For many dogs, the thought of being home alone can become overwhelming often resulting in a feeling of unease. This stress and anxiety can cause your dog to damage your home and belongings if they chew through their crate or escape their kennel. However, a solution for this problem is a heavy-duty dog crate, many of which are strong enough to keep even the biggest and strongest of dogs secured inside.
There are several hundred different dog crates on the market, but most of them aren’t build to fully secure your dog. We’ve done extensive research to find the best heavy duty dog crates on the market. It is important that you invest in a good-quality and strong dog crate, whilst ensuring that the safety of your dog remains a priority.
We have selected our top five picks below of the best heavy duty dog crates along with a buyers guide with our top tips for choosing the best strong dog crate.
If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top 3 picks for you below.
- Pros
- Whilst this is primarily advertised as an extra large dog crate the use of a divider caters to the size of your dog.
- This crate is easy to assemble as you do not require any additional tools.
- The two door design makes it convenient for any room layout.
- The roller feet protect your floors from any indentations or scrapes.
- This crate comes with a 1 year quality guarantee.
- Cons
- As it has been designed with straight latches instead of angled ones, some dogs may be able to get out which could be a safety issue in some cases.
For our budget pick, we have selected the MidWest Homes Dog crate. With raving customers reviews this is an excellent quality crate that is going to be highly appreciated by your four-legged companion. It’s not as heavy-duty as some of the other dog crates we will review, but for the price, it should be able to keep your dog secure if they have moderate separation anxiety.
This crate includes a divider panel, a durable dog tray, a carry handle for convenient transportation, and 4 roller feet to protect your floors and carpets from any indentations or scratches. It’s also a great double door dog crate which is convenient in tight spaces of your home or car.
As an extra-large, heavy-duty dog crate measuring 48L x 30W x 33H inches, it is ideal for larger pet breeds and adult dogs weighing up to 100 pounds. The convenient divider panel allows the crate to grow with your dog as you can alter the space available to coincide with their weight and size.
Durably designed, this strong dog crate provides a safe place for your dog when you’re away and the heavy-duty slide-bolt latches to ensure that the doors are locked so that your dog is secure inside.
This is a great portable option that can be set up in seconds but can also be folded down flat for convenient storage or transportation.
Available in single or double door design, you can choose the best option for your dog. The double door design makes it much easier to position the crate in the most convenient area of your home as it can be accessed from either the side or the front.
- Pros
- Available in three different sizes, there is an option suitable for large and small dog breeds.
- With two different color options, it will fit into any room interior.
- This crate is easy to assemble, only taking around 5 minutes to do so.
- Featuring four caster wheels along the bottom, it can easily be moved if needed.
- The tray underneath captures any fur, food, or excrement helping to keep the mess in one place.
- Cons
- The materials on this cage are prone to rusting easily.
The LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate is our runner up choice for the best heavy-duty dog crate. With a heavy-duty frame constructed out of extra heavy-duty corrosion-resistant steel, this crate is strong and durable. The nontoxic finished surface ensures that it is safe for your dog if they happen to chew the sides of the crate. Chewing the sides of a dog crate is very common for dogs with severe separation anxiety.
The Luckup dog crate features a unique double door casting; one on the front which is suitable for allowing your pet to get in and out, and then another on the top which allows you to interact with your pet when they are inside the crate. The 360 degree rotated locking caster wheels make it easy to move the crate and they then lock into place to ensure that it is secure.
Assembling this sturdy steel dog crate is fairly simple, all of the hardware is included in the pack, the four wheels just need to be attached using the bolts, so the process should only take around 5 minutes.
The removable plastic tray is easy to clean as you can catch any fallen food and excrement by simply removing the tray and wiping it down. The cage features a strong bottom which is going to be durable whilst remaining comfortable for your dog. Measuring 37.5 inches by 25.5 inches by 32 inches, this crate is suitable for larger breeds of dogs too.
- Pros
- This crate is easy to put together as very little assembly is required.
- Two different size options make it suitable for dogs of different sizes.
- Constructed out of gauge steel this is a very durable crate that is going to survive even the toughest wear and tear from your dog.
- As the wheels are removable you can choose whether you want to attach them or not.
- As a heavy cage, it isn't going to move around easily, even if your pet moves around a lot inside.
