The right crate keeps your puppy safe, speeds up house training, and gives your dog a cosy retreat of their own. We looked at size range, build quality, ease of cleaning, and value to pick the crates that serve you best through the whole first year and beyond.
Our awards at a glance
Jump straight to the one that fits, or read the full breakdown of each below.
Adjustable Wire Crate
This is the crate we point most new owners toward. The divider grows with your puppy, the double doors suit any room layout, and the tray wipes clean in moments.
What we like
- Grows with your puppy thanks to the divider
- Folds flat for storage and travel
- Simple to clean with the slide out tray
Worth noting
- Strong chewers may need a sturdier steel option
Foldable Soft Crate
Light, soft, and quick to pack down, this crate suits car trips and visits away from home. It works best for calm dogs who are already crate happy.
What we like
- Very light and easy to carry
- Sets up and folds in seconds
- Soft sides feel cosy for calm dogs
Worth noting
- Not suited to determined chewers or scratchers
Reinforced Steel Crate
Built for powerful dogs and keen escape artists, this steel crate trades folding convenience for serious strength. It is an investment that lasts for years.
What we like
- Handles strong chewers and escape attempts
- Rolls easily on lockable wheels
- Extremely durable over the long term
Worth noting
- Heavier and pricier than wire crates
Single Door Wire Crate
A no frills wire crate that covers the basics well. If you want a safe, simple den without extra features, this one delivers real value.
What we like
- Very friendly on the budget
- Folds flat when not in use
- Covers the essentials for house training
Worth noting
- Single door limits placement options
What to look for before you buy
Keep these three points in mind and you will land on the right pick with confidence.
Size and a divider
Pick a crate matched to your dog's adult size, then use a divider to shrink the space while your puppy is small. That keeps the den snug, which helps house training work.
Easy cleaning
A removable, leak resistant tray at the base saves you during those early accident weeks. Look for a pan that slides out and wipes clean in seconds.
Safe, sturdy build
Rounded edges, secure latches, and solid corners keep a curious puppy safe. Wire crates suit most homes, while steel builds suit strong chewers.
Good to know before you choose
What size crate should I buy for a puppy?
Buy for your dog's expected adult size, then fit the divider so the space stays snug while your puppy is small. A crate that is too big lets a puppy use one end as a toilet, which slows house training.
How long can a puppy stay in a crate?
Keep crate time short and positive. A rough guide is one hour for each month of age, up to a few hours, with plenty of play, potty breaks, and company around it. The crate should feel like a cosy den, never a place of isolation.
Where should I put the crate?
Choose a quiet corner of a room where the family spends time, away from draughts and direct heat. Your puppy feels safest close to you, especially in the settling in weeks.
Pair your gear with a plan
Follow a gentle day by day routine so your new picks arrive right when each step calls for them.