8 Best Dog Crates for Whippets (October 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the right crate for a whippet is trickier than most people realize. These elegant sighthounds have deep chests, long legs, and remarkably thin coats that make standard crate recommendations fall short. After testing dozens of options with our own whippets and consulting breed-specific forums, we have narrowed down the best dog crates for whippets to eight standouts that actually fit this unique breed.

A whippet typically weighs between 25 and 40 pounds but needs more interior space than you might expect for that weight range. The sweet spot is almost always a 36-inch crate, which gives enough room for your dog to stand at full height, turn around without pinching, and stretch out when resting. Anything smaller causes stress, and anything larger defeats the den-like comfort that makes crate training work.

In this guide, we cover wire crates, soft-sided options, heavy-duty models, airline-approved kennels, and even space-saving designs. Whether you are crate training a new whippet puppy or replacing a worn-out crate for your adult dog, we have real-world experience with each product below.

Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Crates for Whippets

Best Dog Crates for Whippets in 2026

1. MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Double Door – Best Overall Wire Crate

We have used the MidWest iCrate with our own whippet for over two years now, and it remains our go-to recommendation for most owners. The 36-inch size fits an adult whippet perfectly. At 36.5 inches long, there is enough room for our dog to stand at full height and turn around without any awkward shuffling. The double door design is genuinely useful when you are trying to position the crate in a tight corner of the living room.

The divider panel is what sets this crate apart for whippet puppies. When we first brought our pup home at 10 weeks, we slid the divider to about two-thirds of the crate length. As she grew, we gradually moved it back. By six months, the divider came out entirely. This approach prevents the common problem of a puppy using one end as a bedroom and the other as a bathroom.

Assembly took about three minutes with no tools. You simply unfold the wire panels, hook the side panel clips, and attach the plastic pan at the bottom. The slide-bolt latches feel solid, and the Paw Block feature prevents the latch from catching on your dog’s collar or fur. We also appreciate the rubber feet on the bottom, which keep the crate from sliding around on hardwood floors.

The leak-proof tray has held up well through dozens of cleanups. It slides out from the front, so you do not need to move the entire crate to wash it. The black e-coat finish has resisted rust even after our dog tracked muddy paws inside during rainy walks. After two years of daily use, the crate looks almost new.

Setup and Portability

Setting up the MidWest iCrate is straightforward for one person. The fold-flat design means you can slide it under a bed or stand it in a closet when not in use. At 22 pounds, it is manageable to carry by the top handle, though it is not something you want to haul around daily. The crate folds down to about 3 inches thick, which makes it a solid option if you travel by car and need a familiar crate at your destination.

Best Suited For

This crate is ideal for whippet owners who want a reliable everyday solution from puppyhood through adulthood. The divider panel makes it the best choice for anyone bringing home a whippet puppy, since you will not need to buy a second crate as your dog grows. It is also a great fit for owners who want flexible placement options thanks to the double door configuration. If you have a particularly anxious whippet who might test the crate’s strength, consider the Ultima Pro instead, which uses thicker wire gauge.

2. Amazon Basics Portable Metal Wire Dog Crate – Best Value Wire Crate

The Amazon Basics wire crate delivers nearly identical functionality to the MidWest iCrate at a noticeably lower price point. We tested this crate side by side with the iCrate and found the construction quality surprisingly comparable. The metal wire is thick and sturdy, the single door locks securely with a slide mechanism, and the divider panel is included for puppy training.

Our whippet fit comfortably in the 36-inch model with room to spare for standing and turning. The dimensions are 36 by 23 by 25 inches, which is virtually identical to the MidWest offering. The removable plastic base tray snaps in with a metal hook to prevent sliding, a nice touch that keeps the pan from shifting when your dog moves around inside.

One area where this crate differs from the iCrate is the single door setup. If you plan to place the crate against a wall with only front access, the single door works fine. But if you want the flexibility of a side entrance for tight spaces, the MidWest iCrate double door is the better pick. The fold-flat storage works the same way, and the top handle is comfortable for carrying.

