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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
The large yet friendly Great Dane has been around for over 400 years. Originally bred to hunt large prey (deer and wild boar) and guard estates, these gentle giants are now purely bred for companionship. And even though these loyal family members are enormous, it’s still possible to crate train them.
As one of the largest dog breeds, Great Danes need a lot of space to lie down and unwind. When looking for a large crate for a full-grown Great Dane, it’s best to purchase one with enough length to allow these lovable giants to turn around and lay flat. Great Danes are also prone to callouses and drooling, so it’s essential to consider their comfort and the ease of cleaning when choosing a crate.
To learn more about Great Danes and what they need in a crate, we spoke with Dr. Iram Gladan, DVM, a veterinarian, current Ph.D. researcher, and writer for Breed Atlas. With her feedback, we compiled a list of the best crates for Great Danes with their comfort and security in mind.
Best Overall: MidWest Homes Single Door Dog Crate for XXL Dog Breeds
When it comes to crates for Great Danes, many pet parents recommend this extra-large crate made of durable black metal. “Heavy-duty metal crates made from the strongest and thickest wire possible are often the best choice for the breed,” says Dr. Gladan. “Such crates have the requisite durability and ventilation and are strong enough for a large, powerful dog. Using a plastic crate might be a bad idea, as it will not have proper ventilation and the durability necessary for the breed.”
Measuring 54 inches in length, this crate has a single front door with three heavy-duty latches for safety. The removable plastic tray at the bottom makes cleaning up messes—and drool—easy.
What to Know:
- Dimensions: 54 inches (L) x 37 inches (W) x 45 inches (H)
- Made of strong metal wire
- Removable plastic pan for quick cleanup
- Uses a drop-pin construction for optimum durability
- Requires two people to assemble
Best for Great Dane Puppies: MidWest Homes Life Stages Metal Dog Crate With Divider Panel
A similar design by MidWest Homes, the Life Stages model includes a divider panel so you can close off parts of the crate until your Great Dane puppy grows into the space. Having a crate with a divider is a cost-efficient way to use the same crate throughout your dog’s life without worrying about them having accidents in the extra space while they’re still potty training.
While this crate is slightly smaller than the MidWest crate above, the largest size spans 48 inches in length, which might just work for “smaller” adult Great Danes. And if you end up having to replace it for a larger size, this is still one of the most affordable XXL crates around.
What to Know:
- Dimensions: 48 inches (L) x 30 inches (W) x 33 inches (H)
- Offers a divider to prevent puppy potty accidents
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- Includes durable protective rubber feet and a carrying handle
Best Double Door: Frisco XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Dog Crate
If you’re looking for a double-door option, Frisco’s XX-Large Heavy Duty Wire Crate is a nice fit for Great Danes. Also 54 inches in length, it allows a full-grown Dane to move around without feeling too contained, which Dr. Gladan says is a must. “A crate that is too undersized can make a dog extremely uncomfortable and, thus, anxious and even promote physical problems.”
This crate is designed for dogs over 90 pounds and has drop-pin hinges for safety and durability. There are two doors, one on the front and the other on the side, for easy entry and exit. Both doors feature three L-shaped, slide-bolt safety latches.
What to Know:
- Dimensions: 54 inches (L) x 36.5 inches (W) x 44.75 inches (H)
- Two doors allow extra-large dogs to better enter and exit the crate
- Comes with a removable plastic base
- No tools are required to assemble
Best with Wheels: Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Foldable & Stackable Steel Metal Single Door Dog Crate
Giant crates can be heavy to move around, so having one with wheels can make it a bit easier to maneuver around your house. This foldable steel crate features four wheels and built-in foot brakes for easy locking to keep it stationary. The removable plastic tray is ideal for cleaning messes and slobber, and you can even place a dog crate bed on top of it for extra comfort.
This crate weighs over 100 pounds, however, so you’ll need some help assembling it and moving it when it’s packed down. The raised platform might also take some getting used to for some pups, but that’s where your training plan can help. “Introduce the crate to the Great Dane very gradually,” advises Dr. Gladan. “At first, let them explore the crate freely. Start slowly establishing a very positive association between the dog and the crate by using feeding or treats.”
What to Know:
- Dimensions: 54 inches (L) x 23.5 inches (W) x 31 inches (H)
- Wheels make it easy to move inside
- Includes a removable plastic tray for the inside
- Made of durable coated metal
- Weighs over 100 pounds and requires two people to move and assemble
Best Collapsible: Impact Collapsible Crate
Impact’s 54-inch Collapsible Dog Crate is large enough to fit a full-sized Great Dane and provides proper ventilation through the airholes on the sides. At 70 pounds, this sturdy aluminum dog crate is large and durable enough to handle the size and muscle of Great Danes. “Great Danes can exert a lot of force, and a robust build is a must to avoid flattening or breaking while the dog is inside,” points out Dr. Gladan.
The crate features a carrying handle on top for easy transportation, whether the crate is assembled or collapsed. When collapsed, it folds down to 8 inches in height, making it convenient for travel or storage.
What to Know:
- Dimensions: 54.5 inches (L) x 35.5 inches (W) x 42 inches (H)
- Easy assembly with no tools required
- May not be the best for high-anxiety dogs
- Available in 5+ colors
Best for Travel: Rock Creek Gates Stationary Dog Crate
This Stationary Dog Crate by Rock Creek Gates offers an excellent crash-tested travel crate for extra-large dogs. The length does only span 48 inches, however, so it’s better suited for Great Danes who fall on the smaller end of the average breed size. If that’s your Dane, this aluminum crate has a lot to love. For starters, it holds a five-star crash test rating from the Center for Pet Safety, and it comes with a whopping 10-year warranty for extra security.
This crate is tough, too. An internal welded aluminum frame holds everything together, and an ultra-thick door with bars and a lockable door latch keeps escape artists inside. Plus, the crate comes fully assembled so you’ll be able to hit the road in no time! And, if you’re planning on flying with your Dane, the crate can become airline-compliant with a kit the company sells separately.
What to Know:
- Dimensions: 48 inches (L) x 32.25 inches (W) x 35 inches (H)
- Crash tested by the Center for Pet Safety
- Sturdy travel crate for road trips and flying (with additional kit)
- Includes a 10-year warranty
