Choosing the right crate for your dog can be overwhelming, especially when comparing premium options like the Ruff Land and Gunner G1 Kennels. Both are highly regarded for safety and durability, but they shine in different scenarios. Here’s how they stack up for various uses.
Comparing Features: Ruff Land Gen 2 Crate vs. Gunner G1 Kennel
The Ruff Land Kennel (previous Ruff Tuff) is made from a single-piece, roto-molded plastic, offering durability and ease of cleaning. It’s lightweight, and the option to add dual doors, including side-door configurations, makes it versatile for various setups, providing better airflow.
Its more compact size allows it to be used in sedans or in small cargo spaces.
Ruff Land Kennel
Lightweight & versatile
Customizable door configurations, durable, single-piece, roto-molded plastic crate that is easy to clean.
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On the other hand, the Gunner Kennel featutures a double-wall construction for enhanced insulation and durability, crash-tested safety features, and four metal tie-down points, making it a standout for secure travel. While the Gunner is safer overall, its solid design limits ventilation compared to the Ruff Land, making airflow management an important consideration for extended use. Both crates are built for durability, but their designs cater to different priorities—lightweight versatility versus ultimate safety and security.
Gunner Kennel
Quality & Safety
The Gunner Kennel is designed with double-walled construction for safety and comfort is crash-tested and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Disclaimer: this review contains affiliate links, which support Dog Gear Review if you purchase the product after clicking on it without costing you anything extra. Using affiliate links will never compromise us in writing unbiased, honest reviews!
Gunner vs. Ruff Land Key Differences
Interior Dimensions:
- While their interior base area of the Internmediate sizes is very similar (Ruffland 30 1/8″ x 19 1/2″ vs, Gunner 30" x 18"), the Ruff Land has an interior height of 22 inches, while the Gunner offers 25 inches, providing more headroom for dogs to sit up comfortably.
Ruffland intermediate
Gunner Intermediate
Safety Features:
- The Gunner Kennel stands out with its double-walled construction and 5-star crash test rating from the Center for Pet Safety, making it a top choice for car safety. The double walls enhance impact absorption, keeping the dog safer in accidents.
- The Ruff Land Kennel, while not crash-tested (Gen II), uses a one-piece roto-molded design with flexible walls to dissipate impact forces. However, its tie-down brackets and door failed crash testing in the Gen I model and Gen II was not retested.
- Having an emergency exit is also an important part of car safety. While Ruff Land offers a two-door option, allowing for multiple exit points, the Gunner has a single door and super sturdy walls, which may be a limitation if the bulky crate is wedged in the car without much room to move it around and access the door if the tailgate is not functional.
Weight & Portability:
- The Ruff Land Intermediate weighs ~20 lbs and is easier to move and manage between cars, hotels, or events. The Gunner Intermediate weighs ~48 lbs, making it significantly heavier. Its bulkiness makes it even harder for one person to handle.
Ventilation & Insulation:
- The Gunner’s double walls provide insulation, keeping the crate interior cooler in summer and warmer in winter, but can slow down the effects of car AC or heating (discussed in detail in its review).
- The Ruff Land crate has customizable ventilation options and the option to add a second door to the back or to the side allowing for better airflow.
When to Use Which Crate
It’s important to understand that each crate excels in specific scenarios, there is no ultimate better option because it depends on how you will use the crate and what your preferences are. Here’s a detailed breakdown of their pros and cons for car use, home use, and travel.
Car Use
Ruff Land Kennel
- Pros: The Ruff Land crate hits a sweet spot between heavy, expensive metal crates and flimsy plastic ones. Its single-piece construction and material flexibility add an element of safety in car accidents, even though it did not pass crash tests. Dual-door options improve airflow and make it easy to use in many different car setups.
- Cons: While the construction provides safety, it lacks crash testing.
Gunner Kennel
- Pros: Gunner Kennels are crash-tested with a strong metal door and double-wall construction. Hunters also find it ideal for truck bed use, and accessories like weather kits and the fan that can be added to the side enhance its usability.
- Cons: The size and weight make it challenging to maneuver and fit in smaller cars or for solo users. Double-wall construction can also influence internal temperatures, requiring planning in extreme weather.
See below how the exterior base sizes of the two crates are very different due to the thicker walls of the Gunner kennel.
Intermediate Gunner vs Ruffland base size difference (front)
Intermediate Gunner vs Ruffland base size difference (side)
Traveling, Hotels, and Events
Ruff Land Kennel
- Pros: Lightweight and versatile, the Ruff Land is reasonably easy to carry in and out of hotels. Dual-door options allow for flexible setups in various environments, making it ideal for events and travel.
- Cons: It comes in one piece so there is no way to disassemble it for storage or travel.
Gunner Kennel
- Pros: A secure option to keep dogs safe in any situation with the help of a sturdy, lockable door.
- Cons: Its weight and size make it difficult to transport solo. Maneuvering it through doors or hotel lobbies can be cumbersome.
At-Home Use
Ruff Land Kennel
- Pros: This is a solid, durable option for at-home use, providing more stability than collapsible crates. It’s perfect for crate-trained dogs without anxiety issues.
- Cons: Provides less airflow than a basic metal crate and anxious dogs can easily chew through its material.
Gunner Kennel
- Pros: A sturdy kennel for strong dogs especially with the addition of chew kits to cover the areas prone to chewing.
- Cons: Its size and design are less practical for home use, as the crate is bulky and not designed for at-home use.
When Choose the Ruff Land Kennel?
The Ruff Land Kennel stands out as a lightweight, more budget-friendly option for dog owners who value flexibility and durability. Its construction provides an added safety factor for car use, and the optional dual doors make it adaptable for multiple environments.
This crate is best suited for:
- Those who need an easy-to-carry crate for hotel stays or events.
- Budget-conscious buyers who still want quality and durability.
- When you need to fit multiple dogs in the car or have a bigger dog and a smaller car.
When Choose the Gunner Kennel?
The Gunner Kennel is the premium choice for dog owners prioritizing safety and durability above all. Its crash-tested design and robust materials make it ideal for in-vehicle use.
This crate is best suited for:
- Owners seeking top safety features
- Situations where security and durability are non-negotiable.
- For smaller/medium dogs as the crate gets very bulky for large dogs
- For large SUVs or truck beds where there is enough room to accommodate the crate’s exterior size.
Final Thoughts
Both the Ruff Land Kennel and Gunner Kennel offer unique advantages, catering to different needs and budgets.
If you’re looking for portability and affordability, the Ruff Land Kennel is a fantastic option that will allow you flexibility in different setups. It is also great when you need to fit multiple dogs in the car or have a bigger dog who you want to keep safe in a smaller car.
For unmatched safety and security during travel, the Gunner Kennel is worth the investment. However, it is important to understand how the insulating effect of the double wall works and when it is useful vs. a concern. Also have a plan for emergencies and getting the dog out of the crate if the front door becomes inaccessible in an accident.
