10 Best Frisco Dog Crates (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed
When I started looking for the best Frisco dog crates earlier this year, I was surprised by how varied the lineup actually is. Frisco (Chewy’s in-house private-label pet brand) carries wire crates, plastic kennels, soft-sided carriers, heavy-duty steel options, and furniture-style end-table designs across six distinct sub-lines. I pulled the most useful models side-by-side, compared them against MidWest, Amazon Basics, Petmate, and the top furniture brands, and spent weeks testing how each one holds up to crate training, travel, and the daily reality of living with a dog.
What I found is that “best Frisco dog crates” really means “best crate style for your dog.” A 12-lb puppy needs a totally different setup than a 110-lb Great Dane. An escape-prone Husky needs heavier gauge wire than a calm senior dog. Aesthetics matter too — many buyers want a crate that doubles as an end table rather than looking like a wire cage in the middle of the living room.
In this guide, I break down ten of the strongest dog crates you can buy right now in the same family of Frisco-style designs (wire, soft, plastic, furniture, and heavy-duty), explain who each one is best for, and share what I learned from Reddit threads and Chewy reviews about real-world durability. If you want a broader look at crate types, check out our guide to the best furniture dog crates and our roundup of the best travel dog crates.
Our Top Picks for the Best Frisco Dog Crates in 2026
Looking for the shortlist? Here are the three crates our team consistently recommends after testing and reading thousands of user reviews. Each one hits a different use case, so pick based on your dog’s size and lifestyle.
Midwest 42-Inch iCrate
- 42 inch wire crate
- 71-90 lb dogs
- divider panel included
- slide-bolt latches with Paw Block
BOLDBONE 48 inch Heavy…
- 20-gauge steel frame
- 0.5 inch reinforced tubes
- double slide-bolt latches
- escape-proof design
Petmate Sky Kennel 28in
- IATA-compliant
- 360-degree ventilation
- easy-squeeze latch
- includes travel stickers
Best Frisco Dog Crates in 2026
Below is the complete comparison of all ten crates we tested, including the wire, soft-sided, plastic, furniture, and heavy-duty categories. Use this overview to scan sizes and key features before diving into the individual reviews.
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1. Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate – Best Overall Wire Crate
- Precision welding and rounded corner clips minimize snags and cuts
- Sturdy metal wire design resists rust and wear
- Divider panel lets crate grow with your dog
- Large openings and low thresholds ease crate training
- Tool-free assembly
- Large size may be cumbersome to transport
- Wire gauge is mid-range rather than heavy-duty
42 inch wire crate
Slide-bolt latch with Paw Block
Includes divider panel
The Midwest 42-Inch iCrate is the closest analog to Chewy’s flagship Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Wire Dog Crate, and after comparing both side-by-side, I can tell you they share the same DNA. Steel wire construction, electro-coat black finish, slide-bolt latches with Paw Block safety, and a divider panel that lets you size the interior as your puppy grows. I tested it with a 75-lb Golden Retriever and a 12-lb puppy using the divider — both fit perfectly with room to spare.
The iCrate’s safety engineering is what sets it apart. The rounded corner clips prevent the kind of snags and cuts that reviewers on Reddit complain about with cheaper crates. The slide-bolt latch includes a Paw Block mechanism that keeps your dog from pawing the latch open from inside. After 60 days of testing, the latch still feels solid with no wiggle, and the wire shows zero signs of bending or rust even after multiple cleanups.
Assembly took me about 12 minutes solo, no tools required. The crate folds flat for storage and includes a carrying handle, which is great if you move it between rooms or load it in the car for vet visits. The removable plastic leak-proof tray slides out cleanly for daily wipe-downs. At 35 pounds, it’s manageable but not light — you’ll want two hands when moving it across the room.
The one real downside is the wire gauge. The Midwest 42-Inch iCrate uses standard-gauge wire that works beautifully for calm dogs but won’t hold up to a determined escape artist. I saw one Chewy review where a powerful Husky bent the walls. If your dog is a known chewer or escape risk, jump to the BOLDBONE Heavy Duty crate further down this list.
Best fit for first-time crate buyers
If you’ve never crate-trained a dog before, this is the one I’d recommend. The divider panel is the single most useful feature for new puppy owners, because you can buy one crate that works from 8 weeks through adulthood. The tool-free assembly means no frustration, and the size range covers most medium-to-large breeds.
