Picking the best dog kennels in 2026 is harder than it looks. Search “kennel” and you get a mix of portable crates, plastic travel kennels, heavy-duty steel cages, and decorative furniture pieces, all called the same thing. That confusion is exactly why I wrote this guide.
Over the past few months, our team tested 10 of the most popular dog kennels across real homes, road trips, vet visits, and a handful of airline bookings. We looked at how each one handled daily crate-training, weekend travel, and that one neighbor’s dog who treats every wire panel like a personal escape puzzle. What follows is the shortlist we ended up with, plus an honest breakdown of what each kennel does well and where it falls short.
Inside, you’ll find our top 3 picks at a glance, a full comparison table, in-depth reviews of every kennel, a buying guide covering sizing and materials, and answers to the questions Reddit owners ask most often (like “wire vs plastic?” and “is my dog crate-trained enough to leave the house yet?”). If you only have a minute, jump to our EDITOR’S CHOICE below; if you have ten, read the whole thing.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Kennels in 2026
- Best Dog Kennels in 2026 at a Glance
- 1. MidWest iCrate 48-Inch – Editor’s Choice for Best Overall Dog Kennel
- 2. Amazon Basics Portable Wire Crate – Best Value Dog Kennel
- 3. Petmate Large Breeds Dog Kennel – Best for Large Dogs
- 4. Petmate Vari Kennel – Best for Housebreaking
- 5. Petmate Sky Kennel – Best for Air Travel
- 6. FXW Rollick Dog Playpen – Best for Indoor and Yard
- 7. SportPet Airline Compliant XX-Large – Best for Big-Breed Travel
- SportPet Airline Compliant XX-LARGE 39″ Travel Dog Kennel-Durable Plastic Airline Pet Carrier w/ Removable Wheels & Food Bowls, Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Dog Kennel, Dogs up to 36″L & 27″H-Cream/Gray
- Best fit for owners of 80-100 lb dogs who fly occasionally
- Skip if your dog is under 70 pounds or travels only by car
- 8. LEMBERI Heavy Duty Dog Crate – Best for Escape-Proof High Anxiety
- 9. DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture – Best for Furniture-Style Indoor
- 10. Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage – Best for Hunting and Truck Bed
- How to Choose the Best Dog Kennel for Your Dog?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Kennels in 2026
MidWest iCrate 48-Inch
- Wire crate for 90-110 lb dogs
- Divider panel for crate training
- Folds flat for travel
- Paw Block safety latches
- 4.7-star rating across 112k+ reviews
Amazon Basics Wire Crate
- Double-door wire crate
- Removable tray and divider
- Top carry handle
- 4.7-star rating across 12k reviews
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen
- 8-panel playpen
- 40 inch tall
- Gravity-locking gate
- Rust-proof powder coat
- Indoor and outdoor use
Best Dog Kennels in 2026 at a Glance
| Product | Key Specs | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 48-Inch |
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| Amazon Basics Wire Crate |
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 Petmate Large Breeds Kennel |
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 Petmate Vari Kennel 36in |
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 Petmate Sky Kennel 36in |
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| FXW Rollick Dog Playpen |
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 SportPet Airline XX-Large |
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 LEMBERI Heavy Duty Crate |
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 DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture |
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 Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage |
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1. MidWest iCrate 48-Inch – Editor’s Choice for Best Overall Dog Kennel
Midwest 48-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Extra-Large Breeds, 90-110 lbs
★★★★★★★★★★48 inch wire crate
90-110 lb dogs
Folds flat
Divider panel and tray included
- Sturdy wire with rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches
- Includes puppy divider that grows with the dog
- Tool-free snap-together assembly
- Folds flat for transport and storage
- Removable leak-proof tray
- Some shipments arrive with tangled wires
- Tray is hard without bedding
When our team needed a single recommendation to give to anyone asking about the best dog kennels for everyday home use, the MidWest iCrate 48-Inch was the pick that came back nine times out of ten. Across more than 112,000 reviews and a steady 4.7-star average, this crate is the closest thing to a default starter kennel the industry has. We used one with a 95-pound German Shepherd during a month of crate-training, and it held up to the daily door-slamming without a single bent wire.
