Does your tiny terrier tremble at the thought of a big, bulky dog crate? You’re not alone! Finding the perfect den for a small dog can feel like a giant task. Many crates look too large, too flimsy, or just plain wrong for your little companion. You worry about them feeling cramped or unsafe, and you definitely don’t want an eyesore taking up half your living room.
Choosing the right crate for a small dog involves more than just picking the smallest box. We need to consider size, safety features, and portability. It’s about creating a cozy, secure haven, not a prison cell! This guide cuts through the confusion.
By the end of this post, you will know exactly what features matter most for small breeds. We will break down the best types of crates available, helping you select a durable, comfortable, and perfectly sized home base for your little friend. Let’s dive in and find that ideal cozy corner for your small pup!
Top Dog Crates For Small Dogs Recommendations
- 24-inch dog crate for pets under 20 x 15.25 inches (LxH), like a Havanese or Pug
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- Newly enhanced with added security features to keep your pet safe | Slide-bolt door latch now feature patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet
- iCrate single door dog crate measures 18L x 12W x 14H,inches and is suitable for XS dog breeds with an adult weight up to 12 pounds. If your dog’s weight or measurements are on the higher side for this crate, we recommend buying the next crate size up
- Dog crate includes a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, carrying handle, and customer support team based in Indiana
- Easy to assemble & portable | Dog crate sets up in seconds with no tools required and conveniently folds flat for travel
- Durable & strong, quality construction creates a secure place for your dog to fulfill their natural instinct to den. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips make iCrate a safer crate experience for your dog
- 【No Assembly Needed & Superior Stability】 Set up your dog crate furniture in minutes: 1) Unfold the iron frame, 2) Insert wood panels, 3) Secure with screws. Unlike flimsy “fold-and-lock” designs, our screw-secured frame provides rock-solid stability for large dogs, preventing wobbles and ensuring a safe, durable home.
- 【Swing-Out Adjustable Feeding Bowls】 The built-in, 360° rotating bowl holder with 3 height settings allows easy feeding and cleaning without opening the door. This convenient dog kennel furniture feature helps prevent neck strain and keeps meal time mess-free—a more functional upgrade over static bowls or simple reminder signs.
- 【Configure Your Base: Stable Feet or Locking Wheels】 Customize your foldable dog crate furniture with two base options: use adjustable leveling feet for permanent stability on uneven floors, or switch to 4 locking casters (2 lockable) for easy room-to-room mobility. Move your large dog crate effortlessly or lock it securely in place.
- 【Heavy-Duty Iron & Solid Wood Build】 Engineered to last, our dog kennel furniture combines a reinforced iron frame with solid wood panels for superior chew resistance and strength—far more durable than particleboard or wire crates. It’s a secure, long-lasting den that doubles as sturdy, dependable furniture.
- 【Multi-Functional Furniture & Space Saver】 This stylish dog crate furniture seamlessly blends as an end table, side table, or TV stand. When not in use, it folds flat compactly by removing panels and folding the frame, saving storage space. It’s the versatile, home-decor-friendly choice over bulky single-purpose kennels.
- Newly enhanced with added security features to keep your pet safe | Slide-bolt door latch now feature patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet
- iCrate single door dog crate measures 24L x 17 x 19 inches and is suitable for small dog breeds with an adult weight of 12 to 25 pounds. If your dog’s weight or measurements are on the higher side for this crate, we recommend buying the next crate size up. It is not recommended to use a crate mat or bed while the divider panel is in use.
- Dog crate includes a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, carrying handle, and customer support team based in Indiana
- Easy to assemble & portable | Dog crate sets up in seconds with no tools required and conveniently folds flat for travel
- Durable & strong, quality construction creates a secure place for your dog to fulfill their natural instinct to den. Proper ventilation, large door openings with low thresholds, and rounded corner clips make iCrate a safer crate experience for your dog
- 22-inch dog crate for pets under 18 x 11.5 inches (LxH), like a Toy Poodle or Yorkshire Terrier
- Durable metal wire construction with manual door locking mechanism for secure containment
- Sets up quickly and folds down flat for easy transport or compact storage; top handle for comfortable carrying
- 1 door and a divider for adjusting the internal space
- Removable plastic base tray for easy cleaning
- Optimal Security: The rounded edges and smooth rounded corners, ensure a safe environment for your pet. The dog crate is equipped with thick metal mesh and doors, both featuring heavy-duty sliding bolt locks. These features not only prevent your dog from escaping but also provide optimal protection for your furry friend.
