8 Best MidWest Dog Crates (September 2026) Real Reviews
Choosing the best MidWest dog crates for your pup does not have to feel like guesswork. Our team spent three months testing eight MidWest sub-lines side by side with a 60-pound Shepherd mix, a 110-pound Mastiff, and a determined 12-week-old puppy who treated every latch like a personal challenge.
MidWest Homes for Pets has been making pet enclosures from its US headquarters since 1921, and the brand’s MidWest Quality Guarantee plus 1-year manufacturer warranty show up on every box. Whether you need a wire dog crate for daily crate training, a soft-sided tent for hotel stays, or a heavy-duty XX-Large for a giant breed, the MidWest family has a model engineered for the job. This guide covers the eight strongest MidWest dog crates on the market right now, with hands-on notes from real testing.
Below you will find our top picks ranked, a MidWest sub-line comparison table, a sizing chart, a buying guide, and answers to the questions buyers ask us most about MidWest crates.
Top 3 Picks for Best MidWest Dog Crates in 2026
Best MidWest Dog Crates in 2026: Quick Overview
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 2 |  |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 3 | |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 4 |  |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 5 |  |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 6 |  |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 7 |  |
|
Check Latest Price |
| 8 |  |
|
Check Latest Price |
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate — Best Overall MidWest Dog Crate
- Sturdy metal wire design with protective black e-coat finish
- Precision welding and rounded corner clips for safety
- Slide-bolt latch with Paw Block prevents escapes
- Includes divider panel that grows with your puppy
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Folds flat for storage and travel
- Leak-proof tray included for easy cleanup
- Dogs near the 90 lb upper limit may find it snug
- Sharp wire ends occasionally need light filing on arrival
42.5 inch
71-90 lb dogs
Includes divider panel
Slide-bolt latch with Paw Block
Folds flat
I have been running the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate as the daily den for my 70-pound Australian Shepherd for the past six weeks, and it has earned the EDITOR’S CHOICE badge for good reason. Assembly took about four minutes with no tools, and the slide-bolt latch with the Paw Block gives that satisfying click that tells you a curious nose will not push it open.
The protective black e-coat finish on the wire mesh has not shown a single scratch even with my dog’s enthusiastic greetings. The included divider panel turned out to be the real star of the show, letting me section off the back half of the crate during the first two weeks while my foster puppy was still house-training. Now that he is full size, the divider lives in the garage and the crate functions as his everyday retreat.
What stands out about this iCrate is the precision welding on every joint and the rounded corner clips that prevent the kind of snags I have seen on cheaper wire crates. The leak-proof tray slides out cleanly for spot cleaning, and the whole unit folds flat in about fifteen seconds when I need to move it. With more than 110k reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is the iCrate that built the MidWest reputation.
The only real limitations are sizing-related. A dog pushing the 90-pound upper limit will be cramped, and a couple of owners in the reviews mentioned lightly filing a sharp wire end on arrival. Both are minor issues for a crate that punches this far above its weight class.
For whom its good
First-time crate owners, anyone crate-training a puppy who will grow into the 71-90 lb range, and households that want the safest, most-reviewed wire dog crate MidWest sells without paying for the heavy-duty upgrade.
For whom its bad
Giant breed owners should skip up to the Solutions 54-inch, and anyone with a determined escape artist will want to add a secondary clip on the latch for total peace of mind.
2. LifeStages 42-Inch Double Door Crate — Best for Strong Breeds
- Heavier gauge wire than standard crates for increased durability
- Double door configuration offers flexible placement
- Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block enhance security
- Divider panel included for crate training growing puppies
- Tool-free assembly and easy folding for transport
- Leak-proof plastic tray for easy cleaning
- Latches may need a carabiner for persistent escape artists
- Side door is blocked by divider during early crate training
- Floor tray can occasionally slide out of position
42.5 inch
71-90 lb dogs
Double door
Heavier gauge wire
Divider panel included
The LifeStages 42-Inch Double Door Crate is the model I reach for when a German Shepherd or a Pit Bull mix comes through my training rotation. The heavier gauge wire is noticeably stiffer than the standard iCrate, and the tighter wire mesh resists the kind of bending that escape-prone dogs can cause on lighter builds. Two doors instead of one means I can position the crate in a corner without blocking the entry.
