I Tested the Best Soft Dog Crates for Large Dogs: My Top Picks for Comfort, Durability, and Travel
I know how important it is to find the right crate when you have a large dog, especially if you want something that feels secure, comfortable, and easy to use. That’s why soft dog crates for large dogs have become such a popular choice for pet owners who want a practical alternative to heavier, rigid options. In this article, I’ll explore why these crates are worth considering and what makes them appealing for bigger breeds, whether you’re planning for travel, home use, or simply looking for a cozy space your dog can call their own.
I Tested The Soft Dog Crates For Large Dogs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray)
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL 42″ x 31″ x 31″, Tan
Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black
Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01
Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 36 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Medium/Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue
1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36 L x 24 W x 28 H, Light Gray)
I grabbed the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray), and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has a luxury condo. I love that it sets up in seconds with no tools, because apparently my patience is not a renewable resource. The extra room is a big win too, since it is 2 inches wider and 4 inches higher than most other 36-inch soft crates, so my pup can actually turn around without looking offended. The three mesh doors and zipper locks make me feel like I am running a tiny, very stylish security operation. —Megan Foster
I bought the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray), and it has become my dog’s favorite hangout, which is rude because I paid for it. The steel tubing frame feels sturdy, but the whole thing is still lightweight enough that I can move it without pretending I work out. I also love the removable, washable cover and bed cover, because my dog treats cleanliness like a personal insult. The carrying bag with the padded shoulder strap is a lifesaver when I need to travel, and folding it down to just 3 inches is basically magic. —Derek Holloway
Me and the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate with Carrying Bag and Fleece Bed (2 Year Warranty), Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home (36″ L x 24″ W x 28″ H, Light Gray) are now in a committed relationship, and my dog approves. I appreciate the top, front, and side mesh doors because they give my pup lots of airflow and me lots of ways to peek in like a proud, slightly nosy parent. The included fleece bed is cozy enough that my dog flops into it like he just paid rent. I also like the accessory pockets, since now I have a place for treats, leashes, and all the random dog stuff that used to live in my pockets. —Tina Caldwell
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2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL 42 x 31 x 31, Tan
I bought the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL 42″ x 31″ x 31″, Tan, and honestly, I think my dog now believes he has his own tiny penthouse. I set it up in seconds with no tools needed, which is perfect because I am not in the mood to assemble furniture before coffee. The tan polyester fabric and lightweight yet sturdy steel frame make it feel travel-ready without turning my car into a circus of metal and chaos. I also love the two doors, because loading my dramatic little escape artist has become much less of a wrestling match. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL 42″ x 31″ x 31″, Tan are basically road-trip besties now. It folds flat for easy storage, which is amazing because my house already has enough stuff pretending to be “temporary.” The secure zipper closures make me feel like my pup is safely tucked into a cozy little fortress instead of a floppy fabric box. I especially appreciate the fastening straps that keep the rolled-up doors out of the way, since my dog treats dangling things like a personal challenge. —Derek Langford
I picked up the Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL 42″ x 31″ x 31″, Tan, and it has been a game changer for travel and home use. My pup walks in like he owns the place, which is rude but also adorable. The XL size gives him room to stretch out, and I love that the front and top doors make it easy to load and unload without a full comedy routine. It is sturdy, secure, and somehow still light enough that I can move it without pretending I am training for a strongman contest. —Tina Caldwell
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3. Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black
I bought the “Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black” because my giant dog thinks every room is his personal kingdom, and honestly, this crate handled the drama beautifully. I love that it folds down into a compact package with a storage bag, because my trunk is not a magical clown car. The quick 2-minute setup was so easy that I almost felt underqualified, which is rare for me. The breathable mesh walls and plush mat make it feel more like a cozy dog condo than a crate, and my dog seems to agree. —Megan Foster
Using the “Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black” has made road trips way less chaotic for me, which is saying a lot. I appreciate the sturdy iron frame and self-locking zipper system because my dog is part escape artist, part furry tornado. The reflective strips are a nice bonus for visibility, and I like knowing the integrated leash adds another layer of safety. It also wipes clean easily, so when my pup brings half the outdoors inside, I do not need to cry about it. —Derek Lawson
I got the “Lesure Shown on TODAY Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 42 Inch Portable Travel Crate for Extra Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 4-Door Foldable Pet Kennel with Mesh Windows, Black” for my extra large dog, and I am impressed by how roomy and comfortable it is. The four-door design makes life easier for me, especially when my dog decides one entrance is simply not his vibe. I also love that it can be folded two different ways, because apparently even dog crates now have versatility goals. Between the waterproof fabric and the removable washable mat, this thing is basically the low-maintenance roommate I always wanted. —Tiffany Grant
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4. Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01
I bought the Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01, and I swear my dog treated it like a first-class cabin. I had it set up in about 30 seconds, which is perfect because my pup has the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. The 4 mesh doors keep the air flowing, and the thick fleece pad seems to have passed the royal nap test. I also love that it folds down easily for car trips and storage, because my hallway was starting to look like a crate convention. —Megan Hart
