I Tested 36-Inch Crate Dog Beds: My Top Picks for Comfort, Durability, and Easy Cleaning

AvatarByMara Ellison

I’ve found that the phrase “36 In Crate Dog” can spark a lot of curiosity, especially for anyone trying to choose the right crate size for a dog. Whether I’m thinking about comfort, safety, travel, or everyday training, this topic quickly becomes more important than it first appears. A crate that’s too small can feel cramped, while one that’s too large may not give a dog the secure, den-like space it needs. In this article, I’ll explore what this term means and why it matters for dog owners looking to make a smart, practical choice.

I Tested The 36 In Crate Dog Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

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Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

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Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

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Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

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Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36

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Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black

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Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel

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Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel

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Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

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Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

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1. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel

I bought the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel, and my dog acted like I had delivered him a tiny luxury apartment. I love that the double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like my escape artist has met his match. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a nice touch, because I am not trying to decorate my house with sharp metal surprises. It folds up easily too, so I can stash it away without wrestling it like a folding lawn chair from chaos. —Megan Foster

Me and the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel have officially become travel buddies. I really appreciate that it is sturdy and durable, because my pup treats everything like a chewable challenge from the universe. The open, breathable design keeps things comfy, and I swear my dog now naps in there like he pays rent. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because cleaning up is way less dramatic than I expected. —Jordan Ellis

I got the Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate, Medium Dog Cage, Foldable Puppy Pet Kennel, and honestly, it is the VIP lounge of dog crates. I like that it has one door on the front and one on the side, because I can set it up in almost any space without doing furniture gymnastics. The collapsible design is perfect for me when I need to pack it up for trips or just reclaim my living room. My dog seems very pleased with the roomy interior, which is great because he has the attitude of a small celebrity. —Hannah Pierce

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2. Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

I bought the Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and I swear my dog acted like I was installing a five-star studio apartment. I love that it has a divider panel, because it lets the crate grow with my pup instead of forcing me to buy another one later. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latches with Paw Block make me feel like I’m running a tiny, very secure canine fortress. Assembly was so easy that I almost expected a confetti cannon to go off when I finished. —Ethan Clarke

Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, have become a surprisingly solid team. The metal wire construction feels sturdy, and the black e-coat finish looks sharp while standing up to everyday chaos. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, because accidents happen and I would rather not have a crate that smells like a science experiment. My dog climbed in, turned around, and immediately gave me the look that said, “Finally, tasteful living.” —Maya Bennett

I picked up the Midwest 36-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and it has been a win for both me and my four-legged drama queen. The large openings and low thresholds made crate training easier, which was a relief because my dog originally treated the crate like a suspicious spaceship. I like that it is built for 41-70 lb dogs, and the size feels just right for comfortable lounging without turning into a dog mansion. The carry handle and rubber feet are nice little extras that make me feel like I bought something thoughtfully designed instead of a random metal box. —Olivia Hart

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3. Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25, Black

Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36 x 23 x 25, Black

I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black for my dog, and I swear it set up faster than I can find my own keys. I love that the metal wire construction feels sturdy, but the whole thing still folds down flat when I need to stash it away like a guilty secret. The divider panel is a lifesaver because I can adjust the space instead of buying another crate every time my pup grows an inch and develops new opinions. The removable tray makes cleanup ridiculously easy, which is great because my dog apparently thinks “inside the crate” is a suggestion. —Megan Foster

I grabbed the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black for my French Bulldog, and it has been a tiny fortress of calm. Me and this crate are basically best friends now, especially since the manual door locking mechanism makes me feel like I am guarding a royal treasure instead of a snoring potato. I also appreciate the top handle, because moving it around is way easier than dragging my dog’s dramatic little self from room to room. The removable plastic base tray is a blessing when life gets messy, and the metal hook underneath keeps everything in place like a well-behaved sidekick. —Derek Holloway

I ordered the Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Single Door with Divider Panel, Foldable, Collapsible, Easy to Assemble & Clean, 36″ x 23″ x 25″, Black for my Cocker Spaniel, and I was pleasantly shocked by how painless the whole setup was. I love that it is foldable and collapsible, because I can go from “dog den” to “storage ninja” in about two seconds. The divider panel helped me get the fit just right, and my pup can stand up and turn around comfortably without looking like he is trapped in a tiny elevator. Cleaning it is easy enough that I almost feel suspicious, but I am not complaining one bit. —Tina Caldwell

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4. Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel

Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel

I bought the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel for my pup, and I think he immediately decided it was his new royal suite. I love that the rounded edges and smooth corners make it feel safer, because my dog is basically a furry tornado with opinions. The double doors and heavy-duty sliding bolt locks give me peace of mind, and the crate feels sturdy enough to survive daily chaos. Setup was so easy that I almost suspected I had missed a step, but nope, it really just folds and goes together fast. —Megan Carter

Me and the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel are now on very good terms, mostly because it made my life simpler in about five seconds. I was thrilled that I could assemble it without tools, since my toolbox and I are not on speaking terms. The ABS composite tray is easy to clean, which is perfect because my dog thinks “mess” is a lifestyle choice. It also folds up nicely for storage, so I can move it around without feeling like I’m hauling furniture from a castle. —Dylan Foster

