what is the best crate for a small dog

The 10 Best Crates for Small Dogs

• 1. Midwest Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate – Best Overall ...
• 2. Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate – Best Value ...
• 3. Frisco Broadway Dog Crate Credenza – Premium Choice ...
• 4. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Best for Puppies ...
• 5. Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series ...
• 6. EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate ...
• 7. KindTail Pawd Collapsible Dog Crate ...

Full Answer

What are the best dog beds for crates?

memory foam bed with a temperature regulating gel insert that works great in or out of a crate. Gunner Orthopedic Bed: Gunner Kennels is famed for making the highest quality crash tested dog crates in the world, the choice of sporting and show dogs owners and anyone who takes their dog on the road and wants the safest possible transport available.

How to choose the best dog crate?

There are three approaches you can take:

• You can choose a crate based on your puppy's current size and upgrade to a newer, bigger crate as they grow. ...
• You can use a cat carrier to transport your small puppy until they outgrow it.
• If you know the size your pup is likely to grow to, you can choose a crate based on that size and use dividers to create a space within the ...

What size crate should I buy for my Dog?

Your dog should have a crate 6″ longer than the length of his body and 6″ higher than his shoulder height for maximum comfort. The best way to measure this dog is with a simple tape measure. The two measurements that are important are height and length of your dog.

Which type of crate is best for your dog?

Types of Dog Crates

• Metal or Wire Crates for Dogs. Metal or wire crates are the traditional structures that most pet parents envision when they think of a dog crate and are ideal for ...
• Soft-Sided Dog Crates. ...
• Plastic Dog Crates. ...
• Airline-Approved Dog Crates. ...
• Furniture-Style Dog Crates. ...
• Collapsible Dog Crates. ...

What is the best dog crate for dogs?

For a dependable dog crate that accommodates dogs of all shapes and sizes, we recommend the Frisco Heavy Duty Wire Dog C rate & Mat Kit (view at Chewy ). It's lightweight yet durable, and folds down for easy transport and storage. If you're looking to splurge on a crate with more features, check out the Diggs Revol Dog Crate (view at Diggs ). Designed with safety in mind, it has an open, inviting feel that your pup will love.

How big is a dog crate?

This crate comes in two sizes: the small can accommodate dogs up to 20 inches long and 14 inches tall, while the large is designed for dogs up to 38 inches long and 29 inches tall. Its slatted design provides ventilation and visibility, and its latching door will keep your pet safe and secure. It doesn’t come with a removable tray for spills or accidents, so you may want to consider adding a removable, water-proof lining for easier clean-up.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

When researching products to add to this article, we read dozens of customer and third-party site reviews, keeping safety, style, and comfort in mind.

What is a diamond shaped dog cage?

Those with puppies might be especially drawn to this crate, as it comes with a puppy divider for training and a ceiling hatch for easy access. The diamond-shaped mesh adds a more open feel to the cage while also helping prevent injuries, and the single-piece frame is solid and secure. You can easily let your pup in and out using the ergonomic plastic handles, and a top handle and built-in wheels allow for easy transport.

What to look for when buying a dog crate?

As you shop for a dog crate, you'll want to keep safety and size in mind. You'll also want to consider if you want a crate with extra features like removable trays and casters.

How many sizes are there in a dog crate?

Available in single and double door options, as well as six different sizes, you can customize this crate to suit your dog’s needs. Two slide-bolt latches on each door make this crate safe and secure, while its wire composition provides strength, ventilation, and visibility for your dog. It comes with a removable, composite plastic pan, so clean-up is super simple.

Is it safe to put a dog in a crate?

Safety is arguably the most important factor to consider when purchasing a dog crate, but the level of safety depends on the life stage and temperament of your pup. For example, a wooden crate might be safe for more mellow dogs who don't chew, but those with puppies or chewers will want to avoid this type.

How big of a crate do I need for a dog?

If you have a small dog breed, such as a Toy Poodle, Chihuahua, or Mini Doodle, that weighs under 30 pounds, you will need a crate that measures 18” x 18” or 18” x 24”. Small dogs that weigh between 30 and 38 pounds should be fine in a crate that measures 24″x18″ or 24″x24″.

What Features Should A Small Dog Crate Have?

When shopping for a small dog crate, there are a few crucial things to take into consideration, including:

What is a divider in a dog crate?

A divider is used to split a double door model of crate into two smaller sections, enabling you to gradually increase the size of the crate as your puppy grows. That saves first-time dog owners from having to buy multiple new crates to replace previous models that are now too small.

What is a dog crate made of?

Well, hard dog crates are made from plastic, wood, or metal wire. In comparison, soft crates have fabric walls, fabric paneling or mesh fabric often with a panel front zipper and an entire mesh panel. A soft crate made from durable polyester fabric is often washable.

How to safely transport a dog?

The safest way for your dog to travel is in a crate in the back of your vehicle. If your dog is crated for his journey, he won’t be able to cavort around the car, causing a dangerous distraction for the driver and risking injury to himself in the event that you have to brake sharply. A travel crate is essentially a large wire cage with a solid, waterproof floor and a door that opens to the front of the crate.

How many doors does a dog crate have?

The crate has two doors that provide ample ventilation from the top and sides on warm days, as well as providing your dog with a nice outlook while you’re on the move. The door latch can be opened with one hand, making life much easier for solo travelers, and the top door opens to both left and right.

What is a Carlson wire dog crate?

The Carlson Pet Products wire dog crate is a well-made, durable design, no-frills product that does the job at a reasonable price.

