FuturePet's Tips for Choosing the right type of wire crate

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT KENNEL

presented by Futurepets.com & MidWest Metal

Stop your dog Chewing using a wire dog crate

With so many choices, deciding which pet home to purchase can sometimes be confusing. Our goal is to help you decide which MIDWEST home is perfect for your dog and your budget. The strength and quality of the kennel you will need will be determined by several factors:

For what purpose will you use the crate?

For housebreaking a puppy only?
For confining a destructive dog?
For short-term confinement or confinement for long periods of time?
Will you expect to use it while your dog is a puppy? An adult?
How big is your dog?
What type of temperament does your dog have? Stubborn, rebellious, destructive? Or meek, mild, and retiring?
How much portability to do you need? Will you be moving it frequently?

MidWest Metal Wire Dog Crates have some important qualities that differentiate them from one another:

Gauge of Wire:

The gauge of the wire on wire crates can vary from small wire to extra heavy-duty wire. The higher the gauge, the lighter and less substantial is the wire ie: 7 gauge wire is much stronger and thicker than 11 gauge wire.
The number of bars in the wire crate will vary from densely wired to lightly wired. Crates with wide wire spacing have fewer wires and are lighter weight but will withstand less abuse. Crates with close bar spacing weigh more and can withstand the more rambunctious or aggressive dog.

If you have a small dog or will be using the crate for a puppy only, you can probably feel comfortable that the lighter crates will be sufficient. However, if you will be confining an adult dog, a large dog, or a potentially destructive dog, heavier gauge and denser bars will probably be necessary.
The gate latches can vary from light latches to heavy-duty latches.

Let's Define Some Terms.

Styles of Midwest Metal Wire Dog Crates:

Drop-Pin: These are wire homes that have 6 separate panels that are secured together with a “drop-pin” in each of the 4 corners. They are typically used by pet owners who intend to set up their homes and leave them in one place. Drop-pin homes are easy to set up and require no tools for assembly, but they are less convenient if portability is desired.
Fold & Carry: These homes fold up “suitcase style” for easy transport and storage. All panels are connected and set up within seconds! They are preferred by those who take their dogs with them when traveling. These are the most popular.

Finishes on Midwest Metal Wire Dog Crates:

Zinc: A bright, shiny finish for wire that’s not only attractive but very durable.
Epoxy: Also referred to as “e-coat,” this black coating provides a beautiful long lasting finish.

Pans for Midwest Metal Dog Crates:

All MIDWEST wire homes come with an easy-to-clean pan made from tough, long lasting ABS plastic. Under normal conditions, these pans will last a lifetime. However, we also sell replacement pans if you need one.

Strength of Crate:

Light Duty: For new puppies that will be crate trained from the start and for breeds with a mild temperament.
- Better Buy 1200 Series: MW1224 - MW1248
- Canine Camper Soft-Sided MW1724 - MW1748
Medium Duty: for older puppies and breeds with an average temperament.
- Bay Isle MW1824 - MW1842
- Life Stages 1600 & 1600DD Series: MW1622-48 and MW1622DD-1648DD
Heavy Duty: for adult dogs that have never been crate trained and for active breeds.
- Life Stages Ultima Series: MW1624UL - MW1648UL
- SUV Side-By-Side 600 Series: MW606SS - MW608SS
- Midwest Colossal Kennel 1154U Series: MW1154U

Where Manufactured:

MIDWEST develops and designs all products in the USA. Then, they are produced in one of our Indiana factories, or by our partners in China. Either way, each product is guaranteed to meet our specifications and our high quality standards.

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BREED SIZE CHART RECOMMENDATIONS
*Important: Choosing the right sized MIDWEST dog crate for your dog should involve a number of considerations. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Minimum height is his height at the shoulder plus 3"-6". Depending on the gender and the possibility of mixed ancestry, and variations within a breed, your dog may need a home that is larger or smaller than listed. Females are usually smaller than males in a breed. This chart is provided to help you choose the proper size home for your adult dog. Puppies can take smaller crates, but if you intend to use it later, purchase the "grow-with-your-dog" Life Stages Crate in a size appropriate for the estimated adult size. For long confinement, choose a size slightly larger (though not large enough to allow him elimination space). For shorter confinement periods the regular size will do nicely. Due to space limitations, not all breeds could be listed. Select breed most similar in size to yours.
MW??22	Tiny toys. In general, dogs in this category will weigh about 1 - 12 pounds.	7 & 11 gauge wire 1.4" x 4.5" bar spacing
MW??24	Cats, Bichon, Pekingese, Boston Terrier, Min Poodle. In general, dogs in this category will weigh about 11 - 25 pounds.	7 & 11 gauge wire 1.5" x 6" bar spacing
MW??30	Cocker, Cairn Terrier, Beagle Sheltie. In general, dogs in this category will weigh about 26 - 40 pounds	7 & 11 gauge wire 1.5" x 8" bar spacing
MW??36	Australian Shepherd, Border Collie, Boxer, Brittany, Springer Spaniel. In general, dogs in this category will weigh about 41 - 70 pounds.	7 & 11 gauge wire 1.5" x 8" bar spacing
MW??42	Afghans, Retrievers, Rottweilers, Shepherds. In general, dogs in this category will weigh about 71 - 90 pounds	7 & 9 gauge wire 1.5" x 9" bar spacing
MW??48	Malamute, Dane, Pyrenees, Lg Rottweiler. In general, dogs in this category will weigh about 91 - 110 pounds.	7 & 9 gauge wire 1.5" x 7.5" bar spacing

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How to Measure Your Pet for a Kennel

For airline travel, see travel crates and softsided carriers in our index, as metal and wire carriers are forbidden on airlines.

The measurements of your crate are very important for your pet's safe, comfortable confinement and travel.:

[Measuring your dog]

This diagram will give you a little help
Length: is from the from the front breast bone to the base of tail plus 2" for medium breeds and 6" for large breeds.
Height: is from the floor to the shoulder plus 3"-6". (For airline travel, it is necessary that the crate be as tall as your pet's head, and he should be able to stand in a natural manner as well as turn around and lie down.)

For housetraining you might choose one that will fit your pet as an adult so that it provides life-long service. To estimate his adult size check the breed standard. (Most breed standards, however, measure your pet at the shoulder.)
Width: is a couple of inches less than height at the shoulder.

If you are traveling with your pet in the airplane cabin, see softsided carriers in our index.

Remember, Wire crates can never be used for airline travel.

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