Best Dog Crates For Belgian Malinois: Kennel Size Guide & Reviews

The Belgian Malinois is a hardworking and high-energy dog. He is super obedient and well-behaved. So, we hear you ask, why does he need a crate? Well, there is much more to dog crates than keeping them contained.

Many dog owners don’t like the idea of putting their dogs into a kennel. But research shows that not only is it beneficial for you and your sneaker collection. But it also has a multitude of benefits for Fido. All of which we’ll explain in this guide.

We’ll also show you the very best dog crates for the Belgian Malinois. From puppy age all the way up to his golden years. Or he’s a heavy chewer who needs an indestructible cage. We’ve got you covered. Thanks to our buying guide, we’ll walk you through how to pick the best crates. And with our crate reviews, it’s easy for you to choose the best one for your needs.

Buyer’s Guide

A bad-quality crate could ruin the chances of your Mal enjoying his crate or last less than a week. Whereas a good-quality one could provide a variety of benefits to you both, and last a lifetime. So, it’s really important that you get it right.

A crate can provide a comfy place for him to rest and his own safe space to calm any anxiety he might have. It is a place where he can retreat if he needs a timeout from the children or other pets. And for you, it means that you can pop out to the store knowing that he isn’t repaying your absence in destruction and mischief. To enjoy the benefits of a crate, you must crate train him first. But once you’ve learned how to, you reap all these benefits and more.

Size

The size of his crate is the first and most important factor to consider. If it’s too small, he isn’t going to use it. And if it’s too big, he’ll feel anxious inside and maybe use it as a toilet ground. All of these scenarios ruin your efforts, waste your money, and risk injury if he tries to chew his way through it to escape.

The Mal is a medium to large-sized dog. His weight will range from 40 to 80 pounds and he will measure 22 to 26 inches from paw to shoulder. This range means that all Mals are unique and need different-sized crates. For this reason, it’s super important that you measure your pooch according to the instructions before investing. Mals usually require a 42-inch crate.

Purpose

Why does your dog need a crate? The answer to this question allows you to choose which type of crate you need, and there are three crate types. The metal wire crate and the furniture-style crate are for home use. The metal crate is the most popular option because it is versatile. The furniture style is for those who want to blend the crate into their home décor and use it as an end table.

The third style of kennel is called a soft-sided crate. This type of crate is reserved for those Belgian Malinois who travel with their owners. While you might not use them to carry your large Mal around (although some take his weight), they are great for your vehicle. They are also ideal for those who travel around because they are lightweight and easily packed away.

If this is his first crate-rodeo, you’ll want to buy a crate that has a training divider. This allows you to buy a crate that is big enough for him as an adult. But adjust it to his smaller puppy size as he grows. This means that you don’t have to buy several-sized crates over your lifetime. Making it much better value for your money.

Construction

The Belgian Malinois is known for his energy and strength. A flimsy and poorly made kennel is no match for a Mal who wants to escape. It needs to be made with strong materials and built with top-quality craftsmanship. This, and the larger size, means that you need to spend a little more compared to a budget-store make. BUT, you can be sure that it lasts you much longer, which means less expenditure in the long run.

The crates that we have chosen for the Mal are tailored to his needs. After all, the Belgian Mal’s crate needs are much different from the Bichon Frise’s needs. All are made by well-known brands that offer quality and value for money. Our recommendations have also been put to the test by other large dog owners out there, and they are all highly rated.

If your Mal is already crate trained and behaves in his crate, you won’t have to buy the strongest crate. But if your Mal has been known to escape, it’s important that you invest in a heavy-duty crate that he cannot bite his way through. The crate also needs to withstand his weight. But again, all of our crate recommendations below are designed for the Mal’s typical weight range.

Comfort

If the crate isn’t comfortable for him, the likelihood is he isn’t going to use it. Your Mal is your greatest friend, and he deserves the best of the best. And it isn’t all about comfort either. The Mal is prone to joint problems, and a proper bed provides adequate support. A simple blanket is not going to offer any comfort or support to your heavy pooch.

So ideally, he needs a crate mattress. A mattress should offer at least a few inches of memory foam or orthopedic support. These extra few inches also need to be taken into account when choosing the crate size. We have a guide to selecting the best beds for a crate, so be sure to head over there too. If your hardworking Mal likes extra comfort, add a fleecy blanket for extra cuddliness.

Activity Level

This consideration area focuses on the dog rather than the crate. The Belgian Mal is one of the most energetic dogs in the canine world. This is why he is chosen for military jobs across the globe. You cannot leave him in his crate for hours and hours on end and expect him to be happy about it.

You also need to be sure that he gets his daily exercise before putting him inside. If he goes in with lots of pent-up energy, not only might he try to break out, but it could make him really anxious about going in next time. A crate is for his comfort, not for locking him away all day.

Our Favorite Belgian Malinois Crates

Using all of the information you have gathered from our buying guide, we give you our top picks for the best dog crates for this Belgian breed. We have catered to all needs, purposes, and all owner budgets too. So, with our top picks first, here they are.