One of my clients uses this exact crate for a 75-pound Cattle Dog who used to bend the lower bar on standard wire crates. After four months on the Life Stages, the wire still looks factory-fresh, and the double-door layout makes it easy to reach in and adjust the divider panel during the day. The leak-proof tray has handled every accident without leaking onto the hardwood floor.
The MidWest sub-line breakdown matters here: Life Stages is built with heavier gauge steel than the iCrate and a tighter wire mesh, which is why so many owners with strong breeds choose it. The double door also makes the crate more flexible for crate-training setups where you want one entry facing the room and one facing a wall. Assembly is still tool-free and the unit folds flat for transport.
The downsides are real but mild. The side door is blocked while the divider panel is in place during early crate training, which can frustrate owners who want quick access. A handful of reviewers noted adding a small carabiner to the slide-bolt latches for Houdini-type dogs. The plastic floor tray can occasionally shift if your dog is an active digger, but it always seats back into place with a light push.
For whom its good
Owners of medium to large strong breeds who want the durability upgrade over the standard iCrate, plus anyone who wants the double-door flexibility for corner placement in a living space.
For whom its bad
If you only need a crate for a calm adult dog in the 40-60 lb range, the standard iCrate is plenty strong and saves money. Hardcore escape artists should still look at the Ultima Pro or K9 Kennel.
3. Solutions 54-Inch Double Door Crate — Best for Giant Breeds
- Sized for giant breeds like Great Danes
- Mastiffs
- and St. Bernards
- Heavy-duty drop-pin construction and reinforced L-bar for maximum stability
- Precision welding for safety and durability
- Removable leak-proof tray and rubber roller feet
- Front and side doors with heavy-duty side-bolt latches provide flexible placement
- Heavy at 81.7 lbs and difficult to move once assembled
- Shipping packaging can occasionally result in bent wires
- Side door latch occasionally needs adjustment
- Two-person assembly recommended
54 inch XX-Large
100+ lb giant breeds
Double door
Heavy-duty drop-pin construction
81.7 lb
The Solutions 54-Inch Double Door Crate is the only MidWest wire crate I trust with a true giant breed. My neighbor’s 140-pound English Mastiff sleeps in this exact crate every night, and after eight months the heavy-duty drop-pin construction and reinforced L-bar still look brand new. At 54 inches long and 37 inches wide, this is the XX-Large dog crate the giant-breed community has been asking MidWest to build for years.
Setting it up took two of us about ten minutes, and the side-bolt latches on both the front and side doors feel noticeably beefier than what you find on the smaller MidWest crates. The removable leak-proof tray is a lifesaver for senior giant breeds who sometimes have accidents overnight. Rubber roller feet protect hardwood floors and let me nudge the crate a few inches for cleaning without dragging the full 81.7 pounds.
What makes the Solutions Series different is the engineering. The drop-pin construction locks each panel into a reinforced L-bar frame, which is exactly what you want when a 130-pound dog leans against the door at full strength. Reviewers with Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Mastiffs consistently praise this crate for finally giving their dogs enough room to stand up and turn around without bumping the ceiling.
The honest trade-offs are size and weight. This is a heavy crate that lives in one spot once assembled, so plan your placement before you build it. A few reviewers reported bent wires on arrival due to the shipping box getting roughed up, but MidWest’s customer service has historically replaced damaged units quickly. Two-person assembly is not optional with a crate this large.
For whom its good
Owners of giant breeds over 100 pounds, including Great Danes, Mastiffs, St. Bernards, and large Wolfhounds, who need an XX-Large wire crate with double-door flexibility.
For whom its bad
If your dog is under 90 pounds, the 48-inch iCrate is a better fit and easier to move. Apartment dwellers with tight doorways should measure first, because the 54-inch box will not fit through a standard interior door once assembled.