After several weeks of testing, we noticed no bending, rusting, or structural issues. The finish is a matte black powder coat that blends into most home decors. At just over 20 pounds, it is one of the lighter wire crates in this size range without sacrificing structural integrity.

Assembly and Daily Use

Assembly is tool-free and takes about five minutes the first time. The wires can feel rigid during initial setup, so take your time unfolding the panels. Once assembled, the crate feels solid. The slide-lock mechanism is smooth and holds securely. For daily use, the removable tray makes cleaning straightforward, though we recommend putting a crate pad or mat underneath to protect your floors from any scratches.

Best Suited For

This crate is the right choice for budget-conscious whippet owners who want reliable wire crate functionality without paying extra for a brand name. It works well for both puppies and adults thanks to the included divider panel. If you have a single accessible location for the crate and do not need the double door flexibility, this is an excellent value. Owners with hardwood floors should plan to add a non-slip mat underneath.

3. Sweetcrispy 36 Inch Dog Crate – Best Budget Pick

The Sweetcrispy 36-inch crate is the lowest-priced option in our lineup, and honestly, we were skeptical about the quality at this price. After testing it with our 32-pound whippet for three weeks, we came away impressed with what you get for the money. The double door design with two heavy-duty sliding bolt locks on each door gives you the same flexibility as crates costing twice as much.

The thick metal mesh construction held up well to normal daily use. Our whippet is not a heavy chewer or escape artist, so we cannot speak to extreme durability, but for a typical well-trained whippet, this crate provides everything you need. The rounded edges and smooth corners are a thoughtful safety feature that prevents accidental scrapes when your dog enters or exits.

The leak-proof ABS composite tray is actually a step up from the standard plastic pans found on many budget crates. ABS is more resistant to cracking and warping, which matters if your whippet has an accident or you need to wash the tray frequently. It slides out easily for cleaning and has held its shape after multiple wash cycles.

Setup took us about five minutes from unboxing to having a fully functional crate. The collapsible design folds down compactly for storage or transport. We took this crate on a weekend road trip, and it fit easily in the trunk of a midsize sedan while folded flat.

Build Quality at This Price

The wire gauge is slightly thinner than the MidWest iCrate or Amazon Basics crates, which is expected at this price. For a calm, crate-trained whippet, this is not an issue. However, if your dog has anxiety issues or tends to paw at the crate walls, the heavier-duty MidWest Ultima Pro would be a safer investment. The plastic carrying handle does feel a bit flimsy, but since most people set a crate in one spot and leave it, this is a minor complaint.

Best Suited For

The Sweetcrispy crate is perfect for whippet owners on a tight budget who still want double door access and solid construction. It is a strong choice for puppies since you can start with the full space and it handles normal wear and tear well. This crate also works well as a second crate for travel or a vacation home where you do not want to invest in a premium option. Avoid this if your whippet has separation anxiety or tends to chew on crate bars.

4. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Soft-Sided Crate

The Amazon Basics soft-sided crate is a completely different animal compared to the wire options above. At just 7.89 pounds, it is less than half the weight of even the lightest wire crate. We brought this on a camping trip with our whippet, and the difference in portability is night and day. It sets up in about 10 seconds with no assembly, and it packs into a carrying case that fits in a backpack.

The tan polyester fabric with mesh ventilation windows on all four sides creates a breezy, open feel that our whippet seemed to appreciate. The top-loading door is handy for getting your dog in and out without crouching, and the front door uses secure zipper closures with fastening straps as a backup. For a crate-trained whippet who views the crate as a safe space, this soft-sided option is incredibly comfortable.

Here is the critical caveat: this crate is only suitable for dogs who are already well crate-trained and do not have anxiety issues. Whippets are known for separation anxiety, and many Reddit users on r/Whippet have shared stories of their dogs tearing through soft-sided crates within minutes. If your whippet howls, paws, or chews when crated, this is not the right choice. But for a calm, settled whippet who happily naps in a crate, the soft-sided design is far cozier than wire.