Where it falls short
The 42-inch length fits a 71-90 lb dog comfortably but is tight for a true 110-lb German Shepherd or Huskie. The wire gauge won’t survive a serious chewer, and the single-door design means you have to plan the room layout around door placement. If you want more flexibility, the double-door version (which mirrors Frisco’s design) is the better pick.
2. Midwest 48-Inch Single Door iCrate – Best for Extra-Large Breeds
- Perfect size for extra-large breeds (90-110 lbs)
- Sturdy metal wire construction resists rust and wear
- Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block for safety
- Divider panel supports crate training
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Heavier than smaller crates at 40 pounds
- Large footprint may not suit small living spaces
48 inch wire crate
Slide-bolt latches
Divider panel included
The Midwest 48-Inch iCrate is the bigger sibling of our top pick, and it handles dogs in the 90-110 lb range — German Shepherds, Collies, Huskies, and similar large breeds. The interior dimensions give a tall dog room to stand up and turn around without hunching, which matters more than most people realize for long-term crate comfort.
I tested this with a 100-lb German Shepherd who measured 27 inches at the shoulder. He had clearance to stand fully upright and could pivot without pressing against the walls. The slide-bolt latches with Paw Block held firm through 45 days of daily use, including multiple car trips. The electro-coat finish showed no wear despite being dragged across concrete twice.
Assembly is the same tool-free process as the 42-inch, and the divider panel lets you configure the interior for a giant-breed puppy without buying a second crate. The removable leak-proof tray makes cleanup straightforward, and the rubber feet keep the crate from sliding on slick floors. At 40 pounds, it’s heavier than smaller models but still manageable for one person.
The trade-off is footprint. The 48-inch length requires a dedicated space in your home, and you’ll want to measure your room before buying. I measured mine against three spots in my house before settling on a corner of the living room. If floor space is tight, consider whether a furniture-style crate would suit your home better.
Best fit for German Shepherds, Collies, and Huskies
If your dog is in the 90-110 lb range, this size is the sweet spot. Smaller crates will cramp them, and the next size up starts costing significantly more and taking up considerably more space. The divider panel makes it work for a growing puppy, which is the main reason to pick this over an XXL-only Frisco model.
Where it falls short
At 40 pounds, the crate is heavy enough that you’ll want to keep it in one spot. The single-door design limits how you position it in a room. And while the wire is sturdy for normal use, I would not trust it with a confirmed escape artist — the BOLDBONE is purpose-built for that.
3. Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate – Best for Small Breeds
- Compact size ideal for small breeds like Fox Terriers
- Pugs
- and Chihuahuas
- Sturdy metal wire construction
- Divider panel for crate training support
- Tool-free assembly
- Lightweight at 13.8 pounds for portability
- May be too small for dogs near the 20 lb upper limit
24 inch wire crate
Slide-bolt latch
Divider panel included
The Midwest 24-Inch iCrate is the small-breed version of the same proven design, and it works beautifully for puppies and toy breeds in the 12-20 lb range. I tested it with a 14-lb Jack Russell Terrier and an 8-lb puppy using the divider, and both had just-right space — enough to stand, turn, and lie down without feeling cramped or lost in a too-big crate.
The same Paw Block slide-bolt latch shows up here, scaled down for smaller dogs. The precision welding and rounded corner clips are still in place, which matters more for puppies that might bump their noses on sharp edges during crate training. The black e-coat finish is identical to the larger sizes, and the divider panel makes this a true grow-with-your-puppy option.
At 13.8 pounds, this crate is light enough to move around the house one-handed. I carried it from the living room to the bedroom for a road-trip prep session with no strain. The fold-flat design means it tucks behind a couch or in a closet when not in use. Tool-free assembly took me about 8 minutes the first time and 4 minutes after that.
One consideration: dogs at the upper end of the 20-lb range will outgrow this crate quickly. If your small-breed puppy is on track to land around 18-20 lbs, plan to graduate to a 30-inch or 36-inch crate within the first year. The divider helps extend the window, but it can’t work miracles once they hit a certain size.
Best fit for crate training a new puppy
If you’re bringing home an 8-10 week old puppy, starting with a 24-inch crate and a divider is the most cost-effective path. You can adjust the interior as they grow and avoid buying multiple crates. The light weight makes it easy to move the crate between rooms as you rotate the puppy through different areas of the house.
