5 Best Dog Crates for Medium Dogs (30 to 36 Inch Picks)

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Most medium dogs, roughly 25 to 60 pounds, need a 30-inch or 36-inch wire crate, or a 32-inch to 36-inch plastic kennel. The best dog crate for a medium dog for most homes is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door: it fits dogs of about 41 to 70 pounds, includes a divider and folds flat, and the 30-inch version covers dogs of about 21 to 40 pounds. Below we compare five crates across wire, plastic, modular and soft-sided styles, with a size chart for common medium breeds so you can pick the right length the first time.

Best Dog Crates for Medium Dogs Compared

Crate	Style	Size for Medium Dogs	Best For
MidWest iCrate Double Door	Folding wire	30 in (21–40 lb) or 36 in (41–70 lb)	Best value for most dogs
MidWest LifeStages Double Door	Heavier folding wire	30 in or 36 in	Dogs that push or lean on doors
Diggs Evolv (Intermediate)	Modular wire	About 35.5 × 22.3 × 23.8 in inside	Modern homes, growing puppies
Petmate Vari Kennel	Hard plastic	28 in (20–30 lb), 32 in (30–50 lb), 36 in (50–70 lb)	Car travel and den-like comfort
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate	Soft-sided	30 in or 36 in	Calm dogs, trips and second crate

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

The iCrate is the crate most trainers recommend first, and it suits medium dogs especially well because MidWest makes it in both 30-inch and 36-inch lengths. The 36-inch model is rated for dogs of about 41 to 70 pounds, which covers Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Huskies and Bulldogs; the 30-inch suits Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and Corgis. It comes with a divider panel, a leak-proof plastic pan and front and side doors, and it folds flat for storage.

• Two lengths that match medium breeds closely
• Divider panel for a growing puppy
• Front and side doors for easy placement
• Light, folds flat and very affordable

Worth knowing: The wire is lighter than the LifeStages. It is fine for most dogs but can bend over time with a dog that pushes or paws at the door.

2. MidWest LifeStages 36-Inch Double Door — Best Sturdy Pick

LifeStages looks almost the same as the iCrate but uses heavier wire and stronger latches, so it stands up better to a medium dog with energy to spare. The 36-inch double-door model measures roughly 36 × 24 × 27 inches and is rated for dogs of about 41 to 70 pounds. Like the iCrate, it includes a divider and a removable pan and folds flat. Our iCrate vs LifeStages comparison covers the differences in detail.

• Heavier, more rigid wire than the iCrate
• Slide-bolt latches on each door
• Divider panel and removable pan
• Folds flat without tools

Worth knowing: It is heavier to carry, so it suits a crate that will mostly stay in one room.

3. Diggs Evolv (Intermediate) — Best Modern Design

The Evolv is a modular crate with a coated steel frame and diamond-shaped mesh designed to avoid pinching paws and jaws. The Intermediate size measures about 35.5 × 22.3 × 23.8 inches inside and is aimed at dogs of roughly 50 to 70 pounds, which makes it a strong fit for the bigger end of the medium range. It includes a puppy divider, has repositionable doors and assembles without tools.

• Cleaner look than a standard wire crate
• Diamond mesh designed to protect paws and jaws
• Puppy divider included
• Tool-free setup

Worth knowing: It costs considerably more than a MidWest crate, and the interior height is a little lower than a 36-inch wire crate, so check that a tall, leggy dog can stand comfortably.

4. Petmate Vari Kennel — Best for Car Travel

Plastic kennels give medium dogs an enclosed, cave-like space, and they protect better than wire in the car. The Vari Kennel shares its sizes with the Sky Kennel: the 28-inch Medium (200) is rated for about 20 to 30 pounds, the 32-inch Intermediate (300) for about 30 to 50 pounds and the 36-inch Large (400) for about 50 to 70 pounds. Plastic crates are smaller inside than their name suggests, so many dogs need one size up compared with wire. See our plastic dog crate sizes chart for interior measurements.

• Enclosed, den-like design
• Sturdy shell for car journeys
• Easy to wipe clean
• Sizes that cover the whole medium range

Worth knowing: There is no divider, and the interior is several inches shorter than the outside, so size against the interior numbers.

5. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate — Best Soft-Sided

For a calm, crate-trained medium dog, a soft crate is a light second crate for the bedroom, office or a weekend away. The 30-inch EliteField measures about 30 × 21 × 24 inches and the 36-inch about 36 × 24 × 28 inches, and both have three mesh doors on the front, side and top. It folds into a flat package with a carry bag.

• Very light and quick to set up
• Three doors for flexible placement
• 30-inch and 36-inch sizes suit medium dogs
• Fleece pad and carry bag included

Worth knowing: Soft crates are not for chewers, puppies or escape artists. Use it only with a dog that already settles reliably in a crate.

Crate Size Chart for Medium Dogs

Medium covers a wide range, and two dogs of the same weight can need different crates. Use this chart as a starting point, then confirm with your dog’s measurements.

