6 Best Dog Gates For German Shepherds

Every dog owner could benefit from having a dog gate. It’s a handy tool for managing your pet’s movement inside the house.

Even the best-trained dogs can get curious or too excited, and that’s when you need to keep them out of specific spaces. Whether it’s during cleaning, hosting guests, or just to give them a quiet spot to settle down, a dog gate gives you control.

Finding the right dog gate can be challenging, especially for larger breeds like German Shepherds. These dogs are strong and could easily topple over a flimsy barrier. You’ll want something sturdy and secure for peace of mind.

However, we did find the six best dog gates for German Shepherds.

IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…

	5/5 MyPet 72″ Windsor Arch Gate Best Overall Product	Best Budget Product 5/5 MidWest Homes Steel Pet Gate	Runner-Up 4.5/5 Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Baby/Pet Gate
	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon
Summary	When it comes to a dog gate, durability should always be the first concern.	If you need something that is a little taller than our previous choice, this is a good one to consider.	This is a tall, narrow kind of gate, so it’s an excellent choice for those narrow doorways.
Pros	Very durable construction	Pretty sturdy design	The tallest gate on our list
Cons	Could be just a little taller	The wooden door is vulnerable to chewing	Only suitable for narrow doorways

Best Overall Product: MyPet 72″ Windsor Arch Gate

When it comes to a dog gate, durability should always be the first concern.

You need something that can stand up to some serious resistance, and German Shepherds can exert a lot of strength when they want to do so.

That’s why we went with the most durable option as our top option.

This one is made mostly from steel, and it has a bronzed look that matches well with any home decor.

We like the fact that the holding screws are wide and coated with soft plastic. This means they won’t scar your walls when you tighten them down.

All too often, these products have narrow stoppers made of bald steel, and that can easily scar or puncture most walls.

This one has an easy push-button latch for the door, and this is very convenient. You don’t have to worry about fumbling with any small pieces or a padlock, nor do you have to worry about working a bolt-type piece.

Instead, you just grab the top and push a button. You can set the door to swing either way, which also gives it extra versatility.

You can even get some extra panels from the company and make this one up to 162 inches wide. Most people don’t need this much, but it’s good to have that choice.

Our only real complaint is the fact that we wish this thing were made a little taller.

It is tall enough to do the job, but determined German Shepherds might be able to jump over that 30-inch height.

Best Budget Product: MidWest Homes Steel Pet Gate

If you need something that is a little taller than our previous choice, this is a good one to consider. It’s a composite of wood and steel, containing almost no plastic.

Overall, we can see that this one is simple, effective, and well-designed. It has four big thumbscrew-type stoppers that allow it to be fixed in any doorway. These are covered in rubber, which is a nice and thoughtful step on the part of the manufacturer.

As if that weren’t thoughtful enough, they also made this a pretty affordable model. It is the cheapest product on our list, but its quality seems to be very high.

This one is available in heights of 29 inches or 39 inches, with a small price difference between them.

Obviously, we recommend the 39-inch height, as you are dealing with a dog that is somewhat taller than most.

We also like the fact that all the steel parts are covered in a rust-resistant graphite layer. That means the product will probably last longer.

As for problems, we only see a couple of small ones. We question why the door is made of wood, as they could have used more steel.

The wood doors could definitely be chewed and destroyed by a dedicated escape artist, and a German Shepherd’s jaws are more than large enough to destroy this thing.

We also think the latch is kind of irritating. You have to slide back a button with your thumb while pressing a button underneath.

It isn’t so bad once you get used to it, but it’s still a little bit silly.

The Runner-Up: Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Baby/Pet Gate

This is a tall, narrow kind of gate, so it’s an excellent choice for those narrow doorways.

In fact, it will fit most standard doorways, so it’s perfect for those who want to keep their dog in one room.

It’s also the cheapest product on our list, although it only beats the winner by a few dollars.

Not only does it do the job effectively, but it also has a stylish and modern kind of look. This thing will surely go well with most furniture, and installation is as easy as turning four knobs.

De-installation is just as easy, and this one can be hauled in your trunk without a problem.

We also like the door latch, as it is a one-step latch. You just push down on a handle, and the gate swings open. We should also mention that this is the tallest gate that we found.

In terms of durability, this one should be good enough. Some of that steel is hollow on the inside, but it’s more than thick enough to keep your dog confined.

We don’t see any obvious weak points here, although you might think there is a weak point before the gate is installed.

There is a gap between the door latch and the frame, and many people have mistaken it for a product defect. However, this gap disappears once the gate is fully tightened.

In the end, the only problem with this one is the fact that it’s only well suited for smaller spaces.

