5 Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs (70 to 110+ lbs)

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Large and giant breeds need more than a bigger version of a small-dog crate. A 90-pound German Shepherd or Labrador puts real stress on doors, latches and trays, needs enough headroom to sit up without crouching, and may spend years in the same crate. The best dog crates for large dogs are tall enough, sturdy enough and practical to live with in a real home. Below we compare five crates on Amazon for dogs from about 70 to 110 pounds and beyond, and explain how to choose the right size.

Our Quick Picks

  1. Best OverallMidWest iCrate 48-Inch Double DoorCheck Price on Amazon
  2. Best Sturdy Wire CrateMidWest LifeStages 48-Inch Double DoorCheck Price on Amazon
  3. Best for Tight SpacesMidWest Ovation XL 48-Inch CrateCheck Price on Amazon

Short on time? These are our top choices. Full reviews and comparisons are below.

Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs Compared

CrateTypeSize / Dog WeightBest For
MidWest iCrate 48-Inch Double DoorFolding wire48 in, 90-110 lbBest overall value
MidWest LifeStages 48-Inch Double DoorHeavier-gauge folding wire48 in, 90-110 lbStronger everyday crate
MidWest Ovation XL 48-InchWire with up-and-away door48 inTight spaces and easy entry
ProSelect Empire Cage (Large)Heavy-duty steelLargeStrong dogs and escape artists
Petmate Sky Kennel 40-InchHard plastic kennel40 in, 70-90 lbCar and air travel

1. MidWest iCrate 48-Inch Double Door — Best Overall

The iCrate is the classic big-dog wire crate for a reason: it folds flat, sets up in minutes, and comes with a divider panel so a large-breed puppy can grow into it. The 48-inch double-door model suits dogs of roughly 90 to 110 pounds, and having doors on the end and side makes it easier to fit in your room. A leak-proof plastic tray slides out for cleaning.

  • Divider panel for growing puppies
  • Two doors for flexible placement
  • Folds flat for storage or travel
  • Great value for the size

Worth knowing: The wire is lighter than heavy-duty crates, so it is not the pick for determined escape artists.

2. MidWest LifeStages 48-Inch Double Door — Best Sturdy Wire Crate

LifeStages is MidWest’s sturdier line, with a heavier wire gauge and stronger latches than the iCrate while keeping the folding design, divider and tray. If your dog leans on or paws at crate doors, the extra rigidity is worth it. It also appears in our main dog crate guide in the 36-inch size.

  • Heavier wire than the iCrate
  • Secure slide-bolt latches
  • Divider panel included
  • Folds flat

Worth knowing: It weighs more, so moving it between rooms takes more effort.

3. MidWest Ovation XL 48-Inch Crate — Best for Tight Spaces

The Ovation has an up-and-away front door that slides back over the top of the crate instead of swinging out into the room. That saves floor space and gives large dogs a wide, easy entrance, which is helpful for seniors. It includes a divider and leak-proof pan like other MidWest crates.

  • Door slides up and over, no swing space needed
  • Wide entrance for big or older dogs
  • Divider and tray included
  • Stylish black finish

Worth knowing: The sliding door mechanism has more moving parts than a simple swing door.

4. ProSelect Empire Cage (Large) — Best Heavy-Duty

For very strong dogs or those that bend wire crates, the ProSelect Empire is built from thick steel bars with a reinforced frame and secure latches. It is a serious piece of equipment rather than a folding crate, and many owners of powerful breeds choose it after other crates failed. See our guide to escape-proof dog crates for more options.

  • Thick steel construction
  • Designed for powerful dogs
  • Reinforced door and latches
  • Removable tray

Worth knowing: It is heavy and expensive, and does not fold. Buy it when you truly need the strength.

5. Petmate Sky Kennel 40-Inch — Best for Travel

If you drive or fly with a large dog, a hard-sided kennel protects better than wire and meets many airline requirements. The 40-inch Sky Kennel suits dogs of about 70 to 90 pounds and includes travel essentials. Many large dogs also like its den-like enclosed feel at home. Always check the airline’s rules before flying.

  • Hard shell for car and air travel
  • Enclosed, den-like feel
  • Steel wire door
  • Includes travel accessories

Worth knowing: Giant breeds over about 90 pounds need a larger kennel than this model.

How We Chose These Crates

We focused on crates made in sizes that genuinely fit large and giant breeds, from brands with long track records and many owner reviews. We compared height, wire strength, latches, door layout, tray quality and portability. We do not list prices because they change; check current prices with the buttons.

Large Dog Crate Size Chart

Dog WeightExample BreedsCrate Size
70-90 lbLabrador, Golden Retriever, Boxer42 in
90-110 lbGerman Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman48 in
110 lb and upGreat Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundland54 in giant crate

Weight is only a starting point. Measure your dog standing from nose to base of tail and add about 4 inches for length, and from floor to top of head while sitting and add about 4 inches for height. For more detail, see our dog crate size chart.

What Large Dogs Need in a Crate

  • Headroom: big dogs should sit and stand without their head touching the top.
  • Strong latches: look for slide bolts at top and bottom of each door.
  • A solid tray: heavy dogs crack thin trays; check that the pan is sturdy and easy to slide out.
  • Two doors: they make it easier to place the crate in a corner or along a wall.
  • A divider: essential if you are buying for a large-breed puppy, so the crate grows with them.
  • Comfort: add a durable pad; see our best dog crate pads and crate covers.

Setting Up a Crate for a Large Dog

  1. Place the crate in a quiet part of a room where the family spends time, away from direct heat or drafts.
  2. Add a thick, durable pad and a water bowl that clips to the side for longer stays.
  3. Introduce the crate with meals and treats and leave the door open at first.
  4. Build up time slowly using our crate training schedule.
  5. Check latches and the tray regularly, as large dogs put more wear on them.

Care and Maintenance

Wash the tray weekly with warm, soapy water and wipe the wire or shell down monthly. Inspect welds, latches and door hinges for bending or rust, especially if your dog paws at the door. Tighten any loose clips and replace worn pads so your dog is never lying on a bare tray.

Our Verdict

For most large dogs, the MidWest iCrate 48-Inch Double Door is the best crate: roomy, practical and great value. Upgrade to the LifeStages 48-Inch for extra strength, choose the Ovation XL for tight spaces, the ProSelect Empire for powerful dogs, and the Petmate Sky Kennel 40-Inch for travel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate does a large dog need?

Most dogs of 70 to 90 pounds need a 42-inch crate, and dogs of 90 to 110 pounds need a 48-inch crate. Measure your dog and add about 4 inches to length and height.

Are wire crates strong enough for large dogs?

Quality wire crates work well for most large dogs. Very strong or anxious dogs that bend wire may need a heavy-duty steel crate.

Should I buy a large crate for a large-breed puppy?

Yes, buy the adult size and use a divider panel to make the space smaller while your puppy is young. Move the divider as your puppy grows.

Can a large dog be crated overnight?

Many adult dogs sleep comfortably in a crate overnight once they are crate trained. Make sure the crate is the right size and your dog has a potty break before bed.

Is a plastic or wire crate better for a big dog?

Wire crates offer more airflow and visibility, while plastic kennels feel cozier and are better for travel. Choose based on how you will use the crate.

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