When it comes to providing a safe and comfortable space for your Labrador, the right crate is essential. With various types available, it can be challenging to determine which one is right for your Lab and family.
It’s important to invest in a quality crate that meets your dog’s needs and preferences. Carefully consider the characteristics and features of different crates before making a final decision. This will ensure that your Labrador has a secure and comfortable place to rest and relax.
When considering the best crate for raising a Labrador, the Midwest Homes Dog Crate stands out as a top choice due to its combination of quality, features, and value.
The divider panel included allows you to use the crate for your puppy from the time they are 8 weeks old until they are fully grown. Additionally, the option for a two-door version adds even more versatility. This crate is ideal for growing with your Labrador, ensuring they have a safe and secure space throughout their development.
When choosing a crate for your Labrador, make sure to select one that is strong and durable, has a partition panel to adjust the size as your pup grows and is of appropriate size, ideally at least 42 inches to accommodate a fully grown Lab comfortably.
Here are some of the best options for you depending on your budget and what you are looking for in a crate.
| Our Picks | Brands |
|---|---|
| Best Overall Dog Crate | MidWest Homes Dog Crate |
| Best Heavy Duty Dog Crate | Haige Pet Heavy Duty Dog Crate |
| Best Decrotive Dog Crate | Merry Products Dog Crate |
| Best Travel Dog Crate (Hard) | Petmate Ruffmaxx Outdoor Crate |
| Best Travel Dog Crate (Soft) | AmazonBasics Premium Portable Crate |
If you are looking for a dog crate for your Labrador, it is important to choose one that is durable, has a removable divider, and can accommodate their full size. The MidWest Homes Dog Crate offers all of these features and is a great option for your Labrador, as it allows for proper crate training from puppyhood to adulthood, with a removable divider, easy-to-clean floor pan, and comes in a 2-door version for added convenience.
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The Haige Pet Heavy Duty Dog Crate may come with a higher price tag compared to other options, but it is constructed with more durable materials such as heavy-duty stainless-steel and features a non-toxic finish.
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The Merry Products Dog Crate is a stylish dog crate that can blend well with home decor, it is designed to provide a comfortable space for your Labrador and has a luxurious aesthetic. It is made of wood veneer but reinforced with powder coated black steel for increased durability and breathability.
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The Petmate Ruffmaxx Outdoor Crate is a great choice for those who need a portable and durable option for traveling with their Lab. It has a spacious design and ample ventilation for your pet’s comfort. It is also a convenient option for keeping a second crate in the house, where it can serve as a designated space for your dog to have some alone time or for keeping in different rooms of the house for convenience.
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The Amazon Basics Premium Portable Crate is a versatile and practical choice for any Labrador owner. It is suitable for various situations such as traveling, camping, or having a spare crate in the house. It is easy to store as it collapses and it comes with a plush fleece-covered pet bed, that ensure your Lab would feel comfortable and love this crate.
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When choosing a crate for your dog, it’s important to consider more than just customer reviews. Other factors to consider include the material, construction, cost and the intended use of the crate. Evaluate what is important for your specific needs, whether that’s durability for frequent traveling or a crate that will blend in with your home decor.
Use the information below to help you know which of these characteristics is essential for you and your Lab.
When considering the material of a crate, wire is the best choice for a Labrador. Here are a few reasons why you might consider a wire crate:
Wire crates aren’t the only crate options for Labradors. Plastic and wooden crates are also very popular.
Travel crates made of soft materials are a popular option, but they may not be the best choice as a primary crate for a Labrador. They work well as a secondary crate or for travel. They offer a more comfortable environment for your dog, however, they can be harder to clean.
When choosing a crate for your Labrador, it’s important to consider the lifespan of your dog. The material the crate is constructed from will play an important role in its durability and longevity. Wire or metal crates tend to be more sturdy and long-lasting than wooden, fabric or plastic ones. Especially if your Labrador is a heavy chewer, a metal crate might be a better option to avoid it from being destroyed easily.
Price can be an important consideration when selecting a dog crate for your Labrador, it’s important to find a balance between quality and cost. Look for a crate that has the features and design you need, but also fits within your budget. However, it’s not always a guarantee that a higher price means higher quality, while it’s more likely that the crates with higher prices are made of sturdier materials and built to last longer, always evaluate the product and research the brand before making a decision.
When selecting a crate for your adult Labrador, it’s important to ensure that it will provide adequate space as they will grow to be around 20 inches in height and typically weigh between 60 to 75 pounds. A 42 inches crate is generally recommended for an average-sized Labrador.
However, you should use the following guidelines to adjust for your dog’s specific needs.
It’s crucial to select the appropriate size of crate for your Labrador to ensure the comfort and safety of your pet. The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped, but not too spacious that it makes them feel insecure. Therefore, it’s important not to guesstimate the size of the crate, but to measure your Labrador correctly before making a purchase.
Follow the steps below to figure out what size of crate you need for your Labrador:
Many dog owners choose to bring home a puppy instead of an adult dog, for this reason, it’s important to choose a crate that allows for growth by having dividers, so that you don’t need to purchase multiple crates as the puppy grow.
It’s important to note that putting a puppy in a large crate might result in some behavioral issues such as potty accidents, as they may have too much space to perform their needs, rather than using the designated area of the crate.
When bringing home a puppy, it’s helpful to predict its adult size by taking the measurements of its mother and father, as they usually inherit the same size.
For female puppies, pay attention to the size of the mother, and for male puppies, the father. Then, purchase an adult crate that will suit your puppy’s adult size with the help of those measurements and make sure that it has adjustable dividers to adapt the size of the crate to the puppy’s growth.
It is best to know the height and length of the puppy’s parents to help you select the size of crate your puppy will need; however, if you only know their weight, that will be okay. Use this table to help you figure out the size of the crate you might need based on the weight of the parent:
| Parent’s Weight | Crate Size (for length) |
| 40 – 70 lbs. | 36-inch crate |
| 70 – 90 lbs. | 42-inch crate |
| 90 – 110 lbs. | 48-inch crate |
Crate training is an effective way to provide a sense of security and safety for a Labrador, but it is important to remember that it is a small and confined space and should not be used for prolonged periods of time. Young puppies should spend no more than 3-4 hours a day in their crate, not counting the hours they spend sleeping in it overnight.
Use this table as a guideline for how long you should keep your Lab in its crate during the day:
| Age of Labrador | Length of Time in Crate |
| 9 to 10 Weeks Old | 30 Minutes to 1 Hour |
| 11 to 14 Weeks Old | 1 to 3 Hours |
| 15 to 16 Weeks Old | 3 to 4 Hours |
| 17+ Weeks Old | 4+ Hours |
Creating a positive association with the crate is crucial for successful crate training. The goal is to make the crate a comfortable and inviting place for your Labrador to rest. Avoid using the crate as a punishment as it can negatively impact your dog’s perception of the crate and make it harder for them to relax while in it.
Here are a few ways to make a crate more comfortable for your Labrador:
A dog crate plays an important role in the process of house training your Labrador, as well as providing a safe and comfortable place for your dog to sleep. By identifying your specific needs and preferences in a crate, you can make an informed decision on the one that will be the best fit for your household.
The tips and recommendations above can guide you through this process and help you find a crate that meets your dog’s needs and yours as well.