7 Best Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs 2026
The best best dog kennel for medium dogs is the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate. It’s the only one here that combines a proven 4.7-star track record, a built-in divider panel for growing pups, and a fold-flat design that doesn’t sacrifice strength. If you’re crate training a 41, 70 lb dog or just want a solid, no-surprises home base, this is it.
Want the same reliability at a friendlier price? The Amazon Basics Portable Easy Assemble Foldable gets you there, as long as you don’t plan to move it around every day, its wire feels a bit thinner than the Midwest.
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This guide isn’t here to sell you on a crate you don’t need. If your dog is a known escape artist who chews through metal, or if you’re looking for a travel crate that fits airline overhead bins, skip the wire kennels entirely, you’ll find your section below.
Everything I’m sharing comes from current Amazon product data, manufacturer specs, and the owner track record for each model. I haven’t tested these crates in my own home, but I’ve combed through hundreds of verified buyer reports to give you the real picture.
Quick Answer: The Best Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs
The Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate is the best overall pick for medium dogs thanks to its durable construction, included divider panel, and leak-proof tray.
- Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate (Best Overall for Crating): Backed by 4.7 stars and a 36-inch size that fits 41, 70 lb dogs.
- FDW 36" Foldable Metal Dog Crate (Best Budget Double-Door): Two doors and a divider for less than the premium brands.
- Amazon Basics Portable Easy Assemble Foldable (Best Value for Home Use): A 4.7-star crate that’s simple to set up and cheap to buy.
- Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate (Best for Small Spaces): Compact 36-inch footprint with a stylish black finish.
- Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog (Best for Destructive Dogs): Reinforced baseplate and 300 lb load capacity for escape artists.
- Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Medium (Best for Soft-Sided Travel): Lightweight mesh-panel crate that folds flat for car trips.
- Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate (Best for Growing Puppies): 42-inch length with a divider panel, ideal for pups that will reach 70, 90 lbs.
Thinking about a heavy-duty or travel crate instead? Jump to Who Should NOT Buy below before you spend anything.
Comparison Table
Here’s the lineup at a glance: photo, product, who it’s built for, and our /10 score.
| Photo | Product | Best for | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate | Best Overall | 9.5/10 | Check price → |
 | FDW 36″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Budget Double-Door | 8.8/10 | Check price → |
 | Amazon Basics Portable Easy Assemble Foldable | Best Value | 8.9/10 | Check price → |
 | Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate | Compact Style | 8.5/10 | Check price → |
 | Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog | Heavy Duty Escape-Proof | 8.7/10 | Check price → |
 | Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Medium | Soft-Sided Travel | 7.8/10 | Check price → |
 | Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate | Growing Puppy | 9.0/10 | Check price → |
Scroll sideways on small screens to see every column.
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate: Best Overall for Crating
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate: Best Overall for Crating
FDW 36" Foldable Metal Dog Crate: Best Budget Double-Door
FDW 36" Foldable Metal Dog Crate: Best Budget Double-Door
Amazon Basics Portable Easy Assemble Foldable: Best Value for Home Use
Amazon Basics Portable Easy Assemble Foldable: Best Value for Home Use
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate: Best for Small Spaces
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate: Best for Small Spaces
Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog: Best for Destructive Dogs
Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog: Best for Destructive Dogs
Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Medium: Best for Soft-Sided Travel
Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch Large Medium: Best for Soft-Sided Travel
Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate: Best for Growing Puppies
Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate: Best for Growing Puppies
Buying Guide: Size, Durability, Doors, and Your Dog's Needs
Choosing the right crate for your medium dog comes down to a few key factors. Let me walk you through them so you can make a confident decision.
What Size Crate Does My Medium Dog Need?
The most common mistake is buying a crate that's too big. Medium dogs range from about 25 to 70 lbs, but the crate size depends on the dog's length, not just weight. A 36-inch crate (like the Midwest 36-Inch iCrate or the Amazon Basics) fits most medium dogs up to 70 lbs.
For larger medium breeds like Australian Shepherds or Bulldogs, the 38-inch Oranland or 42-inch Yaheetech gives extra room.
The rule is simple: your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. If the crate is too big, dogs may use one end as a bathroom. That's why the included divider panels on the Midwest, FDW, Amazon Basics, and Yaheetech are so valuable for puppy training.
Wire Gauge and Build Quality
Wire gauge matters more than you might think. Thicker wire (0.7mm to 0.9mm) resists bending and chewing better. The Midwest 36-Inch iCrate uses a thicker wire that holds up well over years of use.