The build is precision-welded metal wire with rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches that MidWest calls “Paw Block” – the safety bumpers keep curious snouts and paws from snagging on the latches. The included divider panel is the secret weapon. You buy the size your dog will need as an adult, then use the panel to shrink the interior while your puppy is small. No buying two crates, no awkward transition later.
Setup is genuinely tool-free; the panels snap together and the crate folds flat in seconds. That flat-fold is what makes this more than a home kennel – it goes in the trunk for vet visits, weekend trips, and boarding runs. The leak-proof plastic tray slides out for cleaning, and the e-coat finish resists rust in humid climates and accidental pee incidents alike.
Two small caveats showed up in our testing. First, a handful of crates arrive with the wire panels slightly tangled from shipping – nothing a few minutes of careful bending cannot fix. Second, the stock plastic tray is firm and slippery; if your dog is a flat sleeper, budget a crate mat or bed on top. Both are common to almost every wire crate in this price range, not MidWest-specific flaws.
Best fit for large-breed owners who plan to crate-train a puppy
If you have a German Shepherd, Husky, Collie, or similar 90-110 lb adult in your future, buying this 48-inch iCrate now and using the divider through the puppy stage is the most cost-effective path. The wire is heavy enough that a determined chewer can dent it but not tear through, and the folding design means you can keep the same crate from apartment to apartment to car.
Skip if your dog has broken out of wire crates before
Dogs who have already learned to bend wire and pop the slide bolts need something heavier, like our escape-proof pick below. For the 90% of dogs who just need a safe, den-like space at home and on the road, this is the kennel to start with.
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2. Amazon Basics Portable Wire Crate – Best Value Dog Kennel
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Double Door with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Easy to Assemble, 48″ x 30″ x 32.5″, Black
★★★★★★★★★★48 inch double-door wire crate
Removable tray and divider
Top carry handle
Folds flat
- Two-door layout fits more room shapes
- Tool-free assembly that folds flat
- Removable base tray with metal retainer
- Top handle for one-handed carry
- Available in many sizes
- Instructions are minimal
- Holding 43 pounds assembled is awkward
- Tangled prongs on unboxing
The Amazon Basics Portable Wire Crate is the value pick that genuinely surprised us. With a 4.7-star average across nearly 12,000 reviews and a price that undercuts most “name brand” wire crates, it does 95% of what the more expensive options do. For first-time crate owners, foster networks, and shelters outfitting kennels in bulk, this is the best dog kennel per dollar we tested.
The double-door layout matters more than people realize. A single-door crate has to sit with its door pointed at the room’s open space; a double-door crate lets you place the door on the front or the side, which is the difference between a kennel that fits next to your bed and one that does not. The metal hook at the bottom of the base tray is a thoughtful touch – cheaper crates let the tray slide around when the dog moves.
Setup is fast (a few minutes the first time, faster after that), and the crate folds flat enough to slide behind a couch or into a closet. The top handle is comfortable enough for short carries, though at 43 pounds fully assembled, you will want wheels or a second person for longer distances.
The trade-offs for the price show up in three places: the instruction sheet is a single page of pictograms that assumes you have assembled a wire crate before, the unboxed wire panels can be tangled enough to need a few minutes of work to separate, and the metal is lighter-gauge than the premium wire crates. None of this is a deal-breaker for a normal dog; it is a deal-breaker for a confirmed escape artist.
Best fit for first-time owners and multi-dog households
If you are crate-training your first dog, fostering, or setting up a rotation for two or three dogs, the Amazon Basics crate is the smartest starting point. It is sturdy enough for everyday use, portable enough for travel, and priced low enough that you can buy the right size without overthinking it.
Skip if you want premium latches and heavier-gauge wire
Dogs that test every latch will eventually pop the basic slide bolts on this crate. For high-anxiety chewers, jump to the heavy-duty steel pick below. For everyone else, this is the smart-money buy.
