Gear & equipment
Wire crate vs plastic vs soft crate
The three crate types are not ranked from best to worst. Each solves a different problem, and the wrong one for your dog can turn crate time into a chewing or escape project. Here is what each type does well, which dogs and situations it suits, how to set it up, and when a switch makes sense.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026
Type by type
What wire, plastic and soft crates each do well.
Wire crates give airflow and a clear view of the room, which suits dogs who like to see their people. Most fold flat for storage and accept a divider, so one crate can follow a puppy into adulthood. A breathable cover over the top and sides can add privacy for dogs who find the open view busy, as long as air still moves.
Plastic crates have solid walls and smaller windows, so they feel more like a den and block more visual noise. They hold warmth better in a cold room and are often used for air travel, though each airline sets its own rules, so check before you buy. Soft crates fold small for cabins and visits, but mesh and zips are not built for chewing or pawing.
- Wire for airflow and dividers
- Plastic for a den feel
- Soft only for calm dogs
- Check airline rules before buying
Matching dog to crate
Which dogs suit which crate, and which do not.
A puppy often does best in a wire crate with a divider, because it grows with them and you can see what they are doing. A dog who barks at every passer-by often settles better in a plastic crate or a covered wire one. A determined chewer or escape artist should never be left in a soft crate, and may need a professional look at why.
Big, strong dogs can bend thin wire doors if they push hard, so check the wire gauge and latches on any crate meant for a large dog. In the car, a crate should be secured so it cannot slide or tip, and soft crates offer little structure if you brake hard. Small, calm dogs who travel with you are the soft crate's best audience.
Setup and mistakes
Getting the most out of whichever crate you pick.
Whatever the type, the crate should be sized to your dog, placed where the household spends time, and kept free of collars, tags and loose cords. Use bedding your dog will not shred, and remove it if chewing starts. Introduce the crate gradually with meals and rewards inside, so it means rest and good things, never punishment.
A common mistake is choosing for the owner's convenience rather than the dog's temperament, such as a soft crate for a puppy that chews everything. Another is swapping crate types so often that the dog never settles into one. Crate comfort is part of Puppy Fundamentals, and like every tool in our programs, the crate routine is taught to the owner at handover.
Asked and answered
The questions people ask us.
Is a wire or plastic crate better for a puppy?
Wire often suits puppies better because it takes a divider and grows with them. A plastic crate can help a puppy who settles more easily with fewer things to watch.
Are soft crates safe for dogs?
For calm, crate-trained dogs under supervision, a soft crate can work well for travel and visits. They are not made for chewers, diggers or dogs who push at the door, and a determined dog can tear through the mesh.
Should I cover my dog's wire crate?
Many dogs settle better with a breathable cover over the top and sides, especially in a busy room. Leave the front open or partly open for airflow, and remove the cover if your dog pulls it through the bars.
Which type of crate is best for the car?
A sturdy wire or plastic crate that is secured so it cannot slide or tip is the usual choice, since soft crates offer little structure. Check your cargo space against the crate's outside dimensions before buying.
Keep reading
Get crate time right
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