RuffLand vs. The Competition: An Honest Comparison of Premium Dog Kennels

Let's be real—if you're shopping for a premium dog kennel, you're probably overwhelmed by options. RuffLand, Gunner, Dakota 283, wire crates, cheap plastic crates... the list goes on. And everyone claims their product is the best.

As a professional dog trainer and authorized RuffLand dealer, I've used almost all of these options over the years. I sell RuffLand because I genuinely believe it's the best value for most dog owners, but that doesn't mean it's perfect for everyone.

So let me break down the real differences—the strengths, the weaknesses, and who each option actually serves best. No marketing fluff, just honest comparisons based on years of real-world use.

The Contenders: What We're Comparing

For this comparison, I'm focusing on the kennels that serious dog owners actually consider:

Premium Roto-Molded Kennels:

• RuffLand Kennels

• Gunner Kennels

• Dakota 283 Kennels

Traditional Options:

• Wire/Metal Crates

• Standard Plastic Crates (airline-style)

Why these? Because these are the options that come up in every single "what kennel should I buy?" conversation I have with clients. These are the kennels hunters use, the ones trainers recommend, and the ones that show up in truck beds at every dog training facility and field trial.

Let's dive in.

RuffLand Kennels: The Versatile Workhorse

Price Range: $349-$499 (depending on size)

Weight: 10-42 lbs (depending on size)

Made In: USA

What Makes RuffLand Different

RuffLand kennels are single-piece, roto-molded plastic kennels designed for durability and versatility. They're built like a tank, but they're also light enough that you can actually move them around without throwing your back out.

The Good:

Lightweight and portable. This is RuffLand's biggest advantage over competitors like Gunner. A Large RuffLand weighs about 30 lbs. The comparable Gunner? 72 lbs. If you're moving your kennel in and out of vehicles, between home and truck, or carrying it into hotel rooms, this matters enormously.

Multiple door configurations. RuffLand offers single door, front and right, front and left, and front and back options. This flexibility is huge for fitting different vehicle configurations and access needs. Most competitors only offer one or two door options.

Proven durability. These are one-piece roto-molded kennels with no seams or weak points. I've had customers use the same RuffLand for 10+ years with zero issues. They can take a beating.

Excellent ventilation. The vent design provides great airflow without compromising structure. In hot climates, this is critical.

Reasonable price point. At $349-$499, RuffLand sits in the middle of the premium kennel market. You're getting American-made quality without the extreme price tag.

Easy to clean. Smooth interior surfaces, no drainage issues. Hose it out, wipe it down, done.

The Not-So-Good:

No built-in drain plug. Unlike Gunner, RuffLand doesn't have a drain hole in the bottom. This means you need to tip the kennel to pour out water after washing. Not a dealbreaker, but it's less convenient.

Accessories sold separately. Tie-down anchors, handles, and other features that come standard on Gunner kennels are add-ons with RuffLand. Once you add these, the price gap narrows (though RuffLand still comes out cheaper).

Not crash-tested. RuffLand kennels are incredibly strong and used by professionals everywhere, but they don't have the official crash-test ratings that Gunner kennels do. For most owners, this doesn't matter. For some, it's a dealbreaker.

Tighter interior dimensions. The single-wall construction means less insulation but also means the interior space is more efficiently used. However, compared to Gunner's double-wall design, some dogs have slightly more headroom in a Gunner.

Best For:

• Dog owners who need to move their kennel regularly

• Multi-purpose use (home, vehicle, travel, training)

• Budget-conscious buyers who still want premium quality

• Anyone who values versatility and lightweight design

• Hunters and field trainers who need portable, durable kennels

  
  

Not Ideal For:

• Buyers who want absolute maximum crash protection (go Gunner)

• Extreme temperature situations where double-wall insulation helps (go Gunner)

• People who never move their kennel (weight advantage doesn't matter)

Gunner Kennels: Maximum Protection (Maximum Weight)

Price Range: $595-$1,295 (depending on size)

Weight: 35-72 lbs (depending on size)

Made In: USA

What Makes Gunner Different

Gunner kennels are the Fort Knox of dog kennels. Double-walled roto-molded construction, 5-star crash test rating from the Center for Pet Safety, and built-in features that others charge extra for. They're also significantly heavier and more expensive.