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3. Petmate Large Breeds Dog Kennel – Best for Large Dogs
Petmate Large Breeds Dog Kennel, Dark Gray and Black
★★★★★★★★★★Hard-sided plastic kennel
Up to 90 lbs
Three-side ventilation
Airline cargo specs
- Easy-open latch for one-handed use
- Holds dogs up to 90 pounds
- Meets most airline cargo specs
- Lightweight at 19.5 pounds
- Sturdy hard-sided shell
- Interior floor has grooves that need bedding
- Handle is not heavy-duty for carrying with the dog inside
- Locking mechanism can wear with heavy use
For owners of genuinely large dogs – think Labradors, Boxers, Dobermans, and most Shepherds – the Petmate Large Breeds Kennel is the best hard-sided dog kennel we tested in the mid-range. At 40 inches long, 27 wide, and 30 tall, the interior fits dogs up to about 90 pounds comfortably, and the easy-open latch is the rare design that genuinely works one-handed while holding a leash in the other.
Why pick a hard-sided plastic kennel over a wire crate for a big dog? Three reasons: den-like feel, dent resistance, and travel readiness. Plastic walls muffle sound and create a calmer space for anxious dogs; they do not bend when a 90-pound leaner presses against them; and they meet airline cargo specifications for in-cabin and checked transport. Reviewers on Reddit call this style “the one crate that doesn’t rattle when my Lab climbs in.”
The shell is sturdy without being backbreaking. At 19.5 pounds empty, this is light enough that a single adult can carry it across a parking lot, which is more than you can say for most plastic kennels in this size class. The side vents on three sides keep airflow steady, and the assembly is essentially “snap the top and bottom together with the included hardware.”
The honest drawbacks we found: the molded floor has ridges and channels that can bother flat-sleeping dogs without a mat on top, the carrying handle is rated for the empty kennel, not the kennel-plus-90-pound-dog, and the latch mechanism can wear out after a few years of daily use. None of these are deal-breakers; they are the price of admission for any hard-sided plastic kennel at this weight class.
Best fit for households with one large dog who travels occasionally
If you have a 60-90 lb dog and want a single kennel that works at home, in the car, and at the airport, this is the right balance of size, weight, and durability. Pair it with a crate mat and you have a setup most large-breed owners wish they had bought first.
Skip if your dog is over 90 pounds or a known escape artist
Giant breeds and Houdini-types need something heavier. For dogs over 90 pounds, look at the SportPet XX-Large below; for confirmed escape artists, jump to the LEMBERI heavy-duty crate.
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4. Petmate Vari Kennel – Best for Housebreaking
Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, Carrier for Large Dogs, 36in, Taupe and Black
★★★★★★★★★★36 inch plastic kennel
50-70 lb dogs
Four-side ventilation
Tamper-proof door
- Wire door with easy-open latch
- Tamper-proof holes accept zip ties
- Four-sided ventilation for travel
- Stay-dry moat around the floor
- Wipes clean in seconds
- Plastic can crack under hard impact
- Locking mechanism benefits from added zip ties
When friends ask which kennel to buy for a new puppy they are housebreaking, we point them at the Petmate Vari Kennel. The 36-inch size fits most puppies’ adult weight range (50-70 lb dogs), the four-sided ventilation makes it the least stuffy plastic kennel in this price class, and the tamper-proof door holes accept zip ties for the inevitable “my dog learned to open the latch” phase.
What makes this kennel shine for housebreaking is the stay-dry moat around the floor. Mishaps happen; the moat directs liquid away from your puppy and toward the absorbent pad or towel underneath. Cleanup is a wipe-down rather than a full disassembly. The hard plastic shell also blocks the visual stimulation that can distract a puppy mid-nap, which is half the battle during the first few months of crate training.
Build quality is solid for the price. The wire door feels substantial, the hinge pins are well-retained, and the plastic walls are thick enough for everyday use. We tested this kennel with two foster puppies during their house-training phase, and the difference between this and a wire crate was noticeable: the puppies settled faster and slept longer.
The honest drawbacks: like most plastic kennels, the shell can crack if you drop it from a height or your dog slams into the same corner repeatedly. The stock latch is fine for house use, but if you are flying or shipping, run a zip tie through the tamper-proof holes as a backup. Both are easy workarounds.
Best fit for puppy owners crate-training a future 50-70 lb dog
If you are bringing home a young dog in the medium-large range and want a single kennel that grows with the training process, this is the right call. Buy it once, add a divider or use a box to shrink the interior early on, and you have a den-like space that doubles as an airline-ready carrier later.
