yet another crate question

[ladycricket]

We bought a plastic crate at Petsmart Sunday that we thought Jake would fit and at least if he didn't fit a female should. Its a Bargain Hound for up to 65 lbs (i know not big enough for weight) and we paid $50 . It is 26Wx36Dx28H. Bear could get in, turn around and then lay down but he wouldn't be able to stretch out.
We can still take it back if it sound like it wouldn't be suitable. I'm sure we need a new one for Jake, but I thought maybe someday it could be used for my girl and we could use it to transport rescues for the time being.
I did a search on the forum for crates and it seems that there is alot of use of metal/wire crates. Are they really strong enough to hold a Rott? I am assuming that Jake has never been crated so would it be wiser to get him the plastic airline type? I'd really like to hear your experience with rescueing an almost full grown male and sticking him in a crate

[Judi W]

Depends on what you are using it for. Crates used for traveling or shows rarely have "stretch out" room. If you are planning on long hours daily at home, you probably do want stretch out room.

[debbiej]

We have two crates for Hilda. One is a plastic one a bit smaller than size you mention for car trips, and it is a tight squeeze, but is all that will fit in the back of the jeep. The other is a bigger wire one for her night time and home alone space. It is big enough for her to stand up, turn around and lay down stretched out belly up. She has never tried to get out of either one, so I can't offer any advice there. But I think the wire ones are cooler and offer less 'isolation'. If your dog likes the den feeling, a cloth can cover the wire. I find having two crates a very useful thing, even traveling we take both. the wire fold flat very quickly and is easy to take along, ensuring a welcomed 4 legged house guest.

[Denise L.]

I have 2 crates for Cyrus also. A big wire crate for the house I don't remember the dimensions but it was the size recommended for a Rottweiler. He can move around in it easily.

I bought him a tent crate to bring to Rottstock (thank you Anne!) but the only size they had was for up to 70 lbs. Cyrus weighs 95 but it was just enough room for him to turn around and lay down. As I only mean to use it for short periods outdoors it works fine for now. I will, however, get him a larger one when Pet Express or Pet Smart get the larger size in stock.

I really like the tent crate as it is collapsable, lightweight and very easy to put up and take down. It is a heavy canvas with mesh on the top and sides. It has a carrying case with handles too. Very handy. But, for long periods unattended it may not be sturdy enough.

[SABELLESMOM]

I prefer wire crates to solids...I can more readily SEE the dog, if I need to. The tray (base) slides out easily for cleaning. The solids would have to be taken outside and hosed, I think.

I also prefer collapsable fold down types...for storage, when you no longer need it, or for travel.

My friend has a soft sided one in addition to her home based wire. She LOVES it, for agility. I never went to the expense of the soft.