Bred for hunting in the rugged and hilly landscape of Scotland, the golden retriever is a curious and energetic breed. Affectionate and loyal to a fault, they also make excellent house dogs. Dogs have an instinct to live in a den, and golden retrievers are no different.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
A kennel serves that need perfectly; allowing the dog its own private and safe place, and additionally, significantly aids in house training your dog. With so many available the market, finding the best kennel for golden retrievers may not be the easiest task.
The 5 Best Kennels for Golden Retrievers
For your convenience, we list down the 5 of the best kennels for golden retrievers.
1. AmazonBasics Folding Dog Crate
For those on a tight budget, the AmazonBasics Double Door Folding Dog Crate is an excellent option. Offering a superb quality product at a reasonable price, Amazon aims at providing great value for money with this kennel. Its two-door entrance design allows for more flexible arrangement options. The sturdy metal frame is collapsible, making it is easier to store and transport. The kennel also features a divider panel for your growing puppy, and a sliding plastic pan for easy cleaning.
As for drawbacks, the biggest is that this kennel is not exactly the most secure. If your golden retriever is a determined little pup, they might just eventually escape through this dog crate. Another concern is the sharp edges of this panel, which can cause a scratch if you’re not careful with handling it. Lastly, it should be noted that the crate cheap plastic pan creates a lot of noise while you are moving the cage.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Great Value for Money
- Storage Friendly
- Two Entrances
- Divider Panel
- Robust Construction
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Not the Most Secure
- Sharp Edges
- Noisy Plastic Pan
2. Precision Pet by Petmate 2 Door Crate
Petmate is a well-known brand when it comes to pet furniture and accessories. We rank their Precision Pet 2 Door Crate as the best kennel for golden retrievers for several reasons. First is the high-quality construction of this kennel. The metal frame is highly durable, rust-resistant, and can withstand abuse from even the most aggressive of chewers. The 5-point precision lock system is also quite commendable, specially made for dogs who are talented escape artists.
Featuring a collapsible body, the kennel can be flattened to just 2 inches high, providing plenty of ease with storage and transport. Thanks to its simple design and a sliding out pan, cleaning the kennel is a breeze. The kennel also features an adjustable divider panel, allowing you to give your growing pets just the right amount of space they need.
One minor issue we found with the kennel is that the door, being 4 inches above the ground, may not be easy for puppies to get in through.
Pros
- Secure lock
- Rust Resistant
- Storage Friendly
- Two Entrances
- Divider Panel
- Robust Construction
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Not Easy for Puppies to get in to
3. Precision Crate Elite Triple-Door
Another great wire kennel option on the market is the Precision Crate Elite Triple-Door. Like the previous mention on our list, the wire dog crate also comes with a 5-point door lock system to prevent the risk of escape. The rust-resistant steel-wire frame is also quite sturdy. It also comes with an adjustable divider and a sliding pan for greater convenience. The kennel design is also collapsible for easier storage and transport. Its patented Quiet Links System eliminates annoying rattling sounds during transportation and usage.
One gripe we have with the kennel is the price. While it is an excellent kennel, the high cost still feels unreasonable.
Pros
- Secure lock
- Rust Resistant
- Storage Friendly
- Two Entrances
- Divider Panel
- Robust Construction
- Easy to Clean
- Quiet
Cons
- Pricey
4. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
For those wishing for a lighter, non-wire option, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is an excellent purchase choice. The frame is composed of high-grade steel tubes and durable fabric, allowing for both a robust and sturdy kennel. The hex meshing allows for plenty of ventilation and breathability for your dog. The kennel features three entrances, providing more versatility in house arrangements. This kennel can be assembled and set up in just a few seconds and requires no tools. It is available in a great list of colors, which is a nice plus in our opinion. What is particularly great about this kennel is that the manufactures also provide a free carrying bag and fleece bed with the purchase.
One thing worth mentioning is that, while the kennel does a tremendous job keeping your dog secure, it will fail to hold up against the most determined escape attempts. Keep this in mind before purchasing it for your golden retriever.
Pros
- Transport Friendly
- Three Entrances
- Divider Panel
- Robust Construction
- Quick to Set Up
- Great List of Color Options
Cons
- Not the Most Secure
5. Merry Products 2-In-1 Configurable Dog Crate
For those looking for a more aesthetic option on the market, the Merry Products 2-In-1 Configurable Dog Crate is a worthy choice to consider. The solid wood veneer and steel frame are beautiful to look at and would blend well with the furniture of your house. The design is also quite practical and versatile. It is robust, easy to assemble, and secure.
What is particularly great about the kennel is that it can be converted into a gate as well. So if you want to give your golden retriever a free rein in the house, but also want to bar it from entering certain places, this kennel will provide you a way to do so. What’s more, the kennels also doubles as a lovely side table.
As for its drawbacks, the most concerning is that the topper is not secured to the rest of the kennel, and if your golden retriever is athletic enough, it may escape by exploiting this weakness. Another aspect that warrants our disapproval is that the pan the kennel comes with is made of cheap plastic instead of quality steel.
Pros
- Doubles as a gate
- Can be used as a table
- Stylish
- Robust Construction
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- Topper not Secure
- Plastic Pan
Our Final Thoughts
When buying a kennel for your golden retriever, there are many essential aspects to take into consideration. The most important is the size. The kennel shouldn’t be so small that your dog feels cramped, and not so big that it inhibits their house training. For a fully grown adult retriever, large or extra-large kennels are of optimal size. Many of the best kennels for golden retrievers also come with an adjustable divider to allow you to adjust the space according to the needs of your growing puppy.
Another aspect worth considering is the make of the kennel. A plastic crate may be lightweight and better looking, but provides poor ventilation and breathability for your dog. This is why wire crates are often a better purchase option, especially if you live in hot and humid environments.
Durability is another crucial factor to consider. Golden retrievers are an active dog breed, and require kennels sturdy enough that can withstand their many escape attempts.
