Finding dog crates for German Shepherd dogs can be so confusing? It’s been quite a few years ago since I was faced with the task of buying my first dog crate but I still remember how difficult it was.
Back then there wasn’t as many to choose from either but trying to find a crate that would be best for my German Shepherd, who was just a puppy at the time, was still quite stressful.
So I have put together this guide in the hope that it makes it much easier for you than I found it.
At A Glance: The Best Dog Crates For German Shepherd Dogs
If you are in a hurry, here is a summary of the best dog crates for German Shepherd Dogs. I go into more detail about why I like these crates later in this article.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Dog Crate | Best Overall |
| 2 |  | SportPet Travel Kennel Dog Carrier | Best For Travel |
| 3 |  | Frisco’s Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Dog Cage | Best For Dogs Who Escape |
Why A Dog Crate For German Shepherd Dogs
The main reasons why you may get a crate for a German Shepherd are:-
- For their safety during travel.
- For their safety in the home if they need to be left for short periods when they cannot be supervised.
- To help with socialization and housetraining.
So to simplify your search the first question you need to ask yourself is what you are wanting to purchase a crate for.
Understand The Different Types of Dog Crates
When looking for a suitable dog crate for your German Shepherd it is important that you understand the different types that are available. They are all designed to contain a dog but the size, style and materials they are made of can differ greatly.
They are generally made of metal, plastic, wire or fabric. If interior design is important to you then you can also buy custom-made crates and furniture types too. However, these speciality crates deserve a review of their own so I’m not going to discuss them here.
1. Metal Crates
Metal is the strongest type of crate. They are the ones you are likely to see in professional establishments such as the vets, groomers and kennels. You can also get metal travel crates which are designed to be a permanent fixture in a vehicle.
Whilst these types of crates are very good for German Shepherd Dogs and are likely to last you a very long time they are bulky and expensive. Because of this, they are not usually the type ordinary German Shepherd pet owners are looking to have around the home.
Having said that if you have a dog that continues to escape from other crates then a metal dog crate may be the best option for you.
2. Plastic Crates
Hard moulded plastic crates are the best type of portable crate for travelling with your pet in a vehicle. They are strong and portable meaning that they can be taken out of the vehicle and stored when not in use. When choosing this type of crate you need to make sure that they provide plenty of space and ventilation.
Your dog’s comfort should not be compromised just because they are travelling so it is important that you buy the right size for your dog, not your vehicle.
They can be used around the home but quality plastic travel crates that are big enough for a German Shepherd are bulky and expensive. I would not really recommend getting this type of crate for home use unless you want it for travelling purposes too.
3. Wire Crates
Wire crates have wire mesh sides with a solid floor base made of metal or plastic. These are the most popular dog crates for use around the home as they are well ventilated and can be folded up and put neatly out of the way when not in use. Many have more than one door meaning they can be accessed from the front or side which allows for different placement.
Some also come with a partition divider which can be great for growing puppies and you can get covers for them for those dogs who prefer a more enclosed feel.
They are generally lightweight enough to be transported about although the higher gauge wire ones will be heavier.
Although these type of crates are the most popular they are also the easiest for a dog to break out of. They are made from metal wire as opposed to solid steel so can bend and bow easily if your dog leans against the sides or if anything is placed on top of it. This can cause the frame to become distorted and create gaps that a dog can push through. Tapping on the doors which some dogs may do can also sometimes loosen locks.
The best way to try to avoid a dog escaping is to ensure they are crate trained and do not suffer from any anxiety when you leave them.
These type of crates are also not strong enough to withstand any impact in an accident so are not recommended for travel purposes. They are also not recommended for anxious dogs or those with a tendency to try to escape.
4. Fabric of Soft Sided Dog Crates
Fabric crates are simply dog crates that have been made out of fabric usually with a mesh front window that your dog can see out of. The type of fabric they are made out of can vary considerably but they are really only suitable for adult small breed dogs.
Puppies can easily chew their way out and they are simply not strong enough to be used with any large breed dog, not just a German Shepherd.
What to Look For When Buying Dog Crates For German Shepherd Dogs
You can now narrow down your search and choose which type of dog crate is best for you.
- A metal dog crate is for you if your dog loves to escape.
- A plastic travel crate would be great if you travel a lot with your dog.
- A wireframe one is ok if your dog is comfortable in their crate and you just want it for short term crating use around the home.
Buy the Correct Size Crate For Your German Shepherd
Although you may be buying a crate for a German Shepherd puppy you need to remember that they are not going to remain that size for long. Quality crates are expensive so you don’t really want to have to buy more than one if you can help it.
