Why this product
The MidWest iCrate 36-inch fits the broadest range of medium-large dog breeds. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, larger Cocker Spaniels, smaller Labradors, and similarly sized dogs all land cleanly in the 41 to 70 pound rating. At $65, the 36-inch sits between the budget-tier 30-inch ($49) and the category-default 42-inch two-door ($89), and it earns the Top Pick Mid Size verdict because for the right dog it is exactly the right size at exactly the right price.
For this review, we worked from MidWest’s published spec sheet, current Amazon owner photos, and side-by-side reasoning against the 30-inch iCrate, 42-inch two-door iCrate, and AmazonBasics’ 36-inch wire crate. MidWest did not provide a sample, and no editorial relationship exists with the brand. Where we cite a measurement or feature, the source is MidWest’s product page or aggregated owner reports.
The 4.7 owner rating across more than 78,000 reviews matches the larger iCrate sizes, which is the expected pattern: this is the same construction line at a different size. Choose by dog size, not by quality.
What MidWest claims (specs)
MidWest publishes the 36-inch iCrate at 36L x 23W x 25H inches outside, with a folding wire frame in an electroplated finish. The crate ships single-door (front access only) in the standard SKU, with a slide-bolt latch and secondary lock, an included adjustable divider panel, and a removable leak-proof composite tray. The folding mechanism collapses to approximately 3.5 inches thick.
The size is rated for dogs in the 41 to 70 pound range. The crate weighs approximately 23 pounds assembled, which is one-person portable for room-to-room moves and car trips.
A separate two-door 36-inch SKU exists at higher price for owners who need side access. The standard 36-inch is front-door only, which keeps the price at $65 and the wire frame slightly more rigid.
Who should buy
Buy this crate if your dog is in the 41 to 70 pound range and at or near adult size. The 36-inch is the right size for most adult Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, larger Cocker Spaniels, Vizslas, and similarly proportioned dogs. For owners crate-training puppies that will grow into this size, the included divider panel scales the usable interior down during housetraining.
Skip this crate if your dog is a Labrador or similarly sized breed that will reach 70+ pounds adult (the 42-inch is the right size; buying the 36-inch first means buying a second crate later), if your dog is under 40 pounds adult (the 30-inch is properly scaled), or if you need two-door access at this size in the standard SKU (you need the separate two-door 36-inch SKU).
For Labrador and Golden puppies, the MidWest iCrate 42-inch Two-Door is the right size from puppyhood. For smaller medium dogs, the MidWest iCrate 30-inch is appropriately scaled.
Sizing accuracy is the whole story
The single most useful thing about MidWest’s iCrate sizing is that the weight ranges line up with how dogs actually grow. The 41 to 70 pound range covers an unusually wide swath of medium-large breeds, which makes the 36-inch a versatile crate. The trade-off is that for dogs at the upper end (65 to 70 pounds), the interior is at the lower bound of comfortable; for dogs at the lower end (41 to 50 pounds), it is generous.
For dogs that grow past 70 pounds adult, do not buy this size. The 42-inch is engineered for that weight class, and trying to fit a 75-pound Lab in a 36-inch crate produces a cramped sleeping environment that defeats the purpose of crate training.
Construction matches the larger iCrate sizes
The folding wire frame, latch mechanism, divider panel, and composite tray architecture are the same across the iCrate line. The 36-inch wire gauge is lighter than the 42-inch and 48-inch (consistent with the lower weight rating), which is the right engineering choice for this size class.
The folding mechanism is tool-free and takes under 60 seconds to set up. For owners with multiple dogs or owners who travel with the crate, the fold-flat profile to 3.5 inches is the practical feature.
The divider panel: same housetraining tool
For owners crate-training a puppy that will reach the 41 to 70 pound range, the divider panel is the housetraining mechanism that justifies buying a properly sized adult crate from puppyhood. The panel reduces the usable interior space to match the puppy’s current size, then moves back as the puppy grows. This is the same architecture as the larger iCrate sizes.
For more on how we evaluate pet products, see our methodology page.
MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Folding Dog Crate vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Length | Doors | Weight rating | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 36 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 36 in | 1 | 41-70 lbs | $65 | Top Pick Mid Size |
| MidWest iCrate 30 | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 30 in | 1 | 26-40 lbs | $49 | Best Budget |
| MidWest iCrate 42 Two-Door | ★★★★★ 4.7 | 42 in | 2 | 71-90 lbs | $89 | Editor's Choice Crate |
| AmazonBasics 36-inch Wire | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 36 in | 2 | 41-70 lbs | $55 | Recommended |
Full specifications
| Outside dimensions | 36L x 23W x 25H inches |
| Door count | One (front) |
| Frame | Folding wire, electroplated finish |
| Tray | Removable, leak-proof composite plastic |
| Divider panel | Included, adjustable |
| Latches | Slide-bolt with secondary lock |
| Weight rating | Suitable for dogs 41-70 lbs |
| Folded depth | Approximately 3.5 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 23 pounds |
| Carrying handle | Plastic handle on top when folded |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year manufacturer |
Should you buy the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Folding Dog Crate?
The MidWest iCrate 36-inch is the size that fits the largest range of medium-large dogs. At $65, it is properly sized for Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, smaller Labradors, larger Cockers, and Boxers, and the construction matches what made the 42-inch a category default. For dogs in the 41 to 70 pound range, this is the right buy.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 36-inch iCrate right for a Border Collie?+
Yes. The 36-inch iCrate is rated for dogs in the 41 to 70 pound range, which covers most adult Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Boxers, smaller Labradors, larger Cocker Spaniels, and similarly proportioned dogs. The 36-inch length accommodates these dogs to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
What is the difference between the 36-inch and 42-inch iCrate?+
Six inches of length and a higher weight rating. The 36-inch is rated for 41 to 70 pounds; the 42-inch is rated for 71 to 90 pounds. The 42-inch also ships standard as two-door (front and side); the 36-inch is single-door in the standard SKU. For dogs at the upper end of medium-large (60+ pounds), the 42-inch is often the safer call.
Should I buy the 36-inch or 42-inch for a Labrador puppy?+
Most adult Labradors land in the 70 to 90 pound range, which puts them in the 42-inch's weight category. For a Lab puppy that will grow into adult size, buy the 42-inch from the start and use the divider panel to scale down the usable interior during housetraining. Buying the 36-inch first leads to a second crate purchase at 9 to 12 months.
Why isn't there a two-door 36-inch in the standard SKU?+
MidWest sells a separate 36-inch two-door SKU at higher price (typically $80 to $90) for owners who specifically need side access. The standard 36-inch is single-door to keep the wire frame more rigid and the price lower. For most placements, single-door at this size is sufficient.
Does the 36-inch fold the same as the larger sizes?+
Yes. The folding mechanism is identical across the iCrate line, and the 36-inch collapses to approximately 3.5 inches thick. The crate weighs approximately 23 pounds assembled, which is comfortably one-person portable.
📅 Update log
- May 9, 2026Initial review published with comparison to iCrate 30 and iCrate 42 Two-Door.
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