How to choose the right size crate for my dog?

To choose the correct size crate for your dog, remember that the crate should be big enough for the dog to stretch out while lying on his side, and to be able to stand up and turn around easily, without hitting his head. A crate that’s a little too big is better than one that’s too small.

How many latches does a crates have?

The smallest sizes of most available small crates will have only one door latch since there’s just not room on the door for more. Sizes larger than about 19 inches have room for two, and that’s safer; the brands we recommend below have two latches on those sizes.

What is Chewy's version of the standard plastic kennel?

Chewy’s version of the standard plastic kennel, with essentially the same important features as the Petmate as far as the style of the door latch. This style is also offered with a version that features a second door on top.

Can you use a wire crate for a dog?

Wire crates for the smallest dogs may come with handles and be portable but are not as useful for travel. Plastic carriers can be used both as your home crate and for travel, but with some caveats: Plastic is chewable, so if your dog is a chewer proceed with caution.

Is a crate too big for a dog?

A crate that’s a little too big is better than one that’s too small. Once you’ve determined the size you need, figure out where you’re going to put it. The crate should be placed in a location that will be peaceful for the dog .

Can dogs be crated in hotels?

Crate training can allow your dog to go more places with you. Some hotels allow dogs only if they’re crated when you leave them in the room. And even if it’s not required, you can’t be sure how your dog will act when left alone in a new place, so it’s safer for your dog and more considerate of the property.

Is a tiger cage dog proof?

Note that if you look through reviews, there is no crate that some determined dog, somewhere, didn’t find a way out of. Short of buying a second-hand tiger cage from the zoo, nothing can be guaranteed 100% dog proof.

What is the best crate for a puppy?

Here are some things to look for in a dog crate for puppies: 1 Hard or soft sides. Hard-sided crates do a better job of containing puppies for a longer period of time and they are easier to clean. Soft-sided crates may work for travel but are not recommended for overnights. 2 High-quality construction. Whether you choose a soft- or hard-sided crate, make sure it is constructed well. This means sturdy walls, a strong door, and quality hardware that won’t break. 3 Durable materials. On top of choosing a well-made crate, you need to make sure that the materials are tough enough to withstand sharp puppy teeth and some wear and tear. 4 Adjustable sizing. Many crates come with a divider that enables you to adjust the interior size of the crate as your puppy grows. 5 Easy to transport. Choosing a crate with a carrying handle will make it easier to transport, though it also doesn’t hurt to choose a crate that folds flat for storage. 6 Simple to clean. Many dog crates feature a slide-out tray for easy cleaning. Soft-sided crates are generally a little tougher to clean.

Which is better, a soft or hard sided crate for puppies?

Hard-sided crates do a better job of containing puppies for a longer period of time and they are easier to clean. Soft-sided crates may work for travel but are not recommended for overnights. High-quality construction. Whether you choose a soft- or hard-sided crate, make sure it is constructed well.

What is a hard sided dog crate?

If a hard-sided crate isn’t quite strong enough to keep your puppy contained, this heavy-duty dog crate is sure to do the trick . With a premium-grade construction made of commercial-quality steel, this crate is guaranteed to hold even the most destructive of puppies.

How effective is crate training?

Successful crate training will take time, but with proper supervision and positive reinforcement, allowing your puppy plenty of opportunities to go outside and rewards for doing his business there, crate training can be very effective. Another key factor with crate training is choosing the right dog crate for puppies.

Why do you need to crate train a puppy?

Crate training involves keeping your puppy confined for periods of time to reduce the chances that he has an accident in the house, chews on something inappropriate (such as the leg of your sofa), or otherwise hurts himself getting into puppy mischief.

What is an end table crate made of?

This end table crate is made of durable, sustainable rubberwood that will look lovely in your living room. One note of caution: wood is durable, but not indestructible.

What to do with a dog crate that looks severe?

This crate may look severe, but you can soften it up with a dog crate cover, comfy dog bed, or crate pad.

What kind of crates are there for dogs?

You have your choice of wire, plastic, soft side, rolling soft side, decorative wicker dog crates and wooden dog crate end tables–also known as dog crate furniture.

How big should your dog crate be?

Yes, dog crates can be too big. It’s easy to think that as long as a crate is big enough for your dog, then it doesn’t matter if it is too large. However, too much room in a dog’s crate can lead to them not thinking of it as their own confined space. Dogs actually feel a sense of security when they are in a closed environment and they will establish it as a home, much like we do with a bedroom. Too much space can lead to anxiety for the pet, or even using parts of the crate to go potty because they won’t feel like they have to sleep in it if they do.

How to measure dog length for crate?

Measuring length of your dog for a crate is both a measurement and a calculation. Measure your pet from the tip of the note to the base of the tail ( do not include the tail, regardless of type of dog). Next, you will want to measure the length of the dog’s legs. This is the height when the dog is standing ...

How tall should a dog be to sit?

Take whichever of the two measurements is higher. When you have this height, add three to six inches to make sure that you are leaving enough room for your dog to be comfortable.

How much space do you need for a dog kennel?

If you are looking for a quick rule that applies to all dogs, shoot for 2-6 inches of space on all sides around the pet. Since this can vary so much based on each individual doggy, it’s best to take actual measurements and calculate the space you need in a kennel.

How much can you add to a dog's full length?

If you prefer, you can just add 2-6 inches to the full length rather than measuring the legs and calculating it.

What to do when measuring a dog's attention?

Offer treats, toys or training devices to capture and hold your pet’s attention when measuring.