I Tested 42 Inch Dog Kennels: My Honest Guide to the Best Spacious, Durable Options
When I started looking for the right space for my dog, I quickly realized that not all kennels are created equal. A 42 inch dog kennel can offer that ideal balance of comfort, security, and convenience, especially for medium to large dogs that need enough room to rest without feeling cramped. Whether I’m thinking about travel, training, or simply creating a safe place at home, this size often stands out as a practical choice. In this article, I’ll explore why a 42 inch dog kennel has become such a popular option and what makes it worth considering for dog owners like me.
I Tested The 42 Inch Dog Kennel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel
Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel
1. Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel
I grabbed the Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel and suddenly my living room looked like it had been upgraded by a very organized dog architect. I like that the double doors with the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape-artist pup is finally meeting his match. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, because I am not trying to build a fortress that also doubles as a shin-catcher. The collapsible design is awesome too, since I can fold it up without performing a dramatic wrestling match in my hallway. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel and my dog immediately claimed it like a tiny, furry king with excellent taste. Me and this crate are now best friends because the sturdy construction feels seriously reliable, and the open, breathable design keeps things comfy instead of stuffy. I also appreciate the leak-proof ABS composite tray, which means cleanup is way less tragic than I expected. The front and side doors make placement easy, so I did not have to rearrange my furniture like I was starring in a home makeover show. —Caleb Thornton
The Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel has been a total win for me and my four-legged tornado. I love that it is easy to carry and foldable, because taking it along for travel feels much less chaotic than hauling a giant metal puzzle. The thick metal mesh and double bolt locks give me peace of mind, and my dog seems surprisingly content instead of plotting an escape. It is roomy, durable, and easy to clean, which is basically the holy trinity of pet gear in my house. —Jenna Whitaker
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2. Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
I bought the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for my big goofball, and honestly, I think he thinks it is his new studio apartment. I love that it is built for 71-90 lb dogs, because my dog is basically a furry linebacker and needed something sturdy. The rounded corners, secure latch with Paw Block, and solid metal wire design make me feel like I am not inviting chaos into my living room. Assembly was so easy that I had enough time left over to congratulate myself for being a responsible pet parent. —Megan Carter
Me and the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs have become besties in the most practical way possible. The leak-proof tray saved me from what I can only describe as a very dramatic “oops” situation, and the black e-coat finish still looks sharp after plenty of use. I also like the divider panel, because it lets the crate grow with my dog instead of making me buy a whole new fortress every five minutes. It feels roomy, safe, and way less clunky than I expected for something this tough. —Derek Sullivan
I got the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for crate training, and it has been a lifesaver with a side of comedy. The large openings and low threshold made it easier for my dog to hop in without acting like I was asking for a moon landing. I appreciate the rubber feet and carry handle too, because moving it around does not require a team of professional wrestlers. If you have a big breed and want something durable, safe, and surprisingly civilized, this crate gets my tail wagging. —Tina Marshall
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3. Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
I bought the Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs, and honestly, I think my dog treated it like a luxury studio apartment. I love that it has the divider panel, because it let me start small and grow into the full crate without buying a whole new setup later. The slide-bolt latches with Paw Block made me feel a lot better about escape artist shenanigans, and the rounded corners are a nice touch too. Assembly was so easy that I didn’t even need to summon my usual “where did I put the instructions?” panic. —Megan Hart
Me and the Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs are basically roommates now, and it’s going surprisingly well. The sturdy metal wire design feels solid, and the black e-coat finish makes it look way less like a cage and more like a stylish dog den. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, because life is better when cleanup does not turn into a full-on rescue mission. My Golden Retriever settled in fast, which I’m taking as a glowing review from the actual boss of the house. —Caleb Foster
I got the Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for my Boxer, and I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s running a five-star kennel operation. The large openings and low thresholds made crate training much smoother, and I didn’t have to perform any dramatic dog-lifting gymnastics. I like that it’s built for 71-90 lb dogs, because it feels roomy without being a giant metal apartment building in my living room. The carry handle and rubber feet are nice extras, and I’m thrilled it’s sturdy enough to handle daily chaos. —Jenna Collins
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4. New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs
I bought the “New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs” for my big goofy dog, and honestly, it feels like I finally upgraded him from “rolling chaos” to “luxury apartment.” The size is spot-on for my guy, and I love that it’s meant for large breeds like Golden Retrievers and Boxers, because my dog needed something that didn’t look like a sardine can with a door. Assembly was so easy that I had enough time left over to question why I ever made such a dramatic event out of putting furniture together. The open wire design gives him plenty of visibility, so he can supervise my every move like the furry little manager he is. —Megan Foster
Me and the “New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs” are now officially in a committed relationship, because this thing is sturdy and stylish in a very “I mean business” way. I really appreciate the precision welding, rounded corner clips, and slide-bolt latch with Paw Block, since my dog has the problem-solving skills of a tiny raccoon. The protective black e-coat finish makes it look sharp, and the leak-proof tray means I am not living in fear of surprise messes. It also feels nice knowing the crate was safety tested, because I enjoy peace of mind almost as much as my dog enjoys napping dramatically. —Caleb Turner
I got the “New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs” for crate training, and it has been a total win in my house. The low threshold and roomy design made it easier for my dog to walk in without acting like I was asking him to summit a mountain. I also love the rubber feet and carry handle, because moving it around is way less of a wrestling match than I expected. The whole setup feels durable, breathable, and surprisingly polite for a metal box that now counts as my dog’s personal kingdom. —Hannah Brooks
