Best Dog Crates for Adult German Shorthaired Pointers (Home & Training Use)

Adult German Shorthaired Pointers are tall, athletic, and far stronger than most puppy crate setups are designed for. While puppy crates work well early on, most GSP owners find they need to upgrade once their dog reaches full size or starts testing the limits of lighter crates.

This guide covers home and training crates for adult German Shorthaired Pointers — not crash-tested vehicle kennels. If you’re looking for a crate specifically for truck or SUV transport, see our guide to truck- and SUV-safe dog kennels.

---

Quick Picks: Best Adult GSP Crates

• Best Overall Wire Crate: MidWest Life Stages 42”
  👉 Check pricing
• Best Budget Wire Crate: MidWest iCrate 42”
  👉 Check pricing
• Best Heavy-Duty Crate: Lucky Duck Intermediate Kennel
  👉 Check pricing
• Best Plastic Crate: Petmate Vari Kennel (Large / XL)
  👉 Check pricing

---

Best Overall Wire Crate for Adult GSPs

MidWest Life Stages Double Door Crate – 42”

👉 Check pricing

Wire crates are one of the most popular choices for adult German Shorthaired Pointers because they offer excellent airflow, visibility, and flexibility for training. The MidWest Life Stages crate is a long-standing favorite thanks to its balance of durability, price, and availability.

Why it works well for adult GSPs:

• Fits most adult German Shorthaired Pointers comfortably
• Double doors allow flexible placement in different rooms
• Divider panel helps maintain structure if needed
• Easy to find replacement trays and accessories

This is a strong choice for crate-trained adult GSPs that spend time indoors and don’t show destructive behavior.

---

Best Budget Wire Crate Option

MidWest iCrate – 42”

👉 Check pricing

For owners looking for a more affordable option, the MidWest iCrate delivers reliable performance at a lower price point. While slightly lighter than the Life Stages model, it still holds up well for calm to moderately active adult dogs.

Best for:

• Indoor use
• Dogs that are already crate trained
• Owners who want a simple, budget-friendly solution

---

Best Heavy-Duty Crate for Adult German Shorthaired Pointers

Lucky Duck Intermediate Kennel

👉 Check pricing

Some adult GSPs are escape artists, chewers, or struggle with separation anxiety. In these cases, standard wire crates often aren’t enough. Heavy-duty crates like the Lucky Duck are built to handle stronger, more determined dogs.

Why a heavy-duty crate may be necessary:

• Thick roto-molded construction resists chewing and bending
• Better containment for anxious or destructive dogs
• Designed for long-term durability rather than portability

While heavier and more expensive, this type of crate is often a one-time purchase for hard-to-contain dogs.

---

Best Plastic Crate for Adult GSPs

Petmate Vari Kennel (Large or XL)

👉 Check pricing

Plastic crates offer more enclosure and structure than wire crates while remaining lighter and easier to move than heavy-duty kennels. They’re a popular option for calm adult GSPs and for placement in garages or utility rooms.

Best use cases:

• Calm, well-trained adult dogs
• Indoor or semi-outdoor environments
• Owners who want easier cleanup than wire crates

Plastic crates are commonly used for short-term travel, but they are not designed for crash protection.

---

Adult German Shorthaired Pointer Crate Size Guide

Choosing the correct size crate is critical for comfort and safety.

General sizing guidelines:

• Most adult German Shorthaired Pointers fit best in a 42” crate
• Larger males may require a 48” crate
• Dogs should be able to stand fully upright and turn around comfortably

Because GSPs are tall and athletic, height and length are often more important than weight when selecting a crate.

---

Puppy Crate vs Adult Crate

Puppy crates are designed for growth control and early training, not long-term durability. As your GSP matures, those crates often become too small or too easy to damage.

If your dog is still growing, see our best puppy crate guide

---

Home Crate vs Vehicle Kennel

Wire, plastic, and heavy-duty crates are intended for home and training use only. They are not crash-tested and should not be relied on for vehicle safety.

For frequent truck or SUV travel, especially for hunting dogs, a crash-tested kennel is the safer option. Travel crate guide here.

---

Final Thoughts

The right crate for an adult German Shorthaired Pointer depends on size, behavior, and environment. Calm, crate-trained dogs often do well in quality wire or plastic crates, while anxious or destructive dogs may require a heavier-duty solution. Choosing the right adult crate improves safety, comfort, and long-term training success.

---