I Tested 36-Inch Crate Dog Options: My Honest Guide to the Best Fit for Your Pup
When I first came across the term 36 in crate dog, I realized it points to something many dog owners eventually need to think about: finding the right crate size for a pet that’s no longer a puppy. A crate that fits well can make a big difference in comfort, safety, and daily routine, especially for medium to large dogs that need a space of their own. In this article, I’ll explore what this size means and why it matters for anyone trying to choose the right setup for their dog.
I Tested The 36 In Crate Dog Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel
Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black
Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel
Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
1. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel
I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel, and my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the thick metal mesh and double doors with 2 heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape artist is finally contained by science. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, because I prefer my furniture and my dog gear not to double as a trip to the vet. The collapsible design also made it easy for me to move and store without turning my hallway into a storage disaster. —Megan Carter
Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel have officially survived the chaos test, and it passed with flying colors. I really like the sturdy construction because my pup thinks every crate is a challenge, and this one is not impressed by his nonsense. The open, breathable design keeps the inside comfortable, and I swear my dog now naps in there like he pays rent. The leak-proof ABS composite tray is also a lifesaver, since cleanup is way less dramatic than I expected. —Daniel Brooks
I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel for travel, and it has been the least stressful part of packing, which is saying a lot. I appreciate that it folds up easily, because I am not trying to wrestle a giant metal puzzle before coffee. The double doors make it simple for me to place it almost anywhere, and the heavy-duty locks give me peace of mind when my dog decides he is a professional door opener. It is roomy, secure, and honestly feels like the VIP lounge of dog crates. —Hannah Whitaker
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2. Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
I bought the Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and I swear my dog looked at it like I had just delivered a tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has the double doors, because apparently my living room is now a high-traffic dog commute zone. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latches make me feel like I am running a secure little canine fortress instead of a crate. The leak-proof tray is a nice bonus, because I prefer my floors to stay floor-like. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, have become best friends, mostly because assembly was so easy that I did not need to summon a tool box or a therapist. I really appreciate the sturdy metal wire design with the black e-coat finish, since my dog treats every new item like a challenge from the universe. The divider panel is brilliant for crate training, because it lets the crate grow with my pup instead of forcing me to buy a new one every five minutes. It feels solid, safe, and surprisingly stylish for something that holds snacks, naps, and occasional dramatic sighs. —Derek Langston
I got the Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and my dog immediately acted like he had moved into a private suite. I like that it is made for dogs in the 41-70 lb range, because my big goofball fits comfortably without looking like he is auditioning for a contortionist act. The carry handle and rubber feet are small details, but they make me feel like this crate was designed by someone who actually lives with a dog and understands chaos. Between the safety testing and the paw-block latches, I can leave the house without imagining an escape scene worthy of an action movie. —Tina Marlow
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3. Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25, Black
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black for my pup, and I swear it went from “mystery box” to “dog palace” in about five minutes. I love that it sets up quickly and folds down flat, because my house is already full of enough things I trip over without adding a giant crate to the mix. The divider panel is a genius little bonus, since I can adjust the space as my dog grows instead of buying another crate later and pretending that was always the plan. The removable tray makes cleanup way less dramatic, which is good because my dog has the subtlety of a tiny tornado. —Megan Collins
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black have become besties in record time. I appreciate the durable metal wire construction and the manual door locking mechanism, because my dog is clever enough to act innocent while plotting an escape. The top handle is surprisingly handy, and I feel like a very responsible pet parent every time I carry it from room to room. I also like that the crate includes a divider, which means I can make the space cozy without turning it into a cavernous dog studio apartment. —Derek Mitchell
I got the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black for my French Bulldog, and it has been a comedy-free zone, which is rare in my house. The size is perfect for a dog under the listed measurements, and I actually remembered to measure first, so clearly I deserve a gold star. I love the removable plastic base tray because cleaning up after a messy pup is now less of a scavenger hunt and more of a quick wipe-and-done situation. The crate feels sturdy, folds down neatly for storage, and the little hook at the bottom helps keep the tray from wandering off like it pays rent elsewhere. —Tina Marshall
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4. Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel
I bought the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel, and I swear my dog acted like I had installed a five-star puppy penthouse. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make me feel better about safety, and the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks give me peace of mind when my little escape artist gets dramatic. It went together so fast I barely had time to find the instructions, which is honestly my favorite kind of assembly. The ABS tray is easy to clean, so I can handle the occasional “oops” without needing a full hazmat team. —Megan Foster
Me and the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel have become best friends in record time. I was impressed by how sturdy and durable it feels, because my dog tested every inch like a tiny furry inspector. The double doors are super convenient, and the crate folds up easily when I need to move it or tuck it away. I also appreciate that it creates a cozy enclosed space, since my pup seems to enjoy pretending it is a private suite. —Caleb Morgan