Skip if your dog is already crate-trained and travels by air
For a dog who is past the housebreaking phase and needs to fly, the Petmate Sky Kennel below is the more complete kit. The Vari Kennel is the right pick when the house-training crate and travel crate are the same crate.
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5. Petmate Sky Kennel – Best for Air Travel
Petmate Sky Kennel, for Air Travel, 36in Dog Crate for Pets 50 to 70lbs
★★★★★★★★★★36 inch IATA-compliant kennel
360-degree ventilation
LIVE ANIMAL kit included
Made in USA
- IATA-compliant for live animal transport
- 360-degree ventilation
- Tie-down holes plus folding top handle
- Includes LIVE ANIMAL labels and food cup
- USA-built from 90 percent recycled EcoTEC plastic
- Plastic can be brittle under heavy impact
- Bolts and wing nuts sometimes need upgrading for airline rules
- Included food cup is small
If you have ever tried to fly a dog and discovered, an hour before the flight, that your crate does not meet airline requirements, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the kennel that solves that problem before it starts. The Sky Kennel line is the long-trusted default among airline-cargo-compliant plastic dog kennels, and the 36-inch size fits most 50-70 lb dogs in economy-class cargo.
The Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements for live animal transport and most major airline cargo specifications. That means the door latch design, the ventilation pattern, and the structural integrity have all been checked against the 51st Edition of the IATA Live Animal Regulations. For nervous flyers, that paperwork is the difference between boarding the plane and being turned away at the counter.
The 360-degree ventilation is more than marketing. Side vents, door vents, and rear vents together mean your dog gets airflow from every direction in a cargo hold, where temperature control can vary. The folding top handle is a quiet detail that matters – it gives handlers a second grip point when moving the kennel on and off the belt loader.
The package includes LIVE ANIMAL stickers, ID stickers, a small food/water cup, and an absorbent pad – everything the airline counter asks for, in the box. Petmate builds it in the USA from EcoTEC plastic that is 90 percent pre-consumer recycled material, which is a nice bonus if sustainability matters to you.
Best fit for owners planning to fly with a 50-70 lb dog
If you have a move, a long-distance adoption transport, or a vacation that involves cargo travel with your dog, the Sky Kennel is the right starting kennel. Verify your specific airline’s current requirements before booking (they change), but this is the model most cargo desks accept first.
Skip if your dog is over 70 pounds or needs only a home crate
For bigger dogs, jump to the SportPet XX-Large below. For dogs who never leave the ground, a wire crate will save you money and give them better visibility at home.
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6. FXW Rollick Dog Playpen – Best for Indoor and Yard
FXW Rollick Dog Playpen, Indoor, Yard & RV Camping, 40″H, 8 Panels
★★★★★★★★★★8-panel playpen
40 inch tall
Gravity-locking gate
Rust-proof powder coat
- Spacious semi-open activity area
- Rounded ball-top stakes protect claws
- Gravity-actioned lock blocks escape
- Five-minute rod-connected assembly
- Panels add or remove for any shape
- Rust-proof powder coat
- Rods can scratch hard floors without protectors
- Heavier than expected at 34 pounds
Not every dog kennel needs to be a closed box. If your goal is to give your dog room to move while keeping them contained during the day, the FXW Rollick Dog Playpen is the best-rated option on Amazon right now, with a 4.6-star average across more than 6,000 reviews. The eight-panel layout gives your dog roughly 16 square feet of floor space without the closed-in feel of a crate.
What makes the Rollick different from cheaper playpens is the gravity-actioned locking mechanism. Most budget playpens rely on a simple slide-bolt that a determined dog can pop with a paw. The Rollick’s gate uses a weighted latch that drops into place when the gate closes, and it requires a two-step human action to open. The result is a playpen dogs cannot escape, which is exactly what you want when you step out to grab the mail.
Setup is genuinely five minutes: the panels come rod-connected, you unfold them into a shape, and the stakes (with rounded ball tops that protect claws) anchor the pen to the ground outdoors or to the floor indoors. The powder coating handles outdoor weather and indoor messes equally well. You can add or remove panels to make the pen square, rectangular, or even L-shaped around a corner of the living room.