- Cons
- It is the most expensive crate that we have reviewed which may not be ideal for those on a budget.
Next up is the best heavy-duty dog crate which is the ProSelect Empire Dog Cage. Constructed out of 20 gauge steel, with reinforced 0.5 inch steel tubes, this is an extremely extra strong dog cage that is going to hold up well in any condition. If your dog gets extremely stressed or has separation anxiety, this very strong dog crate will keep them safe and secure while you’re gone.
There are two size options available, the medium measuring 35.75 inches x 23.5 inches x 24.5 inches. Ideal for catering to different breeds of dogs there is a large option available too. Impressively this crate has been veterinarian approved so you can be assured in its safety and that your dog won’t be able to escape.
The grated floor is easy for your dog to walk along and there is also a tray below, which catches any food, excrement, or fur, helping to keep any mess in one place, ultimately making it easier to clean after use.
This sturdy dog crate comes equipped with removable casters which can be attached to the bottom of the cage if you choose, making it much easier to roll to other rooms if needed. Otherwise, you can opt not to use them, which is going to provide added stability.
- Pros
- This crate is available in three different size options, effectively catering to different breeds.
- Installation is easy, as a pre-assembled crate, it takes less than 10 minutes to put together
- The infill mesh material accounts for the comfort of your pet's paws.
- The removable pan makes the crate much easier to clean in between uses.
- Made from steel this crate is strong and durable so it is going to be tough against daily wear.
- Cons
- This crate isn't as heavy duty as expected and is prone to bending especially when there are larger or stronger dogs inside.
The Best Pet heavy duty dog crate is our next choice for you. Measuring 48 inches x 42 inches x 36 inches, it is suitable for large and small dogs alike.
Thanks to the versatile design, it is easy to set up taking less than ten minutes as the majority of components come pre-assembled. It can also be folded down for convenient portability and storage. Constructed out of heavy-duty steel, this is a very strong crate that is also durable and less prone to damage courtesy of the anti-rust and anti-corrosion elements. This is one of the best dog crates for dogs that like to escape their crate.
In addition, the surfaces are nontoxic too so you do not need to worry about the safety of your pets if they should happen to chew or lick the crate. Moreover, there are four caster wheels in total, two of which are lockable. Not only does this make it easy to transfer from room to room, but the lockable wheels also ensure that the crate is going to remain in a secure place with a reduced chance of accidental movement.
Incorporating a two-door design, the front door is easily accessible for your dogs whilst the top door allows you to feed and check in on them. The heavy-duty slide-bolt latches ensure that your dog remains inside the steel dog crate securely.
Made from ABS plastic, the pan can be removed to maintain a clean environment for your dog. The lower grate also features infill metal mesh to provide comfort to your pet’s paws when they are stood inside the crate.
- Pros
- Assembly is super easy, as a pre-assembled crate, it only takes a total of around 10 minutes.
- The removable tray makes it much easier to clean.
- The two color options ensure that it will fit nicely into any interior.
- Customers who have purchased this crate have been impressed with its strong structure.
- The removable wheels make it easy to transfer to different rooms if necessary.
- Cons
- The wheels are prone to breaking when it comes to moving this crate between rooms.
For our final choice, we have selected the ITORI Heavy duty steel dog crate. Made out of reinforced steel this is a very strong crate that is going to prevent even the toughest of dogs from escaping. The design also provides ventilation and visibility so your furry friend can still take in their surroundings even when they are in the crate.
With a double door design, the front door enables your dog to access the crate easily whilst the top door allows you to interact and feed your dog when they are in the crate. With an anti escape lock design, this crate provides exceptional security, preventing intelligent or strong dogs from escaping. Even if your dog has severe separation anxiety they won’t be able to escape this crate.
The metal frame of the kennel has been treated with an environmentally friendly hammer tone coating which is non-toxic. Not only is this crate resistant to rust and corrosion, but this coating is also safe if your pet should attempt to chew it. You can safely leave this crate indoors or outdoors.
Courtesy of a removable tray, cleaning any accidents or spills is made much easier. The four wheels make it easier to move, two of these wheels are lockable too which minimizes the chances of it moving. If you choose you can opt to remove these wheels for added stability.
