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10 Best Dog Crates For German Shepherds

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Published on
Tuesday 27 December 2022
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
10 Best Dog Crates For German Shepherds
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German shepherds are among the world’s most active dog breeds. They come in handy due to their high energy in playing and hunting. Crate training is the best solution if you struggle to calm them down during peak hours. Read this article to learn more about crates for German shepherds.

10 Best Crates For German Shepherd Dogs

In buying a crate, you must first consider your dog’s size. German Shepherds are tall animals, so you need a crate with enough space for stretching. Also, you don’t have to worry if you have trouble picking one out. Check out the best dog crates for German Shepherds listed below.

1. iCrate Dog Crate Starter Kit

This iCrate pet cage is a good starter dog kennel for German Shepherds. For starters, it has divider panels and is suitable for large to extra large dogs. Other than that, it’s cost-effective too. Also, a single crate purchase includes a crate cover, a dog bed, and two pet bowls.

In contrast, some pet owners became alarmed when they saw the bed and the crate cover had warning signs of cancer and reproductive issues. Also, the crate is not as durable as it looks. After the second day, the welds that hold the wires broke.

Pros

  • It’s foldable and ideal for big dogs weighing 90 to 110 lbs
  • It has six sizes, ranging from 22 to 48 inches
  • Dog accessories are included in the package

Cons

  • The cage is unstable
  • Big dogs bite and bend the wires easily
  • Some parts have sharp edges

2. Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Crate

Another highly recommended crate for German Shepherd dogs is this Frisco Fold product. Like most dog crates, this is also collapsible and easy to carry. It has a divider that you can use if it gets too spacious for your dog. Further, it comes with safety locks and a leakproof pan.

On the contrary, other owners reported that this item is heavy at 35.5 lbs. Also, according to them, the wirings are not as sturdy as it looks. Bigger and more powerful dogs like Pit bulls can bend the wires easily when trying to escape.    

Pros

  • It comes in varying sizes of 18 to 48 inches
  • Can carry large dogs weighing 90 to 110 lbs
  • It’s foldable and easy to carry with a safety lock

Cons

  • Some parts of the wires are bonded poorly
  • The locking mechanism is short and loose
  • Some wirings arrived bent

3. MidWest Homes Enhanced Dog Crate

This MidWest Homes heavy-duty crate is also a one-of-a-kind crate for German Shepherds. It’s highly recommended by owners because it’s sturdy, portable, and has a divider. Also, it comes in sizes 18 to 48 inches and has two designs, single and double doors. Further, it’s built with a safety lock and comes with a sturdy leak-proof pan. 

Consequently, the main disadvantage of this product is it’s not safe for small dogs. That’s because owners reported that puppies weighing 9 lbs could get their heads and paws stuck on the wirings of the side door. Also, dogs can cut themselves due to sharp wires.

Pros

  • It’s foldable and made for traveling
  • It carries extra-large dogs weighing 90 to 110 lbs
  • It has a slide bolt paw block safety feature

Cons

  • Sharp wirings and edges
  • The handle is made of plastic
  • Wires bend easily

4. Frisco Ultimate Heavy-Duty Single Door Dog Crate

If you’re looking for thick-barred and sturdy dog cages for german shepherds, then this Frisco steel crate is the one for you. It’s also powder-coated and made for medium to large-sized dogs. Further, it has a single front door for convenience and wheels for easy transport. 

Meanwhile, other buyers don’t recommend buying this crate. That’s because its main issue is its price. Also, although it’s powder-coated, some parts developed rust after four to five months. A few of the reviews reported that a 70 lbs dog could easily bite and bend the metal in the front part.

Pros

  • It’s extra durable with a 22 gauge steel
  • It has four wheels with a locking mechanism for mobility and stability
  • It has dual safety locks placed far from dogs’ reach

Cons

  • It’s heavy at 102.63 lbs
  • It has wheel issues
  • It’s a bit costly at $389.99

5. Carlson Pet Products Secure & Foldable Dog Crate

Another notable German Shepherd dog crate on the market is the Carlson pet crate. It works perfectly for dogs below 70 lbs. It’s sturdy, and, at the same time, foldable, so you can store it anywhere, you’d like. Also, it has a multi-point security lock for safety purposes.

