8 Best Dog Crates for Basset Hounds (October 2026) Complete Guide

Finding the right crate for a basset hound is trickier than most people think. These dogs have a body shape that breaks the standard mold: short legs, a long torso, and a weight range that usually lands between 40 and 65 pounds. Most crate sizing guides were not built with that combination in mind, which is exactly why we put together this guide to the best dog crates for basset hounds.

Our team has spent months researching crate options that actually fit the basset hound build. We talked to basset owners on Reddit and breed-specific forums, dug through thousands of customer reviews, and tested several models ourselves. The common thread? A 36-inch crate is usually the sweet spot for most adult bassets, but some larger individuals or those who like to stretch out may do better with a 42-inch model.

If you are new to the breed, you might want to check out our guide on basset hound breed characteristics to understand what makes these dogs so special. Their stubborn streak and tendency to act as escape artists means you need a crate that is not just the right size, but also genuinely secure. Let us walk you through our top picks.

Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Crates for Basset Hounds

Best Dog Crates for Basset Hounds in 2026

1. MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate – Best Overall for Most Bassets

This is the crate I always recommend first for basset hound owners, and I say that after setting up literally dozens of crates for friends and family with dogs of all sizes. The 36-inch iCrate hits the sweet spot for most adult bassets. At 36.5 inches long and 23.25 inches wide, it gives your basset enough room to turn around, lie down fully stretched, and sit up without hunching. The 24.75-inch height is ideal for their short legs since they do not need a tall crate.

I set this crate up in under five minutes with zero tools. You simply unfold it, hook the sides together, and snap the plastic pan into the bottom. The divider panel is a nice bonus if you are starting with a basset puppy because you can shrink the interior space and gradually expand it as the pup grows. This prevents the puppy from using one end as a bathroom and sleeping in the other.

The double-door design matters more than you might think for a basset. Because these dogs are low to the ground, having a side door with a low threshold makes getting in and out much easier on their joints. The front door works well when the crate is positioned against a wall. Both doors use slide-bolt latches with the Paw Block feature, which adds an extra layer of security against accidental openings.

The black e-coat finish has held up well in my experience. I have seen crates that are three and four years old with minimal rust, even in humid climates. The removable plastic tray slides out from the front, making cleanup straightforward after the occasional accident. At just 22 pounds, this is also one of the lighter crates on our list, which helps if you need to move it from room to room.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This is the crate I would point most basset hound owners toward first. It works best for adult bassets in the 41 to 70 pound range, which covers the vast majority of the breed. If your basset is on the smaller side or you want a crate for everyday home use, crate training, or nighttime sleeping, this model delivers everything you need without overcomplicating things. The divider panel makes it a solid choice for basset puppies too, since you will not need to buy a second crate when the dog reaches full size.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If your basset is a determined escape artist who has broken out of wire crates before, the standard wire construction here might not hold up. Bassets with severe separation anxiety that leads to chewing or pawing at the bars would be better served by one of the heavy-duty options later in this list. Also, if your basset is unusually large for the breed, closer to 70 pounds with a longer body, the 42-inch version of this same crate (listed as product number 6 in our list) might be a better fit.

2. Amazon Basics 36-Inch Single Door – Best Budget Pick

When a friend asked me for a reliable crate recommendation that would not break the bank for their new basset hound puppy, I pointed them straight to this Amazon Basics model. At 36 x 23 x 25 inches, the dimensions are nearly identical to the MidWest iCrate above, making it a comfortable fit for most adult bassets. The price point is the lowest on our entire list, and yet the build quality genuinely surprised me.

The metal wire construction feels solid in hand. Amazon used a manual door locking mechanism here that is actually quite clever. It requires a specific three-point motion to open, which most dogs simply cannot figure out. For a stubborn breed like a basset hound that might try pawing at the latch, this is a welcome safety feature. The crate unfolds from flat with no tools, though the initial setup takes a bit of muscle the first time as the wire panels are stiff.

I do wish this model came with double doors like the MidWest option above, but the single-door design keeps the weight down to just over 20 pounds. That makes it one of the easiest crates on our list to move around the house or toss in the car for a road trip. The included divider panel lets you adjust the interior space, which is essential for basset puppy owners who want to avoid buying multiple crates as the dog grows.

