Best Dog Crates for Golden Retrievers 2026: Size, Safety, and Top Picks
Golden Retrievers are gentle dogs who generally adapt well to crating with proper introduction. They need a 42” crate for most adults. Their long, flowing coat sheds heavily — choose crates with removable trays that are easy to clean and shake out. Goldens are social dogs who may show separation anxiety in crates; proper crate training introduction is important. Wooden or furniture-style crates are popular with Golden owners who want a crate that blends with home decor.
Internal guide: Golden Retriever
Quick Comparison: Best Crates for Golden Retrievers
| Crate | Price | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door Dog Crate (42”) | $65–$85 | 42” | Top pick for Golden Retrievers |
| Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Wire Dog Crate (42”) | $60–$80 | 42” | Top pick for Golden Retrievers |
| PETSITE Dog Crate Furniture (Large) | $150–$200 | Large | Top pick for Golden Retrievers |
| Archie & Oscar Kennel End Table | $165–$225 | Large | Top pick for Golden Retrievers |
| Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Large) | $295–$345 | Large | Top pick for Golden Retrievers |
Our Top 5 Crates for Golden Retrievers
1. MidWest Homes iCrate Double Door Dog Crate (42”)
Price: $65–$85 | Size: 42”
A strong option for Golden Retrievers. 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 Dog Crate (42”)
Price: $60–$80 | Size: 42”
A strong option for Golden Retrievers. 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. PETSITE Dog Crate Furniture (Large)
Price: $150–$200 | Size: Large
A strong option for Golden Retrievers. 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. Archie & Oscar Kennel End Table
Price: $165–$225 | Size: Large
A strong option for Golden Retrievers. 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. Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Large)
Price: $295–$345 | Size: Large
A strong option for Golden Retrievers. 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 Golden Retrievers
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 Golden Retriever?
A: 42” for females (55–65 lbs), 42”–48” for males (65–75+ lbs). Golden males can be longer-bodied than the weight suggests.
Q: Are furniture-style crates okay for Goldens?
A: Yes — Goldens are gentle enough that furniture crates hold up well. Wooden furniture crates look beautiful and blend with home decor. The limitation is cleaning — removable tray coverage is less complete than wire crates for heavy shedding seasons.
Q: Can two Goldens share a crate?
A: No — each dog needs their own crate. Sharing creates stress even between bonded dogs. For multi-Golden households, provide individual crates of appropriate size.
Q: How do I help a Golden who has separation anxiety in a crate?
A: Crate introduction should be slow and positive — treats, toys, and short sessions. Never use the crate as punishment. A Kong stuffed with frozen peanut butter provides mental engagement during crating. Dogs with severe separation anxiety may need behavioral consultation.
Q: How often should I clean a Golden’s crate?
A: Remove the tray and wash weekly during heavy shedding seasons. Wipe down the wire sections monthly. Deep clean (soap, rinse, dry completely) quarterly.
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