Best dog crates for Pitbulls

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Pitbulls are amazing companions. They also are likely to get into trouble eating something they shouldn’t while you are out of the house. Using a crate is a wonderful way to contain your dog in a safe area, so you don’t have to worry about them getting into mischief while you’re not with them.

Pitbulls love chewing, so selecting a durable crate is essential. From heavy duty options, to travel crates or a foldable option for occasional use, we’ve found the best crates for the job.

Our Top Choice for Pitbull Crates: Parpet Heavy Duty Empire Crate

Our TOP Choice

PARPET Heavy Duty Empire Dog Crate

This crate measures 37 inches long by 25.3 inches wide, and 33.9 inches tall. The steel bars are finished in a durable powder coat in a silver color. This crate comes complete with four locking wheels so you can move it around easily when needed. If you know you’re going to keep this in one spot, you can also choose to leave the wheels off.

The base of this crate is made from metal bars, with ½ inch between the bars. It’s recommended to cover this with a thick dog bed to increase comfort. It also features a removable tray under the base, so if your dog does have an accident in there it’s pretty easy to clean up and won’t get on your floors.

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The large door has a double latch, adding some extra safety if your doggo is a bit of an escape artist when it comes to standard crates. This crate gets plenty of glowing reviews from dog owners who were looking for a premium-quality crate to keep their Pitbull safe.

Our Runner-Ups

Let’s have a look at our specialized crate choices:

Best Folding Crate for Pitbulls

Best Folding Crate

New World Folding Metal Dog Crate

Sometimes you want a sturdy metal crate, but you don’t need to use it all the time. If this sounds familiar, then a folding crate is the best option. This crate measures 36 inches long by 23 inches wide and 25 inches high. It’s incredibly easy to assemble, and folds flat for storage or when traveling.

This comes in a single door and double door model. Each door has two heavy duty sliding bolts to securely lock the door in place. The plastic covered wire offers a great combination of ventilation and safety. The base of this crate has a hardwearing and removable plastic pan for easy cleaning.

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This crate is very popular, mainly due to the fact that it is super quick and easy to assemble, as well as being made from high quality materials. For extra peace of mind, it’s good to know that this crate also comes with a one year warranty.

Best Heavy Duty Crate for Pitbulls

Best Heavy Duty Crate

LUCKUP Heavy Duty Dog Crate

Some Pitbulls love to crash around enthusiastically in their crate when they wake up, and if you’re not quick enough to let them out they can damage a lightweight crate. If that sounds familiar, then the Luckup Heavy Duty Dog Crate is the answer!

Made from corrosion-resistant steel with a non-toxic silver finish, this strong and durable crate can stand up to even the bounciest of dogs. It measures 37.5 inches long by 25.5 inches wide and 27 inches high. You can also choose larger sizes if you’d prefer your dog to have more space.

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It has a large side door for easy access, and the entire top section can also be opened up if you want to refresh your dog’s food and water while keeping them contained. Both doors are secured using two heavy-duty sliding metal locks. This crate also features removable locking wheels, and a sliding plastic tray under the metal base. For comfort, it’s recommended to add a thick dog bed to the crate.

Best Wooden-Style Crate

Best Wooden Crate

New Age Pet ecoFLEX Pet Crate/End Table, Medium, Russet

Some Pitbulls love the security of a crate, and enjoy heading inside their open crate for a nap when you’re relaxing at home. If you don’t want a large metal crate in your living room, a wooden style crate is the perfect solution. This crate is made from EcoFlex, a polymer made from recycled plastic and wood. So while it looks wooden, this material is hardwearing and won’t crack or split.

This wooden style crate measures 35 inches long by 24 inches wide and 28 inches high. The door and both sides have plenty of ventilation thanks to the stainless steel spindles, while the top, base, and back are solid. This crate won’t look out of place sitting next to your couch used as an end table, all while offering a safe and cozy den for your dog!

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Choose from four colors – antique white, grey, russet brown, and espresso black. This crate is well made but not as tough as a full metal crate, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve fully completed your Pitbull’s crate training to ensure they feel comfortable and happy when they come in this crate to relax.

