Best Dog Crates For Beagles: Ratings, Reviews & Sizes

When you begin searching for a new best friend, there are many things to consider. How will you get your new buddy home? Where will he spend the day when you go out? Will he have a quiet retreat when guests come over? You can answer all these questions with one carefully considered purchase: the perfect crate.

The perfect crate isn’t a size fits, but if you consider the size and temperament of your pup when he reaches adulthood, you can get something that will be most of his needs. His temperament matters because not every breed tolerates boredom; some are stronger chewers than others. You’ll also need to consider where you’ll locate his crate and how much its appearance matters to you.

Now that you’ve decided on a Beagle consider his adult size and temperament. Beagles are happy-go-lucky dogs in two sizes, either thirteen inches and under or thirteen to fifteen inches. The larger of the two may be as heavy as thirty pounds. Beagles need a crate that allows them space to stand and stretch out comfortably.

At A Glance: Our Favorite Dog Crates For Beagles

Note: Clicking the above links take you to Chewy.com, where you can get additional product information and customer reviews. If you make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Buyer’s Guide

You’ll need to consider several factors when choosing a crate. What’s right for one dog in a situation may not work for the next. Before we review our favorites, we’ve put together information to help you make the right choice for your best friend.

Purpose

First and foremost, decide your primary purpose for this crate. Do you primarily need a carrier to transport your pup? Do you mainly travel by car or via airplane? If you plan to fly frequently with your puppy, you’ll need to purchase an airline-approved travel carrier that conforms to specific standards. In the car, you may prefer a soft-sided model.

If you’re looking for a kennel to which your buddy can retreat when he’s home alone during the day or when he needs a break, you have more options. Your budget and the crate’s portability may steer your decision. Options range from wire crates you can break down and carry like a briefcase to furniture-grade wooden crates.

Construction

Beagles have a well-deserved reputation for stubbornness, and they can be a bit rowdy. They’re hunting dogs, so they were bred to be active. You’ll need to respect the fact he’ll get bored if he’s left alone for prolonged periods and that he’s a reasonably strong chewer.

If you buy a metal wire crate, look for one that is well-constructed and sturdy. Collapsible crates are handy because they are easy to move when broken down, but you’ll need to ensure that when they’re set up, they are sturdy and the clips lock in place firmly. Metal crates generally come with a slide-in metal or plastic tray that provides a flat surface for your dog’s comfort. The tray will also protect your floors by containing any accidents.

Access

You and your pup won’t like your crate if access is difficult. Some crates only have one door, but if you plan to move yours from place to place or use it in the car, you’ll want to consider an option with two entry doors for easy access. This way, no matter which direction you have to orient your crate to fit where you need it, you’ll be able to get your buddy in and out quickly.

You’ll also want to make sure the latches are secure. Double latches on each door are better than a single latch that may allow your pup to push one part of the door open and get a body part trapped. If your dog is an escape artist, look for crates with features designed to thwart his escape.

Size

Beagles are medium-sized dogs, but they’re also active dogs who get bored. You need a crate tall enough for your Beagle to stand with his head up but long and wide enough to turn around, lie down on his side to sleep, and play with a chew toy or two when left alone.

Finding the right size crate for your situation is critical. A crate that’s too small will create a battle between you and your dog. He won’t want to go in if he’s uncomfortable. If the crate is too large, he’ll learn to use one end as a potty area, which will complicate teaching him to go outside and use the bathroom. Additionally, if the crate’s too large, it can be unwieldy to move, and you’ll end up not wanting to take it with you when you travel.

A Beagle’s crate should be manageable enough that you can get it in and out of your car when you need it. A medium or medium-large crate will likely fit him well as an adult, but err towards slightly too large as opposed to slightly too small. Most Beagles need between a 30″ and 36″ wide crate, depending on whether he’s a smaller or larger pup.

Crate Comfort

You’ll want his crate to be comfortable. Many crates come with fitted pads, but if they don’t, you’ll need a pad you can put in for him to relax. Look for something that provides some cushion as he rests but is easy to keep clean. Washable pads or pads with washable covers are ideal.

Comfort also means ventilation and temperature control. Depending on how you use your crate, you’ll want to make sure there’s good airflow and your dog has a way to stay cool (or warm) according to the ambient temperature. For travel or if your crate is in a drafty area, washable covers are available.

Our Favorite Crates For Beagles

Now that you’ve decided what you need a crate to do and what type and size you’d like, let’s take a look at some options for your Beagle. Beagles require a sturdy crate to keep them safe, but there are several designs to choose from.

If you’re bringing home a pup instead of purchasing your crate for an adult dog, you may wish to buy one with a divider. You can use your partition to make the crate smaller while potty training your puppy. If it’s too large, he may try to use the other side of his crate as a potty. Here are some of your favorite crates and the features that put them on our list.

This economical crate has several handy features. The Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Crate has double doors, so you can choose which direction to load it in your car or place it in your home. With two secure latches on each door, your pup is unlikely to get a body part trapped trying to break out. The removable, easy-clean tray makes cleaning a breeze, and the electro-coated finish resists rust.

While this crate is heavier than a soft-sided crate, it is portable and folds easily for travel or storage. The wire bars resist chewing and provide a secure space for your pup to relax. The wire construction allows total ventilation and supports a cover if your dog prefers more of a den-like atmosphere.

