Best Dog Crate for St Bernard: Large, Durable Crates for Extra-Large Breeds
Large breeds like the St Bernard require sturdy, spacious crates that offer safety, ease of cleaning, and reliable containment. This guide highlights five high-capacity dog crates suited for St Bernards and other XXL breeds. Each option emphasizes robust construction, secure latching, and practical features like wheels, easy-clean pans, or escape-proof designs. Read on to compare sizes, materials, and advantages to determine the best crate for your giant companion.
Product Overview
Summary of chosen crates:
- MidWest Homes for Pets Ginormous Single Door 54-Inch Dog Crate for XXL Dogs (SL54) — 54L x 37W x 45H, two-person assembly, divider panel sold separately
- XaJarQue Heavy Duty Dog Crate with Wheels, 37.4″ x 25.6″ x 33.5″ (and similar XXL variants) — escape-proof, rolling wheels, durable metal
- XaJarQue Heavy Duty Dog Crate with Wheels, 38.6″ x 26.8″ x 36.6″ — large interior, rolling wheels, escape-proof design
- JY QAQA PET 38 Inch Heavy Duty Indestructible Cage — double doors, enhanced security, easy assembly
- Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Folding Soft Dog Travel Crate (Medium, but included for context) — portable option
Note: The first four selections offer rigid metal construction ideal for St Bernards. The soft-sided options provide portability for travel or temporary containment, though they may not match the durability of metal crates for a horse-height-zest breed like a St Bernard’s strength in a home environment.
MidWest Ginormous 54-Inch Metal Crate
The MidWest SL54 is designed for extra-large breeds, including St Bernards. It features a heavy-duty metal frame and a secure triple-slide bolt latching system. The crate measures 54 inches in length, 37 inches wide, and 45 inches high, totaling a substantial interior space for a large dog to stand, turn, and lie down. Assembly requires two people due to its drop-pin construction, and the divider panel is sold separately. A removable plastic pan eases cleaning after accidents, supporting daily maintenance in busy households.
Pros: Large interior volume; durable construction; secure latches; easy-to-clean pan. Cons: Requires two-person assembly; divider panel sold separately; heavier to move when fully assembled.
LUCKUP 38-Inch Heavy Duty Crate With Wheels
The LUCKUP crate emphasizes a heavy-duty steel frame with a rust- and corrosion-resistant finish. It’s designed for medium to large dogs and includes slide-out plastic trays for easy cleanup. Two locking mechanisms with safety buckles help prevent escape, which is useful for high-energy dogs or those prone to pushing doors open. The crate is equipped with wheels for easier relocation around the home, a practical feature for households with multiple pets or restricted spaces. The finish is non-toxic, supporting dog health and comfort.
Pros: Durable steel frame; easy cleaning tray; wheels for mobility; dual locks for security. Cons: 38 inches may be tight for a very tall St Bernard; assembly may require careful alignment.
JY QAQA PET 38-Inch Heavy Duty Indestructible Cage
The JY QAQA PET crate emphasizes robustness with enhanced metal construction to withstand demanding use. It includes double doors for convenient access and improved security, making it suitable for powerful dogs that may attempt to push or claw at the door. The product highlights straightforward assembly, enabling quick setup for training or relocation. For St Bernards, this crate provides a sturdy, escape-resistant enclosure that can hold up to large dog activity without bending or warping.
Pros: Enhanced security; durable materials; simple assembly; dual-door access. Cons: Purely metal design may be heavier to move; dimensions are 38 inches, potentially less headroom for taller dogs.
XaJarQue Heavy Duty Crate With Wheels — 37.4″ Interior
The XaJarQue heavy-duty crates emphasize an escape-proof design with rolling wheels to support mobility around the home or vet visits. The listed dimensions of 37.4 by 25.6 by 33.5 inches offer substantial interior space, suitable for many large dogs. This crate is designed for easy movement and secure locking, assisting with confinement during training or travel. For a St Bernard, ensure the interior volume accommodates lying down with some headroom, given the dog’s height and length.
Pros: Escape-proof design; mobility via wheels; robust locking. Cons: Interior may be tight for very tall individuals; dimensions vary by model could affect fit in smaller rooms.
XaJarQue 38.6-Inch Heavy Duty Crate
This XaJarQue crate sits at 38.6 inches in height with dimensions designed to suit large dogs like St Bernards. The rolling wheels help reposition the crate within living spaces, while the escape-proof door ensures containment during unsupervised periods. The model shares the brand’s emphasis on secure latching and straightforward maintenance, with a design focus on durability for daily use in busy households or training environments.