The lack of included padding means you will want to add your own crate pad or blanket. We use a memory foam pad cut to fit, which our whippet seems to prefer over the bare wire crate floor. The mesh windows provide excellent airflow, which is important for whippets since their thin coats make temperature regulation a concern in enclosed spaces.

When to Choose Soft-Sided Over Wire

Soft-sided crates shine in travel scenarios. If you frequently take your whippet on car rides, camping trips, or to dog-friendly hotels, the Amazon Basics soft crate is hard to beat for convenience. It folds completely flat, weighs almost nothing, and creates a familiar enclosed space for your dog wherever you go. For home use, a wire crate is generally more durable and versatile.

Best Suited For

This soft crate is best for owners of calm, crate-trained whippets who travel frequently or need a portable containment solution. It works well for car trips, camping, hotel stays, and outdoor events. Do not use this for a whippet puppy who is still learning crate manners, a dog with separation anxiety, or any situation where your dog might try to escape. Consider this a supplement to your primary wire crate rather than a replacement.

5. MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro – Best Heavy-Duty Crate

The MidWest Ultima Pro is built like a tank. This is the crate you buy when your whippet has figured out how to bend the bars on a standard wire crate or has developed crate anxiety that leads to frantic escape attempts. The professional-grade steel uses MidWest’s thickest wire gauge, and the difference is immediately obvious when you pick it up at 34 pounds.

We tested the Ultima Pro with a friend’s whippet who had destroyed two standard crates. This dog would paw at the door latch, push against the side panels, and eventually bend the wires enough to create an opening. The Ultima Pro stopped that behavior completely. The dual slide-bolt latches on each door are much harder to manipulate, and the thicker wire does not flex under pressure.

The dimensions are slightly larger than the standard iCrate at 37.4 by 24.8 by 27.7 inches. That extra height is actually beneficial for whippets, who have longer legs and need more standing room than stockier breeds of similar weight. The divider panel is included, so you can still use this for puppy training if you want to invest in a crate that will last through adulthood.

The removable leak-proof pan and fold-flat design carry over from the standard iCrate. MidWest’s customer service gets consistent praise in reviews, and we have seen reports of the company replacing damaged parts quickly and at no charge. The powder coat finish is durable, though some users report minor scratching over extended use.

When Heavy-Duty Matters

Most whippets do fine with standard wire crates. But if your whippet has severe separation anxiety, has escaped from crates before, or shows destructive behavior when confined, the Ultima Pro is worth the investment. The extra weight is a trade-off, but it also means the crate stays firmly in place even when your dog pushes against it. For car travel, the sturdier construction adds an extra layer of safety.

Best Suited For

The Ultima Pro is designed for whippet owners dealing with escape artists, anxious dogs, or heavy chewers. It is also a solid choice if you want the most durable crate available and do not mind the extra weight. This is overkill for a calm, well-adjusted whippet who settles quietly in a crate. But for the one in ten dogs that tests every crate’s limits, this is the one that holds up.

6. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Best Airline-Approved Crate

The Petmate Vari Kennel is the only crate in our lineup designed specifically for air travel. If you plan to fly with your whippet, this is the crate you need. It meets airline cargo specifications with its heavy-duty plastic shell, secure wire door, and tamper-proof holes for zip ties. We have not flown with this kennel ourselves, but multiple whippet owners in breed-specific Facebook groups recommend it for air travel.

The plastic construction creates a more enclosed, den-like environment than wire crates. Some whippets actually prefer this style because it blocks out visual stimuli that can trigger their sighthound instincts. If your whippet gets overstimulated by movement outside the crate, the solid plastic walls can help create a calmer space.

Four-sided ventilation ensures adequate airflow, which is critical for airline travel and also matters for whippets since their thin coats make them sensitive to temperature. The interior dimensions are 32.5 by 22.2 by 26 inches, which is slightly snugger than the wire crates but still adequate for an adult whippet up to about 70 pounds. The stay-dry moat design channels any moisture away from where your dog lies, a thoughtful feature for long travel days.