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This soft-sided crate is sturdy and strong enough for medium and large dogs, catering up to 90 pounds in doggy goodness. The sturdiness comes from the steel tubing, giving it strength and shape. Thankfully, it is also designed to be lightweight and easily packed away when needed. This crate comes with a two-year limited warranty. It provides peace of mind that it lasts much longer than other lower-quality crates.

The material surrounding the tubing is easy to clean, and it is removable and machine washable for an easy, quick clean. There are three doors, perfect for easy exit and entry. They are secured with durable zips. The doors have hexagonal mesh windows so that he can see his surroundings and provide adequate ventilation. It comes with a fleece-lined blanket and a carrier bag for easy transportation. There are two storage pockets, handles, and 11 color options.

We love that this product is the soft-sided option, making it the best choice for Mals who love to travel around with their humans. Camping? No problem! Trips to the vet? We won’t tell him if you don’t, but you betcha!

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MidWest has created this crate product with the new Mal moms and dads out there. Let us start with the crate itself. It has double doors that offer opening options, so you can squeeze it into the awkward spots in your home. The crate is made of thick wire, and it has a secure side bolt that he is not able to open with his sneaky tongue. The corners are rounded for both his and your safety. It also comes in different size options for Mals, with a training divider.

It also comes with a bedpan, two snap-fit bowls, and a free crate-training DVD with the best tips. A fleece-lined bed is also included. The crate has a cover too, which offers shelter for dogs and their den needs. The bedpan slides out for an easy clean, which is an important feature for all puppies. This crate kit comes with a one-year limited warranty, so you can rest assured it is of good quality.

We love that this isn’t just a crate – it’s the whole crate package. This is a great option for those looking for the Mal puppy’s first crate, along with everything else.

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This is a stylish option for those who love dogs but don’t like the look of a bulky crate that takes up half a room. New Age Pet has created this crate by combining function with elegance. It comes in four color options to suit any décor, and it acts as an end table too. It weighs 60 pounds, but it is easy to put together without the need for any tools.

It is made from an eco-friendly and recycled plastic-wood polymer composite that is both sleek and durable. It won’t warp, crack, or split. The spindles and latches are made of stainless steel. The extra-large crate has two security latches to keep your Mal contained and can take up to 100 pounds of doggy weight. It comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.

We love that this crate is our top pick for those Mal moms and dads who want the crate to blend into their décor.

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This is our recommendation for those Mals who like to keep it simple with a metal-wire crate. It has two doors, one at the end that swings out. And the other is a sliding door, which is great for families who are forever walking and crashing into swinging crate doors. It comes with a dividing panel, so it can grow with your Mal pup all the way through to adulthood. It also comes in a variety of sizes to cater to all Mals.

It is made with steel metal that is reinforced and coated to ensure longevity and safety. The safety latches keep your Mal contained. The corners are reinforced with patented stabilizers, and the bottom pan is leakproof and removable. There are four rubber feet to stop it from sliding, which protect your floors too. It is collapsible and has a handle if you need to take it on your travels or pack it away.

We love that this product is ideal for those who are looking for a simple no-frills wire-crate at a great price.

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Some dogs, no matter how much you exercise them, always are on mission destruction. This heavy-duty crate is made from corrosion-resistant steel, and it is strong and durable. There are two locks for added security, which are extremely hard for Fido to manipulate. There are two doors, one at the front to let him in and out. The other is the top of the crate, which allows you to interact with him while still keeping him contained.

The bars at the crate base are thick and do not catch on his nails while still allowing debris to fall through. The plastic tray can be removed for an easy clean. There are four lockable castors so that you can move the crate without having to lift it. This crate comes in two color options, giving you a choice to match it to your décor taste. The crate is finished with a non-toxic surface, adding to its durability.

We love that this product is the best option for Mals forever trying to escape their crates. No luck here, destructive Mr. and Mrs. Mal/

Frequently Asked Questions

The kennel use often leaves dog owners with many questions. Is it the right way to go? Will my dog like it?

So, let’s walk through the most commonly asked questions about crates for this breed.

Do I need to crate train my Belgian Malinois?

Yes, no dog should be shut in a cage without any effort to train him. If not done correctly, you could ruin the chances of him enjoying his crate. While waiting for your crate to arrive, spend some time learning how to crate train your Mal. It’s simple. Just be sure to go at your Mals pace.

How do I measure my Belgian Malinois for his crate?

The most advised method of measuring your dog is to measure him from the tip of his nose to the base (not end) of his tail. Then measure him from the top of his head to his paws. Add four inches to those measurements, and you’ll find the best crate size for him. Always check with the product measurement guidance because some may be different from this.

How long should my Belgian Malinois 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

Crates are not designed to keep your Mal locked up all day. This is cruel, and it makes him anxious. Mals do not like to be left alone for too long, so please never leave him longer than the times stated above. When you are at home, leave the door open so he can use his kennel as he pleases.

Final Thoughts

The Belgian Malinois is a powerful and high-energy dog who may need some time out to rest every now and then. What better way to give him his own space than a good-quality kennel? Hopefully, we have answered all your Mal crate queries and made your choice much simpler. From the recommendations above, be sure to pick the crate that suits your collective needs. We guarantee that if you show him how to properly use it, he’ll love his crate more than you ever imagined.