For Those Who Crate --

While those are prettier than a wire crate I don't think they could be sanitized,a young dog would likely chew the wood,and lack of airflow would bug me.I believe those would apeal to folks who want thier homes to be beautiful but If your dog's safety and comfort are more important to you a traditional wire crate is better.

                                                  Tena

Oh, Shane would love one of those to chew on. He loves wood almost as much as he loves his kibble . They are really nice looking though.

Yeah depends on the dogs.  My dogs have bedding and toys in their crates and don't eat it.  I also set stuff on top of their crates and use crate covers for shade and privacy at dog shows.  Some dogs can handle it, some can't.  My dogs are chewers but for some reason don't eat crate bedding or crate covers.

 for anyone inclined these from Orvis might be an option too

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1K00&dir_id=1633&group_id=28283&cat_id=28284&subcat_id=15471

Pretty much have to make a Bugsy crate into a kitchen table though - counter height 

Ava only sleeps in her crate at night.  Would never work for her either, she loves chewing wood. lol

For the right dog, it would be great -- definitely more attractive sitting in the middle of the living room!  The one from Orvis is a nice combination of both "open" wire for better visibility for the dog, with some finished edges to look a bit more like furniture.  We tend to use the top of Ruby's crate as another storage area -- for purses, mail, whatever we need to put down when we first walk in ---- a flat surface doesn't stay bare very long!  :-)

 Thanks for the Orvis link -- that is like the 'crate cover' on the original site I posted. 

tacran

For the right dog, it would be great -- definitely more attractive sitting in the middle of the living room!  The one from Orvis is a nice combination of both "open" wire for better visibility for the dog, with some finished edges to look a bit more like furniture.  We tend to use the top of Ruby's crate as another storage area -- for purses, mail, whatever we need to put down when we first walk in ---- a flat surface doesn't stay bare very long!  :-)

We've got the cable box and the PS3 on top of Callie's wire crate. She totally leaves them alone. A table for her size I think would be super awkward, way too high. I also like to  be able to easily pack up my crates and take them somewhere. I actually have two sets right now (plus two extra plastic Luke sized crates, and I am debating swapping Callie's plastic car crate for a wire crate for better air flow). 

 I'd also worry about a puppy chewing wood.

 I like the concept.  It seems like it would be airy enough.  It wouldn't be right for our dog, but I could see where for some it would be appealing.