Buying a dog crate for your canine companion can be an important milestone. You should always take your pup’s temperament and breed into account before making a purchase. This is especially true for dog crates, which can vary widely in price depending on the quality. Finding the best crates for Huskies can be a big challenge.
While this article is specific to Huskies, we have a full and complete guide to dog crates that covers other dog breeds. There are a number of other factors you’ll likely be considering when picking the perfect enclosed space for Huskies.
In this article, we look at the top dog crates for Huskies on the market for your furry friend. We also compare the benefits and drawbacks of each and why they may be a good pick for your pup. Below you’ll find our favorites, as well as an in-depth look at each crate in further detail.
At A Glance: Our Favorite Husky Crates
Best Overall
Frisco Fold and Carry Crate
Furniture Style
Merry Products Table Crate
Soft Sided
Frisco Soft Sided Crate
Buyer’s Guide
Siberian Huskies are considered to be medium-sized dogs, but this can vary somewhat among different members of the breed. This can make it a bit difficult to choose cages for them, as they tend to be on the border between medium and large cage sizes. Most Huskies won’t get bigger than a large crate, like a giant breed crate which would be needed.
You can use your dog’s length and weight as good judgments of what crate they need, but ultimately, it depends on how your pet feels in the cage. Most Huskies do well in a crate that’s about 42 inches in width.
Activity Levels
Huskies are also incredibly active. They were bred to pull dogsleds across harsh, snowy conditions, and thus, they have a lot of energy. Many pet owners aren’t prepared to deal with the energy level of a Husky and end up purchasing a puppy based on aesthetics alone. Being unprepared for the exercise requirements of a Husky often contributes to the decision to buy a crate for them, as a bored, unexercised Husky is often a destructive one.
For this reason, we recommend that anyone reading this guide carefully consider why they want a cage for their Husky. Most Huskies can do well in cages if acclimated to them properly, but they do not enjoy being confined for long periods of time. They need room to run and exercise.
Crating Your Pup
How long should a Husky puppy be in a crate? Confining a Husky that needs exercise and has no outlet for its energy can eventually cause health problems for the dog, in addition to destructive tendencies. These dogs can bite or lick themselves excessively, resulting in bare, irritated skin, or they can develop cage sores from hard or rough cage floors. Additionally, they can damage their teeth if they try to chew through tough cage bars.
However, if you’re careful to turn the crate into a place of comfort rather than frustration, Huskies undoubtedly associate it with a den rather than a prison. Allow your dog to have access to his crate all the time so that he can get used to it as a sleeping and relaxing place. Never use a crate as a punishment for a dog, especially a Husky.
Husky Attention Needs
Huskies also aren’t a fan of being alone. This can contribute to its destructive tendencies and discomfort with cages. If a Husky is only crated when you’re away, he quickly associates the cage with feeling lonely and scared. Having a companion dog can help with this, but we recommend leaving them alone for as little time as possible as the best option.
A determined Husky puts the “H” in Houdini. Besides buying a solid, reinforced crate like the Guardian Gear Empire Cage, there’s not much of a way to prevent this except by associating the crate with good things. If your dog doesn’t want to escape, they won’t. Some Husky owners notice their pups getting loud when in the crate. How to keep a Husky pup quiet is a hard question to answer, as an unhappy dog in a crate sometimes is only consoled when they get out.
Dog Runs
For that reason, crate training for dogs is paramount if your Husky must be confined. However, you should also put some thought into outside dog kennels and runs. These can provide your Husky with some extra freedom to exercise, but it’s not an excuse not to exercise your dog yourself, either. Also, keep in mind that they like to escape from these, too.
All in all, many of the issues that come with needing to crate a Husky come from improper care. Some of these issues cannot be avoided, such as situations where an owner rescues a dog with bad habits. It’s always easier to form a habit than to break it, but we are firm believers that no dog is beyond saving.
A Look At Our Favorites
The list below contains a variety of the most Husky-friendly crates available on the market today, and any of these would be a wonderful pick for your pup.
Frisco Dog Crate With Double Doors
- Equppied with two large doors.
- Dual locking doors.
- Budget-friendly.
- Divider panel allows your Husky to grow.
- No tools needed to assemble.
- Can be folded for quick transport.
- Plastic pan for quick cleaning.
This Frisco dog crate is your standard crate. It’s the most versatile option, providing a great middle-ground between our other options, but it’s still secure and robust. Most Huskies fall in between the 36-inch and 42-inch models. We highly recommend the 42-inch model if you have the room. The metal wire in this crate makes it the second most reliable option we’ve reviewed here – strong enough for Huskies who get mildly anxious or bored but not for destructive Huskies or those with severe separation anxiety.
Our judgment is this: this crate is plenty for most dogs, but not necessarily most Huskies. As Huskies are very intelligent, wild, and prone to becoming bored or destructive, some of them may be able to destroy or otherwise escape from this crate.
We love that the crate is inexpensive yet secure, has versatility, is budget-friendly, and is also collapsible for easy storage and takedown. It can also be collapsed and carried, making it great for traveling Huskies.
Merry Products Mahogany Wood Crate
- Mahogany wood panel construction.
- Doubles as an end table.
- Easy deconstruction for transport.
- Includes easy-clean plastic tray.
- Both stylish and functional.
- Extremely durable.
- Detachable divider for husky growth.
It’s undeniable – dog crates can be an eyesore. This is something that many pet owners have accepted, but there are more attractive options available than the standard metal crate if you take the time to look. This dog crate is made of wood, and it’s available in two finish options, too.
However, this crate, while aesthetically pleasing, is not suitable for dogs that get nervous in a cage. The wood bars are easy for dogs to chew through, making escape a cinch. However, if you only plan to crate your Husky for short periods of time or just plan to use this as a “den” for your dog (a.k.a. you have no plans to lock them in their cage), it is an undeniably attractive option.
