Is the Carlson Pet Products crate strong enough for a large, active dog?

Yes, for most large dogs up to its 95 lb rating. The heavier wire gauge and multi-point locking latches hold up better than entry-level crates under sustained leaning or pawing. It's not marketed as a chew-proof crate, so dogs that gnaw on metal bars still need a specialty option.

How does the multi-point latch differ from a standard slide-bolt?

A standard slide-bolt latch closes at a single point and can occasionally be worked open by a dog repeatedly nosing or pawing at it. Carlson's multi-point system locks the door at more than one location, which meaningfully reduces the chance of a dog forcing it open through repeated pressure at any single point.

Does the Carlson crate include a divider panel?

Yes, the large 42-inch size includes a divider panel, letting the crate serve a growing puppy projected to reach a large or giant breed adult size, the same way the MidWest iCrate does at a smaller scale.

Is the Carlson crate worth the extra cost over a MidWest iCrate?

For dogs at the larger end of the weight range, or dogs that lean on or paw at their crate more than average, yes. For a calm dog under 70 lbs, the MidWest iCrate provides the same core function for less money.

Carlson Pet Products Dog Crate Review: Sturdier Latches for Large Dogs

The Carlson Pet Products Double Door Metal Dog Crate, Large 42-Inch, rated up to 95 lbs, brings multi-point locking latches and heavier wire gauge than entry-level crates. Full review covering build quality, latch security, and who should buy it.

Most wire crate failures aren't the wire bending, they're the latch giving way, and that's the specific problem Carlson Pet Products built this crate to solve.

The Large 42-inch model uses a multi-point locking system instead of the single slide-bolt latch found on most budget crates, closing the door at more than one point so a dog pawing or nosing at any single spot can't force it open as easily.

At 42 inches long, 28 inches wide, and 30.5 inches tall, it's rated for dogs up to 95 pounds, which covers the large breed range with margin rather than sizing right at the limit.

The wire gauge is noticeably heavier than what you'll find on a MidWest iCrate or similar entry-level crate, which shows up mainly under sustained pressure, a large dog leaning against the side, or repeated pawing during separation anxiety.

It costs $30 to $50 more than a comparably sized budget crate, and that premium buys real latch security and wire thickness rather than cosmetic differences.

What You Get

The crate ships with a divider panel, letting it serve as both a puppy crate and an adult crate for large and giant breed dogs, the same growing-with-your-dog approach as the MidWest line but scaled up.

Two doors, front and side, give the same placement flexibility as competing double-door crates, useful in rooms where only one wall orientation makes sense.

Build Quality

The wire gauge is the standout feature here. It holds its shape under sustained pressure better than entry-level crates, which matters for large dogs that lean against the crate wall or shift their weight frequently.

The multi-point latch system is the other meaningful upgrade. Instead of one slide-bolt that a dog can work at repeatedly, the door locks at multiple points, closing the gap that determined dogs exploit on simpler designs.

Setup and Cleaning

Assembly is tool-free, similar to other wire crates in this category, though the heavier gauge and larger size mean it takes slightly longer and benefits from a second person during first setup.

The removable leak-proof tray handles cleanup the same way as competing crates, sliding out for rinsing and back in without tools.

Who Should Buy It

The Carlson Pet Products crate is right if: you have a large dog approaching 90 lbs, a dog that paws or noses at latches, or want a sturdier crate than entry-level wire without jumping to specialty aluminum construction.

Consider alternatives if: your dog is calm and under 70 lbs, where the MidWest iCrate provides the same core function for less, or if your dog actively chews metal bars, which neither crate is designed to withstand.

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