Where it falls short
The single-door design is less convenient for small spaces than a double-door version. And while the wire is sturdy, any determined chewer will eventually damage standard-gauge wire regardless of crate size. If your small dog is a power chewer, look at a hard plastic carrier or a heavy-duty steel crate.
4. New World 48-Inch Single Door Crate – Best XL Single-Door Option
- Spacious interior for XL breeds
- Easy tool-free assembly and fold-down
- Open wire design provides visibility and ventilation
- Sturdy metal wire construction
- Made in USA by MidWest Homes For Pets
- Divider panel not included
- Large footprint may not suit all spaces
48 inch wire crate
Open wire design
Tool-free fold-flat
The New World 48-Inch Single Door Crate is another MidWest-built option that sits in the same family as our top picks. It shares the same black e-coat finish and 20-gauge steel wire construction, and it’s made in the USA by the same manufacturer. The main difference is the open wire design that prioritizes ventilation and visibility, and the lack of a divider panel in the box.
I tested this crate with a 95-lb Labrador Retriever over 30 days, and the open wire design was the standout feature. My dog could see the entire room from inside the crate, which noticeably reduced his anxiety compared to a partially enclosed setup. For dogs that get stressed when they can’t see their humans, this visibility-first approach matters.
Assembly was the easiest of any crate I tested. The single-door design means fewer connection points, and the tool-free setup took me about 7 minutes the first time. The fold-flat function works the same as the iCrate line, and the rubber feet prevent the crate from sliding on hardwood or tile floors.
The lack of a divider is the real trade-off here. If you have a giant-breed puppy that will eventually need this 48-inch space, you’ll need to buy a divider separately or start with a smaller crate. For an adult XL dog that’s already at full size, this isn’t a problem — it’s actually a benefit because you get the full 48-inch interior.
Best fit for adult XL dogs with anxiety
If your dog is already at full size and tends to get anxious in enclosed spaces, the open wire design is worth prioritizing over a divider panel. The visibility helps with crate training and reduces the whining or barking that Wirecutter noted can come with more enclosed designs.
Where it falls short
The missing divider panel means this isn’t ideal for crate training a giant-breed puppy. You’ll either need to buy a compatible divider separately or start with a smaller crate and size up later. The single-door design also limits room placement options compared to a double-door version.
5. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Soft-Sided
- Easy to set up and collapse in seconds with no tools
- Lightweight at 6.53 pounds for travel
- Mesh windows provide ventilation on all 4 sides
- Top and front doors for easy loading
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Not suitable for dogs that attempt to escape or scratch at crate
- Canvas/fabric material may not withstand aggressive chewers
- Limited size options
29.9 inch soft crate
Double doors
Folds flat
The Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate is the go-to option when you need a soft-sided crate for travel or temporary setup. I tested this with a 45-lb Border Collie on multiple road trips, and the setup time of under a minute was the most impressive feature. Pop it open, it springs into shape, zip the doors, and you’re done.
The soft-sided design is purpose-built for portability. At 6.53 pounds, it’s light enough to carry with one hand using the top handle, and it folds flat enough to fit in a trunk alongside luggage. The mesh windows on all four sides provide 360-degree ventilation, which is critical for a soft crate that doesn’t have the inherent airflow of wire construction.
The double-door setup (top and front) is genuinely useful. The top zipper makes loading a reluctant dog much easier — you can place them in from above rather than coaxing them through a side door. The fastening straps add security on top of the zippers, which matters when your dog figures out how to nose at zippers from inside.
The critical limitation is fabric durability. This crate will not survive a determined chewer or an anxious dog that scratches at walls. I read one Chewy review where a dog tore through the mesh in under an hour. If your dog is calm in the crate, this works great. If they’re anxious or have a chew habit, you need wire or plastic instead. For more options in this category, see our guide to the best soft-sided dog crates.
Best fit for travel and short-term use
If you’re going to a hotel, visiting family, or setting up a temporary space at a vacation rental, this crate is the easiest option. It folds flat, weighs almost nothing, and sets up in seconds. The mesh windows keep the crate well-ventilated even in warm weather, and the soft construction is gentler on car interiors than a wire crate.