We love that it’s made of wood, making it fashionable and attractive. It’s also darker inside, making it a virtual den. The fact it serves as a piece of furniture makes it extremely versatile. If you can afford this crate, it’s one of our favorites. Because it’s made from wood, it can make a nice end table or other living room furnishing.
Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Crate
- Made with 22 gauge steel.
- Steel is 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Perfect for anxious dogs.
- Hammer tone finish is high quality.
- Extremely durable.
- Foot brakes prevent rolling.
- Grated floor for easy cleanup.
If you have a Husky who’s not a fan of being crated, this is the crate you’ll want. The Frisco Ultimate Heavy Duty Crate is made with heavy-gauge metal bars that are impossible for dogs to chew or bash through. We don’t recommend keeping a scared Husky in a cage for extended periods of time, but if you absolutely must crate your dog (or you’re doing it for retraining), this crate is your best bet.
High-quality, strong cages that big dogs cannot break out of can actually help resolve cage anxiety in some cases. Eventually, a smart dog may calm down or give up on trying to escape. However, a Husky’s intelligence can also assist them in escaping from enclosures. This crate does have a few exploitable design flaws that your dog might discover.
This crate is one of the toughest around. It’s a great option if you need a stronger crate. It is tough to move, but it’s sturdy and stays in place while he roams around inside. It’s a great choice if you are comfortable with the size and weight.
We love that this is one of the most versatile crates you can buy and has lockable wheels that mitigate extreme heaviness.
Petmate Sky Kennel
- Dual-use, home and travel.
- Made from durable plastic.
- Crafted from recycled materials.
- Durable wire door.
- Vented airflow.
- Meets most airline travel requirements.
- Made in the United States.
Most people are familiar with the standard plastic dog crates that you often see at the airport. These aren’t the sturdiest option available, but they can stand up to standard wear and tear. Unfortunately, though, despite its plastic construction, this crate is not the most inexpensive crate option we’ve reviewed. It’s middle-of-the-pack in terms of price.
If you’re a person who frequently flies with your dog, it may be advantageous to buy an airline-approved dog crate rather than a standard one. As long as he won’t destroy it, this crate can serve the dual purpose of an at-home crate and an air or car travel crate. Just keep in mind that many different air carriers have different requirements when it comes to approved crates.
We love that this crate is lightweight and ideal for travel, and it also has a darker interior feel which can have a calming effect on dogs. Great for traveling, this medium-sized crate is perfect for those on a budget that need something purely for transport. We wouldn’t recommend this crate for everyday use if you plan to crate train your pup.
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft Sided Crate
- Perfect for car traveling Huskies.
- Three zippered doors.
- Clips can lock doors for added security.
- Made with durable steel frame.
- Water resistant material.
- Easy setup and tear down.
- Accommodates Huskies up to 85 pounds.
Huskies are extremely active dogs. This makes them an ideal companion for adventurous folks who like to hike, travel, and go camping. For situations like this, it’s essential to have a portable pet carrier on hand. The Frisco Soft Pet Crate is not ideal for extended periods of time crated, but you can’t beat it for travel use.
The cage is made of metal pipe coated in canvas and screen, making it durable and incredibly lightweight – the lightest option that we’ve featured here. It’s collapsible when not in use, so it can easily be stowed in a car or camper. Be aware that this crate isn’t meant to be carried with a dog inside, though. Doing so could damage the cage or hurt him – instead, set it up in its intended place, then let the dog inside.
We love that this is the most lightweight of each crate we’ve looked at in this article. It’s also affordable and easy to maneuver, given the fabric cloth used in the build. It’s also great for local travel and carries similar darkness inside like the Petmate Sky Kennel.
This is a great option if you need a soft-sided crate for a mellow pup during local travel. It’s not something you’d use for airline travel, but the soft side makes it ideal for driving around town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate is right for my Husky?
Siberian Huskies are considered medium-sized dogs, but they’re on the very end of the size spectrum. Some larger Huskies may need a large (42-inch or larger) crate. Smaller Huskies may be okay in a medium (36 inch or smaller) crate. I would purchase a large crate to be on the safe side. If you are unsure, try both and see what crate your dog likes best.
Can my dog crate be too big?
If your dog crate is too big, it feels less “cave-like” and secure. Additionally, if it’s oversized, your dog may try to relieve itself in the cage. Dogs naturally dislike relieving themselves where they sleep, so an appropriately-sized cage prevents this.
How big should my dog crate be?
There should be just enough room for Huskies to stand up and turn around. You do not want them hitting the ceiling and walls of the cage. Cages around 40 inches should be appropriate for most Huskies.
Can my Husky be crate trained?
Any dog can be crate-trained, but different dogs present different challenges. Make the crate a source of comfort and happiness for Huskies, and they should respond well. Use treats and cage-safe pet toys (here are some that are great for Huskies) to help a new Husky acclimate to the cage, and don’t leave them alone for long periods of time while they’re learning.
Final Thoughts
The Frisco Folding Metal Dog Crate is the most affordable and versatile option. Overall, the best option for most dog owners also are the most popular, and that’s the case here as well. This option is enough for the majority of dog owners. However, if you have a particularly stubborn or intelligent Husky, you may need to upgrade to the GuardianGear Empire Dog Crate. While expensive, this crate prevents your Husky from damaging your home or hurting himself.
The other crate options are niche picks that are suitable for certain pet owners. These can be used as an accessory in addition to a permanent crate. No matter what you pick, your Husky will undoubtedly feel safe and sound in one of the many unique crates we’ve reviewed.