The Good:

Crash-tested and certified. Gunner kennels have actual crash test data showing they protect dogs in accidents. If this is your primary concern, Gunner is the answer. No other kennel has this level of documentation.

Double-wall insulation. The air gap between walls helps regulate temperature. In extreme heat or cold, Gunner kennels stay more comfortable inside than single-wall kennels. Hunters in South Texas and North Dakota both swear by this feature.

Everything included. Lockable door, tie-down points, top handles, drain plug—it all comes standard. No nickel-and-diming with add-ons.

Bombproof door design. The door and latch system on Gunner kennels is overbuilt in the best way. Zero flex, zero play, zero chance of failure.

Lifetime warranty. Gunner stands behind their product with one of the best warranties in the industry.

The Not-So-Good:

Holy hell, they're heavy. A Large Gunner weighs 72 lbs empty. Multiple customers have told me they need two people to move it. If portability matters, this is a serious problem. I've heard more than one person joke that "every Gunner should come with a forklift."

Significant price premium. At $595-$1,295, Gunner is roughly double the price of RuffLand. Yes, you get extra features, but that's a tough pill to swallow for many buyers.

Larger exterior footprint. Because of the double-wall construction, Gunner kennels have a bigger external footprint for similar interior dimensions. They can be harder to fit in smaller vehicles or back seats.

Limited door options. Most Gunner models only offer a single front door configuration. Less flexibility than RuffLand.

Reduced interior height in some sizes. The Intermediate Gunner has 25" of interior height vs. RuffLand Intermediate's 22", but other sizes are comparable or tighter. The double walls take up space.

Best For:

• Owners for whom crash safety is the #1 priority

• Dogs traveling in truck beds in extreme weather (hot or cold)

• Permanent installations where weight doesn't matter

• Buyers who want every feature included and aren't price-sensitive

• Peace-of-mind buyers who want the absolute best protection

Not Ideal For:

• Anyone who needs to move the kennel regularly

• Smaller vehicles with limited cargo space

• Budget-conscious buyers

• People who need flexible door configurations

The Honest Take on Gunner

I had a Gunner Intermediate for a while. The build quality is absolutely incredible—you can feel the difference the moment you touch it. The crash test ratings are legitimate, and if your dog is riding in a truck bed daily, the temperature regulation is a real benefit.

But I sold it. Why? Because at 50+ lbs, I dreaded moving it. It stayed in my truck permanently because hauling it in and out was such a pain. For my needs (frequent moves between home and vehicle, occasional hotel trips), the weight was a dealbreaker.

That said, I have multiple clients who love their Gunners. They're hunters who leave the kennel strapped down in their truck bed year-round, or they're owners who had a dog injured in an accident and will never compromise on crash safety again.

Gunner makes an exceptional product. Just make sure the tradeoffs align with how you'll actually use it.

Dakota 283 Kennels: The Middle Ground

Price Range: $370-$550 (depending on size)

Weight: 18-35 lbs (depending on size)

Made In: USA

What Makes Dakota Different

Dakota 283 kennels sit between RuffLand and Gunner in most categories. They're single-wall like RuffLand, but with a few design differences that some users prefer.

The Good:

Sturdy construction. Single-wall roto-molded design similar to RuffLand, but some users report the plastic feels slightly thicker and stiffer.

Built-in top handle. Makes carrying and securing with ratchet straps easier. RuffLand sells handles separately.

Competitive pricing. Generally priced between RuffLand and Gunner, often closer to RuffLand.

Good ventilation. Comparable to RuffLand in airflow design.

The Not-So-Good:

Limited door options. Most Dakota models only offer a single front door. Less flexibility than RuffLand's multiple configurations.

Heavier than RuffLand. While lighter than Gunner, Dakota kennels are noticeably heavier than comparable RuffLand sizes—though still manageable for most people.

Smaller dealer network. Harder to find locally compared to RuffLand. Often requires online ordering.

Less established track record. Dakota is a newer brand compared to RuffLand, which has been around since the early 2000s (originally as "Ruff Tuff").

Best For:

• Buyers who want the drain plug feature

• Those who prefer slightly heavier construction for perceived durability

• Anyone looking for a middle option between RuffLand and Gunner

• Hunters who need easy cleaning after muddy field work

Not Ideal For:

• People who need specific door configurations

• Maximum portability seekers

• Those who prefer established brands with long track records

The Honest Take on Dakota

Dakota makes a solid kennel. Some customers prefer the feel of Dakota's slightly thicker plastic, though I haven't seen evidence it's actually more durable than RuffLand in practice.