You need to buy a crate that will be big enough to house your dog when they are fully grown. You can also buy crates with a divider attachment which enables you to section part of the crate off into a smaller space making it less overwhelming in size for your little pup. The divider can then be moved as your puppy grows.
How big of a dog crate do I need for a German Shepherd?
The best size dog crate to buy for a German Shepherd Dog is a 48″ one as this size should be of adequate size for even a large male. You may get away with a smaller 42″ one if you have a small female but to be on the safe side, especially if your dog is not fully grown yet I would stick with the larger 48″ one no matter if you have a male or a female dog.
Don’t just rely on size descriptions given as XL, XXL or even large breed. You will need to check the dimensions too as there is no standard sizing and each manufacturer has a different idea of what this should be.
The crate needs to be big enough for your dog to be able to comfortably lie down on its side as well as sit up without having to lower its head.
How to measure a German Shepherd for a crate
To ensure you get the correct size crate for your dog you will need to measure them.
To measure for length
When they are standing on all four legs measure them from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail where it meets their body. In order to give your dog, some extra space to move around you will need to add 2 to 4 inches to this measurement. You now have the crate’s required length size.
To measure for height
When your dog is in a sit position measure them from the floor to the top of their head. Now add 2 to 4 inches to this measurement to get the required crate height.
Is it best for a dog crate to be too big or too small
It is far better for the crate to be too big than too small. If you keep a dog in a space that is too small for them they will suffer serious health issues. It is bad for muscles, circulation and joints not to mention their mental wellbeing. Most dogs will be ok in a crate that is too big for them.
If it is far too big as is likely to be the case with a new puppy then you can use a divider. If your dog likes the feeling of being enclosed you can use a crate cover and put a cozy dog bed in there.
I have always found the best size dog crates for German Shepherd Dogs are the 48″ size ones. This should be an adequate size for even a large male. If your dog is not fully grown yet you won’t be able to measure them properly so to be on the safe side I would stick with the larger 48″ one.
I have a large male and an average size female German Shepherd who are both very comfortable in 48″ ones.
Make sure the crate is going to be safe for you and your dog.
When purchasing any crate you must take safety into consideration. That is both the safety of your dog and your family. Make sure it is well constructed so that it cannot easily be bent out of shape or collapse.
Wire mesh crates will bend under enough pressure no matter which brand you buy but some are worse than others. The large breed crates are more prone to it too as the wire is covering a much larger area. Bent frames can result in gaps being created around the frame which your dog could become trapped in.
Due to the material they are made of if your dog is determined to get out they will be able to bend any of these type of crates. Although buying one made from higher gauge wire with closer wire meshing will be more sturdy. This will make it less likely to bend just by your dog leaning up against its walls.
You also need to check that there are no sharp bits sticking out from the crate that could cause injury. Crates with rounded corners are better but also check for sharp bits where the wire is welded together thoroughly yourself. I’ve found that even the quality brands have missed some area of welding that could have done with being filed back.
Don’t put anything on top of the crate either as it could bow the frame and your dog may be tempted to try to pull whatever it is through the crate.
If buying a travel crate make sure it is made from thick plastic that feels solid and well made. Also choose one that is IATA airline approved.
Check that it is durable enough for a strong German Shepherd Dog
Not all crates are the same quality. Some of the cheaper ones look ok in marketing literature but when you get them they are actually quite flimsy. They may also say they are suitable for a large breed dog but I speak from experience when I tell you that if the wireframe bends easily then it’s not going to be suitable for a German Shepherd.
Even the calmest of dogs may lay against the side of its crate from time to time. If it bends simply by them doing this it is not strong enough for a German Shepherd dog. It only takes these type of crates to be pushed out of shape slightly for gaps to appear that your dog could trap themselves in.
The greater the wire gauge and the closer the wire meshing is, the stronger the crate is likely to be. If this is not obviously advertised then ask the retailer to find out for you.
Look for a dog crate that has a good lock
German Shepherd dogs will also very quickly work out where the lock of the crate is. Some locks won’t take a German Shepherd Dog long to open. One of my dogs learned to do this very quickly. She had mastered it so well that she was already in the window ready to wave me off by the time I had closed the front door.
Check how easy it is to clean
This may not be the first thing that springs to mind when looking at crates but it will need cleaning. Even if your dog never has an accident it will accumulate hair and other debris. It is important that you can gain easy access to clean it properly.
Product Reviews Of The Best Dog Crate For German Shepherd Dogs
I have looked at many brands of dog crates over the years and have owned a few of them too. I am also very much aware that the pet industry evolves very quickly with new and better products are being brought to market all the time.
So I have decided to revisit dog crates to see what is on offer today and how that compares to my old crates.
