Looking for the best dog crate for your Labrador Retriever? Finding the perfect dog crate for your Lab can be a challenge! Labs come in all different shapes and sizes, which means it can be difficult to find the perfect fit. Your Labrador deserves a place to rest his gorgeous head and get a good night’s sleep.
Perhaps your goal for crating your pup is not just for resting? Maybe it’s just to keep his mischievous antics under control while you have to leave him for a few hours. Whatever your reason, here we have found the best dog crates for Labradors for every need.
We’ve looked at what separates a good quality crate from a bad one. And we have put all that information into a buying guide so that you feel confident in picking the right option. We have spent many hours researching the net and discovered all the different crate options that would be best for your Lab.
At A Glance: Our Favorite Dog Crates For Labs
Best Value Pick
Frisco Dog Crate
Heavy Duty Pick
Frisco Heavy Duty
Soft Sided Pick
Firstrax Soft Sided Crate
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Buyer’s Guide
Here is where we will show you what factors you need to consider when choosing the best crate for your Labrador. The Labrador is a large dog, and what he needs from a crate isn’t going to be the same as a crate for a Chihuahua.
With so many crates available on the market, knowing what to look for and understanding what you need can make your decision-making process much easier. And ultimately, ensure that Fido gets what he needs and you get value for your money.
Crate Purpose
Firstly, you need to think about why you want to buy a crate. Is it for him to use in the home, either as his chill-out zone or his new bed? If so, you’ll want a wire or furniture style crate, depending on your décor needs. Or do you need a travel or portable crate? If so, you want a soft-side crate that is lightweight, easily transportable, and will slot into your vehicle for him to sit safely. If you plan on traveling frequently for longer distances, look for a crash-resistant crate to protect your pup.
Crate Construction
Labradors are large-sized dogs who can be surprisingly powerful when they want to be. As such, you’ll want to look for a durable and robust crate that can withstand any escape attempts. Not all Labs will need an indestructible crate, but these good boys will still need a high-quality one so that it stands the test of time. While you can opt for a lightweight soft-sided crate for outside and training activities, ideally you’ll be looking at a wire or steel dog crate for indoors.
Crate Size
At maturity, the Lab will measure between 55 and 80 pounds, making him a large breed. Each product will have its own measurements, so be sure to measure your Lab before placing an order. He should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Remember that just because the description says it is suited to a Lab, doesn’t mean it is the right size for your Lab. Generally speaking, most 42-inch dog crates will work perfectly for Labradors.
Crate Comfort
Once you have ascertained the above points, you also need to think about his comfort. If it isn’t comfortable for him, he isn’t going to use it. Some beds come with a comfortable base or pillow, but some don’t. Invest in a simple mattress bed to put inside the crate, and he’ll be a forever happy Lab. For extra comfort, chuck in some pillows. Avoid blankets, as some blanket materials can encourage your Lab to chew.
Activity Levels
The Labrador is an energetic dog who needs to be exercised for at least an hour daily. And for him to enjoy his crate, he needs to be in a state of relaxation, not about to go crazy with pent up energy. By chucking him into his crate without exercise is a recipe for disaster, and it’ll turn his crate from his happy place to his not-so-happy place. It could also cause injuries, too, if he tries to bite his way through the wire.
Our Favorite Labrador Crates
Here we have the best dog crates for the Labrador Retriever. We have something here for every need, including wire crates, soft-sided crates, and furniture style crates. As you read through them, think about whether they tick all of your boxes mentioned in the buying guide. And that way, you’ll find the best option for you. In no particular order, here they are.
Frisco Double Door Wire Dog Crate
- Double doors for easy access.
- Rounded corners for safety.
- Fold and carry for easy transport.
- Divider panel to allow for growth.
- Easy to put together and takedown.
- Folds flat with adjustable handles.
- Several sizes for different sized Labs.
This crate is labeled as heavy-duty, so it is strong enough to withstand the Lab and his bouncy energy. The wire is thicker and heavier than other standard crates, so it should stand up to your pooch. The larger crate size for your Lab comes with dual locks to keep him contained when you need to. The wire is electro-coated, meaning that it will last longer too.
The edges are rounded for your Lab’s safety to prevent him from catching himself. It is a collapsible crate, meaning you can fold it down and take it with you, and it is easy to carry thanks to the handles. And the pan is removable for easy cleanup, and it comes with a divider for pup usage. It has double doors, which means it can fit anywhere for easy placement.
We love that this crate is designed to be heavy-duty, meaning it is ideal for crate training without the need for barred cages. It’s a great crate for almost any dog and pops up on our list of top crates for Golden Retrievers and other breeds.
MidWest Fold and Carry Dog Crate
- Solid wire construction.
- Easy access double doors.
- ABS handles for easy carry.
- Breaks down and sets up easily.
- Divider panel so puppies can grow.
- Removable pan is easy to clean.
- Secure slide bolt latches.
Here we have another ideal wire crate option for the Lab. This crate is not described as heavy-duty like the above crate is. But instead, it boasts other features. It comes with four rubber feet, which not only protects your floors against scratches, but also prevents slipping as your Lab climbs in and out. This is ideal for injured or elderly Labs.
It also comes with a one-year limited warranty, so you can be sure that the durability is better than many others on the market. This option comes with double doors, meaning your pup can climb in from any angle. It is collapsible with handles, and the plastic pan is described as leak-proof. Simply wash it down with a damp cloth and mild cleanser, and slide it back in.
We love that this crate comes with a divider option so that their crate can grow in size as your Lab develops. This means this crate could be the only one he ever needs.
Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Crate
- Heavy duty for anxious Labradors.
- Made with 22 gauge steel.
- Steel is 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Great for dogs that are prone to escape.
- Lockable casters.