The main reason I recommend RuffLand over Dakota is the door flexibility. Most of my customers benefit from having multiple door options, and RuffLand delivers that. But if you only need a front door, Dakota is a great choice.

Wire Crates: When Cheap Becomes Dangerous

Price Range: $30-$150

Weight: 10-50 lbs (depending on size and gauge)

Made In: Varies (mostly China)

Let's talk about wire crates because they're everywhere—pet stores, big box retailers, Amazon. They're cheap, they're convenient, and they're potentially dangerous.

Why People Buy Wire Crates

Low upfront cost. You can get a 42" wire crate for $50-80. It's tempting.

Easy to collapse. Wire crates fold flat for storage, which is convenient if you travel and need to pack it.

Maximum visibility. Dogs can see everything around them, which some owners think reduces anxiety.

Includes divider panels. Most come with dividers for puppy training.

Why Wire Crates Are Problematic

Serious injury risk. I've seen dogs get paws caught in wire gaps, requiring stitches. I've seen anxious dogs bend bars and break teeth trying to escape. The internet is full of horror stories about collars getting caught on wire, dogs getting jaws stuck in gaps, and worse.

Zero crash protection. In an accident, wire crates collapse like an empty soda can. Your dog becomes a projectile. I've heard from multiple owners whose dogs were seriously injured or killed when wire crates failed in crashes.

Escape artists love them. Clever dogs can manipulate cheap latches or bend corners to escape. It's frighteningly common.

They rust, they rattle, they break. Wire crates exposed to weather rust. They make noise in vehicles. The welds fail over time. You'll replace them every 1-2 years.

False sense of security. The biggest problem with wire crates? They look secure but aren't. Owners think their dog is safe when they're actually at risk.

When Wire Might Be Okay

I'm not saying wire crates have zero use. They can work for:

• Temporary use while you save up for a quality kennel

• Home-only crating for calm, non-anxious dogs who never try to escape

• Puppies you're actively supervising

• Short-term situations (house-sitting, temporary foster, etc.)

But never for vehicle travel. Full stop.

The Honest Take on Wire Crates

Every dog trainer I know has a collection of "wire crate disaster" stories. Dogs with split lips from biting bars. Dogs with broken teeth. Dogs who escaped and caused accidents. Dogs injured when crates collapsed.

Wire crates are cheap for a reason—they're not built to protect your dog. If you're driving with your dog regularly, spending $350-500 on a real kennel isn't expensive, it's essential.

Think of it this way: you wouldn't put your kid in a $50 car seat from a flea market. Why would you trust your dog's safety to a $50 wire cage?

Standard Plastic Crates (Airline-Style): Better Than Wire, But Limited

Price Range: $40-$200

Weight: 8-35 lbs (depending on size)

Made In: Varies (mostly China)

These are the two-piece plastic crates you see at pet stores—Petmate, Aspen Pet, generic brands. They're not terrible, but they're not in the same league as premium kennels.

The Good

Better than wire. The enclosed design is safer for anxious dogs, and they don't have the sharp edges and collapse risk of wire.

Airline approved (usually). If you need to fly with your dog, these meet airline requirements. RuffLand and most premium kennels don't.

Affordable. $40-100 for most sizes puts them in reach for budget buyers.

Lightweight. Easy to carry around.

The Not-So-Good

Two-piece construction = weak point. The top and bottom snap together with clips. These clips are the failure point—they pop open, they break, they don't stay tight.

Mediocre ventilation. Usually just small holes drilled in the sides. Not great airflow.

Cheap plastic. Thin walls that crack over time, especially in cold weather. Brittle corners that break if dropped.

Poor longevity. You'll replace them every 2-3 years if you use them regularly.

Not built for vehicle safety. While sturdier than wire, they're not designed to protect in a crash.

The Honest Take

Standard plastic crates fill a niche: temporary use, air travel, and extreme budget situations. They're fine for occasionally kenneling your dog at home. But for regular vehicle travel or long-term use, they're a false economy. You'll buy 3-4 of these in the time one RuffLand would last.