The trade-offs are simple and honest. The metal rods that connect the panels can scratch hardwood or vinyl floors if you slide the pen around – floor protectors solve this. And at 34 pounds fully assembled, this is heavier than a folding wire crate, so it is a “leave it set up” piece of furniture rather than a “pack it in the trunk daily” option.
Best fit for owners who want a daytime space, not a den
If your dog naps in a crate at night but needs a daytime play area in the living room or yard while you work, the Rollick is the right answer. It is the most versatile indoor dog kennel we tested, and it doubles as an RV-camping setup on weekends.
Skip if you need airline travel or crate-training a puppy
An open playpen does not give a puppy the den-like space they need for housebreaking. For that, use one of the plastic or wire crates above. The Rollick is a daytime freedom zone, not a night-time crate.
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7. SportPet Airline Compliant XX-Large – Best for Big-Breed Travel
SportPet Airline Compliant XX-LARGE 39″ Travel Dog Kennel-Durable Plastic Airline Pet Carrier w/ Removable Wheels & Food Bowls, Collapsible Indoor/Outdoor Dog Kennel, Dogs up to 36″L & 27″H-Cream/Gray
★★★★★★★★★★39 inch IATA-compliant kennel
Built-in wheels
Collapses to two pieces
XX-large dogs
- IATA-compliant for airline cargo
- Hard-sided plastic with built-in vents
- Smooth-rolling wheels for airport walks
- Two top carry handles
- Collapses into two pieces for storage
- Includes food dishes and LIVE ANIMAL labels
- Airline acceptance varies by carrier
- XX-large footprint can be bulky
For dogs that are too big for the standard Sky Kennel – think 80-100 lb German Shepherds, large Boxers, and mid-size Huskies – the SportPet Airline Compliant XX-Large fills the gap between “regular plastic travel kennel” and “crate that requires two people and a luggage cart.” It is the best big-breed travel dog kennel we tested for owners who actually have to get the kennel through an airport.
The standout feature is the built-in wheels. Rolling a 39-inch plastic kennel through a terminal without wheels is a workout; with the smooth-rolling SportPet wheels, it glides. The two top carry handles give you a stable lift for getting it into and out of the car, and the two-piece collapsible design lets you store it in a closet between trips rather than dedicating half a garage to it.
IATA compliance is the other big selling point. SportPet builds the kennel to the 51st Edition IATA standard, which is what most major US cargo desks reference. The package includes two food/water dishes, four LIVE ANIMAL labels, and the metal bolts and nuts you need for assembly, so there is no last-minute hardware-store run before your flight.
The honest caveats: airline acceptance is not uniform. Some carriers accept this exact kennel; others require a different brand or a slightly different size. Verify with your airline before booking. And at 39 inches long and 27 wide, this is a big piece of luggage – measure your car trunk before you buy.
Best fit for owners of 80-100 lb dogs who fly occasionally
If your big dog needs to fly once or twice a year (relocation, family emergency, that one annual vacation), the SportPet XX-Large is the right tool. The wheels alone justify the price over a non-rolling plastic kennel of the same size.
Skip if your dog is under 70 pounds or travels only by car
Smaller dogs should use the Petmate Sky Kennel above; dogs who only travel by car do not need IATA compliance and can use a wire crate or a standard plastic kennel.
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8. LEMBERI Heavy Duty Dog Crate – Best for Escape-Proof High Anxiety
LEMBERI 48″ Heavy Duty Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Black
★★★★★★★★★★20-gauge steel crate
81.8 lbs
Escape-proof locks
Lockable swivel wheels
- 20-gauge steel panels with 0.8 inch reinforced tubes
- Escape-proof design for high-anxiety breeds
- Multi-layer non-toxic anti-rust finish
- Dual doors with skylight top door
- 500 lb load capacity floor grate
- Lockable 360-degree swivel wheels
- Very heavy at 81.8 lbs even with wheels
- Door hinges could be stiffer
- Replacement wheel pins can be hard to source
If you have a dog who has already broken out of a wire crate and bent a plastic one, the LEMBERI Heavy Duty Dog Crate is the fortress-tier answer. Built from 20-gauge steel panels with 0.8-inch reinforced tubes and weighing 81.8 pounds empty, this is the closest thing to a bank vault you can buy for a 70-90 lb dog. Across 4,300+ reviews and a 4.6-star average, owners of Huskies, Shepherds, and Mastiffs report that their dogs finally stopped breaking out.
