By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Finding a crate for XL dog breeds is harder than it looks, because a crate that fits a Labrador can be too small for a Great Dane or a Mastiff. This guide compares five large crates that manufacturers describe as suited to big dogs. Our selection criteria were interior length and height for standing and turning, door design and latch security, the removable leak-proof tray, folding and portability, and the steel gauge and construction. We also looked at patterns in owner feedback, such as complaints about flimsy latches or trays that are hard to clean. We did not test these crates ourselves; the comparisons below rely on published specifications and common owner experiences.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallHeavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-ProoView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for multi-dog or growing householdsNew World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door CrateView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest budget pickMidWest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate with Divider PanelView on Amazon - 4
Best for heavy chewers and escape artists48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, Indestructible Kennel for Large DogsView on Amazon - 5
Best for indoor and outdoor training setupsExtra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel, Metal Wire with Leak-Proof Pan TrayView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Before you read the product details, it helps to know what “XL” means in crate sizing. Most manufacturers list XL crates at 42 to 48 inches long, which suits dogs roughly in the 70 to 110 pound range. For guidance on matching a crate to your dog’s body, see How to Size a Dog Crate: Measure Your Dog Correctly and Large Dog Crate Dimensions: How to Measure and Choose the Right Size.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel (FDW 48-inch) | Overall use in home and travel | Double door with divider panel |
| New World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door Crate | Large dogs at full adult size | Single door, secure latch |
| MidWest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate | Budget-conscious owners | Divider panel and leak-proof tray |
| 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate | Chewers and escape artists | Escape-proof latch, chew-resistant steel |
| Extra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel | Indoor and outdoor training | Double door and plastic pan tray |
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | FDW 48″ Foldable Metal Dog Crate
Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door, Divider & Leak-Proof Tray | For Training, Home, Travel Indoor/Outdoor Use FDW | 48" Foldable Metal Dog Crate | Dark Black | Cage for XL Dogs
Best for: Overall use in home and travel, with room to grow.
This 48-inch wire crate suits owners who want one crate for training, daily confinement and occasional trips. Its double door and divider let you adjust the space as a puppy grows or as your dog settles into a routine.
Key specs
- Listed length: 48 inches
- Foldable metal wire construction
- Double door with divider panel
- Removable leak-proof tray
- Dark black finish
Pros
- Divider panel lets you size the space for a puppy or a training session.
- Double doors give access from either side, which helps in tight rooms.
- Folds flat for storage and transport.
Cons
- Wire designs can be noisy when a dog shakes or rattles the door.
- Owners often report that the tray is shallow and needs frequent cleaning.
Bottom line: A strong all-round choice for owners who want flexibility across training, home and travel.
New World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door Crate
Folding Dog Crate, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble New World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door Crate, XL Breeds, 90-110 lbs
Best for: Large dogs at full adult size, in the 90 to 110 pound range according to the listing.
This single-door model targets adult XL breeds that need a fixed, secure space without a divider. It suits owners who expect their dog to stay at full size and want a simple setup.
Key specs
- 48-inch length
- Single door with secure latch
- Folding design with leak-proof tray
- Listed for XL breeds, 90 to 110 pounds
Pros
- Single door keeps the layout simple and reduces the number of latches to check.
- Designed for adult dogs, so no divider is needed.
- Leak-proof tray helps with accidents and easy cleanup.
Cons
- Single access point can be awkward in narrow spaces.
- Without a divider, it offers less flexibility for a growing puppy.
Bottom line: Best for owners with a full-grown XL dog who want a secure, no-frills crate.
MidWest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate with Divider Panel
Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latches, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble MidWest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
Best for: Budget-conscious owners who still want a divider and double door.
This 42-inch model is the shortest of the group and is listed for dogs in the 71 to 90 pound range. It offers many of the same features as larger models at a lower size, which makes it a sensible option for dogs at the smaller end of the XL category.
Key specs
- 42-inch length
- Double door with divider panel
- Folding design with leak-proof tray
- Listed for large breeds, 71 to 90 pounds
Pros
- Divider and double door give good flexibility for the size.
- Smaller footprint suits apartments and tight spaces.
- Folds for storage.
Cons
- May be too short for taller or longer XL dogs to stretch comfortably.
- Owners sometimes report that the latches need periodic tightening.
Bottom line: A practical budget pick for a large but not giant dog that needs a compact footprint.
48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, Indestructible Kennel for Large Dogs
38-96" for Small to All Breeds Dogs | Escape Proof Latch | Removable Tray | Chew-Proof Steel | Lockable Wheels | Easy-Clean 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, Indestructible Kennel for Large Dogs
Best for: Chewers and escape artists that need a reinforced build.
This model emphasizes security, with an escape-proof latch, chew-resistant steel and lockable wheels. It is aimed at owners whose dogs have tested weaker crates.
Key specs
- 48-inch length
- Escape-proof latch
- Chew-resistant steel construction
- Removable tray and lockable wheels
Pros
- Reinforced steel and escape-proof latch address common failure points.
- Lockable wheels keep the crate in place once positioned.
- Removable tray simplifies cleaning.
Cons
- Heavier than folding wire models, which makes moving it harder.
- Heavy-duty builds can be harder to assemble and take apart.
Bottom line: The right pick if security and durability matter more than portability.