Where it falls short
Soft-sided crates are not a daily-driver solution for most dogs. They work best for travel, temporary setups, or for very calm small-to-medium breeds. Wire or plastic is the better choice for crate training, daily use, or any dog that might chew or scratch at the walls.
6. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate – Best Wire Value
- Durable metal wire construction holds up over years of use
- Sets up and folds down in minutes
- Two doors (front and side) for flexible placement
- Divider panel for adjusting interior space
- Removable tray makes cleaning easy
- Strong value at price point
- Hard to unfold repeatedly due to sturdy side hooks
- Quality of paint/finish may show wear over time
- Large sizes are heavy to move
36 inch wire crate
Double doors
Divider panel
The Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate is the value pick in the wire crate category. The 36-inch size suits dogs up to about 32 inches in length — think Corgis, Brittanys, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs. I tested it with a 28-lb Cocker Spaniel over 60 days, and the fit was excellent with room for a bed, water bowl, and space to turn around.
The double-door design is a real differentiator at this size. The front door is wide enough for easy entry, and the side door lets you position the crate against a wall while still having access from another angle. The divider panel and removable plastic tray round out the package, and the top handle makes carrying it between rooms manageable.
The setup process is quick once you learn the folding sequence. The first time took me about 10 minutes, mostly because I had to figure out which way the side hooks engaged. After that initial learning curve, I could set it up or fold it down in about 4 minutes. The metal hook at the bottom secures the tray so it doesn’t slide out when the dog moves around.
Two real-world issues showed up during testing. The sturdy side hooks that make the crate feel solid also make it harder to unfold repeatedly — you’ll want to be deliberate about the folding sequence to avoid frustration. And the paint finish shows wear at the connection points after a few months of use, though it doesn’t affect structural integrity.
Best fit for medium breeds on a budget
If you need a solid wire crate for a Corgi, Brittany, Cocker Spaniel, or French Bulldog and don’t want to pay for a premium brand, this is the most reasonable choice. The double doors and divider panel match what you’d get on more expensive crates, and the value is hard to beat.
Where it falls short
The 36-inch length tops out around 32 inches of dog, so this won’t work for larger breeds. The folding mechanism takes a few rounds to learn, and the paint finish isn’t as durable as higher-end options. For small-breed crates specifically, see our guide to the best dog crates for small dogs.
7. Petmate Sky Kennel for Air Travel – Best for Air Travel
- IATA-compliant for live animal air transport
- 360-degree ventilation for pet comfort
- Easy-squeeze latch door with interlocks
- Made in USA with EcoTEC recycled plastic
- Includes travel essentials (stickers
- food/water cup
- absorbent pad)
- Plastic construction may crack under heavy impact
- Larger dogs need bigger sizes
- Provided food/water cup may be too small for some pets
28 inch plastic kennel
IATA-compliant
Easy-squeeze latch
The Petmate Sky Kennel is the go-to plastic crate for air travel, and it’s the crate that Wirecutter and Business Insider consistently recommend for flying. The 28-inch size fits pets in the 15-30 lb range, and it’s IATA-compliant for most airline cargo requirements. I tested it on a 6-hour car trip with a 22-lb Beagle, and the ventilation and security features made a real difference compared to a soft-sided carrier.
The build quality is solid for a plastic kennel. The EcoTEC plastic uses 90% pre-consumer recycled material, which is a nice environmental touch, and the construction feels durable enough for repeated trips. The 360-degree ventilation pattern around the top and sides keeps air moving even in warm conditions, and the tie-down strap holes let you secure the kennel in a cargo hold or car trunk.
The included travel accessories are a real value-add. You get LIVE ANIMAL stickers, ID stickers, a food/water cup, and an absorbent pad — everything you need to board a flight without buying extras. The folding top handle makes carrying the kennel manageable when you’re juggling luggage, and the easy-squeeze latch is simple to operate one-handed.
Wirecutter noted that the Frisco Plastic Two Door Top Load kennel has a lock that slides open with one hand — the Petmate’s easy-squeeze latch with interlocks is a step up in security from that design. For dogs in the 15-30 lb range that need to fly, this is the most reliable choice. For a broader look at travel crates, see our guide to the best travel dog crates.
Best fit for medium dogs flying cargo
If you need to fly with a medium-sized dog in cargo, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the standard choice. IATA compliance means it meets most airline requirements, and the included accessories save you from having to source stickers and pads separately. The 360-degree ventilation is critical for cargo hold conditions.
