By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Choosing a crate for medium sized dog households can feel harder than it should. Medium breeds, generally in the 21 to 40 pound range by most manufacturer charts, need enough room to stand, turn around and lie down stretched out, but not so much space that a puppy can use one corner as a bathroom and another as a bed. This list compares six widely sold wire and metal crates that are commonly marketed for medium dogs. Our selection looked at published dimensions, door and latch design, tray and divider options, folding or travel features, and recurring owner feedback about assembly and durability.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallMidwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog CrateView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for puppies in trainingFDW 30" Foldable Metal Dog CrateView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for two-door accessNew World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door CrateView on Amazon - 4
Best for larger medium dogsSweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 5
Best for indoor and outdoor useDUMOS 36 Inch Dog CrateView on Amazon - 6
Best budget pick for travelAmazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog CrateView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate | Medium breeds in general home use | Single door with divider panel and leak-proof tray |
| FDW 30″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Puppies in training | Double door with divider and removable tray |
| New World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Crate | Dogs that need two access points | Double door with secure latches |
| Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate | Medium dogs at the upper end of the range | 36-inch length with secure lock |
| DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate | Indoor and outdoor training | Plastic leak-proof pan with metal wire body |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Car trips and short travel | Collapsible soft-sided design |
Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate Folding Dog Crate
Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
Best for: Medium breeds in general home use
This is a practical choice for a well-behaved adult medium dog or a trained puppy who has graduated to a fixed space. The single front door keeps the layout simple and the footprint predictable in a living room or bedroom.
Key specs
- 30-inch length, sized for dogs in the 21 to 40 pound range
- Single front door
- Included divider panel and leak-proof tray
- Folding wire construction
Pros
- Divider lets you size the space as the puppy grows
- Tray is easy to slide out and clean
- Folds flat for storage between uses
Cons
- Single door means less flexibility in tight rooms
- Thin wire can bend if a strong dog chews the bars
Bottom line: A strong default pick for owners who want a familiar, no-frills medium crate with a divider for growing puppies.
FDW 30″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | For Training, Home, Travel Indoor/Outdoor Use FDW | 30" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Black | Cage for Medium Dogs
Best for: Puppies in training
Owners who are house training a puppy often want two doors, a divider and a tray that can be pulled out quickly. This model is marketed for indoor and outdoor use and for travel, which makes it versatile.
Key specs
- 30-inch size, labeled for medium dogs
- Double door
- Divider panel and removable tray
- Foldable metal frame
Pros
- Two doors make it easy to load from either side
- Divider supports gradual space adjustment
- Tray simplifies cleanup during training
Cons
- Metal frames can be heavier to carry than soft options
- Some owners report the tray fits snugly and takes effort to remove
Bottom line: Best suited to owners training a medium puppy who want flexible access and easy cleanup.
New World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Crate
Folding Dog Crate, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble New World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Crate, Medium Breeds, 21-40 lbs
Best for: Dogs that need two access points
This crate suits households where a dog needs to enter and exit from different sides, such as a hallway setup or a crate placed against a wall. The double door layout gives more options for placement.
Key specs
- 30-inch length for medium breeds, 21 to 40 pounds
- Double door design
- Leak-proof tray and secure latches
- Folding frame for storage
Pros
- Double doors allow flexible placement against a wall
- Latches are described as secure for escape-prone dogs
- Folds down when not in use
Cons
- Doors add hardware that needs periodic checking
- Assembly takes some time, according to owner feedback patterns
Bottom line: A good match for owners who need the crate to fit a specific wall or room layout.
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate
Double Door, Metal Kennel, Secure Lock, Removable Tray, Indoor Outdoor Training Travel Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel
Best for: Medium dogs at the upper end of the range
A 36-inch length gives more floor space than a 30-inch model, which can suit a medium dog that is longer in the body or an owner who wants room for a bed and water bowl.
Key specs
- 36-inch length
- Double door with secure lock
- Removable tray
- Foldable metal kennel
Pros
- Extra length suits longer medium breeds
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning
- Double door gives access options
Cons
- Larger footprint may not fit small apartments
- Heavier to move than soft-sided alternatives
Bottom line: Pick this if your medium dog is at the top of the weight range or stretches out when resting.
DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate
Double Door Metal Wire, Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Portable Indoor Outdoor Training Travel DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Puppy Small Medium Foldable Dog Cage Pet Kennel
Best for: Indoor and outdoor training
The plastic leak-proof pan paired with a metal wire body is a common design for owners who want a crate that handles accidents and can be used both inside and outside.