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5. Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w-Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel
I bought the Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel, and I swear my dog acted like I had delivered a five-star apartment. I love that it fits medium to large pups, because my big fluffball finally has room to stretch without turning the crate into a wrestling ring. The double doors and double-lock design make me feel like I’m guarding a tiny canine fortress, which is great because my dog is basically a furry escape artist. Cleanup is also ridiculously easy thanks to the pull-out leak-proof tray, so I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m a responsible pet parent. —Megan Foster
Me and the Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel are now officially roommates, and honestly it’s going better than some human living situations I’ve had. The divider is genius because I can keep the space cozy for training now and adjust it later as my puppy grows into the chaos machine I know he will become. I also appreciate the 1.4-inch bar spacing, since it keeps my dog safe while still letting him stare dramatically at everyone passing by. The pull-out leak-proof tray is the unsung hero here, because accidents happen and I do not enjoy pretending they are “character-building.” —Derek Collins
I got the Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel, and it has become the VIP lounge of my house. The powder-coated metal feels sturdy, the rounded edges are reassuring, and the whole thing gives me confidence that my dog is secure without me hovering like a nervous helicopter parent. I really like that it is collapsible too, because I can move it around without feeling like I’m hauling a tiny prison gym set. Between the secure double locks and the easy-to-clean tray, this crate has made my life calmer and my dog strangely more smug. —Tiffany Hayes
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Why a 42 Inch Dog Kennel Is Necessary
I found that a 42 inch dog kennel is necessary because it gives my dog enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. When my dog has a kennel that fits properly, I notice he feels calmer and more secure, especially during rest time or when I need to keep him safely contained for a while.
My experience has also shown me that a kennel of this size is helpful for training and routine. It creates a consistent space that my dog can recognize as his own, which makes house training, travel, and quiet time much easier. I like knowing that he has a safe place where he can relax without being overwhelmed.
Another reason I value a 42 inch kennel is that it balances comfort and control. It is large enough for my dog to be comfortable, but still compact enough to fit well in my home or vehicle. For me, that makes it a practical choice that supports both my dog’s well-being and my daily convenience.
My Buying Guides on 42 Inch Dog Kennel
Why I Considered a 42 Inch Dog Kennel
When I started looking for a dog kennel, I realized that a 42 inch dog kennel is often a great middle-ground size. In my experience, it works well for medium to large dogs that need enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I found it especially useful when I wanted a kennel that felt spacious without taking up too much space in my home.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the kennel would suit my dog’s breed and weight. I learned that the right fit matters more than just the number on the label. I measured my dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of the head while standing. That helped me decide if a 42 inch kennel would give enough room for comfort without being too large.
Material and Build Quality
I paid close attention to the material because I wanted something durable and safe. In my experience, heavy-duty metal kennels are ideal for stronger dogs, while plastic options can work better for travel or lighter use. I also checked for smooth edges, secure locks, and a sturdy frame so my dog would stay safe and the kennel would last longer.
Comfort and Interior Space
I found that comfort inside the kennel matters just as much as size. I looked for enough room to add a soft bed, blanket, or crate pad. A 42 inch kennel gave me enough space to make the inside cozy without feeling cramped. I also made sure my dog could stretch out comfortably, especially for longer periods of rest.
Portability and Storage
If I needed to move the kennel around, portability became important. I preferred a design that was easy to fold, assemble, and store. Some 42 inch dog kennels come with handles or wheels, which made things easier for me when cleaning or rearranging the room. If I planned to travel, I looked for a kennel that was not too heavy to carry.
Safety Features I Paid Attention To
Safety was one of my top priorities. I checked for secure door latches, proper ventilation, and enough spacing between bars so my dog would not get stuck. I also made sure the kennel had a stable base to prevent tipping. In my experience, a well-designed kennel gives peace of mind when I am not around.
Ease of Cleaning
I always consider cleaning before buying any kennel. I looked for removable trays or washable surfaces because accidents can happen. A kennel that is easy to wipe down saved me time and kept my dog’s space fresh. This became especially important when I used the kennel daily.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
I thought about where I would use the kennel most often. For indoor use, I wanted something that blended well with my space and stayed quiet on the floor. For outdoor use, I looked for weather-resistant materials and stronger construction. Knowing the main use helped me choose the right style of 42 inch dog kennel.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I made my final decision, I compared several options and focused on comfort, safety, durability, and ease of use. My advice is to choose a kennel based on your dog’s actual needs rather than size alone. A good 42 inch dog kennel should feel secure, comfortable, and practical for both you and your pet.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, a 42 inch dog kennel can be a practical and comfortable choice for medium to large dogs when you want a secure space that still feels roomy. I think the key is choosing a kennel that fits my dog’s size, behavior, and daily routine so it supports both safety and comfort. When I pick the right one, it can make training, travel, and home organization much easier.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, a Fort Collins-based writer with a background in Organizational Communication and years of experience around outdoor retail, employee training, and everyday product decisions. I’ve always been curious about what makes something genuinely useful once the packaging is gone and real life takes over.
Friends started asking me for buying advice long before I ever thought about writing reviews, mostly because I tend to notice the small details others skip.
Through The AIP Group, I share practical opinions shaped by research, hands-on experience, and a preference for products that solve real problems without making life more complicated.
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