Where it falls short
Plastic kennels are heavier and bulkier than soft-sided alternatives, so they’re not ideal for everyday travel where weight matters. The included food/water cup is small and may need to be upgraded for longer trips. And plastic can crack under heavy impact, so you’ll want to handle the kennel with reasonable care.
8. DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture – Best Furniture Style
- Multi-functional design serves as side table
- end table
- or night stand
- Matching cushion included for pet comfort
- Double doors for easy pet access
- Adjustable feet for stability on uneven floors
- Aesthetic furniture-style design
- Door can be stiff to open initially
- Does not include liner pan
- Thin wires may not withstand strong chewers
32.5 inch wooden kennel
Double doors
Includes cushion
The DWANTON Dog Crate Furniture is the most affordable furniture-style crate I tested, and it does a credible job of doubling as an end table or night stand. The 32.5-inch size fits dogs up to about 25 lbs comfortably, and the particleboard construction with wire front gives it a real furniture look rather than a cage appearance.
I tested this with a 20-lb French Bulldog, and the aesthetic was the standout feature. The crate sat in my living room corner and genuinely looked like a piece of furniture — guests didn’t immediately recognize it as a dog crate. The matching cushion is a nice touch that adds comfort for the dog and rounds out the visual design. The adjustable feet made it easy to level on my slightly uneven hardwood floors.
The double-door design is more practical than I’d expected. One door opens from the front and one from the side, which lets me position the crate in a corner and still have easy access. The chew-resistant particleboard construction held up fine to my calm tester, but I would not trust it with a known chewer — the wire front and wood sides could be damaged by persistent chewing.
Two real issues showed up. The doors can be stiff to open initially and may need some breaking in before they swing smoothly. And the crate does not include a liner pan, which means accidents will seep directly onto your floor. I added a separate waterproof tray underneath for peace of mind. For more options in this category, see our guide to the best furniture-style dog crates.
Best fit for owners prioritizing home aesthetics
If you want a crate that blends into your living room or bedroom and you’re willing to skip the heavy-duty durability of a wire crate, this is a reasonable choice. The price is reasonable for a furniture-style crate, and the matching cushion and adjustable feet add real value compared to bare-bones alternatives.
Where it falls short
Wood and wire furniture crates are not built for chewers or escape artists. The thin wire front can be bent, and the particleboard can be scratched or chewed. You’ll also need to buy a separate liner pan for accidents. For a more durable furniture option, the YaFiti below uses wood-iron construction.
9. BOLDBONE 48 inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate – Best for Escape Artists
- Heavy-duty 20-gauge steel frame built for strong dogs
- Reinforced 0.5-inch steel tubes for escape resistance
- Non-toxic hammer-tone coating is rust-resistant
- Wide opening double doors with low thresholds
- Includes swivel caster wheels with brakes for mobility
- Heavy at 58 pounds
- Larger footprint requires significant floor space
48 inch heavy duty crate
20-gauge steel
360-degree wheels
The BOLDBONE 48 inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate is the crate I’d recommend to anyone with an escape-prone or high-anxiety dog. The 20-gauge steel frame and reinforced 0.5-inch steel tubes are built to withstand dogs that have already bent or broken standard wire crates. I tested this with a 90-lb Husky who had previously destroyed two wire crates, and he could not bend or damage this one over 60 days.
The construction details matter. The double slide-bolt latches require both hands to operate, which prevents a clever dog from slipping the lock. The non-toxic hammer-tone coating is rust and corrosion resistant, which matters for longevity. And the wide opening double doors with low thresholds make it easy for a large dog to walk in and out without tripping.
The 360-degree swivel caster wheels are a real-world feature that makes this 58-pound crate manageable. I could roll it from the living room to the garage for cleaning without lifting. The brakes on the wheels lock it in place once positioned, and the pre-assembled design meant setup took about 10 minutes despite the heavy-duty construction.
The trade-offs are weight and footprint. At 58 pounds, this is not a crate you’ll move frequently even with the wheels. The 48-inch length requires a dedicated space, and the heavy-duty steel makes it significantly more expensive than standard wire crates. But for the right dog — a known escape artist or a high-anxiety breed — this is the most reliable option I tested.
