When it comes to choosing a dog crate, two popular brands often top the list: Frisco and Midwest. But with so many models available from each brand, it can get confusing trying to determine the right one for your pup.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Frisco and Midwest dog crates across a variety of factors to help you decide which is best for your needs and budget.
Key Differences At A Glance
Before diving into the details, here is a high-level overview of how Frisco and Midwest dog crates compare:
Feature | Frisco | Midwest |
Price | Lower | Higher |
Materials | Mostly plastic and wire | Metal & solid plastic |
Portability | Mostly collapsible | Some collapsible options |
Door Types | Single/double door | Single door mostly |
Size Range | Small to X-large | From small to ginormous |
Color Options | Black, blue, pink | Black, gray, brown |
Warranty | 90 days | 1 year |
Now let’s explore some of these key differences in more depth to help you determine which better suits your needs.
Frisco Dog Crates Overview
Frisco offers an inexpensive line of dog crates in various styles, sizes, and colors exclusively sold through Chewy. Here are some of the notable pros and cons:
Pros
- Very budget-friendly prices
- Lightweight, collapsible wire crates for portability
- Single or double-door entry in some models
- Easy assembly with provided tools
- Available in small through X-large
- Come in fun colors like pink and blue
Cons
- Mostly wire frame provides less enclosed feel
- Plastic bases can crack over time
- Limited warranty period (90 days)
- Prone to rusting
- Not meant for anxious or attempted escape artists
The collapsible wire crate is one of Frisco’s most popular models for its combination of affordability, portability, and style options.
If containing mess is a priority, consider the plastic base pan option to provide a contained surface beneath the wire frame. Frisco also offers a fully plastic crate focused more on containment and den-like privacy over ventilation.
Overall, Frisco aims to provide functional, affordable options tailored to basic crate training and containment needs rather than more complex behavioral cases.
Midwest Dog Crates Overview
Known for their heavier-duty metal and high-impact plastic crates, Midwest leads with quality construction to contain dogs and stand up to years of use.
Pros
- Rugged, high-quality materials
- Tight confinement for problem behavior cases
- Some models have removable plastic trays
- Rolls on wheels for large sizes
- Impressive size range from small to “ginormous”
- 1-year warranty included
Cons
- Among the highest price points
- Heavy, bulky, not very portable
- Limited style/color options
- Can require significant room due to large sizes
- Set-up can be complicated
Midwest’s specialty lies in accommodating dogs at both ends of the size spectrum – from teeny tiny teacup pups to giant breeds. The ProDoubleDoor wire crate can enclose dogs up to 90 pounds, while the Ginormus model is made for mastiffs and other big guys.
For most average-size dogs, the 36-inch iCrate single-door or Lifestages crate models tend to meet containment and training needs at a reasonable price point compared to Frisco.
If you need serious containment for escape artist pups or metal construction able to withstand years of use, Midwest tends to be the go-to over cheaper brands like Frisco. But that durability comes at a cost.
Key Differentiating Factors Between Frisco and MidWest Dog Crates
When it comes to choosing the right crate for your dog, understanding the nuances that set different brands apart is crucial. Let’s delve into the key differentiating factors between Frisco and MidWest dog crates, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Build Quality and Material
Frisco Dog Crates:
- Material: Frisco uses high-quality metals in their crate construction, ensuring durability. They often incorporate finer wire gauges, giving a sleeker appearance.
- Build: These crates are designed with a focus on aesthetics as well as function, featuring finishes that blend with home décor.
MidWest Dog Crates:
- Material: MidWest crates are known for using robust, heavy-duty metals, which provide added strength and durability, especially suitable for larger or more active dogs.
- Build: The construction of MidWest crates emphasizes practicality and longevity, often featuring thicker wire gauges and reinforced corners.
Design and Aesthetics
Frisco Dog Crates:
- Style: They offer a more modern and stylish design. This makes them a favorite for pet owners who are also keen on maintaining a certain aesthetic in their home.
- Variety: Available in various colors and finishes, Frisco crates can easily complement home furnishings.
MidWest Dog Crates:
- Style: MidWest opts for a more traditional, functional design. Their crates are straightforward, focusing more on utility than fashion.
- Variety: Typically available in standard colors like black or metallic finishes, these crates are less about style and more about practicality.
Size and Portability
Frisco Dog Crates:
- Size Options: Frisco provides a wide range of sizes, catering to almost all breeds and sizes of dogs, including extra-large options.
- Portability: These crates are generally lighter and include features like carry handles, making them more portable and travel-friendly.
MidWest Dog Crates:
- Size Options: MidWest also offers an extensive range of sizes, with a particular focus on providing tailored fits for different breeds.
- Portability: While they can be heavier, MidWest crates are designed to be foldable, facilitating easier transport and storage.
Safety and Comfort
Frisco Dog Crates:
- Safety Features: Frisco crates are equipped with secure lock systems and rounded corners to prevent injuries.
- Comfort: They often include features like removable trays for easy cleaning and optional dividers for growing puppies.
MidWest Dog Crates:
- Safety Features: Known for their patented safety locks and strong latches, MidWest crates are designed with your pet’s security in mind.
- Comfort: They often come with additional features like divider panels, rubber feet to protect floors, and more substantial padding options.
Price and Value
Frisco Dog Crates:
- Affordability: Generally, Frisco crates are more budget-friendly, offering good value for the features they provide.
- Value Proposition: They strike a balance between quality and cost, making them an excellent choice for cost-conscious pet owners.
MidWest Dog Crates:
- Pricing: MidWest crates tend to be priced higher, reflecting their robust build and added features.
- Value Proposition: The investment in a MidWest crate is often justified by its durability and the company’s reputation in the pet industry.
Customer Perception and Reviews
Frisco Dog Crates:
- User Reviews: Customers often praise Frisco crates for their stylish design, ease of assembly, and affordability.
- Market Position: They are viewed as a go-to for new pet owners and those looking for a blend of style and function.
MidWest Dog Crates:
- User Reviews: MidWest receives accolades for crate strength, durability, and safety features.
- Market Position: They are preferred by seasoned pet owners, trainers, and those with larger or more active dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
There is no definitive “best” brand between the two. Midwest is known for higher quality and security, but you pay more. For average pet needs on a budget, Frisco provides functional and affordable options.
Frisco’s mesh and plastic collapsible crates tend to be more lightweight, portable, and fold up smaller than Midwest’s models. If frequent transport and easy setup is key, Frisco has the edge.
The external dimensions for the Midwest 36″ crate are: 36L x 23W x 25H inches, which is intended for pets under 40 pounds.
For crate training, choose a single door wire or plastic crate appropriately sized so your pet can stand and turn around. Include soft bedding, safe chews, but avoid choking risks. Have them sleep in there at night and slowly acclimate.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, choosing between Frisco and Midwest comes down to your specific needs and budget. If containing a powerful or anxious pet while also withstanding years of use is critical – Midwest probably justifies the higher costs.
But for the average pet owner on a tight budget who just needs a basic functional crate for short term use or training – then Frisco likely fits the bill.
Hopefully this detailed comparison of Frisco and Midwest dog crates equips you to decide which brand best suits your pup! Let us know if you have any other questions.