Best Dog Crates for Boxers 2026: Size, Safety, and Top Picks
Boxers are energetic, medium-to-large dogs who benefit from crating as part of their routine. They need a 36”–42” crate. Boxers can be anxious when separated from their people — proper gradual crate introduction is important. Their brachycephalic airway means ventilation is critical; wire crates are preferred over plastic. Boxers are generally not destructive in crates once trained but need adequate exercise before crating.
Internal guide: Boxer
Quick Comparison: Best Crates for Boxers
| Crate | Price | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door (42”) | $65–$85 | 42” | Top pick for Boxers |
| Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Wire Crate (42”) | $60–$80 | 42” | Top pick for Boxers |
| Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Large) | $295–$345 | Large | Top pick for Boxers |
| PETSITE Furniture Dog Crate (42”) | $150–$195 | 42” | Top pick for Boxers |
| LUCKUP Heavy Duty Cage (42”) | $85–$115 | 42” | Top pick for Boxers |
Our Top 5 Crates for Boxers
1. MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door (42”)
Price: $65–$85 | Size: 42”
A strong option for Boxers. 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 Double Door Wire Crate (42”)
Price: $60–$80 | Size: 42”
A strong option for Boxers. 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. Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Large)
Price: $295–$345 | Size: Large
A strong option for Boxers. 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. PETSITE Furniture Dog Crate (42”)
Price: $150–$195 | Size: 42”
A strong option for Boxers. 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. LUCKUP Heavy Duty Cage (42”)
Price: $85–$115 | Size: 42”
A strong option for Boxers. 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 Boxers
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 Boxer?
A: 36” for smaller females (50–55 lbs); 42” for most Boxers. Males (65–80 lbs) need 42” comfortably.
Q: Are wire or plastic crates better for Boxers?
A: Wire crates strongly preferred — Boxers’ brachycephalic airways make any reduction in airflow a risk. Plastic airline crates should never be used in warm environments for Boxers.
Q: How do I stop my Boxer from jumping when let out of the crate?
A: Teach a ‘wait’ command at the crate door. Only open the crate door when the Boxer is sitting or standing calmly. A Boxer that explodes out of the crate with no control is an accident risk.
Q: Is the Diggs Revol crate worth the premium for a Boxer?
A: For design-conscious owners who want a premium aesthetic and quality construction, yes. The garage-door style opening is safer for brachycephalic dogs than front-swinging doors, as it reduces the risk of the door hitting the dog.
Q: Do Boxers need a crate as adults?
A: Many Boxers outgrow the need for crating once fully trained and trustworthy in the home, typically around 2–3 years old. Keep the crate available as a voluntary resting option even if mandatory crating is phased out.
GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.