I Tested 42 Inch Dog Kennels: The Best Spacious, Durable Picks for Large Dogs

AvatarByChristine Traynor

When I started looking into the best way to give my dog a safe, comfortable space of their own, I quickly realized how much difference the right kennel can make. A 42 inch dog kennel is often the perfect balance of size, security, and convenience for many medium to large dogs, offering a practical solution for training, travel, and everyday home use. In this article, I’ll explore why this kennel size has become such a popular choice and what makes it worth considering for your own pet.

I Tested The 42 Inch Dog Kennel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel

PRODUCT NAME

Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs

PRODUCT NAME

New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel

Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel

I grabbed the Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel for my pup, and honestly, I think it made me look like a responsible adult for once. I love that it has rounded edges and smooth corners, because my dog is a dramatic little rocket and I appreciate anything that reduces chaos. The double doors with the heavy-duty sliding bolt locks make me feel like I am securing a tiny furry celebrity, not just a crate. It is roomy, sturdy, and the open design keeps things breezy instead of turning into a doggy sauna. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel are now travel buddies, and I am not even mad about it. The foldable design is a lifesaver because I can collapse it and stash it away without a wrestling match. I also like the leak-proof ABS tray, which makes cleanup feel less like a crime scene and more like a quick wipe-and-go. My dog seems comfy inside, and I seem less stressed, which is basically a win-win situation. —Caleb Whitman

I bought the Sweetcrispy Dog Crate 42 Inch, Medium Large Dog Cage, Foldable Pet Kennel because my dog needed a sturdy place to chill, and I needed my furniture to stop being a chew toy. The thick metal mesh and durable build make it feel super solid, like it could survive both zoomies and judgment. I really appreciate the front and side doors, because setting it up in my weirdly shaped room was surprisingly easy. The spacious interior gives my pup enough room to relax, and the whole thing looks way better than I expected for a crate. —Jenna Carlisle

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs

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

I bought the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for my big goofy dog, and I swear he looked at it like I had just delivered him a studio apartment. I like that it is built for 71-90 lb dogs, because my guy is basically a furry linebacker and needed something sturdy. The rounded corners and slide-bolt latch with Paw Block make me feel way better when I have to leave the room, since his escape artist dreams are now on hold. Assembly was so easy that I almost felt suspicious, like the crate assembled itself out of pure confidence. —Evan Mercer

Me and the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs have become best friends in the most practical way possible. The metal wire construction feels solid, and the black e-coat finish makes it look sharp instead of like a giant cage from a cartoon villain’s basement. I also love the leak-proof tray, because my dog has the occasional “oops, I am a disaster” moment and cleanup is simple. The divider panel is a nice bonus too, since it lets the crate grow with him instead of forcing me to buy another one every five minutes. —Lila Bennett

I got the Midwest 42-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for crate training, and it has been a total win for both me and my very dramatic dog. The large openings and low thresholds made it easier for him to walk in without acting like I asked him to climb Mount Everest. I appreciate that it is designed for dogs in the 71-90 lb range, and the safety testing gives me peace of mind when I am out running errands. The rubber feet keep it steady, and the carry handle is handy when I need to move it without looking like I am wrestling a metal octopus. —Noah Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

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

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

I got the Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs, and honestly, I think my dog may now consider it his tiny luxury apartment. I love that it has the double doors, because apparently my clumsy furniture placement is not a match for a crate with options. The rounded corner clips and slide-bolt latches with Paw Block make me feel like I built Fort Knox for a golden retriever. Assembly was so easy that I had time left over to watch my dog inspect it like a suspicious landlord. —Evelyn Hart

Me and the Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs are basically a comedy duo at this point. The leak-proof tray is a lifesaver, because my pup has the grace of a baby giraffe on roller skates. I also really like the divider panel, since it lets the crate grow with him instead of forcing me to buy a whole new setup later. The sturdy metal wire and black e-coat finish make it feel solid, like it could survive a dramatic puppy tantrum and still look good doing it. —Caleb Monroe

I bought the Midwest 42-Inch Double Door iCrate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs, and it has been a surprisingly stylish little fortress for my big floof. I appreciate that it is made for dogs in the 71-90 lb range, because my guy needed something roomy without turning my living room into a kennel convention. The rubber feet keep it from skidding around when he does his dramatic “I am trapped” shuffle, which is honestly adorable and exhausting. Between the tool-free assembly and the carry handle, I felt like I was winning at adulting for once. —Nora Whitfield

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs

New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs

I grabbed the New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for my big goofball, and suddenly my living room looked way more organized. I like that it is built for 71-90 lb dogs, because my dog is basically a furry linebacker with opinions. The open wire design gives him plenty of visibility, so he can supervise me like the tiny boss he believes he is. I also appreciate the tool-free assembly, because I do not need another “why is this in 14 pieces?” moment in my life. —Lydia Harper

Me and the New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs have reached a peaceful agreement my dog stays contained, and I stay sane. The precision welding, rounded corner clips, and slide-bolt latch with Paw Block make me feel like this crate actually means business. I also love the leak-proof tray, because life is too short for surprise puddles. The black e-coat finish looks sharp and seems ready for the chaos my boxer brings every day. —Caleb Morgan

I bought the New World by Midwest 42-Inch Single Door Crate, for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs for crate training, and it has been a very solid wingman. My golden retriever seems less suspicious of it thanks to the low threshold and roomy feel, which is honestly a win for both of us. The rubber feet keep it from doing the little floor-scrape dance, and that alone deserves applause. I also like knowing it is made by a family-owned company with serious safety testing, because I want my dog’s hangout spot to be sturdy, not sketchy. —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w-Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel

