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Top 7 Dog Crates for German Shepherds
When used correctly, crates can be an excellent way to house train your German Shepherd and give him a safe and secure place he can call his own. Regardless of what you may have heard, crating your dog isn’t bad!
Most dogs, including German Shepherds, like crates because they remind them of a den and encourage their natural burrowing instincts. The small and confined space of a crate soothes separation anxiety and will also make your dog feel safe and happy.
While there are a lot of crates on the market, finding the top dog crate for German Shepherds may be a bit harder than it seems. The right crate for your pooch has to tick all the right boxes and at the same time be safe and comfortable.
Whether you are looking for a crate for your home or travel, you have come to the right place! Continue reading to learn what to look for in a crate and what are our favorite crates for a German Shepherd.
1. MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
The MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate is an excellent choice if you are looking for a crate that will grow with your German Shepherd. It comes with a divider panel that allows the crate to expand as your puppy grows and saves you money in the long run.
Featuring durable wire construction and two heavy-duty slide latches this crate is able to contain even mischievous and destructive dogs. This model comes with two doors which make loading your dog into the wire crate a lot easier.
Measuring 48”L x 38”W x 33”H this crate can be folded for storage and is easily portable thanks to a carrying handle. The plastic tray is easy to clean and will keep all mess away from your floors.
The only downside of this crate is that extremely persistent dogs can work the latch and pull a Houdini.
Pros
- Comes with a divider panel
- Easy to clean
- Durable wire construction
- Easy to fold and portable
Cons
- Latch can be opened
2. AmazonBasics Folding Metal Dog Crate
The Amazon Basic Double Door Folding Metal Dog Cage is another great option for German Shepherds regardless of your dog’s age. This double door dog crate model also comes with a divider panel, so this crate can grow with your pooch.
Made from durable metal wire, this crate features a side and front door for easy access and convenient entry. Both doors are equipped with two slide-bolt latches for increased safety and security.
This model measures 48”L x 30”W x 32.5”H and is spacious enough to keep your German Shepherd comfortable, but at the same time creates a den-like environment. The removable plastic tray is easy to clean and will keep wet and dry messes away from your floors.
Although sturdy, this crate isn’t suitable for destructive dogs or more intelligent ones who will learn how to open the latch.
Pros
- Double doors for easy entry
- The removable tray is easy to clean
- Can be used for puppies and adult dogs
- Foldable and portable
Cons
- Stronger dogs can bend the wires
3. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
The Elite Field 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is a great option for car trips and can also work as a house crate if you have a calm and well-behaved dog. It is easy to set up or fold down for storage and also lightweight and highly portable.
This crate features a strong steel tube frame and a cover that is made from high-quality 600D fabric and hex mesh fabric for proper ventilation. The three doors –front, side, and top – make it convenient for dogs to go in or out, and also increase visibility and breath-ability.
This crate measures 42”L x 28”W x 32”H and you will also get a carrying bag, fleece bed, hand and shoulder straps for easier transport.
Note that this crate isn’t designed for destructive dogs and if your pup’s nails aren’t properly trimmed he can easily tear the mesh windows.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Can be used indoors, outdoors, and for travel
- Cozy and airy interior
- Easy to fold and set up
Cons
- Zippers can break
4. WALCUT Heavy Duty Dog Cage Rolling Metal Pet Crate
The WALCUT Heavy Duty Dog Cage Rolling Metal Pet Crate is designed to withstand some abuse and is a great option for destructive dogs. It features a heavy-duty steel frame and measures 48.8”L x 33”W x 37”H which is plenty of space to make your German Shepherd comfortable.
This crate has a top and side doors for easier access and feeding. Both doors are equipped with slide-bolt latches that securely lock the doors and keep dogs safely inside the crate.
Coming with two removable trays, this crate is super easy to clean and will contain wet and dry messes inside the crate, thus protecting your floors. This crate also comes with casters which make it portable and easy to move around the house.
On the downside, the paint on the crate can start to flake if frequently exposed to elements and moisture.
Pros
- Comes with two doors
- Easily movable thanks to casters
- Easy to clean
- Big enough for German Shepherds
Cons
- Not rust resistant
5. Petmate Sky Kennel
The Petmate Sky Kennel is designed to keep your dog comfortably confined and safe during trips, but you can also use it as a crate at home. While this crate is designed to meet most air travel requirements, you should contact your airline before the trip just to make sure.
This crate features a durable plastic shell and strong steel wire vaulted door for increased protection. Wire vents on the sides and back keep the inside of the crate well ventilated and airy and give your dog a chance to observe his surroundings.
To make traveling with your dog a bit easier this kennel comes with 2 “live animal” stickers, clip-on food and water bowls, and pet ID stickers.
Note, that the handle isn’t exactly heavy-duty and may break when transporting a large or heavier dog.
