Dakota 283 CRaTE — Canine Rough and Tough Economy

Same Dakota one-piece molded construction as the G3, at the everyday price point. Simpler two-way swing door (left or right hinge), no keyed lock. The smart buy when you want a real Dakota for daily containment, family use, and road trips, without paying for the framed-door security upgrade.

What it is

The Dakota 283 economy line. One-piece molded military-grade polyethylene shell, no seams, same crash-survivable construction as the G3. The door is the difference — instead of the G3's framed steel door with a keyed paddle latch, the CRaTE uses a lighter two-way swing door that opens left or right. Molded-in handles for transport. Large ventilation holes for maximum airflow.

Who it is for

Family handlers running a working dog at home. Multi-dog homes that need several kennels and can't justify G3 pricing across the board. Day-trip and road-trip use where the dog isn't escaping and you don't need a keyed lock. Boarding kennels and trainers needing reliable economy crates. Anyone who wants a real Dakota at the economy price point.

Available sizes

Intermediate — 32.625" L × 26.125" W × 26.375" H, 30 lbs. Interior 30.5 × 23.875 × 24.5. Fits dogs up to ~60 lbs. Aussies, Border Collies, smaller Mals, large terriers. $499.99
Large — 37.125" L × 27.5" W × 27.625" H, 35 lbs. Interior 35 × 25 × 26. Fits dogs up to ~85 lbs. Labs, GSDs, large Malinois, Dobermans. $569.99
X-Large — 41" L × 27.25" W × 30.625" H, 41 lbs. Interior 38.75 × 24.75 × 29. Fits dogs up to ~125 lbs. Cane Corso, Great Dane, big GSDs, large Mals. $649.99

Available colors

Dark Granite, Coyote Granite, Olive, Orange, Sandstone. Product photos show Dark Granite only; the kennel is identical in every color, just a different plastic shade. The G3 line offers 8 colors including Blue, Pink and Purple; the CRaTE line is built in these 5 colors only.

G3 vs CRaTE

The G3 has a framed steel door with a keyed paddle latch (two keys included) and optional Dakota Guard antimicrobial protection on the granite finishes. The CRaTE has a lighter two-way swing door (no lock) and no Dakota Guard option. Both are real Dakota, both molded in the same Pennsylvania factory, both crash-survivable. Choose the G3 when you need the keyed lock and framed door. Choose the CRaTE when you just need a Dakota for daily-life containment.

Free Toronto pickup at Leaside or Stouffville

K9 Academy is an authorized Canadian Dakota 283 dealer. Order online, pick up the same day at our Leaside or Stouffville location. No customs, no duty surprise. Cross-Canada shipping also available.

Made in America

Molded and assembled in the USA by Dakota 283 in Lake City, Pennsylvania.