The Real-World Comparison: What Actually Matters

Let's cut through the specs and talk about what matters in daily use:

Portability

Winner: RuffLand

If you move your kennel regularly (home to vehicle, hotel trips, training facility visits), weight matters enormously. RuffLand's 30 lb Large vs. Gunner's 72 lb Large is the difference between "I'll grab it" and "I need help."

Runner-up: Dakota 283 (heavier than RuffLand, lighter than Gunner)

Crash Safety

Winner: Gunner

If crash test data and maximum impact protection are your priority, Gunner is the only choice with documented crash ratings.

Runner-up: RuffLand and Dakota (both extremely durable, but not officially crash-tested)

Value for Money

Winner: RuffLand

Best combination of durability, features, and price. You get American-made quality without the extreme premium of Gunner.

Runner-up: Dakota 283 (solid quality, slightly higher price than RuffLand)

Temperature Regulation

Winner: Gunner

The double-wall construction makes a real difference in extreme temperatures. If you hunt in South Texas summers or North Dakota winters, this matters.

Runner-up: RuffLand and Dakota (single-wall design works fine for normal conditions)

Versatility and Flexibility

Winner: RuffLand

Multiple door configurations, lightweight enough to move, durable enough for any situation. Works for home, vehicle, travel, field work—everything.

Runner-up: Dakota 283 (good all-around, but limited door options)

Budget Category

Winner: Standard plastic crates (if you absolutely can't afford premium)

Runner-up: Wire crates (cheap, but only for home use with calm dogs)

The Comparison Nobody Talks About: Longevity and Total Cost

Here's where things get interesting. Let's look at the true cost over 10 years:

Wire Crate:

• Initial cost: $80

• Replacement every 2 years: $80 × 4 = $320

• Total 10-year cost: $400

• Injury risk: High

• Resale value: $0

Standard Plastic Crate:

• Initial cost: $100

• Replacement every 3 years: $100 × 2 = $200

• Total 10-year cost: $300

• Injury risk: Medium

• Resale value: $10-20

RuffLand Kennel:

• Initial cost: $399

• Tie-down kit: $29

• Pad: $50

• Replacement over 10 years: $0

• Total 10-year cost: $478

• Injury risk: Very low

• Resale value: $150-250

Gunner Kennel:

• Initial cost: $795 (includes accessories)

• Replacement over 10 years: $0

• Total 10-year cost: $795

• Injury risk: Lowest

• Resale value: $300-500

Dakota 283 Kennel:

• Initial cost: $425

• Tie-down kit: $30

• Pad: $50

• Replacement over 10 years: $0

• Total 10-year cost: $505

• Injury risk: Very low

• Resale value: $150-250

Suddenly RuffLand doesn't look expensive, does it? You're spending an extra $78 over 10 years compared to repeatedly buying cheap crates—and you're getting exponentially better protection and durability.

Even Gunner, at nearly double the initial price, pencils out when you factor in that it'll outlast multiple cheap crates with no decrease in quality.

So Which Kennel Should YOU Buy?

Let me give you the decision framework I use with clients:

Buy RuffLand If:

• You need to move your kennel regularly (home/vehicle/travel)

• You want maximum versatility with door configurations

• You care about quality but are somewhat budget-conscious

• You want American-made durability without extreme weight

• You use your kennel for multiple purposes (home, vehicle, training, etc.)

This is 70-80% of my customers. RuffLand hits the sweet spot of portability, durability, and price.

Buy Gunner If:

• Crash safety is your absolute #1 priority (maybe you've had a dog injured before)

• Your kennel stays in one place permanently (truck bed, etc.)

• You regularly face extreme temperatures (South Texas heat, Minnesota winters)

• Budget is not a concern

• You want every feature included and don't mind the weight tradeoff

This is 10-15% of my customers. Usually serious hunters, people who've had previous accidents, or owners with high-anxiety dogs in extreme climates.

Buy Dakota 283 If:

• You prefer the feel of slightly heavier construction

• RuffLand's door options don't matter to you

• You want something between RuffLand and Gunner in weight/price

This is 5-10% of my customers. Often hunters who prioritize easy cleanup or people who just prefer the Dakota design.

Buy Standard Plastic If:

• You absolutely need airline approval for flying

• You're in a temporary situation (fostering, house-sitting, etc.)

