Are you looking for a dog box for your German Shepherd? Then you are exactly right here.
I have written a current test report from 2021 on this topic for you.
In 14 hours of research, I analyzed various dog crates and their descriptions and reviews. Ultimately, three different models ended up on my favorites list. I would like to introduce these products to you in more detail in this article.
My personal test winner is the Trixie aluminum transport box. Of course, it can be the case that you have completely different demands on a dog box and your dog feels much more comfortable in a different model. That’s why it was important to me to present two more top products.
I hope you enjoy reading and that there is a suitable dog box for you and your four-legged friend.
Aluminum dog transport box: Trixie Transportbox
This dog box for German Shepherds is an aluminum box. This material is much more stable than fabric and can therefore hardly be destroyed by the dog. Neither claws nor teeth do anything to the aluminum.
The only possible weak point, the door, is fitted with a safety lock. This prevents your dog from escaping.
The wide bars and recesses on the sides of the box ensure that the box is well ventilated. Your dog can also look outside through the door while driving.
A non-slip thermal blanket, which can also be washed in the washing machine, provides a comfortable seating and lying surface for your four-legged friend. The blanket also insulates the noise that comes from walking on metal.
Plastic box: Karlie airplane box Nomad
The third product in my test comes from the Karlie company and is made of plastic. Like aluminium, this material is very stable and dimensionally stable. It can be easily cleaned with water and is odorless.
Even dogs that tend to scratch in their boxes or bite the material cannot escape from the plastic box. This is the great advantage of strong materials compared to fabric, which tears more easily.
However, plastic cannot be folded, which is why storing the German Shepherd dog crate takes up more space.
A large grate representing the door and small grates on the sides of the box allow your dog a clear view of their surroundings. Many four-legged friends find this pleasant.
A set of wheels is included in the box for easier transport. Especially with large dogs such as German Shepherds, it is a real relief not to have to carry the box yourself.
You should pay attention to this when buying a dog box
Why do you need a dog box?
A dog box is an ideal retreat for your dog at home. The boxes are used much more frequently for travel. To prevent your dog from jumping around uncontrollably in the car – which is strictly forbidden while driving – dog boxes are a good idea.
Although there is also the possibility of professionally leashing the dog in the car or transporting it in the trunk with a partition grille, when you go on vacation, the space in the car is usually used, which is why a dog box is the safest, most space-saving and most hygienic solution.
What should the box be used for?
A good dog box should meet various criteria. Among other things, it depends on the later use of the box.
If the dog box is to be used at home, it is important that it offers your dog a sleeping place that is as comfortable as possible with sufficient space. In addition, the design should match your interior.
Dog boxes for traveling in the car, on the other hand, must also meet special safety standards. They should be escape-proof so that your dog cannot free itself while driving. The lying surface should be non-slip so that your four-legged friend is not thrown back and forth when driving.
In addition, the respective model must fit into your car, which is not so easy, especially with XXL dog boxes for German Shepherds in combination with a small car.
If you are planning to travel by plane with your dog, the box must meet airline guidelines. It is worthwhile to ask the respective provider directly whether the selected product is approved as a flight box.
Which material is the best?
A basic distinction is made between dog boxes made of fabric, plastic and aluminium. But there are also models made of wood. All materials have their advantages and disadvantages. You have to test which variant is best for you and your four-legged friend.
Cloth is a very light material that can be easily folded. As a result, it hardly takes up any space when stowed away. However, cloth is also the most susceptible to scratches and bites, making it relatively easy to destroy.
Plastic is stronger than fabric. However, dogs can also bite through plastic. Typical weak points of plastic boxes are the built-in ventilation grilles.
Metal – mostly aluminum is used due to its low weight – is certainly the most stable material. It cannot be destroyed by dogs. With metal boxes you should note that the material adapts to the temperatures.
This means that it can get very hot in summer and very cold in winter. To protect your four-legged friend from burns and colds, metal boxes should always be used with a suitable base.
Conclusion: Dog crate for German Shepherds
My test winner is the Trixie aluminum transport box. This box is the most escape-proof. Unlike fabric and plastic, the metal cannot be destroyed by a dog. My dog’s safety is always my top priority and I hate to imagine what would happen if my dog escaped from the crate during a car ride.
The dog box is well ventilated thanks to the large grilles and allows your four-legged friend to have an unobstructed view. This will significantly reduce the likelihood that your dog will suffer from claustrophobia.
The supplied thermal blanket keeps your dog nice and warm and offers him a comfortable place to lie down.