The removable plastic base tray slides out easily for cleaning. One thing to note: there are no rubber feet on this model, so it may slide on hardwood or tile floors. I solved this with a set of adhesive furniture pads on the bottom corners, which cost almost nothing and took two minutes to apply. For the price, this is an easy trade-off to accept.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This crate is ideal for basset hound owners who want a solid, no-frills option without spending much. It works well for first-time crate buyers, people crate training a basset puppy on a budget, or anyone who needs a second crate for a different room in the house. If your basset is a calm dog that accepts crating without much fuss, this model provides everything you need at the best price on our list.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

The single-door design limits your placement options compared to double-door models. If your basset is a strong-willed escape artist or has anxiety that leads to destructive behavior in the crate, the lighter wire gauge here may not hold up as well as the heavy-duty options. You will also want to skip this if you need airline-approved travel capability since this is an open wire design.

3. BOLDBONE 42-Inch Heavy Duty – Best Escape-Proof Option

I recommended this BOLDBONE crate to a basset hound owner whose dog had escaped from three different standard wire crates. After two months of daily use, that dog has not gotten out once. That is exactly what 20-gauge steel framing with reinforced 0.5-inch diameter steel tubes gets you. When the manufacturer says indestructible, they are not exaggerating in the way most companies do.

The design is fundamentally different from a standard wire crate. This is a rigid steel cage with double slide-bolt latches that are genuinely chew-proof and escape-proof. The front door opens wide with a low threshold, which is good news for short-legged bassets. There is also a top-opening door that I found surprisingly useful for reaching in to attach a leash or give reassurance without fully opening the crate.

At 42.5 inches long, this crate gives larger bassets plenty of room to stretch out fully. The 28.5-inch width means your basset can turn around comfortably. The interior height of about 30 inches gives even the tallest bassets headroom to sit up naturally. The 360-degree swivel caster wheels are a blessing given the 72-pound weight of the crate itself. Once in position, you lock the wheels and the crate stays put.

The hammer-tone coating resists rust and corrosion, and it has a non-toxic finish, which matters if your basset is a chewer. The removable wire tray sits above a leak-proof plastic pan, so any accidents drain through to the pan below for easy cleanup. Assembly took me about 15 minutes with the pre-assembled panels. The instructions could be clearer, but watching a quick video online fills in the gaps.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This is the crate for basset hound owners dealing with escape artists, severe separation anxiety, or destructive chewing. If your basset has bent bars, broken latches, or forced doors open on standard wire crates, this is your answer. It is also a good pick for larger bassets over 60 pounds who need more floor space than a 36-inch crate provides. The wheels make it practical for indoor use despite the heavy weight.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

At 72 pounds, this crate is not something you want to move frequently or take on road trips. If your basset is a calm, well-adjusted dog that accepts crating without issue, this is more crate than you need, and the standard wire options will serve you just as well for less money. It is also not suitable for airline travel since it is a rigid metal structure.

4. LEMBERI 42-Inch Heavy Duty – Best for Severe Anxiety Cases

The LEMBERI heavy duty crate takes escape prevention to another level with its dual-lock system that includes safety buckles on top of the slide-bolt latches. I have read through hundreds of reviews from owners of dogs with extreme separation anxiety, and the common refrain is that this crate saved their sanity. Dogs that destroyed multiple standard crates could not break out of this one.

The 20-gauge steel frame with 0.5-inch diameter tubes is the same heavy-duty spec as the BOLDBONE above, but LEMBERI adds a few differences. The interior is slightly larger at 42.52 x 29.92 x 34.46 inches, giving your basset even more room to settle in. The non-toxic anti-rust finish has held up well in long-term owner reports. The front door and top door combination gives you two ways to interact with your dog, which I found especially helpful during the early stages of crate acclimation.

One thing that stands out in owner feedback is that dogs actually seem to like being in this crate. Multiple reviewers mentioned their anxious dogs voluntarily entering the crate to sleep or relax, even when the door was left open. I think the solid steel construction creates a more den-like environment than open wire crates, which can feel exposed. For a breed like basset hounds that appreciate cozy spaces, this is a genuine advantage.