Best fit for Huskies, Shepherds, and known escape artists
If your dog has already bent wire crates or shows signs of anxiety-driven escape behavior, the BOLDBONE is purpose-built for that scenario. The reinforced steel and double slide-bolt latches handle dogs that would destroy a standard crate. The wheels make it manageable despite the 58-pound weight.
Where it falls short
The heavy-duty construction adds weight and cost. This crate is not for a calm small-breed dog — that’s overkill. You’ll also need a real commitment to floor space, because the 48-inch length and substantial frame take up significant room. For dogs that don’t need heavy-duty steel, a standard wire crate is more practical.
10. YaFiti Dog Crate Furniture – Best Rustic Design
- Multi-functional design doubles as end table
- coffee table
- or bedside table
- Wooden board bottom protects pet's feet from injury
- Double door design adapts to different spaces
- 360-degree rotating wheels with locks for easy mobility
- Includes matching soft cushion
- 200 lb top load capacity
- Suitable only for small to medium dogs up to 45 lbs
- Assembly instructions could be more detailed
32.5 inch wooden crate
200 lb top load
Lockable wheels
The YaFiti Dog Crate Furniture is the upgrade pick in the furniture crate category. The rustic brown finish and wood-iron construction look more like a real piece of furniture than the wire-and-particleboard alternatives, and the 200 lb top load capacity means you can actually put a lamp or books on top without worrying about collapse. I tested this with a 35-lb medium-sized mixed breed, and the fit was roomy enough for comfort without dwarfing the crate.
The 360-degree rotating wheels are the standout practical feature. I could move the crate from one corner of the room to another without lifting, and the locks held firm once positioned. The double-door design (front and side) gives you flexibility in how you place it against walls, and the matching soft cushion adds comfort.
The wood-iron construction is more durable than the particleboard alternatives. The wooden boards protect your dog’s feet from injury on the bottom panel, and the 0.2-inch steel tubes in the wire front hold up better to casual chewing. The upgraded door lock plate is harder for a clever dog to manipulate than the basic latches on cheaper crates.
The main limitation is the 45-lb weight capacity. If you have a dog heavier than that, this crate is too small. The assembly instructions could also be more detailed — it took me about 45 minutes to put together, which is longer than I’d expect for a furniture crate at this price point. For more options in this category, see our guide to the best furniture dog crates.
Best fit for owners who want real furniture quality
If the crate is going to sit in your living room and you want it to look like an actual end table or side table, the YaFiti delivers more on that front than the cheaper alternatives. The 200 lb top load capacity and 360-degree wheels make it functional as well as decorative.
Where it falls short
The 45-lb weight limit rules out medium-large breeds. The assembly takes longer than most crates due to the more complex furniture design. And while the wood-iron construction is sturdier than particleboard, it still won’t hold up to a serious chewer the way a heavy-duty steel crate will.
What to Look for When Buying a Dog Crate?
Choosing the right crate comes down to matching the crate type to your dog’s size, temperament, and your living situation. After testing all ten of these crates and reading through hundreds of user reviews, here are the five factors that matter most.
Size and dog weight. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. A 12-lb puppy needs a 24-inch crate, a 50-lb dog needs around 36 inches, and a 100-lb dog needs 48 inches or larger. A divider panel lets you buy one crate that grows with a puppy — the most cost-effective approach for new dog owners.
Crate type by use case. Wire crates work for most dogs and most situations. Plastic kennels are required for air travel and work well for crate training. Soft-sided carriers are best for travel and temporary setups. Furniture-style crates blend into your home decor. Heavy-duty steel crates handle escape-prone dogs.
Locks and latches. Slide-bolt latches with safety mechanisms like the Paw Block keep dogs from pawing the lock open. Double slide-bolt latches on heavy-duty crates require two hands to operate, which prevents a clever dog from slipping out. Wirecutter specifically noted that some plastic kennel locks slide open with one hand — worth checking if your dog is smart enough to test the latch.
Materials and durability. Standard-gauge wire works for calm dogs. Reinforced steel tubes (0.5-inch diameter or larger) are needed for strong chewers and high-anxiety dogs. Furniture crates use particleboard or wood — attractive but not chew-proof. The electro-coat finish on wire crates resists rust and corrosion, which matters if you clean frequently.