You already know which products I think would be the best dog crate for German Shepherd Dogs so lets take a look at how I came to that conclusion.
1. MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Dog Crate (Best Overall)
| Type: | Coated Metal – Wireframe | Weight: | 64lb |
| Wire Gauge: | 9 | No. of Doors: | 2 |
| Size: | (48″) 48 x 30 x 34.75 inches | Divider Attachment: | Yes |
| Tray: | Plastic and Removable | Folds Flat: | Yes |
Midwest is one of my favourite brands of dog crate and this one really stood out to me as being ideal for a German Shepherd as it is made from a stronger grade of wire and a closer wire meshing. This makes it less prone to bending if your German Shepherd has a tendency to lean on it. Also having had a dog who was pretty good at opening locks I like the slide-bolt latches this model has too.
The downside to having a crate with a higher wire gauge is the weight. You will find that this crate is quite a bit heavier than standard gauge crates so its not very portable. Its weight will also make it a bit harder to assemble too. Whilst the removable tray is excellent for ease of cleaning if you have a young puppy or a dog that likes to chew you may want to think about replacing it with a metal one.
When I looked at the reviews I noticed that a few people had experienced some sharp bits on the framework. As I said above I think this is something that happens from time to time and its pot luck if you get one like it. For this reason I would recommend that you check yours thoroughly when you get it and either send it back for a replacement or make sure the areas are filed back smooth so they don’t catch you or your dog.
What I Liked About It
- It is made of a stronger grade metal wire and closer wire meshing.
- You can remove the bottom tray for easy cleaning.
- The locks are more difficult for an intelligent German Shepherd to learn how to open.
What I Did Not Like About It
- The bottom tray is plastic which some dogs may try to chew.
- Its very heavy so more difficult to assemble and not very portable.
- Has reports of some customers receiving them with sharp bits that need filing.
2. SportPet Travel Kennel Dog Carrier (Best For Travel)
| Type: | Plastic with metal front door | Weight: | 38.1 pounds |
| Wire Gauge: | N/a | No. of Doors: | 1 |
| Size: | (48″) 48 x 32 x 36 inches | Divider Attachment: | No |
| Tray: | Plastic and Removable | Folds Flat: | No |
It’s not that easy to find a plastic travel crate big enough for a German Shepherd to be comfortable in. There are only a handful of manufacturers that make one big enough and they are expensive so when this one caught my eye I thought I would have a proper look at it.
It certainly qualifies on size requirements that’s for sure. It’s a huge 48″ which is a perfect size for ensuring the comfort of even a large male German Shepherd. It’s made from strong durable plastic with metal slat vents that will help stop the chewers. It also has a nice big metal front door so offers plenty of ventilation.
Another feature I really liked is the moat-style bottom tray which is designed to guide any liquid to the edges of the kennel helping to keep your dog dry in case of an accident. It has removable wheels which will be handy for travelling and strong side clips. You also get some live animal stickers and a food and water bowl.
This plastic crate is sold as meeting IATA requirements. Although every airline has different requirements for bringing a kenneled animal on their flight so I would check with whoever you intend to fly with first to see if this crate will be suitable.
What I Liked About It
- It is strong and durable with removable wheels and strong side clips.
- Its size will provide adequate space to ensure optimal comfort.
- The metal slats on the ventilation windows will help if you have a chewer.
- The moat-style bottom tray will help keep your dog dry in the event of an accident.
What I Did Not Like About It
- The price. Although I think it is value for money for this type of crate.
- It is hard to store as it is so large and bulky.
- It may not be accepted by all airlines so it’s best to check this before you buy.
3. Frisco’s Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Dog Cage (Best For Dogs That Like To Escape)
| Type: | Heavy Duty Steel Frame | Weight: | 93.19 pounds |
| Gauge: | 22-gauge steel and ½-inch tubing | No. of Doors: | 1 |
| Size: | (48″) 48.2 x 33.35 x 41.34 inches | Divider Attachment: | No |
| Tray: | Metal and Removable | Folds Flat: | Yes |
If you have a dog that is prone to escaping wire frame or plastic crates then the Frisco Ultimate Foldable & Stackable Heavy Duty Steel Metal Dog Crate is for you.
Designed for use in the home this premium steel crate is extremely durable made with 1.2 inch tubing and welded stress points for extra strength. Its stylish powder coating with hammer tone finish not only looks great its also designed to resist scuffs, dents, scratches, fading and rust. It is also very easy to clean with a removable metal tray and has lockable casters to make moving it around easier.
I really like this crate. Without doubt, it is a very good strong crate for a German Shepherd Dog. It’s been designed specifically with the escape artist in mind so you can have some peace of mind. The locks are also placed out of the way so those dogs that like to lock tamper will find it difficult too.