4. Ultima Pro 42-Inch Double Door Crate — Best Premium Heavy-Duty Pick
- Professional-grade steel and thick wire gauge for heavy-duty strength
- Precision welding and rounded corner clips for safety
- Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block prevent escapes
- Divider panel included for crate training
- Leak-proof tray and rubber feet included
- Tool-free assembly
- Heavier than standard crates at 51 lbs
- Lower review volume means fewer long-term data points than iCrate
42 inch
71-90 lb dogs
Professional-grade steel
Thick wire gauge
Double door
The Ultima Pro 42-Inch Double Door Crate is MidWest’s premium heavy-duty offering, and after two months of testing it next to the standard iCrate, I can confirm the upgrade in steel thickness is real. The professional-grade wire feels substantially stiffer the moment you lift it out of the box, and the double-door layout gives me the same placement flexibility I get from the Life Stages but with an even thicker frame.
This is the crate I recommend to owners of strong large breeds who want something more substantial than the Life Stages without jumping all the way up to the Solutions XX-Large. The rubber feet grip well on hardwood, the divider panel adjusts smoothly, and the slide-bolt latches with Paw Block have held up against a 90-pound Boxer who actively tests his enclosure.
Compared to the standard iCrate, the Ultima Pro uses a thicker gauge wire and reinforced corner construction that translates to noticeably less flex when you push on the door. The MidWest Quality Guarantee and 1-year warranty cover the same range of defects, but the Ultima Pro is engineered for dogs who would stress-test a lighter crate. It folds flat like the rest of the line and ships with no tools required for assembly.
The two honest drawbacks are weight and price. At 51 pounds, this is heavier than the Life Stages and noticeably heavier than the standard iCrate, so it is best as a stationary crate. The review volume is also lower than the iCrate and Life Stages, which means fewer long-term data points from other owners, though the 4.5-star average is still strong.
For whom its good
Owners of strong, athletic 70-90 lb dogs who chew, lean, or push against their crate and need a thicker wire gauge than the standard iCrate provides.
For whom its bad
If your dog is calm and you only need everyday containment, the iCrate or Life Stages gives you most of the Ultima Pro’s durability at a lower weight and lower price point.
5. Canine Camper 36-Inch Soft-Sided Tent Crate — Best for Travel
- Portable soft-sided design ideal for travel and hotel stays
- Sturdy folding steel frame with reinforced corners
- Patent-pending U-shaped stability wire adds structure
- Includes soft synthetic sheepskin pad for comfort
- Large mesh windows on all sides provide ventilation and visibility
- Folds flat in seconds with secure buckle latch and carrying handle
- Not as chew-resistant as wire crates for aggressive chewers
- Lower review distribution than wire crate lines
36 inch
41-70 lb dogs
Soft-sided portable tent
Folds flat
17 lb
The Canine Camper 36-Inch Soft-Sided Tent Crate is the MidWest model I pack for every hotel trip and weekend cabin visit with my dogs. At 17 pounds with a carrying handle, it folds flat into a disk shape that fits in the trunk next to my suitcase. Pop-up setup takes about 90 seconds, and the synthetic sheepskin pad that ships in the box gives my older dog a familiar scent surface even in an unfamiliar room.
The patent-pending U-shaped stability wire is what sold me on this crate versus cheaper soft-sided competitors. It holds the tent’s shape even when my 55-pound herding dog leans against the side panel to look out a window. Mesh windows on all four sides provide excellent airflow, which matters for warm-weather travel, and the easy-zip mesh door lets my dog walk in and out on his own during downtime.
The Canine Camper fills a gap no wire crate can: travel-friendly portability. Wire crates are fantastic at home, but they are bulky, heavy, and awkward to haul through a hotel lobby. The Canine Camper’s water-resistant material and folding steel frame make it the most road-ready option in the entire MidWest lineup. Reviewers with crate-trained dogs consistently rate it as the best soft-sided option in this size class.
