Dog Cages

Dog cages give your dog a secure, well-ventilated space at home, somewhere to rest, settle after a walk, or stay safely contained while you're busy in another room. This collection covers every size of dog, from compact enclosures for toy and small breeds through to extra-large models suited to shepherds, retrievers and other big dogs. You'll find single-door and double-door layouts, folding frames that store flat between uses, and heavy-duty builds with thicker bars and secure latches. Check each product's listed dimensions against your dog's measurements before ordering, since sizing labels vary between manufacturers.

Shop Dog Cages for Different Needs

Cages in this collection fall into a few broad groups. Knowing which one you're shopping for narrows the choice quickly.

Small Dog Cages

A small dog cage suits toy and small breeds, think chihuahuas, dachshunds, terriers and similar. These take up little floor space and fit beside a sofa or under a console table, but they still need enough room for your dog to stand, turn and lie flat without touching the sides. Pair one with a soft dog bed sized to the base so the cage feels like a den rather than a box.

Large and Extra-Large Dog Cages

Large dog cages are built for medium-to-big breeds that need real headroom and length. If you're shopping for a labrador, husky, shepherd or mastiff, work from your dog's standing height and body length rather than from breed labels, as adult size varies within every breed. Extra-large models suit the biggest dogs and dogs that stretch out fully when they sleep. Bigger cages are heavier once assembled, so decide on placement before you build.

Heavy-Duty Dog Cages

A heavy-duty dog cage uses thicker gauge bars, reinforced corners and stronger latching than a standard model. These are worth considering for powerful dogs, determined escape artists, or anyone who has already had a lighter cage bent or pushed open. The trade-off is weight: heavy-duty builds are harder to move and usually don't fold, so they suit a fixed spot in the house rather than a cage you shift room to room.

Portable and Collapsible Dog Cages

Folding designs collapse flat for storage or transport, which helps if you only need the cage occasionally, live in a smaller home, or travel with your dog. Look for models with a clearly described folding mechanism and carry handles. If your main need is car travel or trips to the vet rather than home containment, our dog carriers may be a better fit than a full cage.

How to Choose the Right Dog Cage

Beyond size, a handful of practical details separate a cage you'll keep from one you'll replace:

• Available space. Measure the spot in your home first, including door swing clearance, then shop to that figure.
• Construction. Coated steel wire is the most common build. Check bar spacing so a small dog can't get a paw or muzzle through.
• Door design. Double-door cages give you more placement options in a corner or against furniture. Check which way the door opens.
• Latches. Slide-bolt latches on both top and bottom of the door are harder for a dog to work open than a single centre catch.
• Cleaning. A removable slide-out tray makes daily cleaning far quicker than lifting the whole cage.
• Ventilation. Open wire sides give better airflow than solid panels, which matters in warm rooms.
• Assembly. Check whether the cage arrives flat-packed and whether tools are needed, particularly on larger models.

Choosing the Right Dog Cage Size

Cage dimensions are the detail most often got wrong. Rather than relying on breed names, measure your dog directly.

Measure length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, and height from the floor to the top of the head while your dog is standing. Add a few inches to each figure to get a workable minimum. As a general guide, your dog should be able to stand fully upright, turn around without twisting, and lie out on their side with legs extended.

• Small dogs — compact cages, usually enough for breeds under roughly 25 lb.
• Medium dogs — mid-size cages with extra length for dogs that sleep stretched out.
• Large dogs — taller frames with the headroom a standing adult dog needs.
• Extra-large dogs — the biggest models, typically heavier and best kept in a fixed position.

If you're buying for a puppy, size for the adult dog they'll become and use a divider panel to reduce the usable area in the meantime.

Dog Cages vs Dog Crates

The two terms are often used interchangeably, and plenty of retailers treat them as the same product. In practice, "cage" usually describes an open wire enclosure built for containment and airflow, while "crate" more often refers to enclosed or travel-oriented designs with solid sides, including plastic airline-style models and soft-sided fabric versions. If an enclosed or travel design suits you better, browse our dog crates collection instead.

Indoor vs Outdoor Dog Cages

Indoor cages are designed for a dry, temperature-stable room. Most wire cages sit in this category, and they work best in a quiet corner away from direct sun and radiators. Adding a dog blanket over part of the frame creates shade and a calmer, den-like feel, and a familiar chew from our dog toys range helps a nervous dog settle.

Outdoor use is a different problem. Anything left outside faces rain, sun and temperature swings, so check the product description for weather-resistant coatings and never assume an indoor cage will hold up outdoors. Outdoor enclosures also need shade, shelter and a solid, level base. For permanent outdoor housing, a proper dog kennel or an insulated dog house is the more appropriate choice — a cage on its own offers no shelter from the elements.

Shop Dog Cages at Pawtons

Browse the full range above, filter by the size you need, and check the dimensions listed on each product page against your dog's measurements. If you're still weighing up enclosure types, the crates, kennels and houses collections are worth a look alongside this one, and the rest of our dog accessories cover the bedding, bowls and extras that go inside.

Dog Cages — Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dog cage?

A dog cage is an enclosure, usually made from coated steel wire, that gives a dog a contained and well-ventilated space at home. Owners use them for house training, for safe confinement when nobody can supervise, and as a settled resting spot the dog can retreat to.

What size dog cage do I need?

Measure your dog from nose to tail base, and from the floor to the top of the head while standing, then add a few inches to each figure. Your dog should be able to stand upright, turn around comfortably, and lie fully on their side. Compare those numbers against each product's listed dimensions.

What is the difference between a dog cage and a dog crate?

The terms overlap heavily and many retailers use them interchangeably. Generally, a cage is an open wire enclosure built for containment and airflow, while a crate more often describes an enclosed or travel-focused design with solid or fabric sides. If you need an enclosed style, see our dog crates collection.

What size cage suits a large dog such as a German Shepherd?

Large breeds typically need one of the bigger models in the range, but adult size varies within every breed, so measure your own dog rather than relying on breed averages. Prioritise standing height, a cage long enough but too low to stand in is the most common sizing mistake.

Can dog cages be used outdoors?

Only if the product description states it is suitable for outdoor use. Standard indoor wire cages are not built for rain, sun or temperature swings, and a cage provides no shelter on its own. For permanent outdoor housing, a kennel or insulated dog house is the appropriate option.

Are heavy-duty dog cages better for large dogs?

Not automatically. Heavy-duty construction matters most for powerful or determined dogs that have already tested a lighter cage. A calm large dog is often fine in a standard large model. Heavy-duty cages are also considerably heavier and usually don't fold, so they suit a permanent spot.

Are collapsible dog cages practical?

Yes, if you need to store or move the cage regularly. Folding models flatten for storage and transport, which suits smaller homes, occasional use and travel. They're generally lighter than fixed-frame builds, so they're less suited to dogs that push or lean hard against the sides.

How much does a dog cage cost?

Price depends mainly on size and construction. Compact cages for small dogs sit at the lower end, while extra-large and heavy-duty models cost more because of the extra material and reinforcement. Current pricing for every option is shown on the product listings in this collection.