BOLDBONE vs Carlson Pet Products Dog Crates: What to Compare

BOLDBONE and Carlson at a glance

BOLDBONE and Carlson Pet Products both sell folding wire dog crates, but they sit in different parts of the market. BOLDBONE is positioned as a heavy duty crate, with a frame meant for dogs that push, lean and test the door. Carlson is a standard wire crate line, a familiar name in home crate buying. The difference in positioning is why you should compare tube strength, latch security and width instead of treating the two brands as interchangeable.

Start with your dog's required interior space before you choose either brand. The right size is the first filter. After you know the size range, compare how each brand builds that same size: the thickness of the frame members, the way the door locks and the amount of usable width. The BOLDBONE dog crate guide and the Carlson Pet Products dog crate guide are useful starting points.

Tube strength: compare the frame, not just the wire

On a wire crate, the frame is the structural skeleton. It has to resist a dog's weight, leaning and door pressure. The wire mesh keeps the dog inside, but the frame keeps the crate from racking or bending. The important specifications are the thickness of the steel tube and how that tube is shaped. Many listings use the words heavy duty without giving a frame dimension, so check the manufacturer's own spec sheet for the tube measurement.

When a brand markets a crate as heavy duty, look for frame tube dimensions and weld points. A thicker tube resists bending better than a thin one, and square or rectangular tube can offer a different joint profile than round tube. Do not assume shape alone decides strength; check how the crate is assembled. The steel tube thickness guide goes deeper into this detail.

If both brands publish a similar frame reading, the comparison moves to the welds, the corner joints and the door frame. A crate with reinforced corners and continuous support will hold up better than a crate with the same tube on paper and weak joints. The heavy duty versus standard dog crate page explains the design tradeoffs.

Latch security: how the door stays closed

The latch is the part a dog learns to defeat. Many standard wire crates use a slide-bolt latch on the outside of the door that moves up and down. Heavy duty designs often add an additional locking point, a recessed handle or a bracket that accepts a padlock. The exact mechanism matters more than the brand label.

For most dogs, a standard slide-bolt latch is enough. For a dog that scratches, paws or throws its body at the door, look for a latch that cannot be opened by an accidental bump. A locking tab or a padlock-compatible hole can turn an ordinary latch into a more secure one. The latch strength guide and the built-in lock versus padlock-compatible page explain what to compare.

If your dog has separation anxiety, latch security is not optional. The ASPCA notes that escape attempts can cause self-injury and household damage, especially around exit points like windows and doors. A training crate is part of a reasonable housing plan, and the latch is the part you rely on when no one is home. Work through the dog crate safety checklist before making a final choice.

Width: the dimension people forget

Crate width is the side-to-side space between the inner walls. Most buyers compare length and height, but width is what lets a broad-chested or long-bodied dog turn comfortably. A crate can be the right length and still feel like a tunnel if the width is tight. This is especially relevant when you compare brands that use different exterior designs for the same nominal size class.

Manufacturers may list total width, exterior width or interior width. Interior width tells you what the dog actually gets. If the spec sheet shows only exterior dimensions, you may need to account for the wall and tray thickness. The interior versus exterior dimensions guide explains the difference.

For BOLDBONE and Carlson, width is also a useful way to compare the same size class. A brand's large may be wider inside than the other brand's large. Measure your dog first, then compare widths. The Carlson Pet Products size-name guide can help decode Carlson's names, and the measuring guide helps you take the dog's body measurements correctly.

What to check before you buy

Use the maker's own spec sheet or manual rather than a marketing summary. A brief description is not enough to compare tube strength, latch security or width. Look for the published dimensions, the latch style and the frame construction. If a manufacturer does not publish those details, contact them before you buy.

Basic hygiene is part of crate ownership too. The CDC recommends washing your hands after handling dog food, waste or supplies, and supervising children around dogs. A removable tray and easy-to-clean floor make that part of daily care simpler. An easy-to-clean dog crate can help.

If you plan to travel with the crate, do not wait until the departure date. The USDA Pet Travel page explains the steps and paperwork for moving a dog between states or countries. The crate should be roomy enough for the dog to stand, turn and lie down for the whole trip. See the car travel safety guide for more positioning advice if you drive.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Which is stronger: BOLDBONE or Carlson?

BOLDBONE is built around a heavy duty design, so start there if strength matters most. Compare the maker's published frame tube dimensions, latch style and door fit. Carlson makes standard wire crates that are enough for many dogs. The choice depends on the dog, the size and the way the crate is built.

How can I tell which crate has stronger tubes?

Look for the manufacturer's published frame tube measurement. A thicker tube resists bending, but the welds and corner joints matter too. If the maker does not list the frame dimension, ask for the manual or spec sheet before buying.

Does a wider crate always mean a better crate?

No. Width should fit your dog's body and the space where the crate will live. Compare interior width rather than exterior width when a maker lists both. A wider crate is only better if your dog needs the extra side-to-side room.

What latch should I choose for an escape artist?

Look for a latch that needs a deliberate action to open, such as a slide bolt with a locking catch or a padlock-compatible design. Dogs with separation anxiety may attempt extreme escapes, according to ASPCA, so latch security is not something to skip.

Can I use either brand for a puppy?

Yes. A training crate is a standard piece of dog care equipment. Choose a size that fits the puppy now, use a divider when needed, and keep the latch secure. Puppy-specific guides cover the extra considerations.

Do tall or deep-chested dogs need extra width?

Often yes. A crate that is long enough can still be too narrow for a tall or deep-chested dog to turn around comfortably. Measure the dog's width and compare it with the crate's interior width before choosing a size.