Best Dog Crate for Australian Shepherd

📅 Last updated: September 26, 2026

An Australian Shepherd without a routine will create one, and it may involve chewing baseboards or herding the cat. A crate gives this energetic, intelligent breed a calm place to rest and a safe spot when you cannot supervise. But Aussies are also clever and sometimes anxious, and a poorly chosen crate can become something they learn to escape or dread. This guide explains how to choose the best dog crate for an Australian Shepherd, what size to buy, how crate types compare for this breed, and how to set things up so your Aussie actually settles.

Australian Shepherd size and crate needs

Standard Aussies usually weigh 40-65 lb and stand 18-23 inches tall. Males are typically larger. Measure your dog standing from nose to base of tail and add 2-4 inches for length; measure sitting height from floor to top of the head and add 2-4 inches for height.

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

Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Australian Shepherd' because the listing specifies for Medium-Large Breeds and 41-70 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.

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Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel

Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Australian Shepherd' because the listing specifies Collapsible Metal Kennel, details this guide uses to compare options.

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Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs

Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Australian Shepherd' because the listing specifies for Large Breeds and 71-90 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.

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ZOMISIA 36" L Collapsible Dog Crate for Dogs, Heavy Duty Dog Kennel Indoor

Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Australian Shepherd' because the listing specifies Heavy Duty Dog Kennel Indoor, details this guide uses to compare options.

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

Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Australian Shepherd' because the listing specifies for Medium-Large Breeds and 41-70 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.

View on Amazon →

Many owners buy a 42-inch crate with a divider for a puppy and use it into adulthood.

Crate types compared for Aussies

See also: How to Pick a Heating Pad for an Arthritic Senior Dog • How to Transition a Picky Cat to a New Food

Wire crates

Wire crates provide excellent airflow for a double-coated dog, fold flat, and usually include a divider. Aussies are visually alert, so the open sides can trigger barking at movement. A breathable cover over part of the crate helps many dogs settle.

Plastic kennels

Enclosed sides create a den feel, which suits Aussies that are sensitive to noise and activity. They are also standard for air travel. Monitor temperatures, since ventilation is lower.

Heavy-duty or escape-resistant crates

Some Aussies, particularly those with separation anxiety, learn to bend wire or open latches. Heavy-gauge steel crates with reinforced doors cost significantly more but prevent injuries from escape attempts. If your dog is breaking out, also address the anxiety with training and your vet, not just stronger bars.

Soft-sided crates

Convenient for travel and dog shows, but not for unsupervised use with young or anxious dogs.

Features worth paying for

• Double doors for placement flexibility.
• Slide-bolt or paddle latches on both top and bottom of the door; clever Aussies test weak points.
• A leak-proof, removable tray for cleaning.
• A divider panel for house training puppies.
• Rounded corners and no sharp wire ends to prevent injuries.

Setting up an Aussie crate

1. Exercise first. An Aussie that has had a good walk or play session is far more likely to rest.
2. Place the crate in a quieter part of a family room, away from windows that face a busy street.
3. Use a durable crate pad, not a fluffy bed, until you know the dog will not chew it.
4. Feed meals in the crate and give a stuffed food toy for the first minutes.
5. Train duration gradually, starting with a few minutes while you are home.
6. Keep sessions reasonable: puppies roughly one hour per month of age during the day, and adults not more than about four to five hours at a stretch.

Mental exercise matters as much as the crate

Aussies are herding dogs bred to work all day. A crate is not a substitute for activity. Most adults need 60-90 minutes of combined physical and mental exercise per day, including training, puzzle toys, or dog sports. A well-exercised Aussie sees the crate as a place to recover; an under-exercised one sees it as a cage.

Common mistakes

• Buying a crate that is too small. The dog should stand without ducking and lie flat on its side.
• Overheating. Heavy covers in a warm room can overheat a double-coated breed.
• Using the crate for punishment. This builds negative associations quickly.
• Ignoring escape attempts. Bent bars and broken teeth are signs of distress that need training help.
• Crating a bored dog for long periods. Exercise and enrichment first.

FAQ

What size crate does an Australian Shepherd need?

Most adults fit a 42-inch crate. Smaller females may manage with 36 inches, and very large males may prefer 48 inches. Measure your dog and add 2-4 inches in length and height.

Should my Aussie’s crate be covered?

Partial covering often helps visually alert Aussies relax. Keep at least one side open for airflow and remove covers in warm weather.

Bottom line

The best crate for an Australian Shepherd is usually a 42-inch wire crate with a divider and secure latches, placed in a calm spot and paired with plenty of daily exercise. Choose a heavy-duty model only if your dog is prone to escape, and work on the cause. With the right setup, your Aussie will treat the crate as a comfortable den between adventures.

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