Enclosure Type
dog crate
Floor Space
6 sq ft
Dimensions
36"L × 23"W × 25"H
Verdict
Acceptable ✔️
💰 Typical Price: $40–$90
Our Verdict
A 36" wire crate is appropriate for medium breeds (25-70 lbs) as a training tool and safe retreat — not as permanent housing.
⚠️ Wire Floor Warning: Always add a crate mat, bed, or folded blanket. Bare wire flooring is uncomfortable and causes joint issues in larger breeds over time.
The medium wire crate works well for crate training medium breeds. The divider allows it to grow with a puppy. A crate should never be used as punishment and should not keep an adult dog confined for more than 4-5 hours.
Pros & Cons of the Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
✅ Pros
- Good for medium breeds up to ~70 lbs
- Foldable for travel and storage
- Divider panel for puppies included in most models
- Good ventilation
❌ Cons
- Escape artists can learn to unlatch
- Not chew-proof
- Not a substitute for exercise and free time
What Dogs Need in an Enclosure
Dogs are free-roaming companion animals. Crates are a training tool and safe retreat — not a housing solution. A dog should never be crated for more than 4-5 hours (adults) or 2 hours (puppies). Outdoor kennels must provide shade, weather protection, and socialization — permanent outdoor-only living is considered inhumane for companion breeds.
Recommended Setup for Dogs
Wire crate (breed-sized)Training tool and safe retreat. Buy for adult size; use a divider for puppies.
Orthopedic dog bedImportant for large breeds prone to joint issues. Washable cover is essential.
Baby gatesManages access to stairs, rooms, and kitchen without full confinement.
Outdoor kennel runTemporary outdoor space only — never a permanent substitute for indoor living.
Exercise pen (x-pen)Useful for puppies and small dogs when supervised freedom is limited.
⚠️ Things to Avoid for Dogs
- Using a crate as punishment — destroys crate training association
- Crating for 8+ hours daily — causes psychological harm
- Crates or pens that are too large for puppies (reduces housetraining efficacy)
- Permanent outdoor kennel living for companion breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What size crate does a medium dog need?
A dog's crate should be just big enough to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For most medium breeds (25-70 lbs), a 36" crate with a divider for puppyhood is the right choice. -
How long can a dog be in a crate?
Adult dogs should not be crated for more than 4-5 hours at a stretch. Puppies follow the "age in months + 1" rule: a 3-month puppy should not exceed 4 hours. Crating overnight is generally fine once housetraining is established.
Other Enclosures for Dogs
- 10 Gallon Glass Tank
- 20 Gallon Long Glass Tank
- 40 Gallon Breeder Glass Tank
- 75 Gallon Glass Tank
- DIY Bin Cage (110L / 640+ sq in)
- Single Critter Nation
- Double Critter Nation
- IKEA Detolf Glass Cabinet (converted)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×4 Grids)
- C&C Grid Cage (2×5 Grids)
- Wire Dog Crate (Large — 42")
- Heavy-Duty Escape-Proof Dog Crate
- Cat Tree / Condo (72"+ height)
- Indoor X-Pen / Exercise Pen
- PVC Reptile Enclosure (4'×2'×2')
Can Other Pets Live in a Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")?
- 🐹 Hamster in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🐭 Gerbil in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🐿️ Chinchilla in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🐾 Guinea Pig in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🐇 Rabbit in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🐀 Rat in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🐱 Cat in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")
- 🦎 Bearded Dragon in Wire Dog Crate (Medium — 36")