Best Hunting Dog Crates of 2019

Every dog deserves a bone—and a box. The box is shelter, refuge, safety—and convenience, for both of you.

We call these boxes travel crates or kennels. Their role is to contain Dog in the kind of cozy den canines have lived in for millions of years. Instead of an underground warren, the modern dog den is steel or molded plastic. But to Dog it’s the same dark, quiet, secure space in which she can relax without worrying that something can sneak up from behind.

Kennel crates reduce stress for Dog’s partners and caretakers, too. We know our dog inside a box is secure and accounted for—safe from rabid skunks and coons, protected from sudden stops or rollovers on the highway, secured against running away or chewing up the sofa while we’re out. We can stick a wet, muddy, smelly dog in its crate and contain the mess. You’ll appreciate this the first time Princess rolls in fresh cow dung just prior to the two-hour ride home in the new truck.

Kennels have been around since nail-and-lumber days, but they are now made of steel and plastic. Plastics are most popular for portability and minimum weight. These four examples run the gamut from cheap and basic, through expensive, durable and elaborate.

Generic Crate

This is the typical, basic plastic kennel available in most pet stores. It weighs 5-30 pounds depending on size, and comes in two nesting halves for takedown storage.

My take: Great value for the price. Easy to move. Adequate for local travel, lightweight for lower-cost air shipment. Not much impact protection. Nervous, aggressive, chewing and scratching dogs can destroy it in short order.

RuffLand

My Take: I love this single-wall kennel. Simple, one-piece, no assembly required, and much stronger and tougher than most. At 20 pounds, it's not too heavy. No joints or grooves, no screws to lose on long rides, easy to keep clean. Quiet (no door rattles). Excellent ventilation, but you’ll need a cover in cold weather. Best intermediate size for smaller vehicles.

Technical Specifications
• Weight: 20 lbs.
• Dimensions (interior): 30ʺx19.5ʺx22ʺ (Intermediate)

For more information, visit rufflandkennels.com.

Primos KennelUp

My Take: This is a well-thought-out, strong, durable kennel providing good impact protection. Top handles are perfect for hoisting into a truck bed. Oversized for smaller breeds, perfect for your typical Lab. Drain plugs are a nice touch. Not sure how useful the closing side vents are, or the lockable door. I appreciate how the rubber feet and integral tie-downs prevent sliding in truck boxes.

Technical Specifications
• Weight: 37 lbs.
• Dimensions (interior): 34ʺx21.5ʺx24.5ʺ

For more information, visit primos.com.

Gunner G1

My Take: The Gunner G1 is no-holds-barred tough and protective. This is the travel crate providing ultimate protection for Dog. The double-wall construction has been tested to withstand 4,000 pounds of force without crushing, and keeps Dog cooler and warmer. This is the ultimate box for Dog safety, but you'll pay a premium for its features, and it's not the easiest to hoist in and out of rigs on a regular basis.

Technical Specifications
• Weight: 48 lbs.
• Dimensions (interior): 30ʺx18ʺx25ʺ (Intermediate)

For more information, visit gunner.com.