If you’re looking for crate buying guide for Labradors that meet 2023 standards, you’ve come to the right place.
In more than 18 hours of research, I read and prepared field reports with various dog boxes for Labradors.
Finally, I have filtered out three models that are particularly well suited for Labradors and have clearly compiled their most important characteristics.
Using this overview, you can read the most important facts about each product with little effort and form your own opinion.
My insider tip is the Trixie Alu dog transport box, which came out best in my test.
Depending on what your dog likes best and what requirements you place on a dog box, it can go without saying that you prefer a completely different model.
I am pleased that you are using this article to make a decision and I am curious to see which product you ultimately choose.
My favorite dog crates for Labradors:
Product test: Dog crate for Labrador
Best Foldable Dog Carrier: Trixie Vario
This dog box is made of fabric and is therefore the lightest in the test. This is especially useful if you want to carry your puppy or even the adult dog a distance.
If you don’t have your dog with you, you can simply fold the box up and stow it away to save space.
The frame is made of metal tubes, so the bag always keeps its shape. The polyester fabric is tear-resistant and robust. However, you should note that large dogs such as Labradors bring a lot of weight and strength with them. A fabric bag is therefore not suitable for wild, playful Labradors. However, for dogs that are used to staying in a transport box and remain calm, the use of a polyester bag is not a problem.
The box is equipped with 3 entrances – two on the sides and one on the top. In my experience, the upper opening in particular is useful for puppies who are sometimes afraid to go in from the side themselves the first time. You can easily put them in from above and they can’t get out again by themselves so quickly.
All sides are equipped with nets and blinds so that the box can either be ventilated or closed and darkened. As a dog owner, you are well prepared for all situations.
Best aluminum dog box: Trixie transport box
This transport box is made of aluminum and thus offers a high level of stability. Even playful dogs cannot destroy this box or extricate themselves from it.
My first thought when I heard that there were transport boxes made of aluminum was: «It must be cold». Of course, our dogs are hardy animals that we shouldn’t humanize. However, a long stay on cold surfaces without the possibility to move over a large area is not good. Bladder infections or colds can be the result. That is why the aluminum box presented includes a non-slip thermal blanket that can simply be placed on the bottom of the box.
The side walls are closed on three sides so that your dog can rest in the box. On the top, however, there are wide ventilation slots that allow good air circulation. Your darling can look through these and see everything that is happening around him. The front is closed by a grid with a safety lock.
When setting up this box in the car, it is best to point the grille towards the rear window. So your dog has maximum view of the surroundings. Therefore, the box is also suitable for dogs suffering from claustrophobia.
Your trunk is already small and besides the dog box, you also have to find space for shopping and other things? No problem, because the Trixie aluminum box allows optimal use of space thanks to its slanted sides.
Best box made of plastic: Karlie dog box
The plastic transport box consists of a lower and an upper part, which are connected to each other with plastic clips. This two-part structure is a great advantage, especially when stowing away, as it doesn’t take up so much space. For air travel, additional screws can be attached between the two parts, which give the construction additional stability.
A water bowl is included. So you don’t have to worry about your darling getting enough to drink, even on longer journeys.
A large grille forms the only entrance to the box. At the same time, this ensures sufficient air supply. For this purpose, smaller grilles are also attached to all other sides, through which your darling can also look outside.
The box is very stable and very easy to maintain. A wipe or rinse with the water hose is enough and the box shines like new again.
The box Karlie is IATA certified and therefore approved for air travel. If you ever plan to fly with your dog, but also to travel by car, you are well equipped with this box.
You should pay attention to this when buying a dog box for Labradors
The right size
The right size is a crucial factor when buying a dog crate. If the box is too small, it will be uncomfortable for your dog to stay in the box. He can express this by whining or barking.
Other dogs refuse to go back into the uncomfortable crate the next time. So that your dog feels comfortable, you should therefore make sure that standing upright, lying outstretched and turning in all directions is possible at all times.
Incidentally, general statements that a box fits a specific breed of dog should be viewed with great caution. Even if a Golden Retriever is the same size as a Labrador, the information does not necessarily have to match.
Dogs can have very different, individual dimensions and it is easy to misjudge them. Before you buy a dog box, you should therefore measure your dog carefully and then choose a suitable size.
The problems of a dog box that is too small are firmly anchored in the minds of many dog owners. Some therefore think that there is never a «too big» when it comes to dog crates. But that too is a fallacy.
Consider what happens to your dog when he’s in a crate that’s too big and you have to slam on the brakes. He would be thrown around and, in the worst case, get injured. Therefore, the dog box should never be too big.
But what do you do when you have a puppy that is growing fast? Buying a different dog crate every week would be exaggerated in this case. In such a situation, I would buy a box that probably offers enough space for the adult dog and then pad it well.
The cushions – whether blankets or pillows – must not slip too much so that the puppy does not get buried underneath. With such upholstery you are as flexible as possible and can adjust the size of the dog box at any time.
If you want to know in detail how to find the perfect size: Here you will find my guide on how to determine the right size of the dog box for your dog.
Here you can find more XXL dog boxes.
The material
In our product test, we already got to know the three different types of material that dog boxes can be made of: fabric, aluminum and plastic.
Cloth is a very light and flexible material. Many transport boxes made of fabric can simply be folded up and take up hardly any space when not in use. If it is necessary to carry your four-legged friend, fabric bags are the lightest alternative. However, fabric is also less robust than other materials. Dogs have sharp teeth and claws and are very powerful when romping around, which can take a toll on a fabric bag.
Boxes made of aluminum and plastic, on the other hand, are very stable and the fur noses cannot free themselves from them. But they are significantly heavier than cloth bags. With aluminium, the metallic coldness of the floor must be taken into account. A warm pad is recommended here.
Why you should use a crate to transport your Labrador
Dog boxes are the safest way to transport dogs in the car, because your dog is limited and cannot fly through the car even if you brake hard or make evasive maneuvers. It is important that the box is securely fastened in the car – either in the trunk or on the back seat – and ideally at right angles to the direction of travel.
If you are looking for a dog crate specifically for the car, check out my review of the best dog crates for the car.
Once your darling is used to being in the transport box, he will feel very comfortable there. With transportable boxes, it is even possible to use the box at the destination as a sleeping box for the dog in the accommodation.
Although there are alternatives to the dog transport box, such as dog belts in the car or transporting the dog in the trunk with a separating grille to the driver’s cabin, these variants are significantly more risky than traveling in the dog box. (Please refer)
Conclusion: Dog box for Labrador
Taking your own dog with you when you travel – the dream of every dog owner. We have shown you what is important.
In our product test, the Karlie transport box made of plastic was the most convincing. It is robust, easy to care for, well ventilated and can be purchased at a good price-performance ratio. Another plus is the IATA certification. Thus, the box can also be used immediately for air travel.
The box is available in different sizes, so you can easily choose the best box for your darling.
If none of the dog crates appeal to you, check out my review of the best kennels for Labradors.
Maybe there is something in this post for you. 🙂