Dog Weight	Example Breeds	Wire Crate	Plastic Kennel
21–30 lb	Beagle, Cocker Spaniel, Corgi	30 in	28 in (200)
30–40 lb	French Bulldog (large), Standard Dachshund	30 in	32 in (300)
41–50 lb	Border Collie, Bulldog	36 in	32 in (300)
50–70 lb	Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky	36 in	36 in (400)

How to Measure a Medium Dog for a Crate

1. With your dog standing, measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
2. Measure from the floor to the top of the head, or the ear tips if they stand up.
3. Add 2 to 4 inches to both numbers. That is the minimum inside length and height you need.
4. Compare with the crate’s interior dimensions. If your dog falls between sizes, choose the larger crate and use a divider for a puppy.

For a full breed lookup from toy to giant, see our dog crate size chart.

Crate Size for French Bulldogs

The AKC breed standard says French Bulldogs should not exceed 28 pounds, and many pet Frenchies weigh between about 16 and 28 pounds. Because they are short, broad and heavy for their size, measure your dog rather than relying on weight alone.

Your Frenchie	Typical Weight	Wire Crate	Plastic Kennel
Puppy	Growing	30 in with divider	Size to the puppy now
Small adult	Under about 20 lb	24 in	28 in (200)
Most adults	20–28 lb	30 in	28 in (200)
Large or broad adult	Over about 28 lb	30 in	32 in (300)

Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail with your dog standing, and from the floor to the top of the head with your dog sitting. Add 2 to 4 inches to each number and compare them with the crate’s interior dimensions. Our full dog crate size chart and our plastic dog crate sizes chart list interior measurements.

Crate Safety for Flat-Faced Breeds Like French Bulldogs

French Bulldogs are a brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breed. Their short airways make it harder to cool down by panting, so a crate that feels fine for a Labrador can get stuffy for a Frenchie. Small choices make a real difference.

• Choose airflow first: a wire crate is usually the best everyday choice. If you use a cover, leave at least one side and the front open, and skip it in warm weather.
• Place the crate carefully: keep it out of direct sun, away from heaters and radiators, and away from stuffy corners.
• Pick cool bedding: a thin, washable pad stays cooler than a deep, plush bed in summer.
• Watch the breathing: loud, labored breathing, heavy panting at rest or reluctance to settle can be signs of overheating or breathing trouble. Move your dog somewhere cool and call your vet if you are worried.
• Never leave a Frenchie in a parked car, crated or not.

What Medium Dogs Need in a Crate

• Room to stretch out: your dog should stand without ducking, turn around easily and lie on its side.
• A divider for puppies: many medium breeds grow fast, so buying the adult size with a divider saves buying twice.
• Solid latches: active herding and working breeds can test a door. Slide bolts at the top and bottom help.
• The right style for the job: wire for everyday home use, plastic for the car, soft-sided only for calm dogs.
• Comfort: add a washable pad; our best dog crate pads guide has durable options.

Wire, Plastic or Soft: Which Is Best for a Medium Dog?

A folding wire crate is the best all-rounder for most medium dogs because it offers the most airflow, comes with a divider and lets your dog see the room. A plastic kennel is better if your dog travels by car often or settles faster in an enclosed space. A soft crate is a handy extra for trips but should not be your only crate unless your dog is calm and never chews. Our wire vs plastic dog crate guide goes through the trade-offs.

Our Verdict

For most medium dogs, the MidWest iCrate Double Door in the 30-inch or 36-inch size is the best value. Choose the LifeStages for a pushier dog, the Diggs Evolv for a better-looking crate, the Petmate Vari Kennel for car trips and the EliteField soft crate as a light second crate.

Related Guides

• 5 Best Dog Crates in 2026: Wire, Plastic, Soft-Sided, and Modular Picks Compared
• Dog Crate Sizes: Size Chart by Breed & Weight (Plus How to Measure)
• 5 Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs (70 to 110+ lbs)
• 4 Best Dog Crates for Puppies (That Grow With Them)
• MidWest iCrate vs LifeStages: Which Dog Crate Should You Buy?
• Plastic Dog Crate Sizes Chart: Vari Kennel & Sky Kennel Dimensions
• Crate Training Schedule by Age: A Puppy Plan From 8 Weeks to Adult

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate does a medium dog need?

Most medium dogs need a 30-inch wire crate if they weigh about 21 to 40 pounds, or a 36-inch wire crate for about 41 to 70 pounds. Measure your dog and add 2 to 4 inches to length and height to confirm.

Is a 36-inch crate too big for a 40-pound dog?

Not usually. A 40-pound dog sits at the top of the 30-inch range, so a 36-inch crate gives extra room, which helps for longer-legged dogs. For a puppy, use the divider to keep the space smaller.

What size crate for a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd?

Most adults fit a 36-inch wire crate. Smaller females may fit a 30-inch crate, so measure before you buy.

Should I get a wire or plastic crate for a medium dog?

Wire is the better everyday home crate because of airflow and the divider. Plastic is better for car travel and dogs that like an enclosed den.

How long can a medium dog stay in a crate?

It depends on age and training rather than size. See our guide on how long a dog can stay in a crate for limits by age.

Is a 24-inch crate big enough for a French Bulldog?

Only for a small adult. Most Frenchies are broad and heavy for their height, and a 30-inch crate gives enough room to turn and lie flat.

Weight ranges are manufacturer guidance and a starting point only. Always check interior dimensions against your own dog.