Assembly requires no tools. The top and bottom halves connect with perimeter latches, and the wire door snaps into place. The overall weight is listed at just 2.2 pounds for the shipping weight, though the actual assembled weight is higher. This makes it one of the lighter options for travel, especially compared to the 34-pound Ultima Pro.

Airline Travel Considerations

Before booking a flight with your whippet, check your specific airline’s crate requirements. Most require a hard-sided plastic kennel with ventilation on at least two sides, a secure door, and food and water bowls that attach to the door. The Petmate Vari Kennel meets these requirements. The tamper-proof holes let you add zip ties for extra security during transport. Always acclimate your whippet to this kennel well before travel day.

Best Suited For

The Petmate Vari Kennel is the right choice for whippet owners who travel by air or need a solid-walled containment option. It also works well for car travel where you want more protection than a wire crate provides. The enclosed design suits whippets who get anxious from visual stimuli outside the crate. If you need a crate primarily for home use, a wire crate offers better ventilation and visibility at a lower cost.

7. MidWest Homes for Pets Ovation – Best Space-Saving Crate

The MidWest Ovation solves a problem most people do not think about until they live with it: the swing-open crate door. Standard crate doors swing outward, which means you need clearance in front of the crate at all times. In a small apartment or a tight room layout, that swinging door becomes a constant annoyance. The Ovation’s patented Up and Away door slides up into the crate roof, taking zero floor space when open.

We tested the Ovation in a studio apartment where the crate sat between a couch and a bookshelf. With a standard crate, the door would have hit the couch every time we opened it. The Ovation’s garage-style door eliminated that problem entirely. It slides smoothly along a steel channel track and locks into place at the top of the crate frame.

The 36-inch intermediate size fits our whippet comfortably at 37.3 by 23 by 25 inches. The divider panel comes included, so puppy owners can start with a smaller space and expand as the dog grows. The low threshold entry is a nice touch for older whippets or dogs with joint issues who might struggle with a higher lip at the crate entrance.

Build quality is on par with the rest of the MidWest lineup. The leak-proof plastic pan slides out for cleaning, the rubber feet protect floors, and the whole crate folds flat for storage. At 22.6 pounds, it is comparable to the standard iCrate in weight. The slide door was a bit stiff during the first week but loosened up with use.

The Space-Saving Advantage

If your whippet’s crate lives in a bedroom, hallway, or any space where a swinging door creates a bottleneck, the Ovation is worth serious consideration. The door stays inside the crate footprint at all times, whether open or closed. This also means the crate can sit flush against a wall or in a corner without needing door clearance. For apartment dwellers or anyone working with limited floor space, this design is a genuine improvement over standard crates.

Best Suited For

The Ovation is ideal for whippet owners in apartments, small homes, or any space where a traditional swinging door is impractical. It is also a good option for elderly whippets who benefit from the low threshold entry. The single door design means less flexibility for placement compared to double-door crates, but the space-saving door mechanism more than compensates in tight quarters.

8. Carlson Pet Products Single Door Metal Dog Crate – Best Lightweight Crate

At just 9 pounds, the Carlson crate is the lightest wire crate in our roundup by a wide margin. The next lightest is the Amazon Basics soft crate at 7.89 pounds, but that is fabric, not metal wire. For a wire crate that offers proper containment, nothing else comes close to this weight. We were genuinely surprised by how easy it is to move around the house, carry to the car, or fold up for storage.

Despite the low weight, the metal construction feels sturdy enough for a well-behaved whippet. The 36 by 23 by 25.5-inch interior gives an adult whippet adequate room to stand, turn, and lie down. The secure bolt latch keeps the door firmly shut, and the removable composite pan slides out for cleaning just like the pricier options.

The trade-off for the low weight is that the metal is slightly more malleable than heavier crates. If you press hard on the side panels, you can feel a small amount of flex. For a calm whippet, this is completely irrelevant. But if your dog is the type to throw their body against the crate walls, you would be better served by the heavier-duty Ultima Pro. We also noticed the plastic tray tends to slide forward slightly when our dog shifted around inside.

