A kennel is more than a box — for a German Shorthaired Pointer, it’s a safe place to rest, a travel solution, and a training tool all in one. Whether you’re heading to a hunt, traveling for training, or simply protecting your dog at home, the right kennel makes every trip smoother and safer.
This guide walks through rugged, well-ventilated kennels available on Amazon that work well for active GSPs in trucks, SUVs, and everyday use.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
🧠 What to Look for in a Kennel
Before you pick a crate, these qualities matter most for sporting dogs:
- Durability: Solid build that won’t crack under normal use
- Ventilation: Consistent airflow during travel and at rest
- Secure Door Latch: Keeps your dog safe in motion
- Easy to Clean: Mud, water, and debris are common
- Transport Compatibility: Works in a truck bed or SUV cargo space
A kennel should feel like a stable “home base” — not flimsy, rattly, or uncomfortable.
🏆 Best Kennels You Can Buy on Amazon
🥇 Lucky Dog Intermediate Dog Crate — Well-Rounded All-Purpose Choice
- Best for: Everyday travel and hunting trips
- Why it works:
The Lucky Dog crate balances durability with ventilation, making it a great general-purpose kennel for active dogs. Its size and build work well in SUVs and truck beds with proper securing. - Ideal use: Daily transport, short to medium trips, general containment
👉 Check price:
https://amzn.to/4blW08x
🥈 Mammoth Performance Dog Crate — Rugged & Comfortable
- Best for: Frequent travelers and regular kennel use
- Why it works:
Built with a sturdy steel frame that stands up to active dogs and repeated travel. It’s a great mix of strength and everyday reliability. - Ideal use: Long trips, daily hauling, field weekends
👉 Check price: https://amzn.to/4bMWeFE
🥉 Dakota 283 G3 Kennel — Durable, Travel-Ready Design
- Best for: Rugged use and outdoor travel
- Why it works:
Thick rotomolded plastic offers reliable impact resistance, good ventilation, and simple cleanup. Great for truck beds with a topper or secure SUV cargo areas. - Ideal use: Traveling over dirt roads and frequent hauling
👉 Check price: https://amzn.to/4bMWeFE
💡 Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel — Lightweight & Easy to Handle
- Best for: SUV cargo areas and lighter transport
- Why it works:
Lightweight plastic construction that’s easy to lift in and out of vehicles while still providing secure containment and airflow. - Ideal use: Short trips, city travel, SUV setup
👉 Check price: https://amzn.to/4jWrAMd
🚗 Tips for Vehicle Placement
🛻 Truck Bed
- Use a covered truck bed or topper when you can
- Place the kennel against a wall or stable surface
- Secure with quality straps and a non-slip mat
🚙 SUV Cargo Area
- Fold rear seats flat
- Position kennel lengthwise or flush against seatbacks
- Use cargo tie-downs to prevent shifting
Proper placement helps reduce noise, stress, and movement during travel.
🐶 Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Choosing a crate that’s too large without securing it
❌ Using a flimsy wire crate for travel
❌ Blocking ventilation with blankets or cargo
❌ Not anchoring the kennel securely
A properly chosen kennel that’s correctly placed keeps your dog calm, safe, and ready for action.
📌 Final Thoughts
A kennel is a foundational piece of gear for a German Shorthaired Pointer — not just for travel, but for calm, secure containment at home and on the road. The models above offer a range of options from lightweight to rugged, all available on Amazon and suited to different travel and daily uses.
Choose one that fits your vehicle space, secures well, and gives your dog a comfortable space — and you’ll spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the hunt or the road.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and gear that are practical and appropriate for German Shorthaired Pointers based on real use and trusted field feedback.
We publish field-tested gear reviews, training guidance, and safety resources specifically for German Shorthaired Pointer owners who hunt, train, and live with their dogs year-round.