• Your budget truly cannot stretch to $350+ right now

• You only need home crating, not vehicle travel

This is legitimate for some situations, but if you can save up, upgrade to a premium kennel as soon as possible.

Avoid Wire Crates For Vehicle Travel

Just don't. The injury risk isn't worth the savings.

What I Actually Use (And Why)

Full transparency: I use RuffLand kennels for my own dogs and in my training business.

Why RuffLand over Gunner, even though I could afford Gunner?

1. I move kennels constantly. Home to vehicle, vehicle to training facility, occasional hotel trips. The weight difference is meaningful when you're doing this multiple times per week.

2. I need different door configurations. Different vehicles, different access points. RuffLand's flexibility matters.

3. The durability is proven. I've had the same Large RuffLand since 2012 (back when it was called "Ruff Tuff"). It's been through hundreds of dogs, countless trips, all weather conditions—and it's still going strong.

4. My dogs aren't riding in extreme temperatures. If I was a duck hunter leaving dogs in a truck bed in 10°F weather, I'd want Gunner's double-wall insulation. But for my use case, RuffLand's ventilation and single-wall design works perfectly.

That said, I have enormous respect for Gunner. If I had unlimited budget and never moved my kennels, I'd probably run Gunners. They're exceptional products. But for my real-world needs, RuffLand is the better tool.

Common Questions From Buyers

"Can I see comparison videos?"

Both RuffLand and Gunner have videos on their websites showing their kennels being hit, dropped, and tested. Take them with a grain of salt—of course their product looks good in their own testing.

What matters more: talk to actual users. Visit a hunt test, a field trial, or a dog training facility and look at what experienced handlers use. You'll see mostly RuffLand and Gunner, with some Dakota mixed in.

"What about other brands like Lucky Duck, Primos, Impact, etc.?"

They exist, and some are decent. I focused this comparison on the three brands that dominate the premium market and that I have extensive personal experience with. If you're considering another brand, apply the same criteria: weight, durability, door options, price, and crash protection.

"Should I buy used?"

Premium kennels hold up well and resell for good value. A used RuffLand or Gunner in good condition can save you 30-40%. Just inspect thoroughly for cracks, make sure latches work perfectly, and confirm no previous damage. I'd avoid used wire or standard plastic crates—they're cheap enough new that buying used isn't worth the risk.

"What if I have multiple dogs?"

Multiple RuffLands is usually the answer—they're light enough to manage multiple kennels, and each dog gets proper space. Some people try to use dividers in oversized kennels, but proper fit matters for safety. If you're running multiple dogs regularly (hunters, field trainers), invest in individual kennels.

"Do you really think wire crates are that dangerous?"

Yes. I've seen too many injuries and heard too many horror stories. For home use with a calm dog you're supervising? They're probably fine. For vehicle travel? They're unacceptably risky. That's my professional opinion after 15 years of training dogs.

The Bottom Line

There's no single "best" kennel for everyone—but there is a best kennel for YOUR situation.

For most dog owners: RuffLand offers the best combination of portability, durability, versatility, and price. It's the kennel I recommend first.

For maximum crash protection and permanent installations: Gunner is worth the premium if safety is your primary concern and weight doesn't matter.

For easy cleaning and middle-ground buyers: Dakota 283 is a solid choice with that convenient drain plug.

For temporary situations or tight budgets: Standard plastic crates work, but plan to upgrade.

For vehicle travel: Never use wire crates. Just don't.

Whatever you choose, remember: your kennel is safety equipment, not a storage box. This is protecting your dog's life in an accident, keeping them secure during travel, and giving them a safe space at home.

Spending $350-500 on a quality kennel that lasts 10+ years isn't expensive—it's responsible.

Ready to order? I'm here to help you choose the right RuffLand size and configuration for your specific needs. Give me a call at 704-774-6326 or email office@adogslifetraining.com.

And if you decide Gunner or Dakota is better for your situation? That's totally fine. I'd rather you get the right kennel for your needs than sell you something that doesn't fit your life.

About the Author: Samantha Scarborough is a professional dog trainer and authorized RuffLand dealer based in Kannapolis, NC. She's been training dogs since 2010 and has extensive experience with premium kennels from multiple manufacturers. She uses RuffLand kennels in her own training business and for her personal dogs, but regularly recommends other brands when they're a better fit for specific clients' needs.