5 Best Dog Crates For Alaskan Malamutes In 2024

Alaskan Malamutes are fun-loving, curious dogs with a talent for escaping. They require a lot of exercise and a lot of training so that they don’t run the house and you. They aren’t always the easiest dog for beginners, but Alaskan Malamute owners swear by their sweet personalities and funny temperaments.

Alaskan Malamutes are highly athletic, so you’ll have your work cut out for you when trying to wear one out. They’re sled dogs for a reason, and they need to get out and explore with abandon. If you leave a Alaskan Malamute unsupervised, the chances are high that shenanigans will happen.

Many owners use a dog crate to help with training and to prevent damage to the home while out of the house. Dogs can be trained to view the crate as a safe place to retreat and as a protected area to wait and sleep. As long as your Mal isn’t spending long amounts of time in the crate without proper exercise and activity, they’re a wonderful training tool.

It’s okay not to know what to look for in a crate, so let’s get you started. We’ve put together a few of our favorite dog crates for Alaskan Malamutes for 2024 and answered some questions you may have about how to choose and what to expect once you do. Let’s take a look.

What Is A Good Crate Size For Alaskan Malamute?

Crates can be tough to size if you’ve got a puppy, but it’s essential to get the sizing right so that you don’t have to purchase a new one in a few months. your Mal should be able to sit and stand up straight, turn around, and lay down comfortably for the crate to be healthy and safe.

Alaskan Malamutes are usually between 40 to 70 pounds and have a height of around 20 to 23 inches from shoulder to feet. They’ll need a large crate size to an extra large if you want them to lay down during the day while you’re gone.

What To Look For In A Good Dog Crate For Alaskan Malamutes

Crates should be highly sturdy and have no loose parts that can hurt your Mal. Durable materials such as powder-coated metal or plastic help reduce the chances of rust and withstand the elements a little better. They should also have durable closures so that you feel confident leaving your Mal kenneled.

If you don’t have a lot of space to integrate a crate in your living room or you’ll be using it infrequently, a foldable kennel could help reduce storage space and save time. However, foldable enclosures have some weaker spots that an active Alaskan Malamute might discover.

Permanent crate solutions are better able to withstand an enthusiastic Alaskan Malamute, but you’re going to have to consider what type of space you have for the crate. They won’t fit out of sight, and you’ll need to leave them permanently wherever you need them.

You’ll also have to consider the weight of your crate and how easy it is to move around. Metal crates tend to be heavier than plastic, and permanent crates are the heaviest of them all. If you’re moving your crate a lot, consider weight and look for handles to make it easier.

The sizing is critical so consider how big your puppy will get if you’re not purchasing for an adult. Some crates offer dividers to help make the space cozier until your puppy grows fully into the crate, but this isn’t always necessary. Just make sure you ask your vet what the recommendation is for an average size Alaskan Malamute so you can better predict what crate to get.

Different Types Of Dog Crates For Alaskan Malamutes

Not all dog crates are the same, and each type is suitable for different things. You should carefully consider how you’ll be using the crate before deciding on a specific one, so let’s look at all your options.

Wire Crates

Wire crates are classic styles that allow your Mals maximum viewing and are easy to move around. Many of them fold flat for storage and feature easy air circulation. They may not always be suitable for enthusiastic Alaskan Malamutes that can exploit weaknesses, but permanent styles are very strong. They’re also usually pretty affordable and transfer from the house to the car well.

Plastic Crates

Plastic crates are more protective and suitable for traveling. They give your Mal a place to escape from the world and may help calm nerves by providing some isolation. They’re lightweight, but may be more challenging to clean because they’re hard to access from the inside. Be sure the connection between the door and the walls is secure and that your Mal isn’t outside in the elements.

Furniture Style

If you don’t want your crate visible, but you don’t want to take a crate down every morning, furniture styles are a good choice. They often look like a side table but offer your pet a place to lay down out of sight. They’re heavy however and can be very expensive depending on build quality.

Portable Crates

These are designed for short term use in the car or other travel situation and break down once the destination is reached. They won’t work for regular use because they typically don’t have as much room. If you only use a crate in the car, this could be the most appropriate choice.

Overall Best Dog Crates For Alaskan Malamutes

Our top pick is a versatile crate with lots of space and an easy to clean design. It should hold even the most enthusiastic Alaskan Malamutes. Plus, it won’t break the bank, and you won’t sacrifice quality.

Best Overall – New World Pet Products Folding Double Door Metal Dog Crate

This all-purpose crate uses a metal frame with doors on either side to make entering and exiting easy. If you’ve got a senior dog that can’t back up or a confused puppy, this gives you some flexibility. IT has three locks to secure the door at key points and a solid floor that removes for easy cleaning.

It has a rust-resistant finish and a no-chip design that won’t come apart. It’s easy to clean and offers maximum air ventilation for pets when they’re outdoors for a short time. You don’t need tools for assembly, and your pet can see from all sides. This option is extra-large, so your Mal should have plenty of room.

---

4 More Highly Rated Dog Crates For Alaskan Malamutes

Let’s take a look at our other options to see what might suit your Mal. Some have similar styles, and others are best for different types of situations. We’ve got your Mal and your budget covered.