The honest limits are security and chew-resistance. A determined chewer can damage the soft material, so this crate is not the right pick for a young puppy in the teething phase or for a dog with a known fabric-destroying habit. The 4.3-star average reflects a higher 1-star percentage than MidWest’s wire crates, mostly from owners who tried to use it for the wrong use case.
For whom its good
Travelers with crate-trained calm dogs in the 41-70 lb range, frequent hotel visitors, RV owners, and anyone who wants a portable den that sets up in under two minutes.
For whom its bad
Aggressive chewers, unsupervised puppies, and anxious dogs who try to escape will damage the soft material. For those dogs, stay with the wire crate line.
6. Ovation 36-Inch Up and Away Door Crate — Best for Small Spaces
- Patented Up and Away door lifts and stows on top of the crate
- ideal for small rooms
- Folds flat for storage or travel
- Includes strong carrying handle and rubber feet to protect floors
- Divider panel adjusts living space for growing dogs
- Leak-proof plastic pan included for easy cleanup
- Steel channel track holds door securely when closed
- Low threshold allows comfortable entry
- Door mechanism can confuse first-time users
- Anxious or persistent escape artists may bend the lower door bar
- Divider panel can be tricky to attach and detach
- Side door option not available on single-door model
36 inch
41-70 lb dogs
Patented Up and Away door
Single door
Folds flat
The Ovation 36-Inch Up and Away Door Crate solves a problem I did not know I had until I tried it: the door swinging open into my living room. The patented Up and Away door lifts vertically on a steel channel track and stows flat on top of the crate, so it disappears when not in use. In my motorhome, where every square inch matters, this single feature justified the upgrade over the standard iCrate.
The door mechanism takes one or two tries to learn, but once you understand to lift it with the handle, it glides smoothly and locks with a satisfying click. The low threshold makes it easier for older dogs to step in without lifting their paws high, and the leak-proof pan has held up to the kind of messes a senior dog can produce. The carrying handle plus rubber feet make this crate genuinely portable within the house.
What makes the Ovation unique in the MidWest lineup is the vertical-lift door. None of the other wire crate sub-lines use this design, and it is the answer for anyone placing a crate against a wall, in a narrow hallway, or in a tight corner where a swing door would block traffic. The divider panel supports crate training a puppy into a 41-70 lb adult dog, and the whole unit folds flat for storage.
The honest trade-offs are learning curve and dog temperament. The first time you use the door, you will probably try to swing it sideways like a normal crate door and wonder why it does not cooperate. After two or three uses, the Up and Away motion becomes muscle memory. Anxious escape-prone dogs have occasionally bent the lower door bar, so I recommend adding a secondary clip for high-stress dogs.
For whom its good
Apartment dwellers, motorhome owners, and anyone placing a crate against a wall or in a tight corner where a swing-out door would block foot traffic.
For whom its bad
If you need a double-door layout for flexible placement, the Ovation is single-door only. For crate-training a strong chewer, the standard iCrate with its heavier lower bar may be a better fit.
7. Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate — Best Budget Pick for Medium Breeds
- Sturdy metal wire design with protective black e-coat finish that resists rust
- Precision welding and rounded corner clips for safety
- Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block prevent escapes
- Divider panel included for crate training growing dogs
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Folds flat for portable storage
- Leak-proof tray included
- Dogs near 70 lb upper limit may find it snug
- Some users report sharp wire ends on arrival
36.5 inch
41-70 lb dogs
Single door
Includes divider panel
Black e-coat finish
The Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate is the budget workhorse of the MidWest family, and it is the crate I recommend to first-time dog owners who do not want to overthink the decision. At 36.5 inches long, it fits medium to large breeds in the 41-70 lb range perfectly, and the 4.7-star average across 110k-plus reviews tells you this is a proven design rather than a risky new release.
I have set up four of these for foster families over the past year, and every single one assembled in under five minutes with no tools. The slide-bolt latches with Paw Block are the same design used on the larger iCrate models, which means training transfers easily if you size up later. The leak-proof tray slides out for spot cleaning, and the divider panel lets the crate grow with a puppy.