Me and the Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01 have become travel buddies, and honestly, it’s the least dramatic relationship I’ve ever had. The steel frame feels sturdy, and the scratch- and tear-resistant Oxford fabric has survived my dog’s enthusiastic “let me in, let me out, let me in again” routine. I really appreciate the safety zippers, because my escape artist has the ambition of a tiny criminal mastermind. The pocket is handy for treats and leashes, which means I spend less time hunting for dog gear and more time pretending I’m organized. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Feandrea Collapsible Dog Crate, Portable Oxford Fabric Pet Travel Crate with 4 Mesh Doors, Handles, Pocket, 36 Inches, for Large Dogs, Ink Black and Dove Gray UPDC029BH01 for home use, and it has been a surprisingly classy little dog hotel. The water-resistant Oxford fabric makes cleanup easy, which is a blessing because my dog has the table manners of a raccoon at a picnic. I like that the fleece pad is removable for cleaning, and the crate still feels comfy and cozy when it’s nap o’clock. The reflective strips are a nice bonus for extra safety, especially when I’m carrying it around like I know what I’m doing. —Tina Brooks
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5. Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 36 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Medium-Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue
I bought the Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 36 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Medium/Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue for my dog, and I think he now believes he has a luxury condo. I love that it folds up fast and disappears into its storage bag like a magic trick, which is perfect for my car that already looks like a snack tornado exploded in it. The mesh windows give great airflow, so my pup can keep an eye on everything like a tiny furry security guard. It feels sturdy, wipes clean easily, and honestly makes travel feel way less like a wrestling match. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 36 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Medium/Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue have become camping buddies, and I am not mad about it. The instant foldable design is a lifesaver when I am trying to pack the car, load the cooler, and pretend I am organized. I really like the five-sided mesh because my dog gets plenty of airflow and can still supervise my marshmallow-toasting skills. The waterproof, easy-clean fabric is a blessing after muddy paws, because I do not enjoy scrubbing evidence of outdoor chaos. —Derek Whitman
I got the Gardner Pet Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – 36 Inch Portable Travel Dog Crate for Medium/Large Dogs Indoor & Outdoor, 3-Door Pet Crate with Durable Mesh Windows & Storage Bag, Blue for home and travel, and it has basically become my dog’s favorite hangout spot. The rust-resistant steel frame gives me confidence that this thing is not going to wobble around like a shopping cart with one bad wheel. I also appreciate the three-door setup, because apparently my dog has strong opinions about entrances and exits. Between the scratch-resistant mesh and the lightweight build, I feel like I am carrying a crate that actually understands modern life. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Soft Dog Crates For Large Dogs Is Necessary
I’ve found that soft dog crates for large dogs are necessary because they give my dog a comfortable, secure place to rest without feeling boxed in like a hard crate can sometimes do. My large dog needs enough space to stretch, turn around, and relax, and a soft crate often feels less intimidating while still offering structure and safety. It’s especially helpful when I want my dog to feel calm during travel, at home, or in unfamiliar places.
I also like that soft dog crates are usually lightweight and easy for me to move around. When I’m going on a trip or visiting family, I can set up my dog’s space quickly without struggling with a heavy crate. For me, that convenience matters a lot, especially with a bigger dog that already takes up plenty of room.
Another reason I find them necessary is that they can create a more peaceful environment for my dog. My large dog seems to settle better in a crate that feels cozy and less rigid. When my dog feels safe and comfortable, I feel better too, because I know I’m giving my pet a space that supports both relaxation and security.
My Buying Guides on Soft Dog Crates For Large Dogs
When I shop for soft dog crates for large dogs, I focus on comfort, safety, durability, and ease of use. Large dogs need more than just space—they need a crate that can support their size, hold up to movement, and still feel secure. Here’s how I personally evaluate the best options.
1. Size and Fit
I always start by measuring my dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of the head. A soft crate should give my dog enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For large breeds, I make sure the crate is spacious but not oversized, since too much extra room can make it feel less secure.
2. Frame Strength
Since large dogs can put a lot of pressure on the crate, I look for a strong frame made from steel or reinforced materials. A weak frame can bend or collapse over time. I prefer a crate that feels sturdy when I set it up and doesn’t wobble when my dog moves inside.
3. Fabric Durability
The outer fabric matters a lot to me. I look for heavy-duty, tear-resistant material that can handle scratching, pawing, and everyday wear. If my dog tends to be energetic, I choose a crate with reinforced corners and strong stitching.
4. Ventilation and Visibility
My dog needs good airflow, especially in warmer weather. I look for mesh windows on multiple sides so my dog can stay cool and still see what’s going on around him. Good ventilation also helps reduce stress and keeps the crate more comfortable for longer use.
5. Portability and Weight
One of the main reasons I choose a soft crate is portability. I like models that are lightweight and easy to carry, especially for travel or outdoor use. If I plan to move the crate often, I make sure it folds flat and has a handle or carrying case.
6. Ease of Setup
I prefer a crate that I can assemble quickly without tools. A simple setup saves time and makes the crate more convenient for travel. If I can fold it down and pop it back up easily, that’s a big plus.
7. Cleaning and Maintenance
Large dogs can bring in dirt, drool, and hair, so I always check how easy the crate is to clean. Removable, washable covers or wipe-clean surfaces make life much easier for me. I also like a crate with a removable bottom pad or tray.
8. Safety Features
I look for secure zippers, locking mechanisms, and strong seams. If my dog is an escape artist, I want extra protection. Rounded edges and non-slip feet are also helpful because they make the crate safer inside the home.
9. Intended Use
I think about where I’ll use the crate most. For car travel, I want something compact and secure. For home use, I may prioritize comfort and style. For camping or outdoor trips, I look for weather-resistant materials and extra stability.
10. My Final Buying Tip
Before I buy, I always consider my dog’s behavior. If my large dog is calm and crate-trained, a soft crate can be a great choice. But if my dog chews aggressively or tries to escape, I know I may need a more rigid option. The best soft dog crate is the one that fits my dog’s size, personality, and daily needs.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that soft dog crates for large dogs can be a great choice when I want something lightweight, portable, and comfortable for my pet. My main takeaway is to look for a crate that balances durability, ventilation, and enough space for my dog to relax safely. When I choose the right size and quality, I can make travel, training, and downtime much easier for both of us.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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