Last Updated: September 14, 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. We compared wire, heavy-duty, soft-sided, and airline-style crates on manufacturer specifications — size and weight ranges, materials, doors, and divider panels — and price. We did not test these crates ourselves.
Comparison Table: Top 6 Crates for Medium Dogs
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 36″ | Best Overall / Budget |
| Diggs Revol | Modern Design |
| ProSelect Empire | Heavy Chewers / Escape Artists |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate | Travel & Calm Dogs |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Airline Travel |
| Frisco Heavy Duty | Mid-Range Durability |
Picking the wrong size is an easy mistake to 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.
1. MidWest iCrate Double Door 36-inch — Best Overall
This is our top overall pick. The 36-inch model fits dogs up to roughly 70 lbs, so it covers the entire medium-dog range with growing room.
The double-door layout matters more than people realize: the side door gives more placement options, such as beside a couch or along a wall. The included divider panel lets you shrink the interior during puppy potty training.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Folds flat in seconds | Plastic pan can crack if dog digs |
| Includes divider panel | Not chew-proof |
| Two doors for flexible placement | Bare metal isn’t pretty |
| Excellent price point | Slight rattle when dog shifts |
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, the corners are rounded so dogs can’t snag a paw, and the diamond-mesh sides look more like furniture than a kennel.
Diggs recommends the Medium for dogs up to 17-20 inches tall or 30-50 lbs. If your medium pup is on the larger side (Boxers, larger Aussies), look at the Intermediate, which Diggs recommends for dogs up to 20-26 inches tall or 50-70 lbs. The ceiling hatch is genius for puppies who like to be lifted out without crawling.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Premium aluminum + steel build | Expensive |
| One-hand collapse | Medium recommended for 30-50 lbs |
| Ceiling hatch for puppies | Heavier than basic wire crates |
| Looks like furniture | Tray can warp in dishwasher |
3. ProSelect Empire Cage — Best for Heavy Chewers and Escape Artists
For dogs with a history of breaking out, the Empire is the heaviest-duty crate on this list: twenty-gauge steel, half-inch reinforced tubing, and welded seams.
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 is our pick for that situation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Twenty-gauge steel, welded seams | Heavy (around 100 lbs assembled) |
| Two locking latches | Premium pricing |
| Removable steel pan | Not foldable |
| Casters for moving | Industrial appearance |
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. The EliteField is lightweight 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, and wait until your dog is fully crate trained before switching to a soft-sided crate.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and packable | Not chew-resistant |
| Three doors for flexibility | Mesh can tear with rough play |
| Removable washable bedding | Less ventilation than wire |
| Affordable | Not for unsupervised use |
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. It comes with non-corrosive plastic wing nuts, and Petmate says a travel kit is offered separately to help meet airline-specific hardware requirements. Petmate lists a weight range of 50-70 lbs for the 36-inch size and 30-50 lbs for the 32-inch size.
The kennel comes with a food and water cup. Always confirm specs with your specific airline before booking — requirements shift.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Airline-approved (most carriers) | Bulky to store |
| Food and water cup included | Plastic walls dent if dropped hard |
| Ventilation on all four sides | Not collapsible |
| Includes Live Animal stickers | Limited daily-home appeal |
6. Frisco Heavy Duty Crate — Best Mid-Range Durability
This sits between the basic MidWest and the heavy-duty Empire. Thicker bars than entry-level crates, dual latches on the door, and a reinforced steel pan. For dogs who push limits without being full-blown escape artists, this is the sweet spot.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Thicker bars than entry crates | Heavier to move |
| Dual-latch door | Not as portable |
| Reinforced steel pan | Mid-tier pricing |
| Suits moderate chewers (not extreme) | Won’t stop determined escape artists |
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
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 guide: If the crate is part of a workday setup, our automatic dog feeder guide can help with meal timing.
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.
| Dog Type | Crate Priority | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| House training | Divider panel and easy-clean tray | Oversized crate with too much unused space |
| Travel | Lightweight frame and secure zipper or latch | Soft crate for a dog that chews fabric |
| Escape artist | Reinforced door and strong welds | Thin wire doors or weak corner clips |
| Apartment living | Foldable crate with quiet tray | Heavy crate that cannot be moved for cleaning |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate does a 40-pound dog need?
A 36-inch crate works for most 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?
Ask your veterinarian whether your dog should have water in the crate for naps and overnight. 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?
Puppies need shorter stretches than adults, and long days need a midday break or daycare. Ask your veterinarian how long your dog can comfortably stay in a crate.
Are wire crates or plastic crates better?
Wire offers better ventilation and visibility at home. Plastic feels more den-like and is required for airline travel. If you need a crate for both home and air travel, you may want one of each.
How do I stop my dog from chewing the crate?
Address the cause first — chewing can signal boredom, anxiety, or a too-large crate. Add a frozen Kong before crating, increase exercise, and shrink the space with a divider. If anxiety might be the cause, talk to your veterinarian. If destruction continues, upgrade to a heavy-duty model like the ProSelect Empire.
Final Take
For most medium-dog households, the MidWest iCrate 36-inch is all you need. Spend the savings on a good crate pad and a couple of frozen Kongs. Reserve the heavy-duty options for genuine chewers, and the soft crates for dogs who’ve already mastered crate behavior.