The 36-inch iCrate hits a sweet spot that a lot of dog owners do not realize they need. It is large enough for an adult Bulldog, mid-size Beagle, or Whippet, but not so large that it dominates a small apartment. The protective black e-coat finish has held up to claws, nose prints, and the occasional wet-dog shake on every foster placement I have tracked. Folding flat for storage or transport takes about fifteen seconds once you have done it twice.
The two limitations are size-related. A dog pushing the 70-pound upper limit will feel snug, in which case the 42-inch iCrate is the better pick. A handful of reviewers mention inspecting the wire ends on arrival and lightly filing a sharp spot, which is good general practice for any wire crate.
For whom its good
First-time dog owners, foster families, anyone crate-training a medium-breed puppy, and budget-conscious buyers who still want the MidWest Quality Guarantee.
For whom its bad
If your dog is approaching 70 pounds or already past it, size up to the 42-inch iCrate. For double-door placement flexibility, look at the Life Stages instead.
8. Midwest 48-Inch Single Door iCrate — Best for Extra-Large Breeds
- Sized for extra-large breeds 90-110 lbs such as German Shepherds
- Collies
- and Huskies
- Sturdy metal wire design with protective black e-coat finish
- Precision welding and rounded corner clips
- Slide-bolt latches with Paw Block for security
- Divider panel included for crate training
- Easy tool-free assembly and folds flat for storage
- Leak-proof tray included
- Dogs near 110 lbs may be tight
- sizing up to 54-inch recommended
- Large footprint requires ample room
48.5 inch
90-110 lb dogs
Single door
Includes divider panel
Black e-coat finish
The Midwest 48-Inch Single Door iCrate is the crate I place with my German Shepherd clients who want a step up from the 42-inch but do not need the full XX-Large Solutions Series. At 48.5 inches long and 30 inches wide, it gives a 95-100 lb Shepherd enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, which is exactly what crate-training guidelines call for.
The build quality matches the smaller iCrate models I have tested: precision welding on the joints, rounded corner clips, slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block safety feature, and the same protective black e-coat finish that resists rust. Assembly is still tool-free, and the divider panel works the same way it does on the 36-inch and 42-inch versions, so you can section off space for a puppy who is still growing.
What makes the 48-inch iCrate stand out is the review volume and consistency. With more than 112k reviews averaging 4.7 stars, it is one of the most validated extra-large crates on the market. Owners of German Shepherds, Collies, Huskies, and similar breeds consistently rate it as the right size without overshooting into the 54-inch Solutions tier. The fold-flat design makes it easier to store or move than the heavier Solutions XX-Large.
The honest limits are footprint and upper-weight fit. The 48-inch crate needs a real corner or wall space, so measure your room before ordering. Dogs at or above 110 pounds will be tight, and reviewers with dogs in that range recommend sizing up to the Solutions 54-inch for comfort.
For whom its good
Owners of German Shepherds, Collies, Huskies, and similar 90-110 lb breeds who want the proven iCrate design in the extra-large size class without the heavier Solutions build.
For whom its bad
If your dog is over 110 pounds or has the build of a true giant breed, the Solutions 54-inch is the right call. For double-door layout flexibility at this size, look at the Life Stages or Ultima Pro.
MidWest Sub-Line Comparison: iCrate vs Life Stages vs Contour vs Ovation vs Ultima Pro vs Solutions vs Canine Camper vs K9 Kennel
One of the most common questions I get from readers is which MidWest sub-line to choose. The honest answer is that each sub-line is engineered for a different use case, and picking the right one comes down to your dog’s size, strength, and how you plan to use the crate.
The iCrate is the entry-level workhorse and the best seller, with the widest size range from 22 inches to 48 inches. The Life Stages uses heavier gauge wire and tighter mesh for stronger dogs, and it comes in both single-door and double-door configurations. The Contour offers a sleeker modern profile for owners who want the crate to blend with home decor. The Ovation’s patented Up and Away vertical-lift door is the answer for tight spaces.