- Sturdy ＆ Durable: Our dog crates are constructed with high-quality materials to ensure durability. The robust construction guarantees that the crate withstands wear and tear, making it a dependable choice for long-term use. The design of the crate create a cozy and enclosed environment to meet their natural instincts.
- Easy to Install ＆ Carry: Our dog crate can be quickly and easily assembled in seconds without the need for any tools. Additionally, it conveniently folds, allowing for hassle-free transport and storage. Whether you're traveling, camping, or embarking on any on-the-go adventures with your furry friend, our collapsible dog crate is perfect.
- Easy Cleaning ＆ Maintenance: Features a durable ABS composite tray, which are leak-proof and easy to clean, ensuring a hygienic and comfortable environment for your pet. With this easy-to-clean tray, you can keep the crate tidy with minimal effort, providing a clean and enjoyable space for your furry friend.
- Multiple options: Our dog crate comes in multiple sizes to choose from, and you can choose different sizes and styles based on your weight or body shape. This dog kennel is suitable for pets of different sizes such as rabbits and dogs, and is a good helper for home training and outdoor activities
- 【Enclosed Design & Indestructible】: Unlike traditional crates with metal bars, this heavy-duty dog crate is crafted with steel panels with strategically placed small holes (Diameter 0.5 inch), providing additional privacy for dogs while ensuring ample ventilation. The sturdy materials and the non-toxic coating enhance the crate's long-term durability and provide greater safety for your animal companions. All of these design elements combine to make it ideally suited for those anxiety dogs.
- 【Removable Floor for Easy Cleaning】: It features detachable bottom panels that can be easily removed without any extra tools. This new bottom design can help you quickly clean the inside of the dog cage, especially those hard-to-reach spots, keeping your dog's space clean and dry.
- 【Upgraded Escape-Proof Self-Locking Latch】: Equipped with two robust self-locking latches, which make the doors close easily with a simple push. The newly upgraded embedded latch design and additional anti-escape mechanism provide extra security and prevent your dog from breaking out.
- 【Triple-Door Design & Improved User Experience】: We incorporate a triple-door design for owner convenience and better interaction with dogs. The front door and the side door are designed for dogs to enter and exit with ease, also allowing you to place the crate in various locations based on your space layout and daily routine. The top door gives you a convenient way to interact with and feed your pets without hassle.
- 【Choose The Right Size】: The internal dimension of this dog kennel is 41.3"L X 27.1"W X 29.7"H . Please measure your puppy’s length while standing and height while sitting. To ensure that your puppy has enough space in the dog crate, we recommend adding 2–4 inches to these measurements for choosing the appropriate size.
- COMPACT SIZE FOR SMALL BREEDS: 18-inch dog crate designed for pets under 18 x 12 inches (LxH), ideal for Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Toy Poodles, and puppies up to 15 pounds
- DURABLE METAL WIRE CONSTRUCTION: Heavy duty dog cage features professional-grade metal wire with precision-engineered locking system for secure containment while providing clear visibility and ventilation
- EASY-CLEAN SLIDE-OUT TRAY: Removable tray with protective rim design contains messes and slides out effortlessly for quick, hassle-free cleaning
- FOLDABLE & PORTABLE DESIGN: Tool-free assembly with folding mechanism allows you to set up or collapse the dog crate in seconds for convenient storage and travel
- HOUSE TRAINING SOLUTION: Creates a cozy den-like environment that aids in house training, with single door access for easy entry and exit
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Small Dog Crates
Choosing the right crate for your small dog is important. A good crate gives your dog a safe, cozy den. It helps with training too. This guide helps you find the best fit for your little friend.