Like any other crate, this one also has a downside. This is not the ideal cage for big and active dogs since they can bend it easily due to frantic bouncing and biting. Also, locks are located in the middle so dogs can grab and open them.

Pros

  • It’s foldable and good for travel purposes
  • It only weighs 9 lbs
  • It’s good for medium to large breeds of at least 70 lbs

Cons

  • It’s not suitable for extra large dogs
  • It only has one door
  • It has multiple sharp edges

6. Amazon Basics Soft Pet Dog Crate

This Amazon Basics soft pet crate is also a notable dog crate for German Shepherds on the market. Unlike other products that are covered in wires, this one is made from breathable fabric material. Thus, it’s portable, easy to assemble, and has long handling straps for shoulder carrying.

On the contrary, the major downfall of this product is its canvas material. Although it’s comfy and breathable, still dogs throwing tantrums were able to tear it at first use. The torn fabrics only contribute to choking hazards in dogs. Also, a few of the customers reported that some of its frame bars were already missing upon opening the package. 

Pros

  • It’s soft, foldable, and good for transporting pets
  • It has accessory pockets
  • Great for Boxers and German Shepherds weighing 76 to 90 lbs

Cons

  • The zippers are faulty
  • Fabric gets ripped easily
  • It’s not meant for aggressive dogs

7. Petmate Ultra Vari Dog Kennel

If you’re a nature-loving pet owner, then this Petmate crate could be the one you’re looking for. It’s one of the best kennels for German Shepherds since it’s made from recycled materials and yet remains durable. This product only aims at making dogs feel comfortable during travels.

Although this kennel is sturdy, its main problem is its door. It bends and opens easily when heavier dogs lean on it. It’s not foldable and quite bulky for owners to carry since it weighs 48.5 lbs. Also, a few of the customers complained that this crate arrived damaged on their doorstep.

Pros

  • It’s good for airline travels
  • It can hold dogs up to 125 lbs of weight
  • It has a 360° opening for viewing and ventilation

Cons

  • The top part came off easily upon carrying
  • It has a weak door
  • It’s difficult to carry

8. LEMBERI Escape-Proof Dog Crate

Perfect crates for German Shepherds exist, and this heavy-duty crate is also one of them. It’s made with highly durable thick bars that withstand a dog’s bouncing and pushing. Besides, this crate is also great for anxious dogs, and it has an anti-rust finish. Plus, it’s easy to set up and clean.

Despite its heavy-duty description, some customers reported that this crate broke after a few uses. The 0.5-inch diameter bars couldn’t hold a large dog that throws tantrums inside. As a result, most of them bent easily. Also, its safety lock is poorly made.

Pros

  • It’s made with a durable 20 gauge steel
  • It has wheels for mobility
  • It’s great for large dogs like Labradors and German Shepherds

Cons

  • It’s very heavy at 82 lbs
  • It has faulty wheels
  • It’s a bit costly at $300

9. Frisco 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate

When choosing crates for German Shepherds, you must look at their sturdiness and breathability. This Frisco portable dog crate is your perfect option. It’s lightweight at 13.17 lbs, and its sizes range from 21 to 42 inches. It also has a three-door function for convenience and a fabric that can be hand washed.

Meanwhile, this product also has some of its disadvantages. It’s not meant for hyperactive dogs that throw tantrums. That’s because the fabric isn’t that strong. It gets ripped off easily by bigger dogs. Also, it’s difficult to set it up since the bars don’t snap in place to form the crate’s base. 

Pros

  • It’s made from a durable fabric that can hold 85 lbs
  • Suitable for both indoors and outdoors
  • It’s foldable and has a water-resistant base

Cons

  • The stitching looks horrible
  • The zipper is faulty
  • It has a weak structure

10. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Pet Crate

One of the best dog crates for german shepherds out there is this New Age Pet ecoFLEX crate. For instance, this has a unique feature of a 2in1 crate and table. In addition, it’s easy to assemble and made from a biodegradable ecoFLEX polymer material.

This crate has a fancy finish. Again, like any other cage, it has downfalls. Some customers reported that the ecoFLEX material is not sturdy. Hence, if your dog likes to chew things, then this crate is not for you. The material surrounding the door bars gets chewed easily. Also, it got loose plastic screws and scratches upon arrival.