Best Soft Crate for Pitbulls

Amazon Basics Premium Folding Portable Crate

Soft crates can be a great idea for the occasional overnight trip, or if you’re traveling with your Pitbull and still want to offer them the security of their own den, without the need to bring a metal crate with you. This soft-sided crate is made from hard-wearing polyester, PVC, and mesh. It measures 36 inches long by 24 inches wide and 24 inches high.

The multiple mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation, and the base is covered with a soft plush fleece bed that can be removed for washing. It also includes two removable storage bags, perfect for keeping your dog’s leash, paperwork, and treats safe while you’re traveling. It even includes an ID pocket for your details, and a water bottle holder. .

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If you want to allow your Pitbull easy access in and out of this crate, simply roll the door up and secure with the Velcro tabs. When not in use, this folds completely flat for easy storage. This crate is best used under supervision, as some dogs may chew the soft material and end up escaping.

The color options let you select a crate that perfectly matches the color of your Pitbulls fur!

Best Plastic Travel Crate

Best Air Travel Crate

Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier

Sometimes you need to travel by air with your Pitbull and if they have to go in the hold, you’ll need an airline approved travel crate. This sturdy plastic crate will do the job! Measuring 36 inches long by 25 inches wide and 27 inches tall, this crate has a four-way “vault” door lock for additional security (though you’ll still need to add extra cable ties or security ties as per individual airline regulations).

Made from a hard-wearing plastic shell with 360-degree ventilation, this crate also comes complete with clip-on bowls for food and water, ID stickers, and two “Live Animal” stickers. This Sky Kennel meets the majority of airline specifications for cargo travel, but we always recommend checking with the airline you intend to use, before travel. For some airlines, you may need to replace the plastic nuts with metal hardware instead.

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This crate gets a lot of glowing reviews, especially from dog owners flying with their pups. It’s also a great choice for road trips, where you might need a sturdy crate for overnight stops, but something that’s a little less cumbersome than a metal crate.

Best Budget Crate

Best Budget Option

MidWest 36 Inch Folding Metal Dog Crate

If you know you need a dog crate but you won’t be using it all the time, this budget option will fit the bill nicely. Suitable for adult dogs up to 70 pounds, this crate measures 36 inches long by 23 inches wide and 25 inches tall. It also comes in a range of other sizes. If you plan to use this for a Pitbull puppy, you can make it smaller using the divider panel which can then be removed as your pup grows.

Made from a durable plastic coated metal with no sharp edges, this crate has a leak-proof plastic tray base. The two heavy-duty bolts firmly lock the door in place. When not in use, you can fold this crate down for easy storage. It also has roller feet at the front so you can move it without damaging hardwood floors.

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You might not find this sturdy enough for everyday use, and some reviewers have noted that their dogs managed to undo the latches. You might decide to use a carabiner or zip tie to “double lock” the doors. As a budget crate for occasional use, this can easily be stored in the garage when not in use.

Buying Guide

Crate training is a great thing to do with your Pitbull, but first you need to make sure that whatever crate you choose is right for the job. Too small and your Pitbull may feel uncomfortable. Too flimsy and they’ll chew their way out in seconds! Here is what you need to consider when choosing the best crate to suit your dog’s needs.

Reasons To Crate Your Pitbull

Training your Pitbull to happily spend time in a crate is an excellent idea for a range of reasons, including:

It gives them a safe and secure den
Stops them eating unsuitable items when you’re out
Prevents chewing on furniture
Makes travel or vet visits easier
Gives individual dogs their own space

Even if you choose to keep your Pitbull free in your house for most of the time when you’re away, it’s still a good idea to train them to accept a crate.

If you need to take your dog for an emergency visit to the vet, or on a long trip with overnight stops, knowing they can relax in a crate can make things much easier.

Crate Training Is Essential

Once you’ve bought your crate, it’s not just going to be a matter of putting your dog in there, shutting the door, and leaving them. You’ll need to take the time to train them to accept the crate, as well as create positive associations so they look forward to spending time in their crate.

Which Type Should I Choose?

