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Poodles are intelligent, athletic, and deeply people-oriented, which means the wrong crate can quickly become a problem, while the right one can make training and alone time dramatically easier.
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Whether you have a toy, miniature, or standard Poodle, choosing a crate isn’t just about size. Poodles are known for their intelligence, sensitivity, and occasional separation anxiety, especially during puppyhood. A well-designed crate gives them a safe space to relax while also keeping them secure when you’re away.
In this guide, we break down the best dog crates for Poodles of all sizes, including options for training, travel, anxious dogs, and style-conscious homes. We’ll also walk you through exactly what to look for — so you can choose a crate that fits your dog’s body, personality, and daily routine.
| Best Value | Best Starter Bundle | Best For Travel |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Frisco | Midwest | Lesure |
| View on Chewy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Dog Crate For Your Poodle
Before choosing a crate, it’s essential to think beyond brand names and price tags. The best crate for your Poodle depends on size, strength, purpose, comfort, and activity level. Getting any of these wrong can make crate training harder than it needs to be.
Size: The Most Important Factor
The ideal dog crate should be just large enough for your Poodle to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably — but not so large that it encourages bathroom accidents.
- Too small: Restricts movement and increases stress
- Too large: Can slow potty training and reduce security
- Standard Poodle crate size: Typically does best in a 42-inch crate
- Miniature Poodle crate size: Minis do well in a crate that’s 24 to 30 inches, depending on weight and height
- Toy Poodle crate size: Usually best suited to a 24-inch crate
Most manufacturers provide sizing charts, but you should still measure your dog:
- Nose to base of tail
- Floor to top of head (sitting or standing)
- Then add about 4 inches to each measurement
Construction: Durability Matters For Smart, Active Dogs
Poodles are intelligent problem-solvers, which means flimsy crates don’t last long.
- Wire crates offer durability and ventilation for home use
- Heavy-duty metal crates work best for anxious or escape-prone Poodles
- Soft-sided crates are ideal for travel and outdoor adventures (camping, beach trip, etc.), but for not chewers
If your Poodle tends to paw, chew, or push when stressed, investing in thicker gauge metal can save you money and frustration in the long run.
Purpose: How Will You Use The Crate?
There are three main crate styles, and each suits a different lifestyle:
- Wire crates: Best all-around option for home use and training
- Furniture-style crates: Blend into home décor but work best for calm dogs
- Soft-sided crates: Lightweight and portable for travel
Other features to consider:
- Divider panels for puppies who are still growing
- Two doors for flexible placement in your home
- A certified dog crate for cars if you frequently drive with your Poodle
Choosing the right style ensures the crate fits your routine — not just your dog.
Comfort: Turning The Crate Into A Safe Space
A crate should feel like a den, not a holding cell.
- Add a well-fitted crate bed or mat
- Make sure bedding doesn’t bunch or slide
- Consider a crate cover for dogs who prefer privacy
Some crates include mats or covers, but always double-check sizing. Comfort plays a significant role in whether your Poodle willingly uses their crate.
Activity Level: Exercise First, Crate Second
Poodles aren’t just decorative, teddy bear dogs — they’re energetic, athletic, and mentally sharp.
- Daily exercise is non-negotiable
- A bored Poodle is far more likely to resist the crate
- Under-exercised dogs may chew, bark, or attempt escape
A crate works best when it follows physical and mental stimulation, not as a substitute for it. Crates and pent-up energy rarely mix well.
5 Best Dog Crates For Poodles Of All Sizes
Whether you’re looking for the ideal dog crate for a Standard Poodle or its smaller counterparts, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve selected five of the best dog crates for Poodles, covering a range of needs and budgets. You’ll find options that work well for:
- Training puppies
- Anxious or escape-prone Poodles
- Frequent travelers
- Style-focused homes
- Every day, no-nonsense crate use
Each pick is evaluated for durability, ease of use, comfort, and suitability for the Poodle breed. If your dog already shows signs of anxiety, we’ve also highlighted which crates tend to work best for dogs who need a little extra security.
Best Value: Frisco Heavy Duty Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate Review
If you’re looking for a durable, affordable crate that works well for most Poodles, this heavy-duty wire option from Frisco is one of the strongest values available.
Unlike lightweight wire crates that can bend under pressure, this model uses thicker metal wire, designed to withstand energetic, curious dogs. Both doors feature secure double-latch locks, which is an important detail for intelligent breeds like Poodles that quickly learn how basic latches work.
