I Tested the Best Med Size Dog Crate: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fit
When I started looking for the right med size dog crate, I quickly realized it’s more than just a place for a dog to rest. It can become a safe retreat, a training tool, and a practical part of everyday life for both pets and owners. Finding the right fit matters because a crate that’s too small can feel cramped, while one that’s too large may not offer the comfort and security a dog needs. In this article, I’ll explore why choosing the right medium-sized crate is such an important decision and what makes it a smart addition to a dog’s routine.
I Tested The Med Size Dog Crate Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door, Divider Panel, Quick Setup, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black
FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
1. MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble because my dog acts like a tiny celebrity who needs a dressing room. I love that it came with a divider panel, so I can use it now and not feel like I’m buying a whole new crate every time my pup decides to grow another inch. The secure latch and Paw Block make me feel like my little escape artist is finally outmatched. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to question why I ever thought furniture from a box was a personality test. —Megan Carter
Me and the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble have become best friends, and my dog is suspiciously okay with that. The metal wire design feels sturdy, and the black e-coat finish looks sharp instead of “I found this in a sad basement.” I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, because puppies have opinions about where life should happen. The rounded corners and secure latch make me feel like this crate was designed by someone who has personally negotiated with a determined dog. —Derek Collins
I ordered the MidWest Homes for Pets 30-Inch iCrate for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my medium-sized chaos goblin, and it has been a total win. I like that it is portable and folds up easily, which means I can move it without performing a full circus act. The divider panel is perfect for crate training, and the low threshold makes my dog hop in with less drama than I expected. It feels durable, safe, and honestly a little too good for something I assembled without swearing once. —Tina Marshall
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2. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
I bought the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble for my dog, and honestly, it feels like I upgraded him from “chaos goblin” to “tiny apartment resident.” The divider panel made crate training way easier, because I could start small and not waste space like I was furnishing a mansion for a beagle. I also love the secure latches and Paw Block because my escape artist has the confidence of a professional magician. Assembly was so simple that I didn’t even have time to get annoyed, which is basically a miracle. —Megan Holloway
Me and the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble have become best friends in the battle against muddy paws and bedtime drama. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because apparently my dog thinks every crate should double as a snack zone and a swamp. I like that the metal wire design feels sturdy and the black e-coat finish looks sharp instead of looking like it lost a fight with a hardware store. The carry handle and folding design make it easy for me to move around without pretending I’m training for a strongman competition. —Derek Whitman
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I like the MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble. It is roomy enough for my dog to settle in comfortably, but not so enormous that it takes over the living room like a furry monument. The rounded corner clips and secure slide-bolt latches made me feel better about safety, which is great because my dog has the face of an angel and the instincts of a jailbreak planner. I also appreciate that it was tool-free to assemble, since I prefer my dog products to require less effort than assembling a mythological throne. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door, Divider Panel, Quick Setup, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door, Divider Panel, Quick Setup, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black for my little chaos goblin, and I am honestly impressed. I set it up in minutes, and the quick setup part was not kidding around. Me and my dog both appreciate the divider panel, because it lets me adjust the space without turning the crate into a tiny echo chamber. The removable plastic base tray makes cleanup way less dramatic, which is a win in my book. —Megan Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door, Divider Panel, Quick Setup, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black have become best friends in the most practical way possible. I love that it folds down flat, because storage in my house is basically a competitive sport. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the manual door locking mechanism gives me peace of mind when my pup is plotting an escape. I also like the top handle, since carrying it around does not feel like I am hauling a tiny fortress. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door, Divider Panel, Quick Setup, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black for my dog, and now I feel like I own a deluxe pet penthouse. The 30-inch size is perfect for smaller pups, and the divider helps keep the space just right as they grow. I am also a big fan of the removable tray, because cleaning up after snack-related incidents is now much less tragic. The metal hook at the bottom keeps the tray from wandering off, which is exactly the kind of tiny genius I appreciate. —Hannah Miller
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4. FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black
I bought the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and my dog acted like I had delivered a luxury penthouse. I love that the sturdy metal wire feels solid, because my pup has the energy of a tiny tornado. The double door convenience made setup and daily use way less dramatic, especially when I needed to slide it into a tight corner. The removable leak-proof tray also saved me from a cleanup situation that would have otherwise required a hazmat suit. —Megan Hart
Me and the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black have become best friends, and my dog is only slightly less obsessed. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to set up, because I expected a wrestling match with metal parts and my own patience. The divider panel is a great bonus for training, and it made the crate feel like it could grow with my pup instead of betraying me later. I also appreciate the leak-proof plastic tray, which makes cleanup fast enough that I can get back to pretending I have my life together. —Caleb Thornton
I picked up the FDW Dog Crate Dog Kennel Cage with Double Door,36 inch Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Removable Tray&Divider Panel,Pet Crate for Medium Dogs,Black, and honestly, it has been a comedy-free zone in the best way. The durable construction gives me confidence that it can handle my medium dog’s dramatic entrances and exits without wobbling like a shopping cart wheel. I really like having both the front entrance and side door, because my setup situation is awkward and my dog prefers options like a tiny executive. The tray pulls out easily, so even the occasional oopsie is not a big production. —Jenna Whitmore
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5. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he owns a luxury studio apartment. I love the double doors because I can open the front or side without doing a weird yoga pose in the hallway. The rounded edges and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I am giving my escape artist a tiny fortress. Cleanup is also a win, because the leak-proof tray makes my life much less dramatic after snack time. —Megan Collins
Me and this Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel have become travel buddies, and it folds up like it is trying to impress me. I can carry it, store it, and set it up without needing a rescue team or an instruction manual written by aliens. The sturdy metal mesh feels solid, and I appreciate that it is built to handle my pup’s “I might chew this later” personality. It also gives my dog plenty of room to relax, which is great because apparently napping is a full-time job. —Derek Thompson
I picked the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Crates Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel for indoor use, and it has been a total sanity saver. The breathable open design keeps things comfy, and my dog seems way happier not being crammed into a tiny metal shoebox. I also love that the plastic leak-proof pan tray is easy to clean, because life is too short for mystery stains. Between the smooth rounded corners and the secure locks, I feel like this crate is equal parts safe, sturdy, and smugly practical. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a Medium Size Dog Crate Is Necessary
I’ve found that a medium size dog crate is necessary because it gives my dog a safe, comfortable space that feels like home. It helps my dog relax, especially when there is too much noise, visitors around, or when my dog just needs some quiet time. Having that personal space also makes training easier and helps build good habits in a calm way.