Pros

  • It’s made of nature-friendly ecoFLEX and wood material
  • It holds up to 100 lbs of a pet’s weight
  • It’s both a crate and a home furniture

Cons

  • It’s not portable
  • It’s heavy at 60 lbs
  • It has a faulty door

Buying Guide for the Best Dog Crates for German Shepherds

There are certain things to consider before buying a dog crate. You don’t just march into a store and buy one. Hence, you can look at the tips for buying the best dog crate for German Shepherds below.

Size

The best way to buy a dog crate is to measure your dog’s height first. That’s because you need to buy a crate for German Shepherds that fits well. Also, don’t forget to add at least two to four inches to ensure fitting. That is two inches for small dogs and four inches for bigger ones.

Durability

The best dog crates for German Shepherds should last long. As an owner, you should consider that metal frames last longer. For instance, aluminum is a good metal since it’s sturdier than plastic and resists UV corrosion. Wooden crates are also sturdy, but they can have splinters that injure dogs.

Material

Crates made from fabric material are lightweight. They also don’t take up much space since they’re foldable. Remember that canvas, nylon, and polyester fabrics are not anti-tear. Hence, dogs’ constant clawing and biting destroy the fabric, so it’s better to choose a metal dog crate.

Purpose

Crates have varied purposes. For instance, buying crates for German Shepherds provide them a safe place to rest. It’s also a tool for house training and confinement. Yet, too much confinement is not good for your dog. Owners shouldn’t crate their dogs for more than 8 hours daily.

Activity Level

The best dog crates for German Shepherds must be able to withstand their high energy levels. Take note that very determined dogs will bend wires and bite off plastic. Also, energetic canines or even those with separation anxiety will break the crate’s door just to get out.

Construction

Before buying a crate for your German Shepherd, check for loose screws or hinges first. In the case of metal crates, make sure the materials are strongly bonded. Also, ensure that the edges are not sharp. Lastly, secure that zippers don’t break easily in terms of fabric crates.

Accessories

Crates are meant to give comfort to dogs. When choosing a crate for your German Shepherd, pick one with enough room for dog accessories. Look for starter kit crates that include bowls, poop trays, and a dog bed. Also, you may want to add a crate cover to make your dog cozier.

Portability

If you want a space-saving crate, then a foldable one is your best option. A collapsible metal crate is ideal for big dogs. Also, soft-sided crates are your first choice for calm dogs that don’t like chewing stuff. Further, foldable crates come in handy. You can bring it whenever and wherever you like.

Style

Crates for German Shepherds come in different designs. You should pick table crates if you want something that also serves as furniture. Meanwhile, if you like a more lightweight option, you should try fabric dog crates with side pockets. In terms of extra pet protection, choose a crate with multiple locks.

Best Dog Crates For German Shepherds: FAQs

Choosing the right crate for your dog is a tough option. There are lots of things to consider. Hence, if you’re still confused, check out the frequently asked questions in picking the best dog crate for German Shepherds below.

What’s the best size of crate for a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds continue to grow until they’re 18 months old. A full-grown German Shepherd’s height ranges from 26 to 31 inches. In that case, you will need a crate that’s at least 36 to 48 inches in height to accommodate their size and movements.

What’s the best size crate for a German Shepherd puppy?

Crates for German Shepherd puppies need a divider to cope with their growth. Even as puppies, German Shepherds can be large dogs. Further, it’s estimated that these dogs can grow even larger in adulthood, so you’ll still need at least 36 to 48 inches crates.

What are the kinds of crates best for a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are active dogs. As a result, they will need a heavy-duty crate that withstands their stomping and clawing. Thus, a metal crate with bars of 20 gauge or lesser will be able to hold any dog that likes to escape.

Are dog crates safe for German Shepherds?

Yes. Crates for German Shepherds provide a safe den for them. Also, they help train your dog in case you leave him at the house due to errands. On the contrary, crates don’t serve as punishments. Crating dogs for punishments will lead to phobias and aggression. 

Why should you crate-train your GSD?

Crate training is beneficial for dogs. In addition, it makes life easier for owners and also teaches GSDs to soothe their anxiety. Also, crate training teaches all dogs to hold their potty until their owner returns, regardless of breed.

Buying the best dog crate for German Shepherds is important. Take note that GSDs are hunting dogs, so they have high energy levels. They need a sturdier and heavy-duty metal crate that’s bite-proof. As an owner, you need to do prior research before choosing one.

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