Does your tiny canine companion deserve a cozy den that feels just as safe and comfortable as your own home? Choosing the perfect crate for a small dog can feel like a giant task! You worry about safety, size, and whether your little buddy will actually *like* being in there. Many crates seem too big, too flimsy, or just plain confusing to assemble. It’s frustrating when you want the best for your small friend but are overwhelmed by choices.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what makes a small dog crate the ideal fit for your pint-sized pooch. You will learn the key features to look for, how to measure correctly, and tips to make crate time a happy experience, not a stressful one. Get ready to discover the perfect, snug sanctuary your small dog has been dreaming of!
Top Small Dog Crate 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
- IDEAL FOR UP TO 10 LB DOGS: Measures 18.5 x 12.5 x 14.5 inches – perfect for Maltese, Japanese Chin, Brussels Griffon & similar breeds. For dogs near 10 lbs, consider sizing up to our 22-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- 【SAFE AND DURABLE】 The kennel is designed with rounded corners to eliminate sharp edges, prevent injuries caused by collisions and scratches, and reduce sharp points to protect the floor, ensure a safe use for you and your pet. And the durable metal wire construction with protective, long-lasting black coat finish, is good for pet trainning, resting and playing.
- 【EASY TO CLEAN】 The crate bottom comes with a plastic removable tray that features a deep lip design to prevent overflow, that will not stain, warp, corrode or retain pet odors, you can cover the pad or wipe off pet's feces, and just slide it out when you need to clean. Meanwhile, the whole cage can also be cleaned by wiping to saving you time.
- 【SINGLE-DOOR DESIGN】 The single-door access offers a spacious entry point for proper ventilation and easy interaction with you. Featuring a large door opening and low threshold, it allows your pet to easily enter and exit the crate. The door is equipped with a heavy-duty sliding bolt latch to securely lock it in place, ensuring your pet's safety.
- 【FOLDABLE & PORTABLE】 The crate with collapsible design that conveniently folds into a flat less than 3" thick, can be assembled quickly, also with the rust-resistant finish makes it be an ideal choice for home and travel, it's easy to store and transport, comes with the attachable carrying handle strong and reliable.
- 【PETS PARTITION PLATE】 The cage includes a partition plate, it's easily secure and disassemble, also it's easy to adjust the size of the internal living area where your pet grows. If you have 2 pets, you can assign the activity area by their 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
- IDEAL FOR 12-20 LB DOGS: Measures 24.5 x 17.5 x 19.5 inches – perfect for Fox Terriers, Pugs, Chihuahuas & similar breeds. For dogs near 20 lbs, consider sizing up to our 30-inch model so they have plenty of room to get comfortable.
- WE DON'T CUT CORNERS, WE PERFECT THEM: Precision welding, rounded corner clips & slide-bolt latch with Paw Block mitigate snags, cuts & escapes. With rigorous safety testing, iCrate provides peace of mind knowing your dog is safe while you're away.
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Sturdy metal wire design with a protective black e-coat finish, the iCrate resists rust and everyday wear. Complete with leak-proof tray, rubber feet, carry handle, and tool-free assembly, it's ready for years of use.
- SUPPORTS CRATE TRAINING: A divider panel lets the crate grow with your dog, from puppy kennel to full-size crate. Large openings and low thresholds ease the crate training process and help your dog feel more at home.
- LIFE GOES BETTER WITH PETS: A family-owned business based in Indiana, MidWest Homes for Pets brings over 100 years of pet product expertise and a commitment to quality, rigorous safety testing, and excellent US-based customer service.
- 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
- 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
- 🐕【Dog Crate Made of Durable Materials】: the dog crate Made of high Tensile-Strength wire gauge.The dog cage ideal for training and transporting well-behaved pets. Pet crate epoxy coating finish extends the life of the crate and provides resistance against rust, corrosion, and fading, even in the most extreme climates. Dog crate dog cage pet crate.
- 🐕【Designed to Safe and Comfortable】: The pet cage have two large doors, one on the front and one on the side, are easy to open, close.Heavy duty securely lock with dual latches, providing a safe and secure environment for your pet.The dog cage designed to keep animals safe and comfortable. Pet kennel wire dog crate animal cage.
- 🐕【Easy Assembly】: This dog cage does not require any tool assembly, dog cage can be deployed directly. It only takes a few minutes. The pet cage divider can separate two pets in two spaces.Dog crate pet cage dog cage with divider.
- 🐕【Easy to Clean】: the dog cage includes a durable leak-proof ABS Composite tray that will not stain, warp, corrode or retain pet odors. The pet cage bottom pan features an integrated Lip around the perimeter, to contain any mess from spilling outside the dog kennel. Dog cage with tray pet crate metal dog cage.
