Hi, we have our first show next month and i don't want to have to lug a metal crate around so looking for a fabric one. Any recommendations?  The cheaper the better but not if it means sacraficing quality.

I bought the Amazon top seller which is called the Mool fabric crate. It wasn't expensive, folds flat and coped fine housing a standard poodle puppy every night from 2-6 months, and travelled on holiday once too. For the money I thought it was fine and it has handles for carrying plus a few bags/pouches for carrying bits and bobs in. Ours came with a fleece liner but I used vetbed so can't speak to the quality of that. I recently gave it to my husband's brother, who has just acquired a GR puppy.

Thanks, i looked at that one.  What size did you buy?

I bought extra large. It definitely wasn't that big by my standards but did run true to advertised dimensions. He outgrew the height really, he still fitted fine lying down especially as he tends to curl up but I replaced it when he was just about 6 months old as he was starting to duck to get in. I'm not sure how big he was when I replaced it but he's 26" at the shoulder now so maybe 24/25"ish.

Personally I don't like fabric crates at shows, I've seen too many dogs escape out of them. I use a lightweight sack barrow to carry my metal crates on.

I bought one from Zooplus. Good quality and super easy to move around. Think it was only like £20-25 too!

Don't use it now though as have a trolley to move a metal on and find people's boy dogs are less likely to p**s up my metal crate than my soft crate!!

or you can try a benching guard - fits on the bench with a 'top' - these aren't so bulky to carrry / lug about like a metal cage.

> Don't use it now though as have a trolley to move a metal on

I suppose it would depend on the breed/size/weight but for me there was no alternative but to use a metal crate unless the show was benched of course.   But I was lucky to have a sig.other who became a beast of burden on such occasions when a crate was needed!!!

I've always found what I wanted, usually at a better price, via Ebay.

you have all now got me thinking.  I was originally thinking fabric as they are lighter and less to carry around but don't like the idea of a fabric one getting pee'd on.  We are starting at lower level shows where there are no benches but like the idea of a benching guard for when we do progress (she says optimistically!).  I have a 5 month of rottie so the metal cage is big.  Time for a browse for trolleys and all the gubbins that goes with all that!  Thanks everyone.

As long as your dog is happy in a crate,  not a chewer or reactive,  then sift crates are the way to go.

As a result I have more crates than dogs,  having progressed from the metal to two types if sift depending on situation.

I have two metal framed (so heavier)  that are the height for my breed and will hold one or two.

I then have two larger lighter again,  1 just zips up with arched top,  the other is all mesh with two aluminium poles.  Both of these are Dobe etc height but will take up to 3 of mine.  Then I also have the zip up one in a 18 x24 inch size suitable for a young puppy to say 5 months.

Of the big ones I prefer the all mesh in summer,  the zip up ones have more canvas and least mesh,  so good in winter.

The framed ones I prefer for Hotel rooms for when they may be left out of sight,  I got the second as it opens long side as well as short and top.

I wouldn't use a soft crate for our breed. All you need is your normal crate or maybe something a little smaller just to keep her in ringside and use wheels to push the crate in. Personally for open shows I don't use crates and most people in our breed don't either. They stay in the vehicle or they are with us in the show ground. There isn't much room at general open shows to put up large crates either so something to bear in mind.
with the ch shows you only have a certain amount of space so the crate needs to fit that or use a benching guard.  I don't use crates on the benches but considering it, need to double check the size allowance on them.

As I am now in my seventies, I have had to move onto soft crates, and have had two from Croft, and two from PaH.
I had a nasty moment at an obedience show this year, when we were manning the raffle stall, and the hounds were behind the table in the large Croft crate. I had just worked my dog, and had unzipped the crate to pop him back. Of course her ladyship tried to push her way out, and in trying to keep her contained, I probably did zip up the flap a little to quickly - and the zipper came off the end! The whole side then pulled adrift, and though I did manage to grab both of their collars, it was a nasty moment.
By necessity I am still using soft crates for shows, but I am now VERY careful about checking the condition of the zips, - definitely the weakest point - and would not be leaving them unsupervised.

I wouldn't buy the XL mool then hun. With a Rott you'll get one show out of the XL size. They're really not that big.

I am more confused than ever. We tested out our old staffy sized one last night and she fits in it but cant sit up so its no good. Back to the drawing board.

I am more confused than ever. We tested out our old staffy sized one last night and she fits in it but cant sit up so its no good. Back to the drawing board.

Hi ali, here's my two pennorth for what it's worth. Taking crates to shows is a relatively recent fashion. In years gone by we just rocked up with the dog and a bag. I still do without a crate for my Irish Setter, he just lies at my feet on a piece of vet bed taking up hardly any space. .The popularity of crates at indoor Open Shows means there's a lack of space to sit. So in my opinion you dont need a crate. I suspect if you're new to showing, you see crates being used so much and maybe think it's a requirement. It's not, they're not neccessary. Whatever you decide, enjoy your showing and good luck.

I agree if only showing one dog no need for a crate,  even take to the loo with me,  though at some venues dogs aren't allowed beyond the hall,  but you can always ask someone to hold a lead for your loo break.

If it's  a rott your going to need a crate that's 42 long 27 wide and 30 inches tall,  or close to.

Where are you in Scotland because on Sat 4 Nov working and pastoral breeds of Scotland is on in Edinburgh at the highland Showground right next to the airport go and have a look, around where I show all breeds including Rottweiler s are caged venues are tight space wise and a dog in cages are safe from other dog  people even cage malamutes, dog Dr Boudreaux and great Danes if you are on your own how do you go to the loo, I have had both types of crates but prefer metal in summer more ventilation can use coup cups and cage fans by hanging on bars and dog cannot escape, most calls at shows about loose dogs have escaped fabric cages also you have a big dog they can turn fabric cages over, a lightweight trolley is a big help not just for the cage think chair bag in summer cool bag water for dog parasol for shade I hope this helps

And the kitchen sink brigade cause the crush.

Championship shows should be benched.

You start down the road of trolleys and stuff and you then need a large car or van.

At Midland Counties,  and Breed Open show held in another hall without benching,  I had 5 dogs entered in the Open show.

One of the main costs of showing is fuel and vehicle.

We have a 5 door VW POLO.  3 dogs on back seat using a dog hammock,  two in boot.  These are 20 kg collie size dogs.

The two light crates and show bag behind front seats.

I cant make the show tomorrow  as i have something on but have been lots of times before. At open shows i have noticed lots of rott people with cages so still in a quandry.  First show is early December and a 2nd one in the same venue 2 weeks later so if we go cageless to the first one and its a nightmare then we will get one for the next show.