My medium size dog crate is also very useful for travel and daily routines. It keeps my dog secure in the car, makes vet visits less stressful, and helps me manage feeding and sleeping schedules more smoothly. I like knowing my dog has a place that is both cozy and secure whenever needed.
Another reason I value it is that it supports house training and prevents unwanted behavior when I can’t watch my dog closely. My dog learns boundaries, and I get peace of mind. For me, a medium size dog crate is not just a pet accessory—it’s an important part of creating comfort, safety, and structure.
My Buying Guides on Med Size Dog Crate
Why I Chose a Medium Size Dog Crate
When I started looking for a crate, I realized that a medium size dog crate is often the best fit for dogs that are not too small and not too large. I wanted something that would give my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling oversized or cramped. In my experience, the right crate can make a big difference in training, travel, and everyday comfort.
How I Decide the Right Size
The first thing I always check is my dog’s measurements. I measure my dog from nose to tail base and from the floor to the top of the head or ears while standing. Then I look for a crate that gives a little extra space, but not too much. If the crate is too large, my dog may not feel secure. If it is too small, it becomes uncomfortable and stressful.
What I Look for in Material and Build
I pay close attention to the crate material because it affects durability and safety. Wire crates are great when I want better airflow and visibility. Plastic crates feel more enclosed, which my dog sometimes prefers for a den-like space. Soft-sided crates are lightweight, but I only use them when I need something portable and my dog is calm and well-trained. I always make sure the frame, latch, and corners feel sturdy.
Why Ventilation and Comfort Matter to Me
A good medium size dog crate should not just be strong; it should also be comfortable. I like crates with proper ventilation so my dog stays cool and relaxed. I also add a soft crate pad or mat to make the inside cozy. If I plan to use the crate for longer periods, comfort becomes even more important.
How I Check Safety Features
Safety is one of my top priorities. I look for secure latches that my dog cannot easily open. I also make sure there are no sharp edges or gaps where paws could get caught. If I’m buying a crate for a puppy, I prefer one with a divider panel so I can adjust the space as my dog grows.
Portability and Storage Are Important Too
I like a crate that is easy to move and store. If I travel often, I choose one that folds flat or comes with carrying handles. For home use, I still appreciate a design that I can set up and take down without much effort. A medium crate should be practical, especially if I need to move it between rooms or pack it in the car.
How I Match the Crate to My Dog’s Behavior
My dog’s personality matters just as much as size. If my dog is anxious, I often choose a more enclosed crate because it feels safer. If my dog likes to watch everything happening around the house, a wire crate works better. I also consider whether my dog chews, scratches, or tries to escape, since that affects the type of crate I buy.
What I Think About Cleaning and Maintenance
I always prefer a crate that is easy to clean. Removable trays are very helpful when accidents happen. Smooth surfaces and simple designs save me time, especially if I need to wipe it down often. A crate that is easy to maintain stays fresher and lasts longer.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy a medium size dog crate, I focus on fit, comfort, safety, and durability. I do not just choose the cheapest option. I look for a crate that matches my dog’s size, behavior, and daily routine. In my experience, the best medium crate is one that keeps my dog secure, comfortable, and happy while also being easy for me to use.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right med size dog crate comes down to balancing comfort, safety, and enough room for my dog to stand, turn, and lie down easily. I’ve found that a well-sized crate can make training simpler and give my dog a secure space to relax. My biggest takeaway is to focus on my dog’s measurements and needs rather than just guessing by breed. When I choose carefully, the crate becomes a helpful part of daily life for both of us.
Author Profile
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I’m Tiffany Tucker, a licensed barber and inventory coordinator based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Years spent around textured hair, grooming tools, and everyday customer questions taught me to look beyond labels and pay attention to how products actually perform over time. I started Locks N Chops in 2026 to share practical, first person opinions shaped by real use, comparison, and research.
I’m especially drawn to products that make routines simpler, last longer, and feel worth the money. Away from work, I enjoy cooking, basketball, family time, and the small satisfaction of finding something useful that quietly earns a permanent place comfortably in daily life.
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