There are a few different types of crate, including:

Wire. Crates made from metal wire are one of the most popular types. Some wire can be folded down when not in use. They usually have a removable plastic tray in the base. Wire crates are cost effective and come in all sorts of sizes.
Metal. These crates are made from strong metal bars with a powder coated finish. They’re the most secure type of crate, but are heavy and expensive. They often have a slide-out tray underneath so you can easily clean up any mess. Metal crates usually have a floor made of metal bars, so this needs covering with a comfortable bed so your Pitbull’s paws don’t become sore.
Wood. If you’re looking for a crate to use in a living area, a wooden crate is a good choice. These can be used as an end table as well as a crate! Some are made from just wood, others use a composite wood and plastic materials. Others have metal bars and a wooden surround. Some Pitbulls may chew a wooden crate.
Fabric. These are the least secure option, and should really only be used under supervision. If you’re traveling and want to offer your dog a safe den to sleep in, they’re a great choice.
Plastic. Often used to transport dogs on airlines, plastic crates are easily to clean and some dogs prefer them because the walls are more solid. This can help them feel safer than a wire crate with open sides.

Choosing The Correct Size

Once you’ve selected the type of crate you’re going to use, it’s time to decide on the size. You want your dog to have enough space to turn around, lie down stretched out, and stand up comfortably.

A crate measuring 36 inches long by 24 inches wide and 24 inches high should work for Pitbulls weighing between 40-80 pounds. If your Pitbull is smaller or larger than average, you may choose to use a different sized crate.

Most crate manufacturers will have a size chart, so make sure to refer to their individual dimensions before making your choice.

Making Your Pitbull’s Crate Comfortable

Once you’ve decided on the type and size of crate, you’ll need to add some accessories to keep your Pitbull comfortable. Some crates come with a solid tray on the base, others have metal bars. Neither of these are going to be nice for your Pitbull to stand or lie on. We recommend adding a thick bed. You may decide to choose one with a firm base for a metal dog crate, so your Pitbull can’t feel the bars under their bed.

If you’re leaving your Pitbull in their crate for any length of time, you’ll need to provide a water bowl. You can buy brackets to hold this off the floor of the crate, reducing the chance of your dog knocking it over and making a mess. You might decide to add a food bowl too.

What Not To Use A Crate For

Crates should never be used as a place to put your dog as a punishment. This will destroy the positive associations you’ve built up, meaning you’ll have to go back to square one in your training.

Equally, never crate your dog as a way of managing behavioral issues. If your Pitbull is anxious, trying to chew something they shouldn’t, or barking excessively, rather than put them in their crate and forget about it, consider whether they might be bored, or need a walk.

An experienced dog trainer can help you figure out the best times to crate you dog, and how to solve any behavioral issues that may have been tempting you to crate your dog unnecessarily.

The Bottom Line

As the best overall crate for Pitbulls, we recommend the Parpet Empire Dog Crate. This heavy-duty crate is made from high-quality welded steel. It has locking wheels making it easy to move around. The two latches on the door keep your Pitbull safe and secure while you’re not with them.

If you’d prefer a folding wire crate, then the New World Folding Metal Dog Crate is an excellent choice. This is extremely easy to put up and take down. It also comes with a divider so you can make the space smaller for your Pitbull puppy and increase the size as they grow.

If you need to take your Pitbull on an airplane, the Petmate Sky Kennel Crate will keep them safe in the skies. Made with a durable plastic, this crate offers plenty of ventilation but the semi-solid walls help your dog to feel safe inside. The door has four locks, for additional security.

Crate And Go

Now you’ve got a better idea of what style of crate will suit your Pitbull best, you can choose the best one to suit their needs. Spending time training your Pitbull to enjoy hanging out in their crate means they’ll always have their own personal den.

Many Pitbulls love napping in their crates, and by making their crate a place they look forward to spending time in, you’ll have a happy dog and a happy owner!

Author: Emma Stenhouse

Emma lives in the rolling hills of Southern Spain with her husband and their small, very excitable daughter. As a dog lover from as early as she can remember, it took Emma 32 years to get her first dog, an Australian Kelpie Collie cross called Ronnie. She made up for lost time and Ronnie was quickly joined by three more rescue dogs: Blue, Rosie, and Max.

When not writing, Emma enjoys trail rides with her two horses, cuddling her four cats, and exploring the local countryside with her family. Emma is originally from the UK and has lived in Costa Rica and New Zealand before settling in Spain.

After a varied career which has included working in an aquarium, being a high-school science teacher, and leading horse treks through the Spanish Sierra Nevada mountains, Emma now enjoys working from home as a writer.