Can I Put Two Dogs in One Crate?

This question gets asked a lot, and the specific question and answer is below. The short answer is that you can put two dogs in one crate, but with extreme caution, and we do not recommend it in most cases.

The question and answer is specific to that person's circumstance, but you can adapt it for your situation. If you have any questions, contact us.

Question:

I have two Shichon puppies, 14 and 18lbs, will a 36inch crate be big enough for them, they like to be together, or should I get a 42?

Answer:

If you were buying a separate crate for dogs this size, we would recommend a 24 inch model which would be around 24"L x 18"W. A 36" Life Stages Double Door LS-1636DD crate is exactly twice this size at 36"L x 24"W, so there should be enough room for both dogs.

Whether you want to step up to a 42" crate really depends on your preference. For ease of use, the two door versions are normally better. The side door allows the dogs to enter the crate and turn to the left and right.

One note of caution when housing two dogs in the same crate: problems can sometimes occur - conflicts over resources such as food, water, or toys, or possibly over dominance. If you have any concerns about this (and we do advise caution) it may be worth getting a three door Select 1336TD,or Ultima Pro 736UP.

The advantage of the three door crate is this: if it becomes necessary to separate the dogs when crating them, the two end doors, combined with the divider panel allows you to split the crate into two. Otherwise, if you run into difficulties crating them together you would need to purchase two more crates.

Almost all of the crates feature Free Shipping (for some Western States, a small per-order surcharge will apply). Here are your options:

• All 36" Crate Models
• All 42" Crate Models
• Select 1300TD Series Triple Door (select appropriate size)
• Ultima Pro 700 Series Triple Door (select appropriate size)

Great Dane Dog Crates

Great Danes are great dogs and very popular. With sufficient daily exercise, they make surprisingly good indoor dogs, being relatively inactive when inside.

Obviously Great Dane owners have the same containment concerns as other pet owners, needing a safe secure place to keep their Dane contained when they are not around to supervise him/her.

The problem with these dogs, along with other giant bread dogs, is the size of them! Regular wire dog crates usually go up to 35" high, and many Great Danes stand 3ft or more. (for more information on the Great Dane breed, you can visit Great Danes at dogbreedinfo.com.)

Fortunately, we have a couple of models that are specifically designed for Great Danes and other Giant Breed Dogs that are usually 110lbs plus. There are two models available, and they are both 54" Long, and 45" High. The 1154U is 35" Wide, vs. 37" for the SL54DD.

NOTE: Clicking on either image will take you to the relevant product.

The 1154U Big Dog Crate is a drop pin crate suitable for Great Danes and other dogs 110lbs+. Dimensions: 54"L x 35"W x 45"H	The SL54DD Crate is a two door drop pin crate suitable for Great Danes and other dogs 110lbs+. Dimensions: 54"L x 37"W x 45"H

Replacement Pans for the Midwest Model 89Z

We stock a full range of replacement pans (also called “trays”) for the older model crates. The Midwest Model 89Z is now discontinued, and was a very sturdy, galvanized finsh 48" drop pin crate.

The Model 5 Pan is designed to fit Midwest 48" drop pin crates. The Midwest Model 89Z was redesigned in the early nineties and this redesign increased the width of the crate.

Models prior top this date will not accept the Model 5 Pan since the crate is too narrow. You should measure the width of the existing pan, and if it is 27" or less, then the Model 5 Pan will not fit. These older 89Z crates are approximately 27½" wide.

Midwest MW5PAN for Extra Large 48" Drop Pin Crates

How the Divider Panel Saves You Money

We hear some "experts" out there advising you to buy a succession of crates for your dog as it grows from puppy to adult. The idea is that you get a crate just for the size of the dog as it grows.

They claim that this is necessary to prevent your dog from having enough room to sleep at one end of the crate and eliminate at the other end. So they want you to buy a whole bunch of dog crates.

We say: "What a waste of money!". Do you think the people giving you this advise are also selling dog crates? Our solution to this is the crate divider panel:

Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate Including Divider Panel		Divider Panel Shown Separately

The divider panel as shown with the "puppy" (above left) reduces the size of the crate when he/she is small. The divider panel can adjusted until your dog reaches its full-grown adult size in about 12 - 18 months.

So - one crate works for the puppy and the dog, which is why the divider panel saves you money.

The following folding dog crate models include a free divider panel:

Midwest iCrates
iCrate Single Door
iCrate Double Door

Midwest Life Stages Training and Travel Crates
Life Stages Single Door
Life Stages Double Door
Life Stages Ultima Triple Door

The following models are available with a divider panel which is sold separately:

Midwest Giant Dog Crates
1154U Giant Dog Crate
Solutions Series SL54DD Giant Two Door Dog Crate

Conclusion: The divider panel allows you to buy the crate for the adult size of your dog, yet still allow it to be suitable for a puppy. This saves you time and money; a great investment!

Midwest iCrate or Life Stages? What's The Difference?

These crates are both folding wire dog crates in size for dogs 11 - 110 lbs that include both a divider panel and the ABS plastic pan. This leads many people to ask: "What's the difference between a Midwest iCrate and Life Stages dog crate?"

Midwest iCrate Dog Crate

Midwest Life Stages Dog Crate

iCrate vs. Life Stages Similarities

• Fold and Carry Design
• Black E-Coat Finish
• Specified (by the manufacturer) as "Medium Strength"
• Include Free Divider Panel
• ABS Plastic Pan Included
• Same Wire Gauge
• Folds Without Tools

iCrate and Life Stages Folding Sequence

• Both Have Single and Two Door Forms

Midwest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate

Midwest Life Stages Double Door Dog Crate

iCrate vs. Life Stages Differences

• Some iCrate Models (1518 - 1536) Are Narower and Lower Than the Life Stages
• The Wire Grid is Closer Together on the Life Stages
• The Bars Are Closer Together on the Life Stages
• The Life Stages Models are a Little Stonger and a Little Heavier

So, Which to Buy?

It really depends on your budget and preference. If you are price sensistive, or want a lighter product, then the iCrate is for you. If you prefer a stronger product and don't mind the extra weight, or spending a little more money, the Life Stages is for you.

Now you just have to decide which model is right for you:

• iCrate Single Door Dog Crate
• iCrate Double Door Dog Crate
• Life Stages Single Door Dog Crate
• Life Stages Double Door Dog Crate