The Best Outdoor Dog Kennels For Large Breeds
A dog kennel is an essential investment in your dog's safety and security. If you plan to travel with your pup, a kennel will serve as its home away from home. A kennel can also double as a dog house for your furry friend when you're at home. Furthermore, they're a way to keep your dog safe and sound when nobody is around to supervise them. After all, we all know dogs can wreak havoc when left to their own devices for long periods. With a kennel, you can rest assured your dog and your belongings are safe. With so many dog kennels on the market, choosing the best one for larger dogs is not always easy. That's why we've done the research for you. The best dog kennels contain a combination of three qualities: they have plenty of space for your dog to move around, they're easy to secure, and they're durable. The Starplast Dog House Kennel emerged as our top pick because it meets all of these criteria, plus it's easy to assemble and has excellent ventilation. However, the Starplast doesn't have a door, making it impossible to secure your dog inside. For pet owners who plan to travel with their dog, our second choice, Luckup's heavy-duty kennel, allows them to travel with their dog safely and securely. Read on for our in-depth reviews of the best dog kennels on the market.
Starplast Dog House Kennel
A home away from home
This dog house has everything to keep your furry friend comfortable and protected from the elements. It’s easy to assemble, and no tools are needed to put it together. Plus, it’s lightweight, so you can easily move it around your yard or to another location. Since the kennel is weatherproof, it’s the perfect haven for your dog during stormy weather. It’s also rust-proof, fade-resistant, and durable enough to last for many years to come. Your dog will be able to stretch their legs out in this spacious kennel, and it has excellent ventilation, so your dog will stay cool even on warm days.
Pros:
- We found that you can put this dog house together in minutes, and it’s so easy to assemble that even older children can do it.
- The dog house can comfortably fit large dogs that weigh up to 80lbs.
Cons:
- The dog house sits close to the ground, so you may want to place it on a platform.
Luckup Heavy Duty Dog Kennel
Heavy duty comfort
With a heavy-duty corrosion-resistant frame, this kennel is nearly indestructible. The kennel comes with two safety buckled locks, making it an excellent choice for dogs who get anxious while traveling. Even better, its double doors and locking caster wheels allow you to move this kennel around as well as lock it into place. If you want to interact with your dog while secured in the kennel, open the top door.
Pros:
- We appreciate how spacious this kennel is, with enough room for even large dogs to stretch out comfortably.
- The kennel’s strong bars ensure even the most aggressive dogs can’t escape.
Cons:
- You’ll need two people to transport this heavy kennel from place to place.
Zampa Portable Pet Kennel
Fun on the go
A perfect solution for pet parents who plan to travel with their four-legged friend, this pet kennel doubles as a playpen that will keep your dog happily occupied for hours. Zampa’s kennel features a spacious interior giving your dog plenty of room to move around. It also includes a bottle holder, so your dog stays hydrated without the mess of a water bowl. The kennel even has side pockets for you to store personal items or doggy toys. If you’re traveling, you can fold this kennel and take you and your dog wherever the road leads.
Pros:
- We love that the zippable top mesh covering can be opened for when your dog craves fresh air and sunshine.
- The kennel has a lot of space, making it an excellent option for energetic dogs that move around a lot.
- We found that the floor is sewn tightly, making it almost impossible for dogs to escape through the bottom of the kennel.
Cons:
- It takes a bit of time to fold the kennel up and get it into the carrying bag.
MidWest Homes Folding Dog Crate
Safe and sound
This kennel comes with everything you need to keep your dog safe whether you’re at home or on the road. Its heavy-duty side latches make it nearly impossible for your furry friend to run off without your permission. Plus, it’s easy to take with you on the go, thanks to the foldable and carrying handles. The kennel also includes adjustable divider panels, so you increase the living space as your pup grows. Couple that with a stress-free assembly, and you have yourself a high-quality kennel.
Pros:
- We love that this dog crate is convenient to travel with and takes only a few minutes to set up.
- The kennel’s dividers give your dog enough room to move around comfortably while keeping puppies safe and cozy as they grow.
- Its removable plastic tray makes it easy to clean up any messes your dog makes.
Cons:
- It’s not as straightforward to assemble this kennel as some of the others on this list.
Ruff ‘n Ruffus Portable Pet Playpen
A second home
This portable playpen comes with all the bells and whistles of more expensive kennels but at a bargain price. A collapsable travel bowl with a clip for easy access, carrying bag, and removable water-resistant top are all included in the package. The playpen’s eight-panel design features protected seams and reinforced corners that are difficult for a dog to tear apart. You’ll also be able to access your dog, thanks to the playpen’s zippered door. Even more, the playpen collapses easily, making it an excellent choice for travel.
Pros:
- We love how easily this playpen can be folded up and placed in the carrying bag.
- The removable roof provides excellent shade for your pups when used outside.
Cons:
- The bottom of the playpen isn’t removable, so it’s harder to clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should a dog kennel be?
It would help if you chose a dog kennel that’s large enough to house your dog comfortably for several hours. Larger active dogs will need more room to move around in a kennel than smaller breeds. If you plan to primarily use the kennel outside, choose a long and narrow kennel that gives your dog plenty of space to move around. Indoor kennels can be smaller but at least 2-inches bigger than the height of a small dog and 4-inches larger than the height of a large dog. If you follow these guidelines, your dog will be happy and comfortable in its kennel.
Are dog kennels a good idea?
Investing in a kennel for your dog has many advantages. A kennel gives your dog a safe place to go in your home or yard, especially when you’re not around to supervise. Kennels also help owners protect the valuables in their houses by providing a place to keep an active dog when the owners are gone. You can also use a kennel to help toilet train your dog. And last but not least, a kennel keeps your dog safe when you travel.
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