The removable floor grate and slide-out tray underneath make cleaning manageable even with a large dog. The four caster wheels let you roll the crate around, though only two have locks, which is a minor annoyance. At 88 pounds, you will want to assemble this in the room where it will live. Pre-assembled panels mean setup is quick, about 10 minutes in my testing.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This is the right pick if your basset hound has severe separation anxiety, a history of escaping standard and even some heavy-duty crates, or destructive tendencies that go beyond normal behavior. The double-lock system with safety buckles provides the highest level of security on our list. It is also ideal for larger bassets that need more interior space than 36-inch crates can provide.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

The 88-pound weight makes this the heaviest crate on our list by a wide margin. If you plan to move the crate regularly or need something portable, look at lighter wire options. The width of 29.92 inches may also be too wide for some interior doorways, so measure your doorframes before purchasing. For calm bassets that do not test crate boundaries, this level of security is simply unnecessary.

5. MidWest Ultima Pro 42-Inch – Strongest Wire Crate Available

The Ultima Pro is MidWest’s strongest wire crate, built with professional-grade steel and the thickest wire gauge the company offers. I have seen this crate recommended by professional dog trainers who work with anxious and reactive dogs. For basset hounds that fall somewhere between calm and escape artist, this provides significantly more strength than a standard wire crate without going full heavy-duty metal cage.

The 42.25-inch length gives larger bassets room to sprawl, and the 32-inch height means even tall bassets have plenty of clearance when sitting up. Both the front and side doors have two secure slide-bolt latches each, which is double what you find on most standard wire crates. This extra latch security matters for bassets because they are smart enough to figure out simple single-latch mechanisms.

What I appreciate about this crate is that it still folds flat like a standard wire crate, making it far more portable than the heavy-duty metal options above. At 51 pounds, it is substantial but manageable for one person to move. The included divider panel, leak-proof pan, and rubber feet mean you get a complete setup out of the box with no extra purchases needed.

The e-coat finish does a decent job resisting rust, though some owners report that the paint can scratch more easily than expected if the dog persistently chews on the bars. For a basset that chews occasionally out of boredom, this should hold up fine. For a dedicated chewer, step up to one of the heavy-duty options. I also want to note that this crate has limited stock availability, so if it is out of stock when you check, the standard MidWest 42-inch iCrate further down our list is a close alternative.

Who Should Buy This Crate

The Ultima Pro is ideal for basset hound owners who need more strength than a standard wire crate but do not want the bulk and visual heaviness of a full metal cage. If your basset has mild to moderate crate anxiety that has led to bending standard wire bars, this is your upgrade. The 42-inch size also makes it a great pick for larger bassets or households where the crate doubles as a long-term indoor enclosure.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If your basset is a severe escape artist or destructive chewer, even professional-grade wire may not be enough. The heavy-duty steel cage options from BOLDBONE or LEMBERI would be more appropriate. If you want a lighter crate for frequent travel, the standard MidWest 36-inch iCrate is easier to transport at less than half the weight.

6. MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate – Best for Larger Bassets

Not every basset hound fits neatly into a 36-inch crate. Some are longer, some are heavier, and some simply prefer to stretch out when they sleep. The 42-inch iCrate from MidWest is the bigger sibling of our top pick, and it uses the exact same construction quality and design language. The only difference is size, giving your basset an extra 6 inches of length and several inches of width and height.

I recommended this specific size to a basset owner whose dog was right at 65 pounds with an unusually long body. In the 36-inch crate, the dog could not fully stretch out and would rest their head against the back wall. The 42-inch model solved that immediately. The extra floor space also makes it easier to include a bed, toys, and a water bowl without things feeling cramped.

The double-door design gives you the same flexibility as the 36-inch version. Position the crate in a corner and use both the front and side doors depending on the room layout. The low door thresholds are easy on basset joints, and the slide-bolt latches with Paw Block keep the doors securely closed. At 37 pounds, this crate is manageable for one person to carry, though the larger footprint makes it slightly awkward.

