part of a workday setup, our automatic dog feeder guide can help with meal timing, while our dog tracker comparison covers escape and travel scenarios.

Medium-Dog Crate Fit Checklist

Medium dogs are where crate sizing gets tricky because weight alone does not tell the full story. A 35-pound terrier mix, a border collie, and a compact bulldog may all need different interior height, length, and door clearance. Measure from nose to tail base and from floor to the top of the head or ears, then leave enough room for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down without hunching.

Also think about how the crate will be used. A wire crate is practical for home training, a soft crate is better for calm travel dogs, and a heavy-duty crate is only necessary when the dog bends wire, chews latches, or has a history of escape attempts. Buying the strongest crate for every medium dog can waste money and make daily handling harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate does a 40-pound dog need?

A 36-inch crate is the standard recommendation for dogs in the 30-50 lb range. If your dog is on the taller side (long legs, deep chest like a Border Collie), measure first — some need a 42-inch.

Should I leave water in my dog’s crate?

For naps and overnight, no — most adult dogs do fine without water for 6-8 hours and skipping it reduces accidents. For longer stretches or hot days, attach a spill-proof bowl or lick bottle to the bars.

How long can a medium dog stay in a crate?

Adults can handle 4-6 hours during the day and 7-8 hours overnight. Puppies need shorter stretches — roughly one hour per month of age, up to four hours max. Anything longer needs a midday break or daycare.

Are wire crates or plastic crates better?

Wire offers better ventilation and visibility, which most dogs prefer at home. Plastic feels more den-like and is required for airline travel. Many experienced owners keep both.

How do I stop my dog from chewing the crate?

Address the cause first — chewing usually signals boredom, anxiety, or a too-large crate. Add a frozen Kong before crating, increase exercise, and shrink the space with a divider. If destruction continues, upgrade to a heavy-duty model like the ProSelect Empire.

Final Take

For 90% of medium-dog households, the MidWest iCrate 36-inch is all you need. Spend the savings on a good orthopedic crate pad and a couple of frozen Kongs — your dog will love the crate within two weeks. Reserve the heavy-duty options for genuine chewers, and the soft crates for dogs who’ve already mastered crate behavior.

Sarah Mitchell

Pet care expert and product reviewer. Lifelong pet owner with 2 dogs and a cat. Every recommendation is based on real research and verified owner experiences.