Are you wondering which dog crate is suitable for your Golden Retriever? Then you are exactly right here.
Because I wrote a test report from 2023 that should help you with exactly that topic.
In an intensive 15-hour research I compared the best models on the market and put together the three best products for you.
In this article you will find my three favorites and my test winner, the aluminum transport box from Trixie.
Of course, you may have completely different requirements for a dog crate for a Golden Retriever than I do. That’s why my test winner doesn’t necessarily have to be the product of your choice.
Have fun while reading.
My Favorites for Golden Retrievers:
The best dog crates for golden retrievers in the test
Trixie Mobile Kennel Vario
The first of my top 3 products in a Golden Retriever crate is the polyester bag. The fabric is extremely hard-wearing and significantly lighter than other materials.
It is also practical that the bag can be folded up quickly and easily when not in use. So it doesn’t take up much space when stowed away.
A metal frame stabilizes the Golden Retriever dog box when in use and gives the product the necessary stability.
The bag can be opened on three sides. This makes it very flexible and you can put the bag in a variety of positions.
Mesh inserts ensure optimal ventilation. The mesh at the top can easily be covered to protect from the sun or rain
become.
Trixie transport box, aluminium
This dog transport box is made of aluminium. This material is the most non-destructive in my test.
The metal cannot be bitten. The door is secured by a safety lock.
The walls are high and have ventilation slots under the ceiling. The front with the door consists of a grid that gives your four-legged friend a clear view.
Due to the slanted sides, the space in the trunk can be optimally used.
So that it doesn’t get too hot in summer and not too cold in winter, a thermal blanket for the bottom of the box is included in the scope of delivery.
Karlie Airplane Box Nomad
The Karlie airplane box Nomad is a dog transport box made of plastic. It is stable and escape-proof. This is ensured, among other things, by the metal mesh door with a safety lock.
Grids on the sides provide additional ventilation. The box is equipped with wheels so that even heavier dogs can be transported without any problems.
The dog box complies with the IATA guidelines and can therefore also be used for air travel.
You should pay attention to this when buying
Why do you need a dog crate?
In order to be able to take a dog with you in the car, it must be secured. There are different variants for this. On the one hand, the dog can be strapped to the car seat belt with a special harness. This is particularly suitable for dogs that need their space.
However, buckling up dogs is not very safe, in the event of an accident your dog could be thrown around a little despite the belt and injure itself. In addition, transporting animals in the back seat is not particularly hygienic, and at least one seat for one person will be blocked.
An alternative is a trunk grille that separates the trunk from the rest of the vehicle.
This allows the dog to lie freely in the trunk and move around. This option is also risky. On holiday trips, the space in the trunk is also needed for luggage.
A dog box is the safest, most hygienic and space-saving option when driving a car.
The box can be attached either (depending on the model) on the back seat or in the trunk. The dog is secured by the box and cannot be thrown around. It is particularly practical that the dog box can also act as a retreat for the dog at home or in the hotel.
Size of the dog crate
Golden Retrievers and related breeds such as Labradors are very large dogs that need space. A dog box must never be too small or narrow for a dog, because then lying in the box is extremely uncomfortable for the four-legged friend.
Tension, pain and a dislike of the box would be the result. It is therefore important to ensure that the size is sufficient. As a rule of thumb, the dog can turn, lie outstretched and sit down.
Security
So that your four-legged friend remains unharmed and can be transported safely, it is important that the box meets the highest safety standards. It should be approved for driving and be stable. Your dog must not have the opportunity to free itself, because then uncontrollable situations would arise that can be very dangerous for humans and animals.
If you want to take a flight with your dog, you need a Golden Retriever dog box that is certified for such purposes. Since each airline has different requirements, it is advisable to inquire before you travel which box is allowed.
material
As already mentioned, it is important that your dog cannot get out of the crate. In order to meet this requirement, it is important to look at the quality and properties of the material.
A distinction is made between dog boxes made of fabric, plastic and aluminium. Each material has its own pros and cons that should be carefully compared and weighed.
Fabric dog boxes are lightweight, offer the dog a comfortable lying surface, are well ventilated and can be easily folded up and stowed away when not in use.
However, fabric is a material that can tear easily. Sharp claws and teeth in particular can quickly damage the fabric. Therefore, fabric boxes are recommended for use at home or for very quiet dogs.
Plastic and metal are much more stable than fabric. The ground can be made soft and comfortable with the help of an insert. Also, unlike fabric, hygiene can be easily maintained.
As a rule, wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient. Plastic is still more susceptible to damage from plastic parts than metal, which is indestructible to dogs. However, metal adapts more to the outside temperatures, becoming very hot in summer and very cold in winter.
Which material is suitable for you and your four-legged friend is an individual decision. You know your dog and his preferences best and can use this as a basis to decide what suits you best.
Conclusion: The test winner
The aluminum box is my personal test winner. It is almost indestructible, very stable and fits into most cars without any problems.
Wide ventilation grilles and slots ensure good temperature equalization. A thermal blanket is also supplied, which can be placed on the bottom of the box.
In direct comparison to the competing products in the Golden Retriever dog box category, I particularly like the stability and security of the aluminum box.