We love that this crate has a divider, allowing it to grow with your pup.

The MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Crate is a second wire option that offers easy access with two doors. The wire construction is sturdy and open. The slide-out sturdy plastic tray makes this crate easy to clean. It folds easily for travel or storage and has a sturdy plastic handy to make it easy to carry.

If your Beagle has a bit of Houdini in him and has learned to manipulate latches to let himself out, this crate’s for you. The patented Paw Block design and locking tips on the sliding latches keep your clever boy safely in his crate. The divider allows you to adjust the crate as your pup grows to adulthood.

We love that this crate has plastic feet to protect flooring materials.

If you want your best friend to have a crate where he can keep an eye on his family, but you don’t love the look of portable crates, the Internet’s Best Double Door Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table offers the look of fine furniture with the function of a regular crate. Available in a slightly smaller size than a standard wire crate, this functional crate doubles as an end table, so there’s no wasted space in your room.

Made from wood with wire panels for added security (although we don’t recommend this model for strong chewers), this model comes with a thick pad. Double side doors and a door at the end make it easy to access, no matter where you place it. Reviewers overall lauded this model for its ease of assembly and solid construction.

We love that this crate allows your pup to have his space no matter how formal the room is.

If you spend a lot of time in the car with your Beagle, you may prefer a soft-sided crate for its portability. The EliteField 4-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Crate with Curtains is large enough for your Beagle to stretch out and relax but only weighs fourteen pounds. It comes with a carrying handle and a bag for when it is broken down for storage. It has a durable steel tube frame.

The four-door construction that offers a top load option makes getting your pup in and out of the car while it’s in the car a breeze. Although a soft-sided crate is suitable only for dogs who respect their crate (mesh sides and even locking zippers can be points of failure for chewers or if your dog panics), this cozy option allows adequate ventilation. It also has curtains for dogs who appreciate a den. This crate comes with a soft bed included.

We love that the crate’s fabric is water resistant and easy to clean.

When you need to fly with your Beagle, the SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier provides a safe and IATA (International Air Transport Association) approved option. A single point of entry and exit diminishes the possibility of escape during travel. The nuts and bolts that hold the top and bottom of this crate together are metal so that they won’t break in case of impact.

Metal slats reinforce the plastic crate so your Beagle can’t escape on his voyage. Designed for dogs who are thoroughly crate-trained and comfortable traveling, the SP Travel Kennel features a molded “accident” moat that channels liquids away from your pet during transport. This model comes with two dishes, four live animal stickers, and tie-down holes for bungee cords.

We love this crate’s safety features to keep your Beagle safe and secure in flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good idea to crate train my Beagle?

Yes, crate training is a valuable tool for all dogs and their families, even if you choose not to crate your dog overnight. Not only will it give your Beagle a den to which to retreat, but a crate can reduce anxiety in dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. Beagles can be rambunctious, so if you plan to travel, having him acclimated to relax quietly in his crate makes safe car travel possible. It also means you’ll be able to crate him when you have to leave him home alone confidently, and he can’t have free reign of the house.

How do I measure my Beagle for a crate?

Crate dimensions are generally provided in inches. You’ll have three measurements representing length, width, and height. To get the ideal length size, measure your Beagle from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail (not the end), and add two to four inches.

To measure his height, have him sit. Measure his height from the floor to the top of his head. Add two to four inches to get the necessary height of the crate. If the crate comes with a weight limit, be sure your dog isn’t over the limit.

Can I take these crates on airplanes?

Check with your specific airline for details, but if you fly often, you’ll need an airline-approved carrier. Although most airlines have a provision for small pets to travel as carry-ons, a typical Beagle is too large as an adult for one of these soft-sided carry-on crates. Before purchasing an airline-approved hard-sided carrier, check with your specific airline for the most recent guidance because rules regarding animal transport are subject to change. Be sure your Beagle has the mandatory vaccinations and health certificates to travel to your specific destination.

Can you stack crates?

Never stack a crate with an animal in it, or empty where they could be knocked over and fall. Please don’t leave a crate unattended or unsecured on a high surface with your pup in it. Accidents happen, and it only takes a second.

How long can my Beagle stay in his crate?

Being in his crate during the day is not the same as sleeping in it overnight, but you don’t want to ask him to stay crated too long. Have him close enough when you sleep that you can take him out if he needs to go to the bathroom, and be sure to take him out just before the two of you retire for the evening and as soon as you wake.

Your pup’s daytime stay in his crate should ideally be no more than a few hours. If you work long hours or have a shift that frequently changes so your pup’s never able to adjust his nap time, consider gating a room and creating a safe space for him to play and run around a bit, if necessary, until you return home. His crate will give him a place to nap in that same space, but it isn’t fair to leave him confined for hours.

Final Thoughts

Crate training your pup takes time and patience, so don’t rush with your new Beagle puppy. Once he’s potty trained, your crate will be his safe space that can go with the two of you as you travel. The most versatile pick is a wire crate, and either the budget-friendly Frisco Double Door Crate or the MidWest iCrate Double Door Crate for your escape artist can move from home to vehicle with relative ease.

If, after your Beagle grows up, your lifestyle changes, having a second crate or purchasing one that suits your new needs isn’t the end of the world. Gently used carriers are always in demand on local sale pages, or you may be able to donate your Beagle’s old crate to your local rescue or shelter.