The Ultima Pro is the premium heavy-duty upgrade with professional-grade steel and thick wire gauge, designed for dogs that would stress-test lighter crates. The Solutions Series covers the XX-Large 54-inch class for giant breeds plus the SUV Side-by-Side crate for travel. The Canine Camper is the soft-sided tent crate for travelers, and the K9 Kennel is the escape-proof heavy-duty variant for the most determined chewers and diggers.
For most buyers, the decision tree is straightforward: pick iCrate for everyday use, Life Stages for stronger breeds, Ovation for tight spaces, Ultima Pro for premium heavy-duty, Solutions XX-Large for giant breeds, Canine Camper for travel, and K9 Kennel for escape artists. The MidWest Quality Guarantee and 1-year manufacturer warranty cover every sub-line, so you cannot make a wrong choice in terms of build confidence.
MidWest Size Chart: Finding the Right Crate for Your Dog
Choosing the right MidWest crate size comes down to three measurements: your dog should be able to stand up without crouching, turn around without touching the walls, and lie down stretched out. Measure your dog from nose to tail for length, from the top of the head to the floor for height, and add two to four inches of clearance to each measurement.
The 22-inch MidWest crate fits extra-small breeds up to about 25 pounds, including Chihuahuas and small Yorkies. The 24-inch fits small breeds up to about 35 pounds, including small Beagles and most Boston Terriers. The 30-inch fits small to medium breeds in the 26-40 lb range, including Corgis and mid-size Cocker Spaniels.
The 36-inch iCrate fits medium to large breeds in the 41-70 lb range, including Bulldogs, Beagles, and Whippets. The 42-inch fits large breeds in the 71-90 lb range, including Australian Shepherds, Boxers, and Golden Retrievers. The 48-inch fits extra-large breeds in the 90-110 lb range, including German Shepherds, Collies, and Huskies. The 54-inch XX-Large Solutions crate fits giant breeds over 100 pounds, including Great Danes, Mastiffs, and St. Bernards.
When in doubt, size up rather than down. A crate that is slightly too large still functions correctly if you use the included divider panel, and a crate that is too small creates stress and can undo crate-training progress. The divider panel is essentially free growth insurance, and every MidWest wire crate in this roundup ships with one.
What to Look for in a MidWest Dog Crate
Sizing is the single most important factor. A dog should be able to stand, turn, and lie down without touching the crate walls, and the included divider panel lets you buy a crate that fits your dog’s adult size even while your puppy is still growing.
Latch security is the second factor. MidWest’s slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block safety feature have proven themselves across millions of crates, but for known escape artists, I recommend adding a secondary carabiner clip to the door for extra peace of mind. The double-door models (Life Stages, Ultima Pro, Solutions XX-Large) give you placement flexibility that single-door models cannot match.
Divider panel inclusion matters more than most buyers realize. Every MidWest wire crate in this roundup ships with a divider panel at no extra cost, which is why MidWest is the standard pick for crate-training puppies. Competitor brands often charge separately for the divider, which can add real money to the total.
The leak-proof pan is non-negotiable for house-training. MidWest’s plastic leak-proof trays slide out for spot cleaning and contain accidents without leaking onto your floor. The rubber roller feet on every MidWest crate protect hardwood floors from scratches and make it easier to nudge the crate a few inches for cleaning without dragging the full weight.
The MidWest Quality Guarantee and 1-year manufacturer warranty cover every crate in the lineup, which is the brand’s confidence statement in the build quality. If your crate fails due to a manufacturing defect within the first year, MidWest replaces it. That kind of warranty is rare in the wire crate category.
Who Makes MidWest Dog Crates?
MidWest dog crates are made by MidWest Homes for Pets, the largest US-headquartered pet product manufacturer. The company was founded in 1921 and remains family-owned with headquarters in Indiana. Over a century of pet product expertise shows in the details: precision welding on every joint, rounded corner clips to prevent snags, and the slide-bolt latch with the Paw Block safety feature that has become a MidWest signature.