PetMate Navigator Plastic Kennel

The plastic kennel style is excellent for travel, and this one is TSA compliant. It uses a two-piece plastic design that’s easy to assemble and is nut and bold compatible for flight. It offers maximum airflow while protecting your Mal and has an antimicrobial coating that resists odors and bacteria.

A two-way opening door is easy to assemble and is secure enough to handle Alaskan Malamute energy. It’s easy to open and move around so whether it’s your car or a temporary solution in your house, you’re covered. There’s even ventilation on the bottom and top so your pal can breathe easily and not overheat.

---

EliteField 3 Indoor Outdoor Soft Crate

For ultra temporary shelter, the EliteField 3 soft crate is an excellent idea. It’s lightweight and can help separate your Mal for some alone time temporarily or use in the car. The sides and back are a mesh material that allows air to circulate while securing your pet through zippered panels.

It can accommodate pets up to about 85 pounds, so double check your Mal’s weight. It’s suitable for use in the car or tight situations, but it definitely won’t hold a full-grown Alaskan Malamute during the day especially if it’s determined to get out. It’s best if your Mal needs a quiet place to regroup and likes having some time alone. It also folds up for secure storage in your car or home.

---

Merry 2-In-1 Dog Crate

Merry’s dog crate serves double duty as a dog crate and a configurable gate to help keep dogs out of areas where they shouldn’t be. Alaskan Malamutes tend to be escape artists so we can’t guarantee it will keep them out, but you can certainly try. The crate itself is a beautiful wood tone that fits well with most decor and has rust-resistant metal to secure your Mal.

It’s easy to set up as either a kennel or a fence and doesn’t require special tools for the conversion. You unfold the enclosure into a four-part block to be used wherever and whenever you need. Plus, it provides enough space for your Mal to sleep comfortably.

---

MidWest Solutions Series SUV Dog Crate

Our final crate is intended for securing your Mal in the back of your van or SUV. It has plenty of space to move around and places to tie the crate down to secure it. It’s narrower than the standard crate so you can fit two in the back if you need and front and back access door for a secure entry point.

It folds up for secure storage and has a leak-proof pan that you can remove for cleaning. The metal coating resists rust and helps prevent damage. You can get your Mals out from either side and quickly assemble and disassemble the crate when you need to store it.

---

 Related: Best Vacuum For Malamute Hair

Tips For Crate Training Alaskan Malamutes

Crate training is good for Alaskan Malamutes because they can’t get into trouble while you’re gone. Let’s look at how to make the process a little bit easier.

1. Start slow. Make sure your Mal feels comfortable around the crate
2. Leave the crate open for a while and put treats in so your Mal can explore. Don’t close the door yet. Exploring is a critical step.
3. Once your Mal seems comfortable and even lays down inside, begin by closing the door for a few seconds to a few minutes while providing treats.
4. Gradually increase the time your Mal spends inside the crate each day until used to going and staying inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Does My Dog Need A Crate?

Crates serve several purposes if you choose to use them. First, they give your Mal a safe place to go when it feels anxious. It also helps training Alaskan Malamutes to stay off guests or furniture. Crates are also useful for travel and keeping your Mal protected while in transit.

You don’t have to use a crate, but it can be a useful training tool. It could help your Mal establish boundaries and good manners that can translate to a lot of situations. Plus, many owners are hesitant to leave their Alaskan Malamutes unsupervised without some restraint because they love to “explore.”

How Do I Get The Right Size Crate?

Crates should be big enough for your pet to stand and lay comfortably, turn around, and a door big enough to get through comfortably. You’ll need to measure your Mals at several points. First, measure your Mal from the top of the shoulders to the paws for their height and from their nose to the tip of their tail for the length.

Note: if you’re adding a pad or pillow, be sure to add a few inches to that measurement to account for height and length.

How Do I Choose The Right Size For My Puppy?

You’ll want to get a crate that your puppy can grow into, so talk to your vet about the standard sizes for Alaskan Malamutes and if he or she thinks your Mal puppy is on track for that. Choose a crate based on those standards so that you have less risk of having to replace it in just a few short months when your puppy has outgrown it.

How Do I Keep My Dog Safe In The Crate?

Never leave your Mal outside in a crate for an extended period. Exposure to the elements with no shelter can be brutal. Also, make sure your Mal has fresh water available in the crate so that thirst isn’t an issue.

There’s no excuse for purchasing a crate that’s too small. They can cause cramping and mental distress if your Mal is uncomfortable and in pain for long periods of time. Be sure you start slow with the crate when training and offer your Mal plenty of treats to help calm and establish the crate as a safe place.

Conclusion

Alaskan Malamutes and crates are a good combination for a variety of reasons. You can train your Mal to go to the crate when guests arrive or to sleep, and it’s an excellent way for your Mal to wait for you to get home.

Be sure you spend time teaching your Mal to love the crate and go slow. Get the right size so your Mal is comfortable and you’ll have a tool that can reward you with better behavior and a calmer Alaskan Malamute while you’re gone.