- 🐕【Folds Easy to Storage and Portable】: this pet cage with handle is ideal for travel.Fold-and-carry construction dog crate with collapsible design that folds into a package less than 3" Thick. Features a removable carrying handle that can be mounted on any side of the crate as needed. You can easily carry or storage This dog cage.Dog crate with handle metal dog cage dog kennel.
The Ultimate Small Dog Crate Buying Guide
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 will help you find the best fit.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a small dog crate, focus on these main features:
- Size and Fit: The crate must be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too small is cruel. Too big makes house training harder.
- Door Security: Look for strong, easy-to-use latches. You want locks that your clever dog cannot accidentally open.
- Portability: If you travel, a foldable crate is a big plus. Check how easily it collapses and how much it weighs.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is necessary for comfort and safety. Wire crates offer the best visibility and airflow.
Important Materials
The material affects durability, weight, and cleaning.
Wire Crates:
Wire crates are very popular. They are strong and let you see your dog easily. They clean up well. Look for powder-coated metal to prevent rust.
Plastic (Resin) Crates:
These are great for travel because they are lighter. They offer more privacy and better protection from weather. Make sure the plastic feels thick and sturdy, not flimsy.
Soft-Sided Crates:
These use fabric over a frame. They are the lightest option. They are perfect for short trips or indoor use where you want a soft feel. Check that the fabric resists chewing and tearing.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality matters for safety and how long the crate lasts.
Improving Quality Factors:
- Heavy-Duty Latches: Double-locking mechanisms usually mean better security.
- Removable Trays: A plastic tray underneath the floor makes cleaning up accidents simple. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
- Divider Panels: If you are buying a crate for a puppy, a divider panel lets you adjust the space as the dog grows. This saves you money in the long run.
Reducing Quality Factors:
- Thin Metal: If the metal wires feel thin or bend easily, the crate might not hold up against a determined dog.
- Sharp Edges: Run your hand over the seams and corners. Sharp edges can injure your pet. Quality crates smooth these down.
- Cheap Plastic Hinges: On folding crates, weak plastic hinges break quickly after repeated folding.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you need the crate. This affects your best choice.
House Training:
For house training, a crate that fits snugly is best. If the crate is too big, dogs often choose one corner for sleeping and another for bathroom use. A divider panel helps manage this space.
Travel and Transport:
If you drive often, look for crates that secure easily in a car. Plastic carriers often meet airline requirements better than wire crates for air travel. Ensure the crate does not rattle loudly during movement.
The “Den” Feeling:
Many dogs like a cozy space. You can improve the experience by adding soft bedding or a special crate cover. A crate should feel like a safe bedroom, not a prison.
Small Dog Crate FAQs
Q: What is the best size for a 10-pound dog?
A: For a 10-pound dog, you usually look for a crate around 24 inches long. Always measure your dog from nose to tail base, and add a few inches for wiggle room.
Q: Should I buy a crate bigger than my puppy needs now?
A: It is better to buy the right size now, or buy a larger one with a divider panel. If the crate is too big, puppies often soil the area away from their bed.
Q: Are soft-sided crates safe for chewing puppies?
A: Generally, no. Puppies explore with their mouths. Soft crates are not recommended unless the puppy is already reliably crate trained and rarely chews.
Q: How do I clean a wire crate effectively?
A: Remove the plastic bottom tray. You can often spray the entire wire structure down with pet-safe disinfectant and wipe it dry. Air drying is best.
Q: What is the main benefit of a crate with a divider?
A: The divider lets you adjust the crate size as your puppy grows. You only give them the space they need right now, which speeds up house training.
Q: Are metal crates too cold in the winter?
A: Metal conducts cold. If you keep the crate in a garage or unheated area, you must add thick, insulating bedding to keep your small dog warm.
Q: Can I use a crate for long periods, like 8 hours?
A: Adult dogs can usually handle 8 hours if they are fully trained and have had a potty break beforehand. Puppies need breaks much more often, usually every 2–4 hours.
Q: What makes a crate “airline approved”?
A: Airline-approved crates usually require hard plastic construction, metal bolts holding the top and bottom together (not just clips), and specific ventilation on all four sides.
Q: Do I need to buy a special bed for the crate?
A: A special crate mat or bed helps comfort your dog. Make sure the bed fits snugly inside so the dog cannot chew the edges or get tangled underneath it.
Q: How do I stop my dog from barking in the crate?
A: Never use the crate as punishment. Start crate training slowly with high-value treats inside. If barking starts, wait for a brief silence before you open the door. Consistency is key.