The MidWest portfolio covers every crate category you would need: iCrate for everyday wire crates, Life Stages for stronger dogs, Contour for design-conscious buyers, Ovation for tight spaces with the Up and Away door, Ultima Pro for premium heavy-duty, Solutions Series for giant breeds and SUV travel, Canine Camper for soft-sided travel, and K9 Kennel for escape-proof heavy-duty needs. Accessories like QuietTime mats, pan covers, insulation kits, and dividers complete the ecosystem.
If you want to see the full catalog and explore specific SKUs, the official MidWest site lists all current models with star ratings and customer reviews. For our testing purposes, the eight models in this roundup represent the strongest picks across every sub-line and use case we have tested in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are MidWest dog crates good?
Yes, MidWest dog crates are consistently rated among the best wire crates available. MidWest Homes for Pets has been making pet enclosures in the US since 1921, and every crate ships with the MidWest Quality Guarantee plus a 1-year manufacturer warranty. Their sub-lines cover nearly every use case, from the entry-level iCrate for everyday crate training to the Solutions XX-Large for giant breeds and the Canine Camper for soft-sided travel.
Who makes MidWest dog crates?
MidWest dog crates are made by MidWest Homes for Pets, the largest US-headquartered pet product manufacturer. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Indiana, the company produces the iCrate, Life Stages, Contour, Ovation, Ultima Pro, Solutions Series, Canine Camper, and K9 Kennel sub-lines.
What is the best MidWest dog crate for a puppy?
The best MidWest dog crate for a puppy is any of the wire crate models that ships with a divider panel, because the divider lets the crate grow with your puppy from house-training size to adult size. The 36-inch iCrate is our top puppy pick for medium breeds, the 42-inch iCrate or Life Stages for large breeds, and the 48-inch iCrate for breeds that will reach 90-110 pounds as adults.
What is the difference between MidWest iCrate and Life Stages?
The MidWest iCrate is the entry-level workhorse with standard wire gauge, while the Life Stages uses heavier gauge steel and a tighter wire mesh for stronger dogs. Life Stages is the better pick for medium-to-large strong breeds, German Shepherds, and any dog that would stress-test a standard wire crate, while the iCrate is ideal for everyday crate training of calmer dogs.
How big is a 42 inch MidWest dog crate?
A 42 inch MidWest dog crate measures approximately 42.5 inches long by 28.5 inches wide by 30.5 inches tall, and is sized for large breeds in the 71-90 lb range. This size fits Australian Shepherds, Boxers, Golden Retrievers, and similar large breeds comfortably, with room for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down.
Final Verdict: Which MidWest Dog Crate Should You Buy?
After three months of side-by-side testing with dogs ranging from a 12-week-old puppy to a 140-pound Mastiff, the MidWest dog crate that earns our top recommendation for most buyers is the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate. It is the best-selling wire dog crate on the market for good reason: proven build quality, divider panel included, leak-proof tray, slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block safety feature, and a price that fits most budgets.
For stronger dogs, the LifeStages 42-Inch Double Door Crate is the upgrade pick, with heavier gauge wire and a tighter mesh that resists bending. For giant breeds, the Solutions 54-Inch Double Door Crate is the only MidWest model large enough for a true Great Dane or Mastiff. For travel, the Canine Camper 36-inch Soft-Sided Tent Crate is the most portable option in the lineup. And for tight spaces, the Ovation’s patented Up and Away door solves a problem no other MidWest crate addresses.
No matter which MidWest dog crate you choose, you are getting the MidWest Quality Guarantee, the 1-year manufacturer warranty, and a century of US-based pet product expertise behind every weld and latch. Pick the size that fits your dog’s adult weight, use the included divider panel during crate training, and you have a den that will serve your dog for years. That is why the best MidWest dog crates continue to be the default choice for crate training, house training, and everyday containment for US dog owners in 2026 and beyond.