Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs

If you own a small-breed dog, you may be wondering if you should get a crate for him or her. Crates can provide a safe, comfortable space for your dog to stay while you’re away from home, and they can also help with potty training and behavioral issues. But which type of crate is best for small dogs?

What is a dog crate?

A dog crate is a portable enclosure that provides a safe, private space for your dog to stay. Crates are typically made of plastic, metal, or fabric, and they come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different-sized dogs. Most crates have a door on the front so that you can easily let your dog in and out.

Why should I get a crate for my small dog?

There are several benefits of using a crate for your small dog. Crates can help with potty training by giving your dog his own designated bathroom spot. Crates can also prevent destructive behaviors like chewing and barking by providing a safe, comfortable space for your dog to stay while you’re away from home. And crates can be used to transport your dog safely in the car.

Types of dog crates for small dogs;

There are two main types of crates: wire crates and plastic crates. Wire crates are made of, well, wire, and they often have a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleaning. Plastic crates are made of hard plastic and usually have a door on the front.

Wire crates are typically more affordable than plastic crates, but they’re not as sturdy, and they’re not as good at containing odor. Plastic crates are more expensive, but they’re sturdier and better at containing odor.

How to choose the best dog crate for small dogs;

1. Dog size: The first thing you’ll need to consider is your dog’s size. You’ll want to get a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. But you don’t want to get a crate that’s too big, or your dog will feel like he has too much space and will be less likely to use the crate as his designated bathroom spot.
2. Dog breed: The next thing you’ll need to consider is your dog’s breed. Some breeds, like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas, are known for being escape artists, so you’ll want to get a crate that has a secure latch. Other breeds, like Shih Tzus and Maltese, are known for being nervous or anxious, so you’ll want to get a crate that’s covered or made of soft material to help reduce your dog’s anxiety.
3. Crate location: You’ll also need to decide where you want to put the crate. If you plan on using the crate while you’re away from home, you’ll want to put it in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot. If you plan on using the crate while you’re at home, you can put it anywhere that’s convenient for you. Just make sure the location is comfortable for your dog and easy for you to get to.
4. Crate size: Once you’ve decided on a location, you’ll need to measure the space to make sure you get a crate that’s the right size. You’ll want to leave enough room for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But you don’t want the crate to be too big, or your dog will feel like he has too much space.
5. Crate material: You’ll also need to decide what material you want the crate to be made of. Wire crates are typically more affordable than plastic crates, but they’re not as sturdy, and they’re not as good at containing odor. Plastic crates are more expensive, but they’re sturdier and better at containing odor.
6. Crate style: Finally, you’ll need to decide on a style for the crate. Wire crates come in both open and closed styles. Open wire crates have a front door that opens up to give your dog access to the crate. Closed wire crates have a solid front panel that you can’t see through. Plastic crates come in both open and closed styles as well. Open plastic crates have a front door that opens up to give your dog access to the crate. Closed plastic crates have a solid front panel that you can’t see through.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the best dog crate for your small dog.

How to crate train a small dog:

Crate training is a great way to get your small dog used to spending time in his crate. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Choose the right size crate. As mentioned above, you’ll want to get a crate that’s big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. But you don’t want to get a crate that’s too big, or your dog will feel like he has too much space.

2. Put the crate in a comfortable location. You’ll want to put the crate in a spot that’s quiet and out of the way. But you also don’t want to put it in a spot where your dog will feel isolated or anxious.

3. Introduce your dog to the crate slowly. Start by letting your dog sniff and explore the crate. Then, put a treat inside the crate and encourage your dog to go in. Once he’s comfortable going in and out of the crate, you can start closing the door for short periods of time.

4. Be patient. Crate training takes time and patience. Don’t try to force your dog into the crate or punish him if he’s hesitant to go in. Just take it slow and let your dog get used to the idea of spending time in his crate.

Reviews of the Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs;

MidWest Life Stages Wire Crate

Our overall best dog crate for small dogs in this 2022 list is the MidWest Life Stages Wire Crate. This is a highly popular product on Amazon with almost 24,000 4.7-star ratings at the time of this writing, and it’s easy to see why.

MidWest Life Stages Wire Crate sets up in seconds and is easy to assemble, making it perfect for travel. The crate includes a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, a carrying handle, and a customer support team based in Indiana. Made of strong wire construction, Life Stages is a safe place for your dog to den and features proper ventilation and large door openings with low thresholds.

MidWest Life Stages wire dog crate is an excellent choice for your pet. It features a newly enhanced slide-bolt door latch with patented Paw Block and locking tips to create a safer, more secure home for your pet. The double door design offers convenient front or top access and the divider panel allows you to adjust the length of the dog crate as your puppy grows into adulthood.

The double door design offers convenient front or top access and the divider panel allows you to adjust the length of the dog crate as your puppy grows into adulthood.

Pros:

• • Highly popular on Amazon with almost 24,000 4.7-star ratings
• • Easy to set up and assemble
• • Perfect for travel
• • Comes with a divider panel, durable & leak-proof plastic pan, protective rubber feet, carrying handle, and customer support team based in Indiana

Cons:

• • Some reviewers found the crate too small for their dog

2. Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate 

Second on this list of best dog crates you can get for a small dog is the Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate. This is a great option for small dogs who need a little extra room to move around.

The Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate is perfect for dogs up to 10 lbs. and features tie-down strap holes, wire vents for ventilation & a raised interior to keep pets safe and comfortable.

Perfect for use as a dog crate or small dog travel kennel, this extra large dog crate meets most airline cargo specifications. Made with heavy-duty recycled plastic material, the travel crate features an easy-open front latch to quickly access pets. Airline-adaptable, the pet carrier also comes equipped with a top and side carrying handles for easy transport.

Petmate Vari Kennel Heavy-Duty Dog Travel Crate is a great option for your pet’s home or as a carrier. This crate features a dual-door design to make it easy to load and unload pets, with an easy-to-clean plastic pan that is removable from the bottom of the crate. The door latches are heavy-duty metal, and the handle makes this kennel portable for travel or everyday use.

Pros:

• Perfect for dogs up to 10 lbs

• Tie-down strap holes, wire vents for ventilation & a raised interior to keep pets safe and comfortable

• Meets most airline cargo specifications

• Made with heavy duty recycled plastic material

• Easy-open front latch

• Top and side carrying handles for easy transport

Cons:

• Some reviewers found the plastic bottom of the crate flimsy
• plastic latches are a bit stubborn to close