Types Of Dog Crates – Which Dog Crate is Best for My Dog?
Dog crates are one of the best options to serve as a den for your dog. They come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, sizes, and materials. Understanding the benefits and functionality of each type of cage will help you select the one that best suits your needs and the needs of your dog. Wire cages are more practical, plastic ones are great for traveling, heavy-duty are more secure, and wooden cages are very stylish.
Personally, I love the look of the furniture style crates but this type is not the best functionally for my Rottweiler. Remember your dog’s size and behavior have a major role to play when selecting the right crate – please see our “Things to consider when buying a dog crate” article for the full list of factors you should take into consideration.
Listed below are the main types of dog crates with their pros and cons, which should help you make the perfect choice.
Wire Dog Crates
These types of cages are the most common ones. They come with a standard single door, however some manufacturers offer multiple doors as an option. They are easy to clean, and perfect for hot climates as they allow for ample ventilation. When locate in the family area, your dog may feel less isolated because of the great visibility through the metal bars which allows them to see everything that is going on around them. They are easy to assemble and come equipped with a slide out tray at the bottom for easy cleaning. In addition, some models are foldable, or come with a divider panel to adjust the cage size. Some dogs are clever at working the latches on the door or are very powerful and bend the wire to escape – personally I have found that using heavy duty cable ties along the joints and sides of my wire crate has helped improve the crates structural integrity, and the use of a couple of small carabiner clips on the door keeps everything secure.
Wire Dog Crate Pros
- Usually light in weight and portable.
- Relatively secure, sturdy for small dogs, may require reinforcement for larger dogs.
- Good visibility into the cage allowing the owner to monitor what the dog is up to.
- Allows great air flow.
- Available with divider panels.
- Equipped with removable tray for easy cleaning purposes.
Wire Dog Crate Cons
- Some pets may feel exposed because of the see-through walls.
- Depending on the model and build quality, some dogs can figure out how to escape.
Heavy-Duty Dog Crates
Steel welded construction, some using 20-gauge metal bars, providing a very robust and strong structured type of crate. They can be described as almost escape proof and most come with heavy duty locks. Due to their solid construction, they are very heavy, and some come with the option of having castor wheels. Some models are made with stainless steel while others use metal with anti-rust coating to help reduce the overall cost. These are the more expensive type of crate and are the go-to option if the wire style crates are not strong enough for your powerful or willful dog.
Heavy-Duty Dog Crate Pros
- Extremely strong & well-built cage to secure the strongest of dogs.
- Durability of the cage should last for many years.
- More escape proof for those Houdini type dogs.
- For certain dog breeds, airlines & ferries require these types of crates for transportation.
Heavy-Duty Dog Crate Cons
- Expensive compared to other forms of crates.
- Not the prettiest cage to see in your living room.
- The temperament of your dog may not warrant such a heavy-duty cage.
Plastic Dog Crates
These cages are lightweight and easy to move around. They offer more shelter and hence provide better insulation during cold-weather conditions. The top half can be removed, allowing the lower half to be used as an open dog bed. They are more difficult for your dog to escape from due to their durable construction and front door lock system. They are ideal for transportation purposes, especially when travelling in cars or through airlines.
Plastic Dog Crate Pros
- Light in weight and more portable as compared to metal or wire cages.
- Bottom of these crates can be used as an open bed.
- Better protection in colder climate.
- More sheltered, more secure.
- Travel-friendly.
- Difficult to escape from.
Plastic Dog Crate Cons
- Can be harder to clean.
- Cannot fold flat for storage.
- Reduced ventilation.
- Not ideal for hot climates.
Stylish Wooden Furniture Dog Crates
If you are not comfortable with the thought of a cage placed in the corner of your beautifully decorated living room, then a stylish wooden or rattan cage could be of interest. These types of dog crates can blend perfectly with your existing furniture and can even serve as a usable surface such as a side table.
Furniture Dog Crate Pros
- Stylish and can blend in with your other furniture.
- Can serve dual purposes as a dog cage and as a functional table.
- A wide variety is available to choose from.
Furniture Dog Crate Cons
- Not suitable for destructive dogs.
- Expensive compared to other types of crates.
- More difficult to clean.
Soft-Sided Dog Crates
Usually made from nylon, this type of crate does not really look like a cage in appearance. Hence, they are an alternative for crate-adverse dog owners. Being lightweight, they are highly portable and easily foldable. The interior is soft and flexible and considered to be comfortable for your dog. They are fairly effortless to assemble and dissemble, and usually use a zipper to close the front panel.
Soft-Sided Dog Crate Pros
- Portable and lightweight.
- Fairly inexpensive
Soft-Sided Dog Crate Cons
- Cannot be used as a car crate while travelling, they offer no protection.
- Not secure for long term use. Easier to destroy because they are made of soft materials.
- Not as easy to clean as they are made of fabric.
- Clever dogs can work out the zipper which closes the front panel and escape.
Final Woof
Dog crates are one of the best options to serve as a den for your beloved dog. Using them properly should enhance the well-being of your dog and provide them with their own safe space. With several different types of cages available, you can choose the perfect one that aligns to your needs and the needs of your dog. Wire cages are more practical, plastic ones are great for traveling, heavy-duty are more secure, and wooden cages are very stylish. Although each type of crate has its share of pros and cons they ultimately provide a safe, secure, and cozy personal space for your dog at home, while keeping your belongings free from any destructive behavior. It’s a win-win scenario.
Don’t forget to check out our Dog Crate Ratings and Reviews page.
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