The crate folds flat for storage and transport and includes a carry handle, making it easy to move between rooms or take on short trips. A durable black powder-coated finish helps resist rust and wear, while rounded corners reduce the risk of snagging fur or causing injury.
For puppies, the included divider panel is a major bonus. It allows you to adjust the interior space as your Poodle grows, helping with crate training and preventing accidents caused by too much room too soon. The removable plastic tray makes cleanup quick and protects your floors from spills or mishaps.
Overall, this crate strikes an excellent balance between strength, practicality, and price, making it a wise choice for most Poodle households.
Key Features
- Available in 7 sizes (XS–XL)
- Two-door design for flexible placement
- Heavy-duty metal wire construction
- Rounded corners for added safety
- Removable plastic pan for easy cleaning
- Fold-and-carry design for portability
- Includes a divider panel for growing puppies
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing durability
Price
- Starts at $36.29
Best Starter Bundle: MidWest iCrate Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate Kit Review
For Poodle owners who want a complete setup right out of the box, the MidWest iCrate Starter Kit delivers everything you need for the first weeks of crate training — no accessory hunt required.
This wire crate uses the classic MidWest iCrate platform, known for reliable ventilation, solid construction, and quick assembly. It’s available in sizes ranging from small to extra-large to accommodate toy, miniature, and standard Poodles.
The real advantage here is the starter bundle: you get the crate itself, a washable fleece pet bed, a privacy crate cover, and two snap-in food/water bowls sized to fit the crate. The bedding and cover help create a cozy, den-like environment that many dogs find comforting, especially for new crate-trained pups.
The crate includes a divider panel so you can adjust the interior space as your Poodle grows, and a leak-proof, removable pan for easy cleanup. Removable bowls attach securely to the crate walls, keeping food and water organized and reducing spills.
This kit is ideal for first-time dog owners or anyone who wants a ready-to-use setup without buying separate accessories.
Key Features
- Available in 6 sizes (from ~22″ up through ~48″) to fit small to large Poodles
- Includes double-door MidWest iCrate with slide-bolt latches and removable divider
- Washable fleece bed sized to the crate
- Privacy crate cover to reduce stress and create a den-like feel
- Two snap-in bowls for food and water
- Removable leak-proof tray for easy cleanup
- Folds flat for storage or transport
Price
- Starts at $67.99
Best For Travel: Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate Review
For Poodle owners who travel frequently or need a lightweight, portable option, the Lesure Soft Collapsible Dog Crate is a practical alternative to traditional wire crates.
This crate is made with durable 600-denier fabric stretched over a supportive steel frame, giving it enough structure for calm dogs while remaining easy to transport. It folds down quickly when not in use and weighs significantly less than metal crates, making it a solid choice for road trips, hotel stays, or family visits.
Ventilation is excellent thanks to mesh panels on multiple sides, which help keep Poodles comfortable and reduce the closed-in feeling some dogs dislike. Multiple zippered entry points allow for easy access and flexible placement, whether you’re setting it up in a living room, campsite, or guest room.
The interior includes a soft, fleece-lined mat with a water-resistant base, adding comfort while also protecting against minor accidents. Storage pockets on the exterior are useful for travel essentials such as treats, leashes, and collapsible bowls.
That said, soft-sided crates are best reserved for well-crate-trained, non-chewing dogs. This crate isn’t designed for escape artists or dogs with significant anxiety, but for relaxed Poodles who already understand crate boundaries, it’s a convenient and comfortable travel solution.
Key Features
- Available in 4 sizes to fit small to large Poodles
- Soft-sided design with sturdy internal steel frame
- Mesh panels for airflow and visibility
- Multiple zippered doors for easy entry and exit
- Folds flat for storage and travel
- Includes a padded, fleece-lined mat
- Exterior pockets for travel accessories
- No tools required for setup
Price
- Starts at $69.99
Best Indestructible: LEMBERI Heavy Duty Indestructible Dog Crate Review
If your Poodle has severe separation anxiety, a history of escaping crates, or destructive chewing, the LEMBERI Heavy Duty Dog Crate is built for situations where standard wire crates simply aren’t enough.
This crate is constructed from thick steel tubing and reinforced metal bars, with welded stress points designed to resist bending, prying, and chewing. It’s significantly heavier than traditional crates, which helps prevent tipping or sliding — an important factor for strong, determined dogs.
Security is a significant strength here. The crate uses tamper-resistant latches positioned so dogs can’t easily paw or nose them open. Ventilation comes from closely spaced metal bars rather than wire mesh, which limits escape points.