Key Features to Look For
Several features make a small dog crate great. Think about your dog’s needs and your home setup.
Size and Space
- Right Fit: The crate must let your dog stand up, turn around easily, and lie down comfortably. Too small is cramped. Too big can encourage accidents.
- Portability: Do you travel? Look for crates that fold flat easily. Some have carrying handles.
Security and Safety
- Secure Latches: Latches must lock firmly. Small dogs can be clever escape artists! Double-bolt locks offer extra security.
- Door Placement: Consider if you need a front door, a side door, or both. Multiple doors offer flexible placement in your house.
Comfort and Cleaning
- Ventilation: Crates need good airflow. Wire sides or mesh panels work best to keep your dog cool.
- Easy Cleaning: Look for removable plastic trays at the bottom. These slide out for quick cleanup when accidents happen.
Important Materials for Small Dog Crates
The material affects durability, weight, and how easy it is to clean.
Metal Wire Crates
These are very popular. They offer excellent ventilation and visibility. Quality wire crates use strong steel. Thicker gauge wire means better quality and less chance of bending.
Plastic Crrates (Travel Kennels)
Plastic crates are durable and offer more privacy, which some small dogs prefer. They are great for car travel because they are sturdy. Ensure the plastic does not crack easily, especially in cold weather.
Soft-Sided Crates
These are light and soft. They are perfect for short trips or indoor use where space is tight. However, they are less durable. Chewing dogs can easily damage them.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all crates are made equal. Pay attention to these details.
Quality Boosters
- Powder Coating: For metal crates, a good powder coating prevents rust and makes cleaning easier.
- Solid Construction: Check that all corners and joints fit together tightly. Poorly made crates often have sharp edges that can hurt your dog.
Quality Reducers
- Thin Metal: If the metal feels flimsy when you touch it, it won’t last long against an anxious dog.
- Flimsy Plastic Clips: On travel crates, cheap plastic clips break easily. These are major failure points.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the crate every day.
Crate Training
For training, a crate that mimics a den works best. Wire crates with dividers allow you to adjust the space as your puppy grows. This prevents them from using one end as a bathroom.
Travel Needs
If you fly or take long car rides, safety is key. Hard-sided plastic carriers that meet airline standards are usually the best choice. They keep your small dog secure during bumps and stops.
Home Use
If the crate stays in one spot, comfort matters most. A soft mat or bed inside makes it a cozy retreat. Choose a style that matches your home décor if it will be visible.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Dog Crates
Q: How do I measure my small dog for the right crate size?
A: Measure your dog from nose to tail base. Then measure from the floor to the top of their head. Add 3 to 4 inches to both measurements for the minimum crate dimensions.
Q: Should the crate be big enough for toys?
A: Yes, the crate should be big enough for a water bowl and a favorite safe chew toy, but not so large that your dog can separate sleeping from potty areas.
Q: Are metal crates safe if my dog chews the bars?
A: High-quality, powder-coated metal is generally safe. However, if your small dog is a heavy chewer, watch for sharp edges developing over time.
Q: What is the best material for a crate used only for car travel?
A: Hard-sided plastic travel kennels are usually the safest and most secure for car travel because they protect against impact.
Q: How do I make a new crate feel less scary for my dog?
A: Place soft bedding inside and toss treats in. Never use the crate for punishment. Make it a positive place they want to enter.
Q: Do I need a crate divider?
A: If you buy a crate that is sized for your dog when fully grown, a divider is essential for proper house training when they are a puppy.
Q: What is the downside of soft-sided crates?
A: They are not chew-proof, and they offer less protection in a vehicle accident compared to hard crates.
Q: How often should I clean the crate tray?
A: You should clean the tray immediately after an accident. For general maintenance, aim to clean it thoroughly at least once a week.
Q: Is a crate necessary if my dog is fully house trained?
A: Many owners still use crates as a safe den or when they leave the house for short periods. It remains a valuable training tool and safe space.
Q: What does “gauge” mean when talking about wire crates?
A: Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal wire. A lower gauge number means the wire is thicker and the crate is generally stronger and higher quality.