Key specs
- 36-inch length
- Double door
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
- Foldable wire frame
Pros
- Plastic pan resists moisture better than bare metal bottoms
- Works for indoor and outdoor training setups
- Double door aids loading
Cons
- Outdoor use requires extra protection from weather
- Larger size may be more than a compact home needs
Bottom line: A sensible choice for owners who plan to crate train in mixed indoor and outdoor spaces.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan
Best for: Car trips and short travel
Soft-sided crates are lighter and collapse for easy storage. They suit owners who travel with a medium dog and need a crate that packs down small, though they are less chew-resistant than wire.
Key specs
- Listed dimensions: 29.92″ x 21.3″ x 21.3″
- Double door
- Collapsible soft-sided body
- Tan color
Pros
- Collapses for storage and car trips
- Lighter to carry than metal crates
- Double door provides flexible loading
Cons
- Not suited to dogs that chew or scratch through fabric
- Shorter length than the 36-inch models here
Bottom line: Best for calm adult medium dogs and travel rather than heavy-duty home crate training.
Buying Guide
Check the length against your dog’s body
A crate should let your dog stand up without touching the top, turn around, and lie down fully stretched. Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, then add roughly 2 to 4 inches. Most medium dogs fit comfortably in a 30-inch or 36-inch length, but a long-bodied dog may need the larger size.
Good picks for this: Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate
Choose the right door layout
Single-door crates are simpler and often cost less space in a room. Double-door models let you load from either side and suit placements against a wall or in a corner. Consider how the crate will sit in your home before choosing.
Good picks for this: New World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Crate, FDW 30″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Look for a divider and removable tray
A divider panel lets you shrink the interior for a puppy and expand it as the dog grows. A removable tray makes cleanup faster and helps protect the floor from accidents during house training.
Good picks for this: Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate
Check latch security
Escape-prone dogs can work at weak latches. Look for locks that are clearly secured with a clip or bolt rather than a simple friction catch, and check them regularly for wear.
Good picks for this: New World by Midwest 30-Inch Double Door Crate, Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate
Consider portability and folding
If you travel or move the crate often, a folding frame or a soft-sided collapsible design saves space. Metal crates are heavier but sturdier, while soft crates pack small but suit calmer dogs.
Good picks for this: Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, FDW 30″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Assess durability and chew resistance
Wire crates with thicker gauge bars hold up better against chewing. Soft-sided crates are not designed for dogs that scratch or chew fabric. If your dog is a determined chewer, prioritize metal construction and check it for bent bars periodically.
Good picks for this: Midwest 30-Inch Single Door iCrate, DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate
Think about where the crate will be used
A crate used only indoors has different needs from one used in a car or outdoors. Plastic pan trays handle moisture well, and weather protection matters if the crate sits outside. Match the design to the setting.
Good picks for this: DUMOS 36 Inch Dog Crate, Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
FAQ
What size crate is right for a medium dog?
Most medium dogs do well in a crate about 30 to 36 inches long. Measure your dog from nose to tail base and add a few inches so the dog can stand, turn and lie down comfortably.
Should I buy a crate for my puppy’s adult size?
Many owners buy a crate sized for the adult dog and use a divider to reduce the space while the puppy is small. This helps prevent a young dog from using one end as a bathroom.
Are soft-sided crates good for medium dogs?
They work well for travel and for calm dogs, but they are not suited to chewers or dogs that scratch fabric. A wire or metal crate is usually the better choice for home crate training.
Do I need a double door crate?
Not always. A double door helps when you need to place the crate against a wall or load from either side. Single-door crates are simpler and work well in many homes.
How do I keep a metal crate comfortable?
Add a bed or padded mat sized to the floor, and make sure the crate sits on a level surface away from drafts. Check the tray and latches regularly.
Can a medium dog stay in a crate all day?
Dogs should not be crated for long stretches without breaks. Consult a veterinarian or a professional trainer for guidance on a schedule that suits your dog’s age and needs.
Conclusion
For most medium dogs, a 30-inch metal crate with a divider and tray is a practical starting point. Owners with longer dogs should consider the 36-inch models, while those who travel often may prefer a collapsible soft-sided option for shorter trips. Match the door layout and durability to your home and your dog’s habits, and check the crate’s dimensions against your dog before buying.
Sources
- Safety guidance on pet products and household hazards (cpsc.gov)
- Breed information and general guidance on crate training and dog size (akc.org)
- Veterinary association guidance on pet care and animal welfare (avma.org)
Related reading
- Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits
- Wire Collapsible Dog Crate: 6 Best Picks for Home and Travel (2026)
- Why Is Crate Training Important for Dogs? Benefits and How-To
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our dogs & puppies guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
