The 5 Best Dog Crates for Puppies in 2026 (Researched & Compared)
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A crate is the most-used piece of gear you'll buy, and the wrong one makes potty training harder and your nights longer. After researching build quality, safety, and how well each model supports training, these are the crates we recommend. The single most important feature for a puppy crate? A divider panel — more on that below.
Why the divider panel matters more than anything
Dogs instinctively avoid soiling where they sleep, which is the foundation of crate-based potty training. But that only works if the crate is sized so the puppy has just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down — no more. Give a puppy a full adult-sized crate on day one and they'll happily use one corner as a bathroom. A divider panel lets you start small and expand the space as your puppy grows, so you buy one crate instead of three.
MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door
The default recommendation for most new owners, and for good reason. It ships with a divider panel so you can size the space to your growing puppy — the single most useful feature for potty training — plus two doors, a leak-proof plastic tray, and rounded corners. It folds flat for travel and is one of the most widely owned puppy crates on the market.
Check Price →Diggs Revol Dog Crate
A modern, design-forward crate built with safety in mind: rounded diamond-mesh openings sized to reduce paw and jaw injuries, a top garage door for easy access, and a collapsible frame that folds without tools. It also includes a divider for staged sizing. A splurge, but a favorite of owners who want something safer-feeling and better-looking than a basic wire box.
Check Price →Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Crate
Covers the essentials at a friendlier price: a divider panel, two doors, a removable tray, and a fold-flat design with a built-in carry handle. If you're outfitting on a budget but still want the divider that makes potty training easier, this is the one we recommend.
Check Price →How to size a crate correctly
Measure your puppy's expected adult length (nose to base of tail) and add a few inches — that's your full crate size. Then use the divider to section off just enough room for now. Re-check the sizing every couple of weeks during growth spurts.
Check current prices on our #1 crate pick
Check Price →The bottom line
For most new owners, the overall pick is the right call: it grows with your dog, survives the chewing phase, and makes potty training meaningfully easier. Spend a little more here and you'll save money and frustration later.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate should I buy for a puppy?
Buy for your puppy's expected adult size — measure or research the breed's grown length nose-to-tail and add a few inches — then use the included divider to section off a smaller area for now. This way one crate lasts from puppyhood to adulthood.
Should I get a wire crate or a plastic one?
For potty training and home use, a folding wire crate with a divider (like the MidWest iCrate) is usually the most practical and easiest to clean. Hard-sided plastic crates are better suited to car travel and airline use.
How do I stop my puppy crying in the crate at night?
Keep the crate sized right so it feels den-like, put it near your bed at first, and build positive associations with short daytime sessions and treats. Most puppies settle within a couple of weeks. Never use the crate as punishment.
Is it cruel to crate a puppy?
Used correctly, a crate taps into a dog's natural den instinct and gives them a safe, calm space. The key is proper sizing, gradual positive introduction, and not leaving a young puppy crated longer than they can comfortably hold their bladder.
⚕️ A note on advice: This article is general guidance to help you make informed decisions — it is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet about your dog's individual health and needs.
Trusted resources for further reading
We recommend these respected organizations for authoritative, vet-reviewed information: American Kennel Club (AKC), ASPCA, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).