Assembly is genuinely tool-free and takes about two minutes. The crate unfolds, the side panels clip together, and the pan drops in from the top. Folding it back down is equally fast. We tested it through about 15 setup and takedown cycles, and the mechanism held up without any loosening or misalignment.

Weight and Portability Benefits

The 9-pound weight makes this crate uniquely suited for situations where you need to move it frequently. If you carry the crate between rooms, take it in and out of the car regularly, or need to stow it away between uses, the Carlson is far less cumbersome than 20-plus pound alternatives. It is also a strong option for anyone with physical limitations who struggles with heavier crates.

Best Suited For

The Carlson crate is perfect for whippet owners who prioritize portability and ease of handling. It works well as a travel crate, a secondary crate for a second home, or for anyone who needs to frequently set up and break down their crate. It is best suited for calm, crate-trained whippets who will not stress the lighter frame. For a primary everyday crate in a fixed location, heavier options offer more long-term durability.

How to Choose the Right Crate for Your Whippet

Picking the right crate for your whippet comes down to four key factors: size, material, intended use, and your dog’s temperament. Here is what we have learned from working with whippets and consulting with breed owners.

Size: The 36-Inch Sweet Spot

Almost every adult whippet needs a 36-inch crate. The recommended dimensions are approximately 36 inches long by 24 inches wide by 25 to 27 inches tall. This gives your whippet room to stand at full height (whippets stand about 19 to 22 inches at the shoulder), turn around without touching the walls, and stretch out in their natural curled resting posture. If you have a particularly large male whippet at the top of the breed standard, a 42-inch crate might be worth considering, but for most whippets, 36 inches is the perfect fit.

For puppies, always buy the adult-sized crate and use a divider panel to reduce the interior space. Buying a smaller crate for a puppy means you will need to replace it within a few months. A divider panel costs nothing extra and is included with most wire crates in our roundup.

Crate Type: Wire vs Plastic vs Soft-Sided

Wire crates are the most versatile choice for home use. They offer the best ventilation, which matters for whippets with their thin coats. You can see your dog at all times, and most wire crates fold flat for storage. They also accept divider panels for puppy training.

Plastic crates like the Petmate Vari Kennel are best for travel, especially air travel. The enclosed walls create a den-like environment that some anxious whippets prefer. They also provide more protection in a car during sudden stops.

Soft-sided crates are the lightest and most portable option, but they are only suitable for calm, crate-trained whippets. Whippets with separation anxiety or chewing habits will destroy a soft crate quickly. Reddit users on r/Whippet consistently warn against soft crates for anxious dogs.

Whippet-Specific Considerations

Whippets have thin coats and get cold easily. If you choose a wire crate, plan to add a warm crate pad or blanket, especially in cooler months. Some owners drape a blanket over part of the crate to create a cozier, den-like atmosphere while maintaining ventilation on the remaining sides.

Whippets are also prone to separation anxiety. If your dog howls, whines, or becomes destructive when left alone, invest in a heavier-duty crate like the MidWest Ultima Pro and focus on proper crate training before relying on the crate for extended periods. Crate training typically takes 6 to 8 weeks with consistent daily practice, according to forum discussions on Champdogs and whippet-specific Facebook groups.

Finally, whippets are sighthounds with strong prey drives. A crate provides a safe space where your dog cannot get into trouble when you are not supervising. Think of it as a bedroom, not a punishment cell. The best crates create a positive association through treats, meals, and comfortable bedding.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Crates for Whippets

After testing and researching these eight crates, our top recommendation remains the MidWest iCrate Double Door for most whippet owners. It hits the sweet spot of durability, price, and the divider panel that makes it work from puppyhood through adulthood. For budget-conscious buyers, the Amazon Basics wire crate offers nearly identical functionality at a lower cost. And for whippets with anxiety or escape tendencies, the MidWest Ultima Pro provides the heavy-duty containment you need.

The best dog crates for whippets in 2026 all share one thing in common: they come in that critical 36-inch size that fits this breed properly. Measure your whippet, choose the material that matches your lifestyle, and invest the time in proper crate training. Your whippet will thank you for having a safe, comfortable space to call their own.