Despite its weight, LEMBERI includes locking caster wheels, making it easier to reposition the crate when needed while still keeping it stable once locked. The slide-out metal tray simplifies cleanup without requiring you to remove your dog from the crate first — a helpful feature for large or anxious Poodles.
This isn’t a crate most owners will need, and it’s not ideal for frequent travel or casual use. But for households dealing with severe anxiety or repeated crate failures, it can be a worthwhile long-term solution.
Key Features
- Available in 5 sizes suitable for medium to large Poodles
- Heavy-duty steel construction with reinforced welds
- Closely spaced bars to reduce escape opportunities
- Secure, dog-proof latch system
- Removable slide-out tray for easier cleaning
- Locking caster wheels for mobility and stability
- Designed for anxious, powerful, or escape-prone dogs
Price
- Starts at $124.66
Most Attractive: New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Furniture Style Dog Crate Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
For Poodle owners who want a crate that blends into their home instead of standing out, the New Age Pet ecoFLEX Furniture-Style Dog Crate offers a polished, living-room-friendly alternative to traditional wire designs.
This crate is made from ecoFLEX, a wood-plastic composite created from recycled materials. Unlike real wood, it doesn’t absorb moisture, warp, or crack, which makes it easier to maintain over time. The stainless steel spindle bars provide airflow and visibility while maintaining a clean, furniture-like appearance.
Designed to double as an end table or accent piece, this crate is available in several finishes to match various décor styles. Assembly is tool-free and straightforward, and routine cleaning typically requires only a damp cloth.
That said, furniture-style crates are best suited for calm, crate-trained Poodles. While sturdy, this crate isn’t designed for heavy chewers, persistent scratchers, or dogs with high anxiety. For the right dog, though, it offers a comfortable, attractive space without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic.
Key Features
- Available in 4 sizes for small to large Poodles
- Fits dogs up to 100 pounds
- ecoFLEX composite construction (recycled wood-plastic blend)
- Stainless steel spindle bars for ventilation
- Furniture-style design that doubles as an end table
- Tool-free assembly
- Easy to clean and moisture-resistant
- Offered in several neutral finishes
Price
- Starts at $84.80
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions we hear from Poodle owners about crate sizing, training, and daily use. Have a crate question we didn’t cover? Drop it in the comments — chances are another Poodle parent is wondering the same thing.
How Do I Measure My Poodle For A Crate?
Most crate manufacturers provide sizing charts, but it’s still important to measure your Poodle yourself.
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail (not the tail tip)
- Measure from the floor to the top of the head while sitting or standing
- Add about 4 inches to both measurements
This gives your Poodle enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without leaving excess space that could interfere with potty training.
Do I Need To Crate Train My Poodle?
Yes, if you plan to use a crate, you need to crate train your pup. A crate only works if your Poodle sees it as a safe, familiar space, not a punishment.
Start slowly:
- Leave the crate open at first
- Let your dog explore it on their own
- Reward calm behavior inside the crate
Poodles are highly intelligent and typically respond well to positive, consistent training.
How Long Should My Poodle Stay In The Crate?
Crates are meant for short-term safety and rest, not all-day confinement. General guidelines include:
- 8–10 weeks: 30–60 minutes at a time
- 11–14 weeks: 1–3 hours
- 15–17 weeks: 3–4 hours
- 18+ weeks: Up to 4 hours
More extended periods without breaks can lead to anxiety, accidents, and resistance to the crate.
My Poodle Won’t Use Their Crate — What Should I Do?
If your Poodle avoids the crate, don’t force it. Try:
- Moving the crate closer to where your family spends time
- Adding a worn shirt or blanket with your scent
- Using a crate cover for dogs who prefer privacy
- Sitting nearby while your dog relaxes inside
Sometimes small changes in placement or comfort make a big difference.
Are These Crates Suitable For Air Travel?
Not necessarily. Airline requirements vary widely, and many crates, especially wire and soft-sided models, do not meet airline cargo or cabin standards.
If you plan to fly:
- Check your airline’s specific crate requirements
- Look for crates explicitly labeled as airline-approved
- Small Toy Poodles may qualify for in-cabin carriers
Always confirm with the airline before traveling.
Need More Poodle Gear?
Choosing the right crate is just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re still dialing in your setup, we’ve put together in-depth guides on other essentials Poodles rely on every day:
- Best Dog Beds for Poodles
- Best Dog Food for Poodles
- Best Harnesses for Standard Poodles
- Best Brushes for Poodles
- Best Dog Toys for Poodles
Have a favorite crate, or a question about what’s worked (or failed) for your Poodle? Share it in the comments — your experience helps other owners make better choices.