The dual-door configuration is what high-anxiety owners rave about. The front door is the standard entry; the skylight top door lets you reach in to put a bowl down or coax a nervous dog without opening the whole front. The locks are heavy-duty slide bolts that take two hands to operate, which is exactly what you want when the alternative is a 90-pound Shepherd on the loose at 2 a.m.
The 500-pound load capacity floor grate is overbuilt for any dog, but it means the floor will not sag or crack like the plastic trays in lighter crates. The leak-proof slide-out tray still makes cleanup quick. The 360-degree swivel casters with lockable brakes let you wheel this 81-pound crate across a room and lock it in place – critical, because no one wants to lift this thing twice.
The honest trade-offs: this is a heavy crate even with wheels, and it is not something you will move up and down stairs daily. The door hinges could be a touch stiffer out of the box (they tighten up with use), and the wheel pins are a slightly unusual size that can be hard to replace if you lose one. None of these are deal-breakers for the dog who needs them.
Best fit for high-anxiety, strong, or previously-escaping dogs
If your dog has bent a wire crate, popped a plastic latch, or stressed through a standard kennel, the LEMBERI is the right level of containment. It is also a smart choice for foster networks that rotate dogs with unknown crate histories.
Skip if your dog is calm in a standard crate
For dogs who settle easily, this is overkill in weight and price. A standard wire or plastic kennel is more comfortable, more portable, and easier to live with day-to-day. Save the LEMBERI for the dogs who need it.
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9. DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture – Best for Furniture-Style Indoor
DWANTON 27″ Dog Crate Furniture, Dog Kennel Indoor, with Waterproof Cushion
★★★★★★★★★★27 inch wooden kennel
Double doors
Waterproof cushion
Side table design
- Doubles as a side
- end
- or night table
- Double doors with adjustable feet
- Chew-resistant particleboard and wire
- Includes matching waterproof cushion
- Easy assembly under 30 minutes
- Multiple colors to match decor
- Wire panels can be bent by aggressive chewers
- Particle board base needs a liner for accidents
- Cushion is thin without extra padding
- Lock mechanism can pop open with rough dogs
The DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture is for owners who want their dog’s kennel to look like part of the living room, not a cage in the corner. The top surface is wide enough for a lamp, a plant, or the stack of books you keep meaning to read, and the rustic brown finish blends with most furniture styles. Across 3,300+ reviews and a 4.3-star average, it is the most popular furniture-style indoor dog kennel in its price range.
The double doors open wide enough that even a 30-40 lb dog can step in and turn around without scraping the sides. The matching waterproof cushion is included, which is one less accessory to buy. Assembly is genuinely under 30 minutes with a single screwdriver.
The honest caveats: this is not a kennel for an untrained chewer. The wire panels are functional but bendable, and the particle board base will soak through if a dog has a major accident without a liner. For crate-trained adults who already view their kennel as a den, the DWANTON is gorgeous and practical. For puppies still in the “chew everything” phase, wait six months.
The stock lock is the other weak point. Most furniture-style kennels in this class use a simple magnetic push-latch, and the DWANTON is no exception. If your dog has figured out how to push a magnet open, you will want to add a small carabiner through the door latch as a backup.
Best fit for crate-trained small-to-medium dogs in design-conscious homes
If your dog sleeps through the night in their crate and you would like that crate to look like an intentional piece of furniture rather than a metal box, the DWANTON is the right call. It is also the easiest “guest room” kennel – the cushion comes off, the doors close, and it looks like a side table.
Skip if your dog is an active chewer or not yet housebroken
Wire-chewers and accident-prone puppies will destroy a furniture-style crate faster than a heavy-duty one. Save this for the calm, trained adult dog in your home.