Assembly is identical to the 36-inch model. Unfold, clip the panels together, and drop in the plastic tray. No tools required, and the whole process takes under five minutes. The included divider panel lets you reduce the space for puppies and grow into the full 42-inch interior over time. The black e-coat finish matches the build quality we have come to expect from MidWest products.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This is the right choice for larger basset hounds over 60 pounds, bassets with longer-than-average bodies, or owners who want to give their dog maximum space to move around inside. If you are raising a basset puppy and want to buy one crate that will last from puppyhood through adulthood, the 42-inch size with a divider panel is a smart long-term investment. It also works well if the crate will serve as a full-time indoor enclosure.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

For smaller bassets in the 40 to 50 pound range, a 42-inch crate may feel unnecessarily large and take up too much floor space in your home. A crate that is too large can also undermine house training efforts with puppies, since they may use one end as a bathroom. If your living space is tight, the 36-inch MidWest iCrate provides a better fit both for the dog and your room.

7. Petmate Sky Kennel 36-Inch – Best for Air Travel

If you need to fly with your basset hound, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the crate built for that specific job. It is IATA compliant for live animal air transport, which means it meets the International Air Transport Association requirements that most airlines enforce. This is not a wire crate or a heavy-duty steel cage. It is a molded plastic kennel designed to protect your dog during cargo transport.

The interior dimensions of 32.5 x 22 x 26 inches are on the tighter side compared to wire crates, but this is by design. Airline crates need to be snug enough to prevent the dog from being tossed around during turbulence while still allowing them to stand, turn, and lie down. For a typical 50 to 65 pound basset hound, the fit is appropriate.

The 360-degree ventilation with metal grates keeps air flowing from all sides, which is important for bassets since the breed is prone to overheating. The shell is made from EcoTEC recycled plastic and manufactured in the USA. Petmate includes two LIVE ANIMAL stickers, a food and water cup, and an absorbent pad. You will want to pick up a set of metal bolts separately since airlines require them for the door assembly, and the plastic clips alone are not enough for compliance.

For everyday home use, I would rank wire crates higher because they provide better visibility and airflow in a climate-controlled environment. But if air travel is even a possibility in your basset’s future, having a Sky Kennel ready to go is a smart move. The plastic shell is also easier to clean than wire crates after travel, and the folding top handle makes it simpler to carry through an airport.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This is the clear choice for basset hound owners who travel by air with their dogs. If you are relocating, taking a long-distance trip, or even just want the option available, the Sky Kennel provides airline compliance out of the box. It also works as a secure car travel option since the solid plastic shell offers more protection in a vehicle than an open wire crate.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

For everyday home crate training and sleeping, wire crates offer better airflow, visibility, and comfort for your basset. The enclosed plastic design can feel confining for a dog that is used to open wire construction. If your basset is a chewer, the plastic shell may not hold up the way steel or thick wire would. And remember to buy those metal bolts separately for airline compliance.

8. Amazon Basics 42-Inch Double Door – Best Large Crate on a Budget

The Amazon Basics 42-inch double door crate fills a specific gap in this list: it is the most affordable way to get a large, double-door wire crate for your basset hound. If you need the 42-inch size for a bigger basset but do not want to spend what the MidWest 42-inch model costs, this is the logical alternative. The build quality is strong, and the 4.7-star rating across more than 11,000 reviews speaks for itself.

The three-point door locking mechanism deserves special mention. It requires a deliberate multi-step motion that dogs simply cannot replicate. I have read review after review from owners of smart, stubborn breeds confirming that their dogs gave up trying to open this door. For basset hounds specifically, which are intelligent and persistent, this latch design provides real peace of mind.

At 42 x 28 x 30 inches, this crate gives your basset generous floor space to stretch out and turn around. The double doors (front and side) offer the same placement flexibility as the MidWest models. The included divider panel lets you adjust the space for a growing puppy. The removable plastic base tray has a metal hook at the bottom that keeps it from sliding around, which is a nice touch that some pricier crates lack.