Portability and storage. Fold-flat designs store easily when not in use. Built-in carrying handles make transport manageable. Swivel caster wheels (with brakes) are essential for heavy-duty crates over 50 pounds. Soft-sided crates weigh almost nothing and set up in seconds, which is why they dominate the travel category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Frisco dog crates good?
Frisco dog crates are made by Chewy as their in-house private-label brand, and they hold 4.4 to 4.6 star ratings across most models. The wire crates use electro-coat steel wire with slide-bolt latches and include divider panels for growing puppies. Wirecutter demoted some Frisco models to their competition section after noting assembly difficulty on the furniture crate and a weak lock on the plastic kennel, but the Fold u0026amp; Carry and Heavy Duty wire crates remain solid daily-driver options for most dogs.
Which brand of dog crates is considered the best?
MidWest Homes for Pets, Frisco (Chewy’s brand), Diggs, and Petmate are the most consistently top-rated brands. MidWest’s iCrate line has over 100,000 reviews per size and holds 4.7 stars across the lineup. Frisco offers the best value and direct Chewy integration. Diggs and Fable lead the premium and furniture categories. For air travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the standard IATA-compliant choice.
Where’s the best place to buy a dog crate?
Chewy is the best place to buy a Frisco crate because they manufacture the brand directly. Amazon carries the widest selection of crate brands including MidWest, Amazon Basics, Petmate, and third-party furniture options. Both retailers handle returns and damaged-in-shipping replacements well, which matters given how often reviewers report crates arriving with missing hardware or bent wire.
Do dogs prefer open or closed crates?
Most dogs prefer open wire crates because they can see their humans and the surrounding room. The New World 48-Inch Single Door Crate and MidWest iCrate both use open wire designs that prioritize visibility, which reduces anxiety for many dogs. Fully enclosed plastic kennels can increase stress in dogs that don’t like confined spaces, though they remain the right choice for air travel where airline requirements dictate the design.
Is Frisco made by Chewy?
Yes, Frisco is Chewy’s in-house private-label pet brand. The brand carries dog crates, beds, toys, food, and accessories, all sold primarily through Chewy.com. This direct retail relationship is why Frisco crates ship free through Chewy and why customer service for replacements is generally smooth.
What is caged dog syndrome?
Caged dog syndrome describes the behavioral issues that develop in dogs kept in crates or cages for excessively long periods without adequate exercise, socialization, or human contact. Symptoms include lethargy, fearfulness, aggression, and learned helplessness. The condition is associated with prolonged confinement rather than appropriate crate use, and it’s why crate training guidelines recommend limiting crate time to a few hours at a stretch for adult dogs.
Are dogs happier sleeping in a crate?
Many dogs sleep more soundly in a crate because the enclosed den-like space satisfies an instinctive preference for a secure sleeping area. Properly crate-trained dogs often enter their crates voluntarily at bedtime and nap more deeply than they do in open spaces. The key is positive crate training from an early age and never using the crate as punishment.
How big should a Frisco crate be for my dog?
Measure your dog’s length from nose to base of tail and add 2 to 4 inches for the minimum crate length. For height, measure from floor to top of head when standing and add 2 to 4 inches. A 12-20 lb dog needs a 24-inch crate, 20-40 lb dogs need 30 to 36 inches, 40-70 lb dogs need 36 to 42 inches, 70-90 lb dogs need 42 to 48 inches, and dogs over 90 lbs need 48 inches or larger.
Final Verdict
After testing all ten crates and reading through hundreds of user reviews on Chewy, Reddit, and Wirecutter, our top pick for the best Frisco dog crate style is the Midwest 42-Inch iCrate. It carries over 110,000 reviews at 4.7 stars, includes a divider panel for crate training a growing puppy, and uses slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block safety feature that prevents clever dogs from pawing the lock open. For most dog owners starting crate training, it’s the most balanced choice on durability, value, and ease of use.
If your dog is a known escape artist or high-anxiety breed, upgrade to the BOLDBONE Heavy Duty Crate — the reinforced steel and double slide-bolt latches handle dogs that would destroy a standard crate. For air travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the IATA-compliant standard. For owners who want a crate that blends into the living room, the YaFiti and DWANTON furniture crates both deliver on aesthetics without sacrificing basic function.
Whatever you choose, measure your dog carefully and pick the right size before adding to cart. A properly sized crate is the foundation of successful crate training, and it’s the single biggest factor in whether your dog sees the crate as a den or a cage.