Best Dog Crates for Bernese Mountain Dogs 2026: Size, Safety, and Top Picks
Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large dogs needing 48” or larger crates. They have a dense double coat and run warm — wire crates are essential for ventilation. Berners are gentle, calm dogs who adapt to crating readily. Their large size means crates must be able to accommodate their full body with room to stand and turn. As they age and develop joint issues, crates should have low step-in thresholds and orthopedic bedding inside.
Internal guide: Bernese Mountain Dog
Quick Comparison: Best Crates for Bernese Mountain Dogs
| Crate | Price | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest Homes Ginormous Double Door Dog Crate (54”) | $110–$145 | 54” | Top pick for Bernese Mountain Dogs |
| Frisco Fold & Carry XXL Double Door Wire Crate (54”) | $95–$130 | 54” | Top pick for Bernese Mountain Dogs |
| LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Cage (54” or 60”) | $130–$175 | 54”–60” | Top pick for Bernese Mountain Dogs |
| Ruff Land Kennels (XL) | $250–$310 | XL | Top pick for Bernese Mountain Dogs |
| MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door (48”) | $90–$120 | 48” | Top pick for Bernese Mountain Dogs |
Our Top 5 Crates for Bernese Mountain Dogs
1. MidWest Homes Ginormous Double Door Dog Crate (54”)
Price: $110–$145 | Size: 54”
A strong option for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
2. Frisco Fold & Carry XXL Double Door Wire Crate (54”)
Price: $95–$130 | Size: 54”
A strong option for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
3. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Cage (54” or 60”)
Price: $130–$175 | Size: 54”–60”
A strong option for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
4. Ruff Land Kennels (XL)
Price: $250–$310 | Size: XL
A strong option for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
5. MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door (48”)
Price: $90–$120 | Size: 48”
A strong option for Bernese Mountain Dogs. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
Crate Buying Guide for Bernese Mountain Dogs
Sizing Rules
The correct crate size allows your dog to: stand fully upright without touching the top, turn around in a complete circle, and lie stretched out on their side. For puppies, purchase the adult-size crate with a divider panel.
Wire vs. Plastic vs. Soft-Sided
- Wire crates: Maximum ventilation, easy cleaning, fold-flat for storage. Best for home use.
- Plastic/airline crates: Enclosed and den-like; preferred by some dogs. Required for airline travel. Not appropriate for brachycephalic breeds in warm environments.
- Soft-sided crates: Lightweight and portable. Best for calm, trained dogs and travel. Not for destructive dogs.
- Heavy-duty/steel crates: For escape-artists, anxious dogs, or powerful breeds who damage standard crates.
Crate Training Basics
1. Leave crate door open and let the dog explore at their own pace with treats inside
2. Feed meals inside the closed crate briefly, extending duration gradually
3. Never use the crate as punishment
4. Keep initial crating sessions short (10–30 minutes) and build duration over 1–2 weeks
5. Always ensure adequate exercise before crating periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size crate for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
A: 48” for females (70–90 lbs); 54” for males (90–115 lbs). Berners are long-bodied and need significant floor space. Always err toward the larger size.
Q: Do Berners overheat in crates?
A: Yes — their thick double coat makes ventilation critical. Always use wire crates for home use. In summer, ensure the crate is in a climate-controlled room. Never crate a Berner in a car or garage in warm weather.
Q: How do I make a crate more comfortable for a Berner with joint issues?
A: Add an orthopedic mat or memory foam crate pad inside. Choose a crate with a low step-in threshold — Berners with hip issues should not have to step over a high bottom frame. Remove the divider panel to maximize floor space for arthritic dogs.
Q: Are Berners good candidates for crate training?
A: Yes — Berners are gentle, people-pleasing dogs who respond well to positive training. Crate training is typically easy with this breed. Their main challenge is that their large size requires patience during entry/exit training.
Q: What bedding goes inside a Bernese Mountain Dog crate?
A: An orthopedic foam crate mat sized for the crate floor. In warm climates, a cooling mat is a significant comfort improvement. Avoid overly thick or warm bedding in summer — Berners regulate their temperature by lying on cool surfaces.
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