Best Crate for Goldendoodle: 8 Picks and the Right Size for Minis to Standards

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Many Goldendoodle owners end up buying two crates: one when they get the teeny-tiny puppy, and a second a few months later when that same puppy has nearly doubled in size. Choosing the best crate for a Goldendoodle the first time comes down to the question most buyers guess at: how large will my dog grow?

This guide matches crates to mini, medium, and standard Goldendoodles, explains how to use a divider so one crate lasts from puppyhood to adulthood, and covers the crate training habits that make your doodle actually want to go inside.

Short answer: For most standard Goldendoodles, the MidWest iCrate Double Door 42-inch with its included divider panel is the best crate. Minis usually need a 30-inch crate, and mediums a 36-inch. If your doodle chews or escapes wire crates, step up to a heavy-duty crate like the MidWest Ultima Pro.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

What Size Crate Does a Goldendoodle Need?

The right size of the crate will allow your puppy to be able to stand without crouching, be able to turn around within the confines of the crate, and stretch out when lying down. Crate sizes larger than this may lead to dogs using either the front or rear of the crate for their bathroom needs. A crate too small will make it an unpleasant place for your dog to spend time.

To check, measure your adult dog from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and add 2 to 4 inches for length. For height, measure from the floor to the top of the head while sitting and add 2 to 4 inches. Our dog crate size calculator can do the math for you.

When you are buying a crate for a puppy, purchase one large enough for the dog when it is full-grown and use a divider panel to make the space smaller at first. As your puppy grows, move the divider back. This will be less expensive than buying two or three crates.

Wire, Plastic, Heavy-Duty, or Furniture: Which Crate Type?

Each crate type suits a different kind of doodle and household. Here’s how they compare at a glance.

A folding wire crate is generally the best starting point for most first-time doodle owners. You can always add a plastic kennel later for travel.

The 8 Best Crates for Goldendoodles

1. MidWest iCrate Double Door 42″ — Best Overall for Standard Goldendoodles

This is the most used crate in doodle homes. It has three great features: (1) it folds flat; (2) it includes a divider panel and a leak-resistant plastic pan; and (3) its two doors make it easy to place in a corner or beside a bed. The 42-inch size fits most adult standard Goldendoodles.

Wire crates are an excellent choice as well because they provide both airflow and visibility, which is beneficial for doodles (who love to know where everyone is), and can be covered if your doodle prefers a more den-like area.

Best for: standard Goldendoodles, puppies growing into standards
Pros: divider included; folds flat; two doors; affordable
Cons: determined chewers can bend the wire

2. MidWest iCrate Double Door 30″ — Best for Mini Goldendoodles

This is the same proven design in a size that fits most Mini Goldendoodles. It comes with a divider for the puppy months, and it’s light enough to move from room to room, which helps when you want your puppy to sleep near you at night.

Best for: mini Goldendoodles, 15–35 lb
Pros: divider included; lightweight; folds flat
Cons: too small for larger minis over about 35 lb

3. MidWest LifeStages Double Door 36″ — Best for Medium Goldendoodles

The LifeStages crate uses a heavier gauge of wire than the iCrate. This is a good upgrade for strong, bouncy medium doodles. The 36 inch size works well for most doodles in the 30 to 50 pound range, and the crate also includes a divider.

Best for: medium Goldendoodles
Pros: sturdier wire; divider included
Cons: heavier than the iCrate

4. MidWest Ultima Pro 42″ — Best for Chewers and Escape Artists

Some doodles learn to open the doors on their crate, bend the wires or chew holes into the plastic tray. The Ultima Pro has thicker wire and stronger latches than most standard crates, so it can hold its own against a dog that will stop at nothing to get out.

A panicky doodle in the crate (drooling excessively, injuring itself or constantly trying to escape) may be suffering from separation anxiety rather than having an issue with the crate. Consult your veterinarian or a qualified dog trainer about this problem; a stronger crate alone will likely not solve it.

Best for: strong chewers, escape attempts
Pros: heavy-gauge wire; secure latches
Cons: heavier and pricier than basic wire crates

5. Amazon Basics Double Door Crate — Best Budget Pick

If you need a second crate for another room, a car-friendly setup or Grandma’s house, this one will do the job at lower cost. It has two doors and a tray, and it is available in many different sizes. Be sure the size you select includes a divider if you need one.

Best for: second crates, budget buyers
Pros: affordable; multiple sizes; two doors
Cons: lighter wire than premium options

6. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel 40″ — Best for Travel and a Den-Like Feel

Plastic kennels feel more enclosed, and some dogs find this a source of comfort. They are also the standard choice for car travel and, in many cases, airline cargo travel (always check your airline’s current rules), and they help contain the dog’s fur and bedding inside.