Honorable Mention: Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate

This is a slightly more old-fashioned design, as it’s mostly made of wood and has no latch. Instead, the whole thing is made like a sliding door.

Its two pieces interlock and can slide to become wider or more narrow. This makes it one of the more versatile choices in terms of size and fit.

It is very important that your dog gate fits properly, or a secure fit will not be obtained.

At first, we thought that a wooden gate like this would be vulnerable to chewing. In many cases, dog gates made of wood do have this problem, but this one isn’t so bad.

Other than the top (the least accessible part), there are no easy places for the dog to grip the wood. They might be able to gnaw a little bit, but it will be very hard for them to get a good grip.

This one isn’t quite as tall as we would want for a full-size German Shepherd, but it should work fine for dogs that aren’t prone to jumping.

Its relatively low height is the main thing that kept it from scoring higher on our list. Still, we have found that large, bulky gates like this make a natural deterrent.

Once your dog has learned that this represents a boundary, things should work out fine.

Speaking of which, this isn’t a high-security gate. Even the advertising says that it should not be used in cases where serious risk is involved.

In other words, don’t use it to keep a vicious dog away from a baby. If your German Shepherd is a serious escape artist, this isn’t the product for you.

Alternative 1: Arf Pets Free Standing Wood Dog Gate

This is another wooden dog gate, and this one has a little bit more of a classic look than the other one. It goes well with any style of decoration, as it is all composed of dark-stained wood.

We are glad to see that it’s made from real wood instead of some kind of pressed particulate. This one might be a little expensive, but it is definitely the gentleman’s choice.

This one has multiple hinges, allowing it to fold up for a variety of purposes. First, you can use this to size it for any space.

As with some other models, you can even get extra panels that will make it even larger.

At the same time, it is great for those who like to take their German Shepherd on long trips. All of it can fold up into a neat little stack, and that is easy to fit on top of your vehicle.

There isn’t really any installation here, as this is another free-standing gate. However, that is both a good thing and a bad thing.

On the one hand, it means that you don’t have to worry about installation.

On the other hand, it will never have the security to keep a determined dog inside unless you add some additional bracing.

We would recommend that you attach it to your wall with brackets and hooks, as these will be able to withstand more than enough force.

Alternative 2: Carlson Extra-Tall Flexi Pet Gate

This is a good general-purpose option, being made of steel and sturdily constructed.

We feel pretty confident that your German Shepherd isn’t going to break this gate, although it isn’t exactly the most heavy-duty we’ve ever seen.

Still, it is both lightweight and strong at the same time, giving it a good mix of convenience and effectiveness.

This one folds out with hinges, much like our last product. However, because these are not made of thick wood, you get something that is even more compact and portable.

Although its size adjustment isn’t the most precise on earth, it is good enough for most users.

We also like the safety catch on the door, which should make it much harder for a dog to outsmart the gate (which can happen more often than you might think).

We only find a few small faults with this one, such as the fact that it’s mounted in the door by large screws. The problem here is that some German Shepherds are bound to climb this thing.

When that happens, it will put a lot of weight and strain on the gate. If it should fail, it is probably going to rip some big holes in your doorframe as the screws come loose.

Apart from this, we find this one to be pretty ugly. Admittedly, that’s not a major problem, either.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most common questions that we receive on this subject.

How tall should this gate be?

The heights of dog gates will vary a lot from product to product, as you have probably noticed already.

We would advise you to avoid anything shorter than 30 inches, which is about 2.5 feet.

Even this height will only be suitable for well-behaved dogs. For German Shepherds that are a little rowdier, about 41 inches is more appropriate.

Are there any escape-proof dog gates?

So, you might have wondered if there are any products on the market that are truly “escape-proof.” the unfortunate fact is that no dog gate is 100% escape-proof.

When a large and powerful animal is determined to get through, that gate is not going to stop them.

However, most dogs are not quite this crazy. Dogs understand the concept of boundaries (i.e., territory), and that is why a gate doesn’t necessarily have to be two feet thick and made of solid carbon steel.

What kind of gate will an aggressive chewer destroy?

This question has a straightforward answer: Anything that isn’t made of steel.

Aggressive chewers are definitely not like other dogs, and anything that is meant to restrain them will have to be made of steel.

That being said, gates made of wood or even plastic can work in many instances. If you are dealing with the other kind of situation, stick to steel bars.

What are the different types of dog gates suitable for German Shepherds?

There are various types of dog gates that are suitable for German Shepherds, including playpen gates, small pet gates, indoor dog gates, walk-through gates, and retractable dog gates.

What are the important features to look for when choosing the best dog gate for a German Shepherd?

