Updated 2026giant-breed guide

Best Dog Crate for Leonberger

By Sarah Chen · Updated 2026

Leonberger dog
Our #1 Pick for Leonberger

Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Small/Medium)

Beautifully designed crate that looks like furniture. Diamond mesh, puppy divider included, and ceiling hatch for top-loading.

$479.20 -- View on Amazon

Leonberger at a Glance

Size

giant

Weight

90-170 lbs

Energy

moderate

Coat

long double coat

Common Health Concerns

hip dysplasiabloatbone cancer

Why Dog Crates Matter for Your Leonberger

I've spent years working with Leonberger dogs -- first at the clinic in Portland, then through the shelter, and now testing products with my own two dogs at home. The Leonberger is gentle and playful, with a massive build at 90-170 lbs and balanced energy. Picking the wrong dog crate for this breed means wasted money and a frustrated dog (I've seen it happen more times than I can count). Here's what I've learned actually works.

Crate training a Leonberger works with their gentle nature, and their calmer disposition means they usually take to crate training naturally. The crate needs to fit a full-grown Leonberger (90-170 lbs) -- enough room to stand, turn, and stretch out. For this size, you're looking at a serious piece of equipment, and durability becomes a real concern. I've had shelter dogs bend wire crates in a single afternoon.

Giant-Breed Sizing for Leonberger (90-170 lbs)

Giant breeds need 54"+ crates. Look for heavy-duty construction with reinforced corners. Some giant breeds do better with open-top exercise pens.

Giant breeds like the Leonberger at 90-170 lbs need products engineered for their scale. Standard "large" sizing often isn't enough. I've found that many mainstream brands top out before reaching what a Leonberger actually needs, so look for brands that specialize in giant breeds or have dedicated giant-breed lines.

Matching Dog Crates to Your Leonberger's Moderate-Energy Lifestyle

Most standard crates work well. Add a crate cover to create a den-like atmosphere for relaxation.

The Leonberger's moderate energy gives you flexibility. They're active enough to need quality products but not so intense that everything needs to be bomb-proof. Focus on comfort, good materials, and features that match their balanced lifestyle. No need to over-engineer your purchase here.

Health Concerns That Affect Dog Crate Choice

The Leonberger is predisposed to certain health conditions that should directly influence your dog crates choices. I saw these conditions constantly during my years at the clinic, and shopping with them in mind is one of the most impactful things you can do as an owner.

Hip Dysplasia:

Add a proper orthopedic crate mat to support joints during rest. Make sure the crate is large enough for easy position changes -- cramped sleeping positions make joint issues worse.

Bloat:

Bloat-prone breeds need careful attention to meal timing and post-meal activity. Factor this into your daily routine.

What to Look For: A Leonberger Buyer's Checklist

When I'm comparing dog crates for a Leonberger, these are the factors I weigh most heavily -- ranked by importance for this breed:

1

Size Appropriateness

The Leonberger at 90-170 lbs needs products sized for their giant frame. I only recommend options available in the correct size range -- "close enough" doesn't cut it.

2

Durability

The Leonberger is gentle enough that extreme durability isn't the top priority, but quality construction still matters for longevity and safety.

3

Portability

I evaluate this factor specifically for Leonberger dogs, accounting for their giant size, moderate energy level, and long double coat.

4

Ventilation

I evaluate this factor specifically for Leonberger dogs, accounting for their giant size, moderate energy level, and long double coat.

5

Ease Of Cleaning

Practicality matters more than most people think. Double-coated breeds shed heavily, and easy-wash products will save your sanity. I prioritize machine-washable options.

Sarah's Tips for Leonberger Owners

Account for shedding.

The Leonberger's long double coat sheds seasonally (and usually year-round -- Maple's fur is on everything I own). Any dog crate touching their body will collect fur. Choose products with removable, washable components.

Order online.

Most pet stores carry limited giant-breed inventory. You'll get better selection and pricing online, and you can check reviews from other Leonberger owners before committing.

Read reviews from other Leonberger owners.

Generic reviews tell you about the product. Reviews from Leonberger owners tell you about the product *with your breed*. Filter Amazon reviews by searching "Leonberger" -- it's the closest thing to breed-specific testing data you'll find.

Our Recommendations

Top 5 Picks for Leonberger

1
Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Small/Medium)
Our PickEditor's Pick

Diggs Revol Dog Crate (Small/Medium)

Beautifully designed crate that looks like furniture. Diamond mesh, puppy divider included, and ceiling hatch for top-loading.

(327)
$479.20on Amazon
View on Amazon
2
MidWest iCrate (48-inch, XL)
Best Value

MidWest iCrate (48-inch, XL)

Full 48-inch crate for dogs up to 110 lbs. Same trusted design with double doors and divider panel.

(110,708)
$79.99on Amazon
View on Amazon
3
MidWest Folding Metal Exercise Pen

MidWest Folding Metal Exercise Pen

Portable 8-panel exercise pen that sets up in seconds. Perfect for hotel rooms and campsites. Folds flat for transport.

(22,533)
$43.99on Amazon
View on Amazon
4
Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier

Airline-approved carrier with mesh ventilation on all sides. Spring wire frame allows it to fit under most seats.

(8,426)
$44.48on Amazon
View on Amazon
5
MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Pan

MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate for Medium-Large Breeds, 41-70 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Pan

The iCrate has been the go-to recommendation from trainers for years, and after testing it ourselves, we understand why. The double-door design gives you placement flexibility, the divider panel grows with your puppy, and the fold-flat design makes it genuinely portable.

(110,708)
$68.99on Amazon
View on Amazon

Health Considerations

Leonberger dogs are known to be prone to hip dysplasia, bloat, bone cancer. When choosing dog crates, keep these health concerns in mind. Joint support is particularly important for this breed, so look for products that provide orthopedic benefits or promote joint health.

Keep Exploring

More Guides for Leonberger

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best dog crate for a Leonberger?

The best dog crate for a Leonberger should account for their giant size (90-170 lbs), moderate energy level, and gentle, playful, friendly temperament. We recommend checking our top picks above, which we have selected based on these breed-specific factors.

How much should I spend on dog crates for my Leonberger?

Quality dog crates for Leonberger dogs typically range from $15 to $80+ depending on the specific product. We recommend investing in quality products that will last, especially for larger breeds that are harder on products.

Are there specific dog crates to avoid for Leonberger dogs?

Avoid generic, one-size-fits-all products that don't account for Leonberger's specific giant build and moderate energy needs. Always choose size-appropriate products.

Get Weekly Leonberger Gear Picks

Join dog owners getting breed-specific product recommendations, training tips, and exclusive deals.

  • Weekly gear picks & deals
  • Training tips from pros
  • Exclusive subscriber discounts

Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.