It is however very heavy weighing in at around 100 lbs so it will take 2 people to handle and assemble it. Also whilst it will fold flat for storage it is still a very bulky item compared to a wire frame crate. This is a house crate only it’s definitely not portable or suitable for travel purposes so you will need to bear this in mind when considering this type of crate.
What I Liked About It
- Durable and secure for escape artists and chewers.
- Easy to move around with its lockable wheels and foot brake.
- Easy to clean slide-out tray.
- Foldable for storage.
What I Did Not Like About It
- The price is very expensive for a dog crate.
- It weighs going on 100 lbs which is extremely heavy.
- Even though it folds flat it is still very bulky to store.
- It does not have a divider attachment for growing puppies.
Train Your German Shepherd To Use the Crate
No matter which crate you choose if you want to get the best use out of it you will need to train your German Shepherd to love it.
Many will take to it straight away others will need a little bit more time to get accustomed. Don’t just leave your German Shepherd in the crate without training them to use it first.
Also don’t leave them in a crate for long periods of time. No crates even the heavy-duty steel ones are completely escape-proof. At best a distressed or bored dog is going to destroy the crate trying to get out. At worse, they are going to cause themselves an injury or even death in doing so.
I have heard so many horror stories of this happening and it really upsets me. The crate should be a happy place for your dog. It should be somewhere for them to retreat to rest and relax not a terrifying prison that they are desperate to get out of at all costs.
Learn More: How to crate train your German Shepherd puppy.
FAQ’s
Here are some commonly asked questions about dog crates for German Shepherd Dogs.
What kind of crate is best for German Shepherd Dogs?
The best kind of crate for German Shepherd Dogs is one that fits in with your family lifestyle and is comfortable for your dog. If you just need it for use at home then a wire frame crate will be fine. If you travel a lot then a plastic travel crate may be better for you. If your dog tends to escape the other crates then you might want to consider a heavy-duty steel-framed one. Just make sure you choose one that is big enough for them to stand up, lie down and move around in.
Do German Shepherds do well in crates?
Yes, German Shepherds can do very well in crates. The key is to get them to feel safe and secure and they will choose to go in there by themselves to rest and relax. Always make sure you crate train your dog before leaving them unsupervised in it.
Should I crate my German Shepherd at night?
Many people crate their German Shepherd at night for peace of mind that their puppy is not going to get into any mischief that could cause them injury. Just remember that dog crates are very confined spaces and 8 hours is a long time for any dog to be in that small space. Small puppies will also not be able to hold their bladder for that long.
The below chart will give you an idea of the average time a German Shepherd Dog can wait between visits to the bathroom. Just remember that these are average times and other factors will play a part in it too for example how much water your dog drank that day. This will mean some dogs cannot wait quite as long as the chart may suggest so it should be used as a guide only.
| Your Puppy’s Age | How Often Do They Need To Potty |
|---|---|
| 8 weeks old | Every hour |
| 12 weeks old | Every 2 hours |
| 16 weeks old | Every 3 hours |
| 20 weeks old | Every 4 hours |
| 24 weeks old | Every 5 hours |
| 6 months old | Every 6 hours |
| 12 months + | Every 8 hours |
Conclusion
So that concludes my guide to buying the best dog crate for German Shepherd Dogs.
My #1 choice of dog crate for German Shepherd Dogs is the MidWest Ultima Pro Double Door Dog Crate.
Although quite a bit heavier than some of the standard crates its higher gauge wire and closer wire meshing makes it a lot sturdier design. This makes it less likely to bend simply by your dog lying against the sides. Its also affordable, easy to clean and will store out of the way quite easily when not in use.
If you Tavel a lot then the SportPet Travel Kennel Dog Carrier will be a good choice as you can also use it around the home. It is durable and sturdy with metal slats to help deter the chewers. As is the case with all plastic travel crates they are more expensive and they are also very bulky to store. You will also want to check with your airline that it conforms to their requirements too.
My #1 choice of dog crate for German Shepherd Dogs that like to escape is the Frisco’s Ultimate Heavy Duty Steel Metal Dog Cage.
I was actually really impressed with this design both in looks and durability of this crate. Whilst no crate is escape-proof to a distressed dog I really think that this crate will make it very difficult for those just looking to test us.
Takeaway
The main thing to take away from this is that you must make sure you crate train your dog before you leave them unattended in it. Even then you must never leave them alone for long periods of time. The aim is to provide your dog with a safe and secure place they feel happy to be left in.
I hope I have managed to help you choose a crate more easily. If you have any questions please feel free to let me know in the comments below.