- Single point of entry.
- Stylish hammer tone finish.
This option is the ultimate crate, and it is made with thick 22-gauge steel half-inch diameter steel tubing. It is powder-coated for extra durability, and it is rust-proof too. The stress points have been welded for even more strength, and it is resistant against scratches and dents. This crate can handle your troublesome Houdini hound with no issues.
It has dual locks for extra security, and the hinges are placed out of the way of pups who can lick locks out of place. This design gives you absolute peace of mind knowing that both your Lab and your furniture are safe. This crate is pretty heavy, but thankfully it has lockable wheels so that you don’t have to break your back moving it. And it also has a slide-out tray for easy cleaning.
We love that this crate is the better option for mischievous Labs who are forever trying to break free from their crate.
Firstrax Soft Sided Dog Crate
- Three points of entry.
- Great for indoor and outdoor crate training.
- Washable material.
- Water-resistant base.
- Mesh walls allow proper airflow.
- Easy to assemble and break down.
- Heavy-duty zippers.
Here is our top soft-sided pick. Although you won’t necessarily be carrying this crate with your Lab inside, the frame is made out of steel tubing to support his weight so you could. The base is durable and water-resistant, meaning your floors and car seats are protected, and it can be easily cleaned too. The material is lightweight for easy transportation, and it is super easy to set up in seconds.
There are top, front, and side doors, and they are lockable with heavy-duty zippers. The windows are secure with meshed material, which helps keep him cool in warmer months or when placed in your vehicle. The corners are rounded for floor, vehicle, and pooch protection. It is also machine washable, simply remove the steel tubing and put it in the machine on a gentle wash.
We love that this crate is the best soft-sided option for the Lab and his traveling needs.
Merry Products Furniture Dog Crate
- Furniture style dog crate.
- Looks stylish in any home.
- Plenty of tabletop space.
- Perfect for small to medium-sized Labs.
- Crate can be removed when broken down.
- No tool assembly.
- Heavy duty construction.
This is our stylish option for those Labs and their owners who aren’t too keen on the sight of wire crates but need one. This crate is configurable in that you can open it up completely to act as a room divider, meaning it is a crate and gate option. It is made with wood, so it blends into any décor. This crate also doubles up as an end table to place a few books or décor pieces on.
You can put it up with no tools, the doors slide into place, and they are secured with pins that slide in and out. It has a slidable bottom tray to allow for easy cleanup and floor protection. This option comes with a one-year warranty, meaning you can be assured it is a good quality product. This product is only suitable for those Labs who are well behaved in a crate.
We love that this crate offers all Lab owners the functionality of a crate and the style that looks great in any room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Searching for a crate is not as simple as purchasing a toy for your Lab. There are many things to think about to make sure that you get the best option for you and your Lab. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Do I need to crate train my Labrador?
If you want to use a crate, you need to crate-train your Lab for sure. Putting him in the crate without the proper introduction process will only make him feel anxious about it and ruin the chances of him liking it. Make sure that you let him sniff it out and lay in it of his own accord. As soon as he climbs inside, praise him, and the rest should be simple. Be sure to read up on how to crate train, and with consistency, your Lab will get there in no time.
How long can my Labrador stay in his crate?
No dog should spend any longer than a few hours at a time in their crate. A crate is there for his comfort and safety, not for locking him in for the whole day. This will cause him to become fearful of his crate, which is often why destructive behavior starts. Here are general guidelines for how long your Lab can stay in his crate:
- 8 – 10 Weeks: 30 – 60-minute training sessions
- 11 – 14 Weeks: 1 – 3-hour training sessions
- 15 – 17 Weeks: 3 – 4-hour training sessions
- 17+ Weeks: 4-hours at a time
Keep in mind that size really doesn’t determine how long your pup should stay in their crate. We recommend the same time allotments of crating your Lab, regardless of their size.
My Lab suffers from separation anxiety, what should I do?
It’s not uncommon for dogs to suffer from separation anxiety, especially a breed as loyal as the Labrador. The metal crates that are described as heavy-duty options are suitable. On the other hand, your pup may do better with a crate suited for overly anxious pups.
Is crate training cruel?
No, neither crate training nor the use of crates is cruel. In fact, dogs naturally crave the security of a den. And once they know that it is safe for them to use, rarely will they hesitate to climb in. As with anything training related, use the positive reinforcement method to train your Lab.
My Labrador doesn’t want to get in, what can I do?
If your attempts of crate training him have failed. Or all of a sudden, he has changed his mind about climbing in, fear not Lab owner. Try adding another layer of comfort, either in the form of a bed or extra blankets and pillows. If comfort is not the issue, add an item of your worn clothing or a pillow from your bed. This will add your scent to his crate, and it should entice him in.
Are crates safe for Labradors?
Yes, crates are safe for all dogs, as long as they need to have room to move, stand up and turn. You will notice that many crate guidelines state that dog collars, tags, and leashes should be removed when he is inside to avoid him becoming trapped.
Can I take my Labrador on an airplane with these crates?
Probably not. Each airline has its own set of guidelines for traveling with dogs. So before you buy a crate, be sure to contact your airline to check the suitability. Labs are generally too big to fit inside any carrier that’s certified for in-cabin flights.
Final Thoughts
The Labrador is the nation’s favorite. This means it’s only fair to return the favor by finding the best dog crate for your Lab. With our above recommendations, you can be sure that no matter what his needs are, there is something here to suit your pup. Be sure that it ticks off all of your boxes in finding the right one, and measure him before making a purchase.
Always pick the best option that you can afford to increase your chances of longevity and better value for your money. But you can be sure that after you have crate trained him, he will love his new space with one of the above crate choices. So much so, that in the morning, you might not be able to get him out of it.