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10. Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage – Best for Hunting and Truck Bed
Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage Dog Kennel, 40in, 70 to 90lbs
★★★★★★★★★★40 inch heavy-duty plastic
Camo finish
70-90 lb dogs
Tie-down holes
- Heavy-duty plastic construction
- Includes nuts and bolts for setup
- Carrying handle and easy-open front latch
- Ventilated side openings
- Suitable for air travel with tie-down holes
- Reinforced side handles and zip-tie holes
- Plastic can feel flimsy for very large active dogs
- Door latch can come apart with heavy use
- Does not include food/water bowls or LIVE ANIMAL labels
The Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage is the workhorse plastic dog kennel for owners who put their crate through a hunting season, a truck-bed transport, or a weekend camping trip. The camouflage finish is the obvious visual cue; the heavy-duty plastic shell, the reinforced side handles, and the tie-down holes are the real reason it is on this list.
Tie-down holes are what separates a truck-bed kennel from a house kennel. When you strap a crate into a pickup bed, the wind, bumps, and braking forces can turn a loose crate into a projectile. The Ruffmaxx has factory-drilled tie-down holes that accept ratchet straps, so you can anchor the kennel to the truck bed rails and drive with confidence.
The camo finish is not just cosmetic – it hides the scuffs and scratches that come from loading and unloading in field conditions. The plastic is heavier than budget kennels but lighter than the airline-grade shells, which makes it easier to lift into a truck bed solo. The carrying handle and easy-open front latch are field-friendly: you can flip the latch open one-handed while holding a lead in the other.
The honest trade-offs: this is not the most refined plastic kennel on the market. The door latch can wear out after a few years of heavy hunting use, and the Ruffmaxx does not include the LIVE ANIMAL stickers or food bowls that the airline-grade Petmate kennels include. For hunters who also fly with their dogs, supplement with a small bag of accessories.
Best fit for hunting dog owners and truck-bed transport
If your dog rides in the back of a pickup during hunting season or weekend trips, the Ruffmaxx is the right kennel. The tie-down holes and the camo finish are purpose-built for exactly that use case.
Skip if your dog is a house pet who never leaves the yard
A standard wire crate or the Petmate Vari Kennel is more comfortable and less expensive for a dog who only travels from living room to car. The Ruffmaxx is the right pick when you actually need the tie-down hardware.
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How to Choose the Best Dog Kennel for Your Dog?
Picking the best dog kennel is less about brand and more about matching the crate to your dog, your home, and your travel plans. Below is the decision framework we used while testing all 10 kennels in this guide. Run through these steps before you buy, and you will end up with the right kennel the first time.
Step 1: Measure Your Dog, Not Your Assumptions
The most common crate mistake is buying a kennel that fits the dog you have today instead of the dog your puppy will become. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail, then from floor to top of head while sitting. Add 2 to 4 inches to both numbers. That is your kennel interior. Most manufacturers publish interior dimensions; if they only list exterior, subtract roughly 2 inches per side.
If you have a puppy, buy the adult-size crate and use the included divider panel (MidWest and Amazon Basics both include one) to shrink the interior until your puppy fills the space. This is the cheapest path to a kennel that lasts the dog’s lifetime.
Step 2: Match the Material to the Use Case
Wire crates are the best general-purpose option: they fold flat, ventilate well, are easy to clean, and cost the least. Plastic kennels add den-like privacy and meet airline cargo specs, but they are heavier and less breathable. Heavy-duty steel crates are for escape artists and high-anxiety dogs; they are heavy and not portable. Furniture-style crates are for crate-trained dogs in design-conscious homes. Soft-sided crates are for short car trips with calm dogs, not for crate-training or air travel.
If you only want one kennel, a wire crate is the safe default. If you want one kennel that doubles as a travel carrier, choose a plastic kennel in the right airline-approved size. If you have a strong or anxious dog, choose heavy-duty steel from the start.
Step 3: Decide Where the Kennel Will Live
A wire crate that folds flat lives easily in a closet, under a bed, or in a car trunk. A plastic kennel needs a dedicated corner. A heavy-duty steel crate is a permanent piece of furniture. A furniture-style crate is designed to be visible. Before you buy, decide where the kennel will live 90% of the time, and choose accordingly.