Extra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel, Metal Wire with Leak-Proof Pan Tray
Metal Wire, Secure Lock, Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Indoor Outdoor Training Pet Extra Large Dog Crate 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel
Best for: Indoor and outdoor training setups where the crate moves between spaces.
This 48-inch double-door kennel uses a metal wire frame with a plastic leak-proof pan tray. It suits owners who use the crate in a garage, yard or mudroom as well as indoors.
Key specs
- 48-inch length, extra large size
- Double door access
- Metal wire frame
- Plastic leak-proof pan tray
Pros
- Double door gives access from either end for training sequences.
- Plastic pan tray resists moisture better than some metal trays.
- Suits indoor and outdoor use, subject to weather protection.
Cons
- Metal wire can rust if left outdoors without cover or a dry base.
- Owners sometimes report the latch feels lighter than on heavier models.
Bottom line: A versatile choice for owners who move the crate between indoor and sheltered outdoor spaces.
Buying Guide
Use the factors below to narrow your choice. For a deeper look at fit, read Sizing a Crate for an Adult Dog.
Interior Size and Standing Height
Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and from floor to the top of the head or ears while standing. The crate should let your dog stand, turn and lie down with its legs stretched. For a full method, see How to Measure Your Dog for a Crate.
Good picks for this: New World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door Crate, Heavy Duty Portable Wire Kennel (FDW 48-inch)
Door Design and Latch Security
Double doors offer flexibility for training and access, while single doors keep the layout simple. Check that latches are rated for a strong dog and that they cannot be pushed open easily from inside.
Good picks for this: 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, Extra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel
Divider Panels for Growing Puppies
A divider lets you limit the space for a young puppy and expand it as the dog grows. This helps with house training, since a dog is less likely to soil a small area it has to sleep in. Look for a divider that is secured firmly, not just resting on the wires.
Good picks for this: MidWest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate with Divider Panel, Heavy Duty Portable Wire Kennel (FDW 48-inch)
Tray Depth and Cleaning
A removable leak-proof tray makes cleanup faster and protects the floor. Plastic pans resist moisture well, while metal trays can be sturdier. Choose a tray that slides out easily and fits your cleaning routine.
Good picks for this: Extra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel, New World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door Crate
Steel Gauge and Durability
Chewers, diggers and strong dogs test a crate’s build. Heavier steel and reinforced welds resist bending, while thinner wire can be pushed out or deformed. Check listing details for construction notes and read owner feedback about weak points.
Good picks for this: 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate, Heavy Duty Portable Wire Kennel (FDW 48-inch)
Portability and Storage
If you travel or need to store the crate, a folding design with a light frame is easier to handle. Heavier crates stay put once set up but are harder to carry through doors and into cars.
Good picks for this: MidWest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate with Divider Panel, Heavy Duty Portable Wire Kennel (FDW 48-inch)
Indoor and Outdoor Use
A crate used outdoors needs weather protection and rust resistance, and should be kept off wet ground. Indoor crates can be lighter and focus on comfort and cleaning. If you plan outdoor use, read Wire Dog Crates: Home Use and Limits for guidance on what wire crates suit.
Good picks for this: Extra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel, 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate
FAQ
What size crate does an XL dog need?
Most XL dogs need a crate listed at about 42 to 48 inches long. Measure your dog and compare with the manufacturer’s interior dimensions, since listing names do not always match internal space.
Is a divider panel necessary?
It is not essential, but a divider helps with puppies and house training. Adult dogs usually do not need one, and a full-size crate with no divider is simpler to use.
Can a wire crate be used outdoors?
Wire crates can be used outdoors in sheltered areas if they are kept dry and protected from rain and direct sun. Rust and wet floors are the main concerns, so check the finish and keep the crate off damp ground.
How do I know if the latch is secure enough?
Test the latch by pushing and pulling from inside and outside the crate. Owners often report that heavy or determined dogs test latches, so look for escape-proof designs and check the latch regularly.
Should I choose a folding crate or a fixed one?
Folding crates are easier to store and transport, while fixed crates are often sturdier and stay in place. Choose based on how often you move the crate and how much your dog tests its structure.
How do I make a large crate comfortable for my dog?
Add a bed sized to the crate, keep the space quiet and provide water and a safe chew. For more ideas, see Making a Dog Crate Comfortable and Safe.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Heavy Duty, Portable Wire Kennel with Double Door and Divider is a flexible starting point, especially for puppies that will grow into an adult XL size. If your dog is fully grown, the New World by Midwest 48-Inch Single Door Crate offers a simple, secure layout. Budget-focused buyers may prefer the MidWest 42-Inch iCrate for a compact footprint, while owners of chewers or escape artists should look at the 48 Inch Heavy Duty Dog Crate. The Extra Large 48 Inch Double Door Pet Cage Kennel suits indoor and sheltered outdoor training. Whichever you choose, measure your dog first and check the crate’s construction and latches before committing. For wider crate training guidance, see How to Crate Train a Dog: A Humane Step-by-Step Plan.
Sources
- General guidance on crate sizing, crate training and choosing the right crate for a dog's size (akc.org)
- Consumer safety information on pet products, including reporting hazards and product recalls (cpsc.gov)
- Veterinary guidance on animal welfare, confinement and responsible use of crates (avma.org)
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.