Pros: Stable rolling design; escape-proof locking; tall interior for larger dogs. Cons: Slightly smaller footprint than the 54-inch Midwest crate; heavier than softer alternatives.
XaJarQue Heavy Duty Crate With Wheels — 37.4″ x 25.6″ x 33.5″
This XaJarQue model offers a spacious interior with a practical wheel design for ease of movement. It includes an escape-proof door and reinforced locking, making it suitable for large dogs that require secure containment in a home environment. While the exterior footprint is moderate, the interior space remains generous for many St Bernards, especially when placed in open areas of a living room or kitchen space with room to roll the crate as needed.
Pros: Comfortable interior; mobility; secure locking. Cons: Not the largest option for extra-tall St Bernards; assembly and wheel maintenance may require attention.
Amazon Basics 2-Door Portable Soft-Sided Travel Crate — Medium
This soft-sided travel crate offers portability and quick setup, but it is intended for smaller or mid-sized dogs rather than a St Bernard’s full-time home crate. It can serve as a supplementary travel option or temporary space during car trips or vet visits. The double-door design adds convenience for loading in and out, and the lightweight frame makes it easy to move when needed. For a St Bernard, use this option only for short trips or back-up containment, not as a primary home crate.
Pros: Lightweight; fast setup; portable. Cons: Not ideal for daily containment of a large breed; less durable than metal crates; limited size range.
Amazon Basics 36-Inch Soft Crate
Even though this Soft Crate is categorized as a 36-inch option for cats, dogs, or rabbits, it demonstrates the soft-sided design trend among travel crates. It includes dual doors for easier access and quick folding for storage. It’s best used for small to medium dogs or temporary containment during travel. For a St Bernard, match this with a properly sized metal crate for daily use to ensure safety and comfort at home.
Pros: Easy setup; portable; dual doors. Cons: Not suited for large St Bernards as a primary enclosure; durability varies with use.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Size and interior space: XXL breeds like St Bernards require generous interior room. Aim for crates with interior dimensions that allow the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down fully. If using a divider, ensure it can adapt as your dog grows or as your living space changes.
- Material and durability: Metal (steel) crates offer the strongest containment and longevity. Look for reinforced frames, secure latches, and rust-resistant finishes for long-term use. Plastic panels can provide a mixed option for some environments, but metal is generally preferable for large breeds.
- Mobility vs. stability: Crates with wheels provide flexibility for moving the crate between rooms or for cleaning, but ensure wheels lock securely to prevent rolling when the dog uses the crate. For permanent setups, a non-movable crate with a broad base offers stability.
- Cleanability: Removeable pans and smooth surfaces simplify cleaning after accidents. A plastic tray should be easily removable and dishwasher-safe or easy to wipe down.
- Security features: Multi-point latches and escape-proof doors are crucial for active or determined dogs. Consider double doors or easy-to-use latching mechanisms to ensure containment even when the dog is curious or anxious.
- Portability and travel: For travel, soft-sided crates offer light weight and quick setup, but they may not withstand the strain of a St Bernard. If travel is frequent, balance portability with the crate’s durability and interior space.
- Maintenance and assembly: Some metal crates require two-person assembly or careful alignment. Check whether divider panels or accessories are included or sold separately, and factor in additional costs for ongoing maintenance.
- Space planning: Measure the intended crate location for clearance, door swing, and room to maneuver the dog in and out. XXL crates can dominate a room, so placement is key to daily convenience.
Why Choose a Heavy-Duty Crate for a St Bernard?
St Bernards are strong, large dogs that require sturdy containment to support training, safety, and well-being. Heavy-duty crates minimize escape attempts, provide secure environments for crate training, and protect both the dog and household items during chewing or pushy behavior. When properly sized and placed, a durable metal crate can offer years of reliable service, with easy maintenance and straightforward hygiene, especially for a dog that spends significant time indoors.
Safety Considerations
- Ensure the crate’s interior height supports standing with head and neck fully erect.
- Double-check door latches and locking mechanisms before leaving the dog unattended.
- Use a crate mat or orthopedic bed to improve comfort and joint support for large dogs.
Maintenance Tips
- Regularly inspect for bent wires or loose latches and address promptly to maintain containment integrity.
- Clean removable pans daily and sanitize the interior weekly to reduce odor and bacteria growth.
- Rotate bedding and wash it frequently to keep the crate environment hygienic and comfortable.
In choosing the right crate for a St Bernard, prioritize interior space, durability, and security. The selected metal crates provide the best balance of containment and longevity for a giant breed, while occasional soft-sided options can serve well for travel or supplementary use.