When it comes to picking the perfect dog kennel, sturdiness is one of the most important factors to consider. A sturdy dog kennel will be durable, escape-proof, and able to withstand your dog’s activity level. The right kennel can give you peace of mind when your furry friend needs to be contained.
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What makes a dog kennel sturdy?
There are a few key features that contribute to a sturdy dog kennel design:
- Thick steel wire construction – Kennels made with thicker gauge steel wire are more durable and harder to bend or break. 14 or 16 gauge wire is ideal.
- Secure door latches – Doors that securely latch closed with more than one mechanism are harder for dogs to accidentally open.
- Limited access points – Kennels with fewer places for dogs to bite or claw at the edges will hold up better.
- Powder coated finish – Powder coating helps protect the steel wire from rust and corrosion.
- Stable base – A wide, flat bottom provides stability so the kennel doesn’t easily tip.
High quality locking mechanisms and tightly welded construction at stress points also improves sturdiness. Avoid flimsy plastic trays or weak points that could break with continuous force.
The top sturdy dog kennel picks
With the sturdy construction features in mind, here are my top picks for the most durable dog kennels:
MidWest iCrate Double Door Folding Metal Dog Crate
My top choice overall is the MidWest iCrate double door folding crate made with heavy gauge steel. It has a durable plastic pan tray and secure slide bolt latches. The two door design is very convenient for access. It folds flat for storage and comes in lots of size options for everything from a small puppy to giant breed dog.
SmithBuilt Heavy Duty Dog Cage
For a super sturdy crate, the SmithBuilt heavy duty dog cage is virtually indestructible. It uses thick industrial gauge steel with a 5 point lock system on the door. There are no exposed edges or weak spots. It also has a lifetime warranty! This crate is very heavy so it’s not collapsible, but it will contain the strongest escape artist dogs.
Impact Case Collapsible Dog Crate
The Impact Case collapsible crate is made from high-density polyethylene plastic instead of wire. The thick, heavy plastic panels are very chew-proof and won’t bend like metal. It has a folding design with latched doors and is easy to set up and take down. Keep in mind that plastic kennels have less airflow than wire.
Choosing the right sturdy kennel size
Picking the right kennel size for your dog is also key. Here are some sizing guidelines:
- Measure your dog from tip of nose to base of tail.
- Add 2-4 inches for small dogs, 4-6 inches for medium dogs, 6-8 inches for large breeds.
- Height should be enough for your dog to freely stand, turn and sit.
- Too much extra space allows room for potty accidents.
- Consider future growth if your dog is young.
And make sure to select a kennel designed for your dog’s weight range and labeled as escape proof if they are known escape artists.
Conclusion
The most critical factors in choosing a sturdy dog kennel are thickness of steel wire or plastic, secure door locks, limited access points for escape, and overall structural integrity. My top picks based on these sturdy construction features are the MidWest iCrate double door folding crate for convenience, SmithBuilt heavy duty cage for ultimate sturdiness, and Impact Case collapsible plastic crate for chew-proofness. Measure your dog carefully and select the right size kennel for a secure fit. With a sturdy kennel designed properly for your dog, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your pup is safe inside when contained.