Our readers keep the lights on and my morning glass full of iced black tea. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.7 Best Dog Crates For Medium Dogs | Stop Guessing on Sizing

Check Price on Amazon

The MidWest iCrate is the benchmark that other wire crates get measured against. Its 30-inch model targets dogs 21-40 lbs — think French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, and Dachshunds. The slide-bolt latch uses a Paw Block feature that prevents a crafty dog from sliding the bolt open, a common failure point on cheaper latches. Rounded corner clips reduce snag risk, a detail many budget crates skip entirely.

The divider panel is a standout for puppy buyers. You can shrink the interior space during house-training so the pup doesn’t eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other, then expand it as the dog grows. The leak-proof plastic tray slides out for cleaning, though some owners report it warps slightly if left in direct sunlight. Rubber feet protect floors and keep the crate from sliding on hardwood.

Assembly is genuinely tool-free — the crate pops open from a folded flat state in under 60 seconds. The carrying handle is sturdy enough for moving room to room, but for frequent travel the 17-pound weight feels manageable. Gap size is 37.5 millimeters, wider than most competitors, so double-check that your dog’s paws aren’t small enough to slip through. For the price, this is the most balanced option on the market.

Check Price on Amazon

The LifeStages line takes everything the iCrate does well and scales it up for medium to large breeds between 41-70 lbs. The 36-inch model measures 37.25 x 24.5 x 26.5 inches, giving a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd room to stand and turn without bumping the ceiling. The slide-bolt latch includes locking tips that click into a closed position, adding a layer of security over standard slide bolts.

Ventilation is generous with vertical wire spacing that keeps air moving but won’t let a dog’s head push through. The included divider panel works the same way as the iCrate — essential for puppy training — but the LifeStages also comes with rubber feet and a carrying handle as standard. The leak-proof pan sits flush with the frame, so there’s no lip that catches urine or water during cleaning.

Owners with multiple dogs often pick this model because the 36-inch footprint fits two smaller crates side by side in a standard SUV trunk. The fold-flat mechanism works smoothly, though the crate weighs 22 pounds, making it less ideal for daily carrying. Some reviews note that the paint finish on older units chipped after a year of use, but current production appears to use a more durable e-coat.

Check Price on Amazon

The Amazon Basics double-door model solves a specific problem: placing a crate in tight corners. With one door on the front and another on the side, you can position this crate against a wall and still access your dog from the side. The 15-millimeter wire gap is tighter than the MidWest options, making it safer for dogs with smaller paws who might try to grab at the bars.

The divider panel lets you adjust internal space, and the manual locking mechanism uses a simple hook-and-loop system that holds firmly once engaged. Assembly is straightforward — the crate comes folded flat and pops open with a gentle pull. The plastic tray features a metal hook at the bottom that secures the tray in place, preventing it from sliding out when the dog shifts weight inside.

At 22 pounds, this is one of the heavier 36-inch crates, but the top handle makes short trips manageable. Some owners mention the tray hook requires a firm push to lock properly — if you skip that step, the tray can dislodge during cleaning. Overall, this crate delivers double-door convenience at a price that competes directly with single-door models from other brands.

Check Price on Amazon

Sweetcrispy’s 36-inch model focuses on durability without adding unnecessary weight. The metal mesh uses thicker-gauge wire than many comparably priced crates, and the rounded corners minimize sharp edges. Dual slide-bolt latches on both the front and side doors operate with a snug fit that doesn’t rattle — a detail that matters when you’re trying to keep a noise-sensitive dog calm.

The ABS composite tray is a step up from standard plastic pans. It resists staining from urine and doesn’t absorb odors like cheaper trays. Cleaning involves pulling the tray out and hosing it down, and the leak-proof design means accidents won’t seep onto your floor. The tray’s lip is low enough that small paws can step over it without hesitation.

Fold-flat collapse works smoothly, and the crate includes a carrying handle on top. Some owners report that the side door latch sits slightly lower than the front latch, making it harder to reach when the crate is against a wall. The manufacturer includes a divider panel, though it is a simple wire partition rather than a full-height panel. For the price, this is a solid mid-range competitor with better tray quality than most.

Check Price on Amazon

This narrow spacing makes it a strong candidate for small-medium breeds like Jack Russell Terriers or Miniature Pinschers who might slip a paw through wider bars. The reinforced steel pipes run along the edges to prevent bending under a determined dog’s weight.

Dual latches on both doors use a slide-bolt mechanism with rounded edges that won’t snag. The removable ABS tray handles messes well, though the tray lip sits slightly higher than the Sweetcrispy’s, which may trip up very short dogs. The crate folds down flat and includes a carrying handle, making it easy to take to a friend’s house or on a road trip.

One trade-off is the overall weight — at 20 pounds it’s not the lightest, but the rust-resistant wire coating adds longevity for owners who plan to leave the crate outdoors occasionally. A few customer notes mention that the assembly requires a bit of force to lock the wires into place on the first setup. Once assembled, though, the crate feels solid with minimal wobble.

Check Price on Amazon

The single-door 30-inch Amazon Basics crate is a no-frills option for owners with small-medium dogs like Dachshunds or Shih Tzus. The 15-millimeter wire gap strikes a safe balance, and the divider panel lets you shrink the interior for a puppy. Assembly follows the same pop-up pattern as its double-door sibling — unfold, lock the top, and you’re done.

The manual door locking mechanism uses a simple metal hook that engages with a loop. It’s straightforward but lacks the Paw Block found on MidWest models, so a determined dog might figure out how to nudge it open. The removable plastic tray includes the same metal hook system that prevents sliding, but again requires you to lock it intentionally each time you reassemble the crate.

At 16.6 pounds, this is the lightest crate on the list, making it the easiest to carry. The trade-off is that the metal wire feels less substantial than the MidWest or Sweetcrispy builds. Owners report that the crate works best for calm dogs who don’t push against the walls — for an anxious chewer or escape artist, the heavier double-door version is a safer bet.

Check Price on Amazon

The DONORO pop-up crate is a fundamentally different approach — soft-sided construction instead of wire. The 600D Oxford cloth exterior resists tearing, and the steel wire frame provides the shape. Three high-density mesh windows on the front and sides deliver ventilation that surpasses most wire crates, which is a real advantage for dogs who get stuffy in warm weather.

Double zippers on each door close with a snug tolerance that reduces bulging. The crate supports up to 70 pounds, though the 32-inch length fits medium breeds rather than large ones. A removable, washable pad sits on the floor and adds cushion for car rides or camping trips. Setup takes about five seconds — the crate springs open from a folded disc shape.

This crate is not a substitute for a wire crate during house-training or for dogs who push against barriers. Some owners report warping of the wire frame if the crate is stored under heavy objects. Use this for travel and supervised downtime, not as a primary confinement crate. The 1-year warranty offers peace of mind, and the single-door access keeps the weight down to roughly 5 pounds.