Best for: travel, dogs who prefer a cozy den
Pros: enclosed and calming; travel-friendly
Cons: less airflow; bulky to store

7. Diggs Evolv Crate — Best Premium Design

If the crate is going into your living room, then design matters. Diggs crates look far more like furniture than typical wire crates, with very user-friendly doors and a removable tray. They are much pricier than most crates; however, they are well built and much less obtrusive visually.

Best for: living areas, design-conscious homes
Pros: modern look; well-built; easy doors
Cons: premium price; check size carefully

8. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Furniture Crate — Best Furniture-Style Crate for Minis

A furniture crate doubles as an end table. It works well for calm, crate-trained adult minis, but not for puppies who are still teething or chewing, since the panels aren’t chew-proof.

Best for: calm adult minis, small living spaces
Pros: doubles as furniture; looks tidy
Cons: not for chewers or puppies; smaller sizes only

Crate Accessories Worth Adding

• A crate cover like the Molly Mutt cotton crate cover makes a wire crate darker and quieter, which helps many dogs settle.
• A washable crate bed such as the MidWest QuietTime bed. Skip plush bedding for puppies who chew it, and use a crate mat instead.
• A safe chew toy for longer crate stays. Avoid anything small enough to swallow.

How to Crate Train a Goldendoodle

Doodles are known to be very social dogs who love people, and they do not enjoy being separated from their family. Therefore, how you introduce your dog to the crate is just as important as the crate itself.

1. Put the crate where the family is. A living room or bedroom works better than a laundry room.
2. Make it a great place. Toss treats inside and feed meals in the crate with the door open.
3. Close the door for short periods while you’re nearby, then gradually build up the time.
4. Use a cue word like “crate” or “bed” and reward your doodle for going in.
5. Never use the crate as punishment. It should always feel safe.
6. Respect time limits. As a rough guide, puppies can hold their bladder about one hour per month of age (up to about 6 to 8 hours as adults). Don’t crate longer than your dog can comfortably hold it.

Our puppy training schedule and potty training chart show how crate time fits into a full day.

A Vet’s Note on Crate Safety

Don’t put your doodle in their crate with the collar or harness on because it may catch on the wire when they try to climb out and seriously hurt them. Make sure you keep your doodle’s crate out of direct sunlight, away from heat sources (like radiators) and provide fresh water at all times if he will be in his crate for an extended period. If your doodle is excessively drooling while in its crate, is panting or hurting themselves as they are trying to escape; do not continue to crate train your doodle until you have consulted with your veterinarian. The above symptoms could indicate severe anxiety requiring alternative solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size crate do I need for a Goldendoodle?

Most standard Goldendoodles need a 42-inch crate, mediums a 36-inch, and minis a 30-inch crate. Very large standards may need 48 inches. Buy for the adult size and use a divider for puppies.

What is the best crate for a Goldendoodle puppy?

A wire crate like the MidWest iCrate with a divider panel, sized for your puppy’s expected adult weight. Move the divider back to give your growing puppy more space as it develops.

Should I cover my Goldendoodle’s crate?

Many doodle puppies settle better when there is a piece of fabric covering some of the crate; this can be particularly helpful at night. Be sure to leave at least one side of the crate open for air circulation as well as keep an eye on your puppy so he does not pull the fabric into his mouth to chew.

Are wire or plastic crates better for Goldendoodles?

Wire crates generally work better than plastic ones for most doodles at home because they have better ventilation, visibility and dividers. Plastic crates are better for travel and for dogs who prefer a more enclosed space.

How long can a Goldendoodle stay in a crate?

Puppies can usually hold their bladder about one hour per month of age. Adults should typically not be crated for longer than about 6 to 8 hours, and they need plenty of exercise both before and after.

Where should I put my Goldendoodle’s crate?

Place the crate where the family spends time (such as the living room), and consider your bedroom at night for puppies. Try to avoid isolated rooms and drafty spots, and keep the crate away from direct heat.

Is crate training cruel for doodles?

No, not when it’s done well. When crates are introduced and used correctly, most dogs find them a calm, comfortable place they go to willingly. A crate only becomes harmful when it is overused or used as punishment.

Final Thoughts

The perfect crate for your Goldendoodle is based on your dog’s adult size and individual personality. Most families find that a double-door wire crate with a divider covers everything from puppyhood to adulthood. If your Goldendoodle is a heavy chewer, a heavy-duty crate may be in order, and a good plastic kennel is useful for travel. Introduce the crate gently and slowly, and your Goldendoodle will grow up thinking of it as their own “safe place” instead of a cage.