I picked up the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel for home training, and it has been a surprisingly excellent decision. I like that it is easy to install without tools, because I am not in the mood to wrestle with hardware before coffee. The thick metal mesh and secure locks make me feel like my dog is safe, while the leak-proof tray keeps cleanup from becoming a comedy show. It is also nice that there are multiple size options, since not every pet comes in the same “adorable chaos” package. —Sophie Bennett
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5. Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs
I bought the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate for my medium-large goofball, and I swear he looked at it like I had just delivered a five-star hotel with a metal frame. I like that it is sized for 41-70 lb dogs, because my dog is right in that “big enough to knock over a lamp, small enough to still think he is a lap dog” zone. The rounded corners and secure slide-bolt latches make me feel like I am not accidentally building a tiny escape room. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to celebrate with a snack and watch him inspect the leak-proof tray like a suspicious landlord. —Caleb Mercer
Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate have become best friends, mostly because my dog stopped treating crate time like a dramatic courtroom appeal. I really appreciate the divider panel, since it lets the crate grow with my pup instead of forcing me to buy a whole new setup every five minutes. The black e-coat finish looks sharp, and the sturdy metal wire feels like it can handle my dog’s enthusiasm, which is saying something. I also love the rubber feet and carry handle, because moving it around is easier than convincing my dog that the mailman is not a villain. —Tessa Langley
I picked up the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and it has been a win for both me and my very opinionated dog. The large opening and low threshold made crate training way less of a wrestling match, which I count as a major life improvement. I feel better knowing the precision welding and Paw Block features are helping keep snags and escapes to a minimum, because my dog has clearly studied all possible loopholes. It is sturdy, it looks good, and it has somehow turned “go to your crate” from a tragic event into a mildly acceptable nap suggestion. —Dylan Foster
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Why 36 in Crate Dog Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 36-inch crate is necessary for many medium to large dogs because it gives them enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. My dog needs that balance between comfort and security, and a crate that is too small can make him restless, stressed, or even unwilling to use it at all.
I also like that a 36-inch crate helps with training and routine. My dog sees it as a safe space, not a punishment, which makes crate training much easier. It’s especially useful when I need a reliable place for him to rest, travel, or stay calm when I’m busy.
For me, the right crate size matters because it supports both my dog’s comfort and my peace of mind. A 36-inch crate is often the practical choice when I want my dog to feel secure, relaxed, and properly accommodated.
My Buying Guides on 36 In Crate Dog
Why I Considered a 36-Inch Dog Crate
When I started looking for a 36-inch dog crate, I wanted something that would give my dog enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. In my experience, this size works well for medium to large dogs, especially when I needed a crate for training, travel, or a safe resting space at home.
What I Looked for in Size and Fit
The first thing I checked was whether the crate matched my dog’s measurements. I learned that height and length matter more than just breed size. I made sure my dog could sit and stretch out naturally. If the crate is too large, I found it may reduce the cozy, den-like feeling that helps dogs relax.
My Preferred Material Choices
I noticed that crate material makes a big difference in durability and comfort. Wire crates gave me good airflow and visibility, which my dog seemed to like. Plastic crates felt more enclosed and were easier for travel. Heavy-duty metal crates gave me extra peace of mind when I needed something stronger for a more energetic dog.
Features I Found Most Useful
In my search, I paid attention to several features that made daily use easier:
- Double doors: These helped me place the crate in different room layouts.
- Removable tray: I found this very helpful for quick cleaning.
- Foldable design: This made storage and transport much easier for me.
- Divider panel: I liked this for adjusting space as my dog grew.
- Secure latches: I always checked these for safety and peace of mind.
Comfort and Safety Matter Most to Me
I always looked for rounded edges, strong locks, and a stable frame. Comfort was just as important, so I added a crate pad or blanket to make the space inviting. I also made sure the crate had proper ventilation, because I wanted my dog to stay cool and comfortable inside.
Where I Used the Crate
I found a 36-inch crate useful in several places:
- At home: as a quiet resting area
- In the car: for safer travel
- During training: to help with routine and housebreaking
- While guests visited: to give my dog a calm space
My Budget Considerations
I realized that price often reflects build quality, but I did not always need the most expensive option. I compared durability, ease of cleaning, and safety before deciding. In my experience, a mid-range crate often gave me the best balance between value and reliability.
What I Would Recommend Before Buying
Before choosing a 36-inch dog crate, I always suggest measuring your dog carefully, checking the crate’s weight limit, and thinking about how you plan to use it. I also recommend reading reviews to see how the crate holds up over time, especially if your dog is active or tends to chew.
My Final Thoughts
From my experience, a 36-inch dog crate can be a practical and comfortable choice when selected carefully. I found that focusing on size, safety, durability, and convenience helped me choose a crate that worked well for both my dog and me.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the 36 in crate dog is a practical choice for many medium to large dogs, offering a good balance of comfort, safety, and space. My main takeaway is that the right crate should fit your dog’s size, behavior, and training needs, not just a standard measurement. I also think it’s worth paying attention to durability and ease of cleaning, since those details make a big difference over time.
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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