Best Heavy Duty Dog Crates Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing your heavy-duty dog crate there are several factors that you will need to consider to ensure that you are investing in a crate that is safe for your dog and of good quality too. We have listed some criteria below.
The Material
A heavy-duty dog crate should be able to withstand daily abuse from the toughest of dogs without deterioration in quality. Dogs that are stressed with separation anxiety will find ways to chews through a normal dog crate.
The majority of dog cages the market is constructed from thin steel which is durable, but not strong enough to withstand daily use from a dog with severe separation anxiety. You’re going to want a thick dog crate that is made of steel. A flimsy cage is going to deteriorate at a fast pace which increases the risk of damage occurring around your house and also affecting the safety of your pet.
The Size
You will find that most crates are available in a variety of size options so that they can cater to dogs of different breeds and sizes. Impressively, there are even larger crates available that can suit larger sized dogs too. Since heavy-duty dog crates aren’t cheap, you’re going to want to pick one that your dog can grow into over time.
Some dog crate brands may include dividers so that you can adjust the size and the crate can then grow alongside your dog. These are helpful if your dog is still a puppy and has a lot of growing to do.
Assembly
Many crates now come pre-assembled which makes your job much easier. In most cases, you will simply be required to attach the wheels (if these are included with your crate) and then you are good to go. A crate that is difficult to assemble is going to consume much more of your time.
The Design
Different brands will design their crates in different ways, although the majority will conform to a similar basic design. Some may have a single door whilst the majority offer double doors. Those designed a single door make them a practical addition to your home regardless of the floor plan of the room that the crate is going to be kept in. You can easily let your dog in and out of the front of these crates.
Other crates will have a double door design, but while one door will be positioned at the front the other is positioned at the top. This allows you to interact with your dog when they are in the crate.
You’ll also want to check the type of locks. A crate designed with effective locks is also going to work much better in preventing your dog from opening them and escaping. Some dogs are smart and can escape locks that only have a slide latch. Make sure that the lock is secured with a lockdown latch or angled latch.
Cleanliness
Maintaining a clean environment inside the crate is going to be a priority, particularly if your dog is likely to be spending long periods inside it. Almost all crates come with trays that are easily removable so that you can clean up any accidents, spills, or fur with ease.
Portability
For many dog owners, an important aspect of their dog crate will be how easy it is to maneuver and transport to different rooms. Some crates are designed with wheels which saves you the task of carrying the crates as they can simply be pushed between rooms instead. Since heavy-duty dog crates are typically made of steel, it’s unlikely that you will be able to pick them up.
Opting for lockable wheels is beneficial as this ensures that they are going to remain in a secure position without moving around easily. Others include handles so that they can simply be lifted between rooms.
Another aspect of portability and convenience is how easy the crate is to collapse down. With almost all crates you will simply be able to fold them down flat for easy storage and transportation.
The Cost
The cost of the crate can differ significantly between brands and depending on the material used (thick steel vs. thin metal). Whilst some are very budget-friendly others are less so coming with hefty price tags. We would recommend having a budget in mind so that you can cater to your purchase towards this.
Conclusion for the Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate
Most dog crates on the market will be made of plastic or extremely thin metal. If your dog has separation anxiety or likes to chew on their crate, you’re going to want to invest in a heavy-duty dog crate. Heavy-duty dog crates are typically made of thick steel which not only keeps your dog secure and safe, but also prevents them from damaging your home. We hope that you found the perfect crate for your dog!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should you put a dog bed inside a crate?
If your dog is likely to be sleeping in the crate or spending lots of time inside it, then it would be beneficial to add a bed inside to make it more comfortable for them. Items that your dog is familiar with also tend to reduce stress and separation anxiety as well.
In addition, some crates may be a little uncomfortable on your dog’s paws due to the metal grates so a bed can make them a little easier to stand on without hurting their paws.
Are wire or plastic dog crates better?
Wire crates tend to be the preferred option amongst pet owners as they are collapsible and easier to store. Metal cages also tend to be stronger and more durable, with the ability to withstand regular use and wear.
Is a bigger dog crate better?
Many dog owners tend to get particularly large crates that are far too big for their dogs. It is important to size the crate in accordance with the size of your dog. They should be able to stand up and turn around in the crate comfortably, however, more room than necessary makes dogs feel less secure.
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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