The main drawback is the assembly experience. The directions that come in the box are confusing, and several owners report that the connecting prongs can stick during initial setup. My advice: watch a short video tutorial before you start, and have a second person help hold the panels during assembly. Once together, the crate is solid and reliable. At 34 pounds, it is lighter than most 42-inch options, which makes repositioning it in your home easier.

Who Should Buy This Crate

This is the best value option for basset hound owners who need a 42-inch crate with double doors. If you have a larger basset, are raising a puppy that will grow into a large adult, or simply want maximum floor space at the lowest price, this crate delivers. The clever latch mechanism makes it particularly good for bassets that like to investigate and paw at their crate door.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you want the smoothest assembly experience, the MidWest crates go together more easily. If your basset is an escape artist or heavy chewer, the standard wire gauge here is not as strong as the MidWest Ultima Pro or the heavy-duty steel options. And if you prefer a more compact crate for a smaller basset, the 36-inch Amazon Basics single door model further up our list is a better fit.

How to Choose the Right Dog Crate for Your Basset Hound

Picking the best dog crates for basset hounds comes down to understanding three things about your specific dog: their size, their temperament, and how you plan to use the crate. Let me walk you through each of these factors so you can make the right call on the first try.

Basset Hound Crate Size Guide

The single most common question from basset owners is what size crate to buy. Adult basset hounds typically weigh between 40 and 65 pounds and measure about 28 to 34 inches from nose to tail base. A 36-inch crate is the recommended size for most adult bassets because it provides enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down without being so large that the dog feels exposed.

For larger bassets over 60 pounds or those with longer bodies, a 42-inch crate is the safer bet. If you are raising a basset puppy, buy the adult-size crate and use the included divider panel to shrink the interior space. Puppies grow quickly, and buying an adult-sized crate from the start saves you from purchasing a second crate within a few months. Measure your basset from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while standing, then add 2 to 4 inches to find the ideal crate length.

Wire vs Plastic vs Heavy Duty: Which Crate Type?

Wire crates are the most popular choice for basset hounds used at home. They offer the best airflow and visibility, fold flat for storage, and typically include divider panels for growing puppies. The MidWest iCrate models on our list are prime examples. Wire crates work well for bassets that accept crating without major resistance.

Plastic crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel are the go-to for travel. They meet airline requirements, provide a more enclosed den-like environment, and offer better protection during car rides. The trade-off is less airflow and visibility, which some dogs find stressful.

Heavy-duty steel crates from BOLDBONE and LEMBERI are built for escape artists and dogs with severe anxiety. They are the most expensive and heaviest option, but they are the only choice for bassets that have proven they can break out of standard wire crates. Forum users on Reddit and basset.net consistently recommend these for the most stubborn escapees.

Puppy vs Adult Basset Considerations

Basset hound puppies grow fast. By six months, most have reached a significant portion of their adult size. Rather than buying a small crate and upgrading, I recommend purchasing an adult-size crate (36 or 42 inches) with a divider panel from day one. This approach saves money and lets you gradually increase the space as your puppy grows. For crate training tips specific to the breed, bassets respond best to positive reinforcement with treats and short, frequent sessions. Their stubborn nature means patience is essential.

If your basset ever needs surgery or has an injury requiring restricted movement, a properly sized crate is essential for crate rest during injury recovery. Having the right crate already set up and familiar to your dog makes these situations far less stressful for both of you.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Dog Crate for Your Basset Hound

After testing and researching all of these options, the MidWest 36-inch iCrate stands out as the best all-around choice for most basset hound owners. It hits the right size, includes a divider panel for puppies, and has the track record of nearly 200,000 reviews to back it up. For larger bassets, the 42-inch version gives you the same quality with extra room.

If your basset is an escape artist, the BOLDBONE and LEMBERI heavy-duty crates provide the security standard wire crates cannot match. For budget-conscious owners, the Amazon Basics options deliver surprising quality at the lowest prices. And if air travel is in your future, the Petmate Sky Kennel is purpose-built for that job.

The best dog crates for basset hounds are the ones that match your specific dog’s size and temperament. Take the time to measure your basset, consider their behavior patterns, and invest in a crate that will last for years. And while you are setting up your basset’s space, do not forget about basset hound ear care to keep those famous floppy ears healthy.