Step 4: Plan for Travel, Even If You Don’t Travel Yet
Even if you never plan to fly with your dog, life happens: moves, vet emergencies, family trips. A kennel that is also airline-compliant costs a little more now and saves you a frantic crate-buying trip later. The Petmate Sky Kennel and the SportPet XX-Large are both IATA-compliant and double as everyday crates.
Step 5: Buy for the Worst Version of Your Dog, Not the Best
Dogs have off days. A crate that holds your calm dog may not hold the same dog during a thunderstorm, a搬家 day, or a fireworks weekend. If your dog has ever bent wire, popped a latch, or stressed through a standard kennel, choose the heavy-duty steel option from the start. It is cheaper than replacing a bent crate and safer than chasing a 90-pound Shepherd through the neighborhood.
For more on training your dog to love their crate, our guide on the best dog treadmills covers the broader exercise-routine side of canine care, which often makes crate-training easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of dog kennels?
The best brand depends on your use case. MidWest leads the wire crate category with the iCrate line (4.7 stars across 112k+ reviews) and is the most-recommended starter kennel on Reddit. Petmate dominates airline-compliant plastic kennels with the Sky Kennel and Vari Kennel. For escape-proof high-anxiety dogs, the LEMBERI heavy-duty steel crate is the most-trusted option. For hunting and truck-bed use, the Petmate Ruffmaxx Camouflage is the long-time favorite.
What are the best dog kennels to buy?
The best dog kennels to buy in 2026 are the MidWest iCrate for everyday home use, the Amazon Basics Wire Crate for value, the Petmate Sky Kennel for airline travel, the LEMBERI Heavy Duty Crate for escape-proof high-anxiety dogs, and the FXW Rollick Playpen for indoor and yard containment. Match the kennel to your dog’s size, your home layout, and whether you plan to travel.
What is crate syndrome?
Crate syndrome is the term trainers use for the negative behavioral effects of leaving a dog confined for too long without enough exercise, enrichment, or human contact. Symptoms include restlessness, destructive chewing, excessive barking, and anxiety when the crate door closes. The fix is more daily exercise, mental enrichment (puzzle feeders, frozen Kongs), and shorter, more frequent crate sessions rather than long single blocks.
What is the average cost to keep a dog in a kennel?
The cost to keep a dog in a kennel (boarding facility) ranges from about 30 to 80 dollars per night depending on your region, the size of your dog, and whether you book a standard kennel run or a private suite. Monthly boarding for a working trip averages 600 to 2000 dollars. If you mean a home kennel (the product), the one-time cost is 70 to 800 dollars for the crate itself, plus 20 to 50 dollars per year for bedding, replacement trays, and cleaning supplies.
What size kennel do I need for my dog?
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from floor to top of head while sitting. Add 2 to 4 inches to each measurement. That is your minimum interior kennel size. For puppies, buy the adult-size kennel and use a divider panel to shrink the interior until your puppy grows into it. Most kennel manufacturers publish interior dimensions in the product specifications.
Final Verdict
After testing all 10 of the best dog kennels you can buy in 2026, our top pick remains the MidWest iCrate 48-Inch. It is the most-recommended starter crate on Reddit, the highest-rated wire kennel on Amazon with 112,000+ reviews, and the most versatile option for crate-training, travel, and storage. For the typical household with a medium-to-large dog, this is the kennel to buy first.
Beyond that, the right dog kennel depends on your specific situation. Pick the Amazon Basics Wire Crate for value, the Petmate Sky Kennel for airline travel, the LEMBERI Heavy Duty for escape-proof containment, the FXW Rollick for indoor and yard space, the DWANTON for furniture-style indoor use, and the Petmate Ruffmaxx for hunting and truck-bed transport. Each of these is the right answer for the use case it was built for.
If you have a dog who needs a kennel right now, start with the MidWest iCrate and add a divider panel if your dog is still a puppy. If you have a high-anxiety or strong dog who has broken out of wire crates before, skip ahead to the LEMBERI. And if you are planning a flight, verify your airline’s current cargo requirements before you book, then choose the Petmate Sky Kennel or the SportPet XX-Large based on your dog’s size.