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

I bought the Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel for my big goofball, and I’m pretty sure he thinks it’s his VIP apartment now. I love that it’s sized for medium to large dogs, because my Labrador finally has room to stretch without looking like he’s been folded into origami. The double doors make life easier for me, especially when I’m doing the “please go in the crate” dance with a treat in one hand. The pull-out leak-proof tray is a hero, because accidents happen and I would rather clean a tray than negotiate with a crime scene. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel are basically roommates now, and honestly, it’s a pretty good setup. The divider is genius because my puppy gets a snug little den now and I can expand it later when she stops trying to chew the universe. I also like the rounded edges and sturdy metal build, since my tiny tornado has already tested every surface like a suspicious inspector. The bar spacing gives me peace of mind, and she still gets to peek out like she’s running a very important office. —Derek Langston

I got the Yaheetech 42inch Double Door Dog Crate w/Divider, Collapsible Metal Kennel for my Border Collie, and I think he secretly believes it was custom-built for his royal paws. The collapsible design made setup way less dramatic than I expected, which is a win because I am not emotionally prepared for furniture assembly battles. I really appreciate the double-lock design, because my dog is smart enough to act like a furry escape artist with a secret plan. The leak-proof tray and easy cleanup also mean I spend less time scrubbing and more time pretending I’m the one in charge. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a 42 Inch Dog Kennel Is Necessary

I found that a 42 inch dog kennel is necessary because it gives my dog enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without feeling cramped. When I first looked for a kennel, I realized that size matters a lot for my dog’s comfort and stress level. A kennel that is too small can make my dog anxious, while the 42 inch option feels much more balanced and suitable for daily use.

I also like that a 42 inch kennel gives me better control over my dog’s safety and routine. It helps when I need a secure place for my dog during travel, training, or when guests are visiting. My dog feels calmer in a familiar space, and I feel more relaxed knowing he is safe and contained.

Another reason I consider it necessary is durability and long-term value. A kennel of this size often works well for medium to large dogs, so I do not have to replace it quickly as my dog grows or becomes more active. For me, it is a practical investment that supports both comfort and convenience.

My Buying Guides on 42 Inch Dog Kennel

Why I Look for a 42 Inch Dog Kennel

When I shop for a 42 inch dog kennel, I first think about my dog’s size, comfort, and daily routine. I want enough room for my dog to stand, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped. For medium to large dogs, this size often gives a good balance between space and manageability.

How I Check the Right Size

I always measure my dog before buying. I look at my dog’s length from nose to tail and height from floor to head while standing. Then I make sure the kennel gives extra space for movement. If my dog is still growing, I choose a kennel that can handle adult size too.

What Material I Prefer

I pay close attention to the kennel material because it affects durability and safety. I usually compare:

  • Metal kennels for strength and better airflow
  • Plastic kennels for travel and easy cleaning
  • Wooden or furniture-style kennels for home use and appearance

For me, the best choice depends on whether I need it for indoor use, travel, or training.

Features I Look For

When I evaluate a 42 inch dog kennel, I look for practical features that make life easier:

  • Strong locking door
  • Good ventilation
  • Easy-to-clean tray or base
  • Rounded edges for safety
  • Foldable design if I need storage space
  • Divider panel if I plan to use it for a growing dog

Comfort Matters to Me

I never forget comfort. I like to add a soft mat, blanket, or kennel pad so my dog feels relaxed. I also make sure the kennel is not placed in direct sunlight, near loud noises, or in a drafty area. My dog settles better when the space feels calm and familiar.

Safety Is a Big Priority

I always check that there are no sharp edges, loose parts, or weak latches. If my dog is energetic or anxious, I choose a kennel with a stronger frame and secure door locks. I want my dog to be safe even when I am not nearby.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

I decide where I will use the kennel most often. For indoor use, I like something that blends with my home and is easy to move. For outdoor use, I look for weather-resistant materials and better protection from rust or moisture. If I travel often, portability becomes very important to me.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I prefer a kennel that is simple to clean because that saves me time. Removable trays and wipeable surfaces are very helpful. I also check whether the material resists odors and stains, especially if my dog sheds or has accidents.

My Final Buying Tips

Before I make a purchase, I compare build quality, comfort, safety, and ease of cleaning. I also read reviews to see how the kennel performs in real homes. In my experience, the best 42 inch dog kennel is the one that fits my dog’s size, my space, and my daily needs.

Final Thoughts

In my view, a 42 inch dog kennel is a practical choice for giving my dog a safe, comfortable space at home or on the go. It offers a good balance of size, durability, and convenience for many medium to large breeds. My key takeaway is to choose a kennel that fits my dog’s needs, my space, and my lifestyle so it feels secure and useful every day.

Author Profile

Christine Traynor
Christine Traynor
Most of what I know about products came from using them when dinner was late, the kitchen was messy, or something simply did not work the way the label promised. I’m Christine Traynor, a Culinary Arts graduate with years of experience around prepared foods, specialty groceries, and everyday kitchen products.

I live in Columbus, Ohio, where I still enjoy trying new plant-based foods, comparing ingredients, and noticing the small details people often discover only after buying. Eat Vegan Vybez grew from that habit. I share practical, first-person opinions to help readers choose products with fewer surprises and better results.