Best crate for a Labrador
A Labrador is a large, solidly built dog, so the crate that matters most is one sized generously enough for them to stand fully upright, turn around without shuffling, and lie flat out on their side with legs extended — most adult Labradors need a large or extra-large crate, not a medium one, whatever a box's marketing calls the size that's supposedly right.
Sizing it properly for the breed
Labradors vary a fair amount in size, but as a solid, broad-chested breed they generally need more crate length and width than their height alone would suggest. Measure your own dog standing and lying stretched out, then add a reasonable margin, rather than relying on a generic 'large breed' label, since crate sizing conventions vary between manufacturers.
If you're crate training a Labrador puppy, buying one crate sized for their expected adult size with a divider panel to section off extra space while they're small is usually more practical and cost-effective than buying a puppy-sized crate you'll need to replace within months, given how quickly the breed grows.
What else genuinely matters
A sturdy, well-built frame matters more for a Labrador than it would for a small breed — this is a strong, physically capable dog, and a flimsy crate can flex, buckle or be pushed open over time. Look for solid construction and a secure, dog-proof latch rather than judging on looks or price alone.
A washable crate mat or bed inside makes a real practical difference, since Labradors are a breed known for shedding and, particularly as puppies, occasional accidents — being able to pull the bedding out and wash it easily saves a lot of hassle over the crate's working life.
Introducing a Labrador to a crate
Build up crate time gradually with a puppy or newly homed adult, using short positive sessions with the door open at first before moving to short periods with it closed, so the crate becomes associated with a calm, comfortable space rather than confinement. Feeding meals in the crate early on often helps build that positive association quickly.
A Labrador that seems distressed rather than simply unsettled when crated — persistent barking, attempts to escape, or signs of real anxiety — is worth discussing with your vet or a qualified trainer rather than pushing through it, since crate training done too quickly can make a dog more anxious rather than less.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Plush Checkered Dog Car Back Seat Bed
A quilted checkered car bed that turns the back seat into one flat, cosy platform for your dog.
From£11.99
Dog Car Seat Belt Safety Tether
An adjustable nylon car safety tether that clips into your seatbelt buckle and onto your dog's harness, keeping them safely restrained while you drive. Strong metal clasp and durable webbing.
£24.99
Front-Pack Pet Carrier Backpack
A breathable front-pack carrier that holds small dogs and cats against your chest with their legs comfortably out. Padded straps, a mesh back panel and an adjustable buckle keep your pet secure and ventilated on the go.
From£12.99
Front-Facing Legs-Out Pet Carrier Backpack
A breathable front-carry backpack that holds your small dog or cat facing outward, legs through the openings. Padded adjustable straps and a secure buckle keep them comfortable on walks and rides.
From£8.99
Front-Carry Pet Backpack Carrier
Hands-free front-carry backpack that holds a small dog or cat against your chest, with breathable leg openings and a padded, adjustable harness. Cute bear-pocket detail and drawstring top keep your pet snug and secure on the go.
From£15.99
PawHut 6-Panel Portable Dog Playpen with Lockable Door — Grey
A six-panel steel puppy pen that reshapes to fit the room, folds to 9.5cm flat and comes with 70cm ground stakes for the garden. Panels 80cm wide, 60cm high.
£82.99
6-Panel Metal Dog Playpen with Gate, Floor Grips and Connectors — White
A six-panel iron pen with rounded corners, forming a 120 x 60cm rectangle or any shape you need, supplied with non-slip floor grips, connectors and cable ties.
£61.99
3-in-1 Padded Pet Travel Carrier Bed & Car Booster Tote
A quilted pet tote that switches between a portable bed, a raised car booster and a carry bag.
From£24.99
24-Panel DIY Small Animal Enclosure with Wipe-Clean Panels and Connectors
A build-it-yourself enclosure of 24 panels giving roughly 142 x 71cm, with wipe-clean PP boards, 4cm wire spacing, anti-slip pads and cable ties for adding doors.
£44.99
PawHut Foldable Dog Stroller with Detachable Carrier — Red
A folding dog stroller whose padded compartment lifts off and becomes a carrier — for dogs up to 10kg and 40cm long. Mesh window, zipped doors, dual rear brakes.
£124.99
3-in-1 Folding Pet Stroller with Removable Carrier
A folding pet stroller whose carrier lifts out to use on its own, giving small, senior or recovering pets a wheeled ride to the vet and back home again.
£115.99
Common questions
- What size crate does an adult Labrador need?
- Most adult Labradors need a large or extra-large crate, sized so they can stand fully upright, turn around comfortably and lie flat out on their side. Measure your own dog rather than relying on a generic breed-size label, since Labradors vary in build.
- Should I buy a puppy crate or an adult-sized crate for a Labrador puppy?
- Many owners buy one crate sized for the expected adult size with a divider panel, which sections off extra space while the puppy is small and can be moved as they grow. This is usually more practical than buying and replacing a smaller crate as a fast-growing breed like a Labrador outgrows it.
- How long can a Labrador be left in a crate?
- This depends on their age and individual needs — a puppy needs far more frequent breaks than an adult dog, and no dog should be crated for excessively long periods regularly. If you're unsure what's reasonable for your specific dog's age and routine, ask your vet.
- Do Labradors need a wire or a plastic crate?
- Either can work well; wire crates generally offer better airflow and visibility, while plastic crates can feel more den-like and are often required for air travel. For a strong breed like a Labrador, the build quality and secure latch matter more than the specific material.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.