Pros
- Meets most airline requirements
- Durable plastic shell
- Properly ventilated
- Comes with travel accessories
Cons
- The handle is flimsy
6. ProSelect Empire Dog Cage
The ProSelect Empire Dog Crate is the Alcatraz of dog crates and made to contain very destructive dogs and escape artists. The inside of this crate is large enough for adult German Shepherds and will give your dog a chance to sit and move around comfortably.
The frame is forged from 20-gauge steel and reinforced with steel tubes for extra security and durability. It comes with only front door and two heavy-duty latches that should discourage your pooch from escape attempts.
Removable casters allow you to roll the crate from one room to another, and the tray makes cleaning the crate a breeze.
Keep in mind that metal grates can be uncomfortable for your dog to stand or lie on so consider buying him a bed or putting a blanket inside the crate to make it more comfortable.
Pros
- One of the strongest crates on the market
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comes with casters
- Reinforced steel frame
Cons
- The wheels can break
7. Petmate Compass Plastic Pets Kennel
The Petmate Compass Plastic Pet Kennel With Chrome Door meets most airline requirements and is suitable for dogs weighing from 50 to 70 pounds. It features ventilation holes on all sides which make the inside of the crate airy and comfortable.
This crate features durable plastic construction and a steel door that keeps dogs safely contained. The door has a double-hinged design and can be opened left or right allowing easy access into the crate.
Featuring slide assembly, this crate has 4 bolts for extra security and will keep your pooch contained. Due to its plastic design, you can use it as a travel and home crate if your pooch doesn’t have destructive tendencies.
The downside of this kennel is that it doesn’t come with a carrying handle and is a bit hard to assemble.
Pros
- Well ventilated
- Durable plastic construction
- Suitable for travel
- Two-way door
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Doesn’t have a handle
Benefits Of Using A Crate For A German Shepherd
Crating will always be a subject of some controversy, but when done right, it is a safe and effective way to house train your dog. Here are some benefits of crating your puppy or adult German Shepherd:
- Soothes separation anxiety: Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety get very stressed out when they are alone which results in excessive barking, whining, or destructive behavior. In these situations, a crate provides a safe place that soothes anxiety and helps a dog to stay calm. You can also use dog anxiety medication to help ease their anxiety.
Stops destructive behavior: Puppies and untrained German Shepherds can cause excessive damage to your home and furniture out of boredom. But once in a crate, there is little your dog can do to your favorite shoes or sofa.
Helps with house training: House training a puppy or an adult dog requires a lot of patience, consistency, and a few accidents down the road. A crate is a small enough area in which a dog won’t urinate and can help you speed up the house training process.
- Traveling: The only safe way to travel with your German Shepherd is to have him crated. If you are traveling by plane, make sure to check that the crate meets IATA requirements or your pooch won’t be allowed to board the plane.
What To Look For In The Best Dog Crate For German Shepherds?
Getting the size right is imperative when it comes to finding the right crate for your German Shepherd. The crate needs to be large enough to allow your pooch to sit and move comfortably, but still remain den-like and cozy, thus measure your dog properly. For added comfort you can look into crate pads for bedding.
Here are some other things you should look for:
- Material: Dog crates are made from different materials, and ultimately your needs will determine which material is best for you. When it comes to German Shepherds metal, plastic, wooden, and soft-sided crates are your best options.
- Secure: Best crates can contain dogs at all times, which is a must-have feature, especially if your German Shepherd is an escape artist. So check if the crate is heavy-duty enough and has strong latches that will keep your dog contain no matter what.
- Durability: Not all crates are created equally, some can last a very long time, while others won’t last a week with a destructive dog. Thus, consider how much time your dog is going to spend in a crate and how much damage he can make, to find a model that will last you a long time.
- Maintenance: Keeping your dog’s crate clean is vital for his health and well-being. You should look for models that are easy to disinfect, even more so if you have a German Shepherd puppy.
Conclusion of our Buyer’s Guide on German Shepherd Crate
Crating your dog is a great way to curb his destructive behavior or to house train him. When used properly, a crate will become your German Shepherd’s safe haven and a place he considers his home.
For us, the MidWest Homes For Pets Dog Crate is a clear winner and an excellent choice if you are looking for a durable crate that will last a long time. Thanks to a divider panel, this crate can grow with your German Shepherd and you won’t have to spend extra money on bigger model once your puppy grows up.
When shopping for a crate consider your dog’s size, temperament, and why you are buying a crate in the first place. Keep in mind that some crates are better for travel while others can only be used at home, so if you want to take your pooch on a road trip make sure to get a suitable travel crate.
All crates reviewed above come with plus sides and some downsides, but each one of them works for German Shepherds, you just have to pick one that ticks off most of your boxes. And remember, no matter what crate you choose, your dog’s comfort and safety should always be your main concern.