The Amazon Basics uses a slightly thinner gauge (0.6mm), which is fine for calm dogs but not ideal for determined chewers.
If you have a destructive dog, the Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Crate is the only one here with a reinforced baseplate that can handle 300 lbs of force. The soft-sided Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch is the lightest but also the least durable, it's for travel only.
Single Door vs. Double Door
Double doors give you more placement flexibility. You can put the crate against a wall and still access the side door. The FDW 36", Amazon Basics, Sweetcrispy, and Yaheetech all offer double doors.
The Midwest 36-Inch iCrate is a single-door design, which is simpler but less flexible.
For most owners, a double door is worth the extra cost. It makes it easier to clean the crate, reach your dog, and position the crate in your home.
Portability and Storage
If you plan to move the crate around or take it on trips, weight matters. The Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch soft-sided crate is the lightest at around 12 lbs. The wire crates range from 22 to 35 lbs.
The Oranland 38 Inch is the heaviest at 35 lbs, which makes it a permanent fixture rather than a portable option.
All the wire crates fold flat, which is convenient for storage. The Midwest and Amazon Basics fold in seconds with no tools. The Sweetcrispy and FDW also fold flat but require a bit more effort.
Who Should NOT Buy Best Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs
Wire crates like the ones in this guide are the wrong purchase for a few types of buyers. Here's who they are, and what to look at instead.
You Need a Crate for a Destructive Chewer
If your dog has a history of bending wire, chewing through plastic trays, or breaking out of crates, a standard wire kennel won't last. The Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate is the only one here with a reinforced baseplate, but even it may not stop a truly determined chewer. For dogs that destroy wire crates, look into heavy-duty impact-resistant crates made of aluminum or reinforced steel.
These are more expensive but will save you money in the long run.
You Need a Travel Crate for Airline Use
None of the crates in this guide are airline-approved. The soft-sided Dog Crate 36x25x25 Inch is fine for car travel but won't meet airline cargo requirements. For flying, you need a crate that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards.
These crates are typically made of hard plastic or reinforced metal and have specific ventilation and locking requirements. Look for brands that explicitly state "airline-approved" in their specifications.
You Need a Crate for a Very Small Dog (Under 25 lbs)
A 36-inch crate is too large for a Chihuahua, Yorkie, or Miniature Pinscher. The extra space can actually make potty training harder because the dog can use one corner as a bathroom. For small dogs under 25 lbs, look for 24-inch or 30-inch crates.
The Midwest 36-Inch iCrate comes with a divider panel, but even the smallest setting may be too spacious for a very small breed.
Final Verdict
The Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate is the best best dog kennel for medium dogs overall. It combines 4.7-star reliability, a built-in divider panel for growing pups, and a fold-flat design that doesn't sacrifice strength. If you're crate training a 41-70 lb dog or just want a solid, no-surprises home base, this is it.
Want the same reliability at a friendlier price? The Amazon Basics Portable Easy Assemble Foldable gets you there with a 4.7-star rating and a lower cost, though the wire is slightly thinner. Need a crate that will grow with a large puppy?
The Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate is the right choice with its 42-inch length and included divider.
If you have a destructive dog that bends wire, skip this category entirely and look into heavy-duty impact-resistant crates. The Oranland 38 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate is the only option here for escape artists, but even it has limits.
FAQ
What's the best Dog Kennel for Medium Dogs overall?
The Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate is the best overall pick. It has a 4.7-star rating, a built-in divider panel for growing puppies, and a fold-flat design that's easy to store. It fits dogs from 41 to 70 lbs.
How do I measure my dog for a crate?
Measure your dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Add 4 inches to that measurement to get the minimum crate length. Also measure from the floor to the top of the head or ears (whichever is taller) when the dog is sitting.
The crate should be tall enough for the dog to stand and turn around comfortably.
Is a double door crate better than a single door?
Double door crates offer more flexibility in placement. You can put the crate against a wall and still access the side door. Single door crates are simpler and often slightly cheaper.
For most owners, double doors are worth the extra cost.
Can I use a wire crate for potty training?
Yes, wire crates are excellent for potty training. The included divider panel on models like the Midwest, FDW, Amazon Basics, and Yaheetech allows you to shrink the space so the dog has just enough room to stand and turn around. This discourages the dog from using one end as a bathroom.
What's the difference between 36-inch and 42-inch crates?
A 36-inch crate fits dogs up to 70 lbs. A 42-inch crate fits dogs up to 90 lbs. If you have a puppy that will grow into a larger medium breed like a Standard Australian Shepherd or a Bulldog, the 42-inch Yaheetech is a better choice.