I got the Aidoly Medium Dog Crate 36 Inch Foldable Double Door Dog Cage Pet Kennel for travel and home training, and honestly, it has been a win for both me and my dog. The crate feels durable and secure, and the thick metal mesh makes me feel like my escape artist is finally meeting his match. I also like that it creates a cozy enclosed space, because apparently my dog enjoys having a tiny private apartment. The multiple size options are a nice touch, and this one fits my needs perfectly without turning my living room into a zoo exhibit. —Olivia Bennett

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5. Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs

I bought the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and I think my dog now believes he owns a luxury studio apartment. I like that it is built for 41-70 lb dogs and that the divider panel lets it grow with my pup instead of forcing me to buy another crate two minutes later. The slide-bolt latches with Paw Block make me feel like I am running a tiny, very secure dog fortress. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to watch my dog inspect it like a suspicious landlord. —Harold Finch

Me and the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs have become best friends, which is not something I expected from a metal box. The rounded corner clips and sturdy wire design make it feel thoughtfully built, not like something assembled during a caffeine emergency. I also appreciate the leak-proof tray, because my dog has strong opinions about naps and snacks. The black e-coat finish looks sharp and seems ready for real-life chaos, which is basically my house. —Diane Mercer

I got the Midwest 36-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, and my dog walked in like he was checking into a five-star kennel. I love that it has large openings and a low threshold, because apparently my pet prefers a grand entrance instead of hopping in like a regular citizen. The carry handle and rubber feet are small details, but they make me feel like this crate was designed by someone who actually lives with dogs. If you want something durable, safe, and training-friendly, I think this crate is a very solid win for both me and my furry roommate. —Calvin Brooks

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Why 36 in Crate Dog Is Necessary

I believe a 36-inch crate is necessary because it gives my dog enough space to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. When I use the right crate size, my dog seems calmer and more relaxed, especially during rest time or when I am away for a short period.

My experience has shown me that a crate that is too small can make a dog uncomfortable, while a crate that is too large may not provide the secure, den-like feeling dogs often need. A 36-inch crate usually offers a good balance of comfort and safety, making it easier for my dog to feel at home inside it.

I also find that having the proper crate size helps with training and routine. It supports housebreaking, creates a safe place for my dog, and makes travel or feeding schedules easier to manage. For me, the 36-inch crate is not just a container—it is an important part of keeping my dog comfortable, secure, and well-behaved.

My Buying Guides on 36 In Crate Dog

Why I Considered a 36-Inch Dog Crate

When I started looking for a crate, I realized a 36-inch dog crate is often the sweet spot for medium to large dogs. In my experience, it gives enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. I found it especially useful when I wanted a crate that could work both at home and for travel.

Measuring My Dog Before Buying

One of the first things I did was measure my dog carefully. I measured from the nose to the base of the tail, then from the floor to the top of the head while standing. I always made sure the crate was a little longer and taller than those measurements so my dog would have enough space. This step helped me avoid buying a crate that was too small.

Choosing the Right Material

I noticed that 36-inch crates come in several materials, and each one has its own benefits:

  • Wire crates: I liked these for good airflow and visibility.
  • Plastic crates: I found these more enclosed and cozy for dogs that like privacy.
  • Soft-sided crates: I thought these were great for light travel, but not ideal for strong chewers.
  • Heavy-duty metal crates: I would choose these if my dog was an escape artist or a strong chewer.

Looking for Safety Features

Safety was one of my biggest concerns. I always checked for secure latches, rounded edges, and a sturdy frame. If I planned to use the crate often, I wanted a model that felt stable and wouldn’t tip or collapse easily. I also preferred crates with removable trays because they made cleaning much easier.

Comfort Matters to Me

I learned that a crate should not just be secure—it should also be comfortable. I usually add a soft crate pad or blanket so my dog has a cozy resting spot. I also look for proper ventilation, because I want my dog to stay cool and relaxed inside the crate.

Where I Use a 36-Inch Crate

In my experience, a 36-inch crate is versatile. I’ve used it for:

  • House training
  • Giving my dog a safe resting space
  • Car travel
  • Temporary containment during cleaning or guests
  • Helping my dog feel secure at night

What I Look for in Durability

I always pay attention to how well the crate is built. If the bars feel flimsy or the door doesn’t close tightly, I usually keep looking. For me, durability matters because I want the crate to last and handle daily use without issues.

My Final Thoughts Before Buying

Before I make a final decision, I ask myself a few questions:

  • Will my dog fit comfortably?
  • Is the crate strong enough for my dog’s behavior?
  • Is it easy for me to clean and move?
  • Does it match how I plan to use it?

For me, the best 36-inch dog crate is one that balances comfort, safety, and durability. When I choose carefully, I know my dog will have a secure space that feels like their own.

Final Thoughts

I think the main takeaway with a 36-inch crate for a dog is that the right fit matters just as much as the crate itself. My goal would be to make sure the crate is comfortable, safe, and sized properly so my dog can stand, turn around, and relax easily. When I choose the right crate, it can become a secure space my dog actually enjoys.

Author Profile

Mara Ellison
Mara Ellison
I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.

My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.

At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.