When choosing a dog gate for a German Shepherd, it’s important to consider factors such as sturdiness, safety lock, non-toxic materials, one-handed operation, and the ability to restrict their access to certain areas.

How can I ensure the dog gate is suitable for a large breed like a German Shepherd?

Look for gates specifically designed for large dogs with features such as a walk-through door, sturdy construction, and a wide opening to accommodate their size.

What are the benefits of using a wall-mounted dog gate for a German Shepherd?

A wall-mounted dog gate offers added security and sturdiness, making it an ideal choice for containing a German Shepherd and preventing them from accessing restricted areas in the home.

Are there specific considerations for using a dog gate with a German Shepherd puppy?

Yes, it’s important to choose a dog gate that can be adjusted as the puppy grows, with features like a small pet door, and a height that can accommodate the size of a growing German Shepherd puppy.

Can a German Shepherd easily bypass a pressure-mounted dog gate?

German Shepherds are strong and energetic dogs, and they may be able to surpass a pressure-mounted dog gate with enough force. It’s advisable to opt for a more secure option, such as a wall-mounted or freestanding gate.

How can I ensure that the dog gate matches the decor of my home?

You can choose a dog gate with a finish that complements your home decor, such as matte bronze or espresso finish, to ensure that it blends seamlessly with the surroundings.

What are the advantages of using a walk-through dog gate with a German Shepherd?

A walk-through dog gate provides convenient access for pet parents while maintaining a secure barrier for the German Shepherd, allowing the dog to easily pass through the gate without the need for constant removal and installation.

Buyer’s Guide

To finish out our little project, let’s talk a little bit about the essential qualities that separate a good dog gate from a bad one.

These are the things you would look at when choosing the best gate for a German Shepherd.

Durability

As we said earlier, durability should always be the number one concern. Because this is a restraint device, this much should be obvious.

A dog gate is totally useless if it won’t hold up to repeated use. Also, most of the products we examined today are high-end dog gates that cost too much to replace on a regular basis.

One good rule to follow when evaluating durability is to look at all connection points. That is to say, look at all the places where two pieces are joined together.

Are they connected solidly? How much force do you think would be required to break them apart? This is probably going to be your most important question.

Materials

This factor goes along with durability, but it affects other things as well. Most dog gates are made of steel, wood, and/or plastic (with few exceptions).

All of these materials have their pros and cons. For instance, steel is obviously the strongest…until it rusts. If the steel is not well-coated with a corrosion-resistant layer, it won’t last very long at all.

Wood, on the other hand, doesn’t rust. If it is kept away from excessive moisture, it won’t rot, either. However, it can sometimes be chewed.

German Shepherds may not be able to chew with the same destructiveness as a bully breed, but they can come pretty close when they try.

Convenience

Once you know that your gate is strong enough to hold the dog, you should then think about the convenience factor.

For one thing, does this gate open up and allow you to walk through? As you have already seen, some of them do, and some of them don’t.

The latch on the door should be such that you can operate it with one hand.

Most of them are like this, but some of them will employ overcomplicated door mechanisms in an attempt to get slightly better security.

Troubleshooting

Sooner or later, you will probably have to fix this gate. Of course, you could just throw it away and buy a new one, but that would be highly wasteful.

When you are thinking about buying a dog gate, you should ask yourself: How hard would it be for me to fix this thing?

If the answer is “very,” you might want to look elsewhere.

No one wants to do this, but it’s a lot more cost-effective than buying a new high-end dog gate every time some little thing goes wrong.

There might also be cases in which your gate is not strong enough for your dog. To fix this, you have to take a two-pronged approach: Work on the gate and the dog at the same time.

Reinforce the gate with pieces made of thick and tempered steel, while also teaching the dog to respect their boundaries.

Mounting And Sizing

Even the best dog gate won’t do you any good if you don’t have a door to fit them. Thankfully, most of the better products will be adjustable, making the choice a little easier.

However, there is still a question of how far a given gate will adjust. You should definitely get out the tape measure before buying a new dog gate that you have never owned before.

Some other gates will fold like an accordion, each section stacking on itself. These can be used for a wider variety of spaces, even if it won’t be a straight line.

Finally, you need to think about the means by which your product will attach to the wall, and whether or not each part is fulfilling its main purpose: To keep the dog gate in place without scarring your walls.

Best Dog Gates For German Shepherds: Winding Up

Getting a dog gate is more complex than most would have imagined, although that complexity is mostly on the surface.

When it comes down to it, you need something that offers security, convenience, and longevity at a reasonable price. Try not to forget about that factor as various advertisements try to convince you that their product is something special.

If you have enjoyed this article, and if you would like to learn more, please come back to see us again.