Jack Russell Terriers may be small but they approach crate containment with the same intensity they apply to everything else in life. Bred to chase quarry underground, they have no natural aversion to confined spaces but they have an extremely low tolerance for boredom and a high mechanical aptitude for working latches and seams. The five crates below are chosen for their escape-resistance relative to a small dog with outsized determination, solid construction in the 24-inch size range, and durability against the sustained pawing and chewing that characterizes bored terriers.
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest iCrate 24-Inch Double Door | ~$40 | Well-adjusted JRTs | 4.6/5 |
| Midwest LifeStages 24-Inch | ~$55 | Active or chewing JRTs | 4.7/5 |
| ProSelect Empire Small | ~$130 | Escape-artist JRTs | 4.8/5 |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate 24-Inch | ~$50 | Travel with calm JRTs | 4.3/5 |
| Diggs Revol Small | ~$245 | Premium everyday option | 4.8/5 |
Midwest iCrate 24-Inch Double Door - Best Crate for Jack Russell Terriers Overall
For a JRT that is well-adjusted to crate use and exercises adequately before crating periods, the Midwest iCrate 24-inch double door provides the dual-latch security needed to stop casual escape attempts. The two-door design allows loading from whichever direction the dog approaches most calmly and gives flexible placement in different rooms. Wire construction provides good ventilation, important for a high-energy breed that runs warm. The fold-flat design is convenient for travel. This is the right starting point for new JRT owners, with the understanding that a more secure option may be needed if the dog shows determined escape behavior.
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Midwest LifeStages 24-Inch - Best for Active Jack Russell Terriers
The LifeStages uses heavier-gauge wire than the standard iCrate and a more robust divider and latch system. For JRT puppies that will be crate trained from a young age, the included divider lets you start with a smaller space for housetraining and expand as the dog grows. The heavier wire resists the bending and deformation that results from sustained pawing and body-throwing against crate walls, a behavior many JRTs exhibit during the adjustment phase of crate training. A reliable upgrade over the base iCrate for dogs showing active resistance to confinement.
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ProSelect Empire Small - Best Escape-Proof Crate for Jack Russell Terriers
The ProSelect Empire in its smallest size brings the 20-gauge steel tube construction of the large-dog version to a crate sized for terriers. JRTs that have bent wire, popped spring latches, or worked crate corners apart will not replicate those strategies on the Empire’s reinforced steel frame. The dual-latch door requires simultaneous operation and the reinforced corners eliminate flex throughout the frame. For owners who have already replaced one or two crates because of escape behavior, the ProSelect Empire is the definitive solution without jumping to the cost of an aluminum crate.
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EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate 24-Inch - Best Travel Crate for Jack Russell Terriers
Soft-sided crates are not appropriate for unsupervised use with a JRT that has any history of escape attempts. For a calm, crate-trained JRT during short supervised travel periods, the EliteField provides good ventilation on three sides, easy pack-down for travel, and a lightweight form factor that is practical for trips. The three mesh panels give the dog more visual stimulation than solid-sided options, which many alert, curious terriers prefer. Confirm the dog accepts the soft crate under supervision before using it unsupervised in any situation.
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Diggs Revol Small - Best Premium Crate for Jack Russell Terriers
The Diggs Revol Small is built from aluminum and stainless steel in a size appropriate for dogs under 25 pounds. The rounded interior corners and smooth surfaces give a determined JRT nothing useful to grip, mouth, or work against. The garage-door top opening allows loading from above, which some terriers accept more readily than front-door entry. The single-hand door release uses a two-step motion that dogs cannot replicate. For owners who want a crate that integrates into a living space visually while providing real containment security for a terrier breed, the Revol Small is the best option on the market.
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What to Look For in a Crate for Jack Russell Terriers
Match the crate’s security level to your dog’s escape history. A first-time crated JRT that is well-exercised will likely accept the Midwest iCrate without issue. A JRT with a documented escape history needs at minimum the ProSelect Empire’s steel tube construction.
Exercise before crating is critical with this breed. A JRT that has been running, playing fetch, or doing agility work before crating is qualitatively easier to contain than one that has not. The crate is not a substitute for physical and mental exercise.
Avoid putting oversized bedding in the crate during the early training phase. JRTs will shred bedding that is too plush, redistribute it to block the door, or use the excess space as a bathroom if the crate feels too large.
Final Thoughts
The Midwest LifeStages 24-inch is the practical choice for most Jack Russell Terrier owners balancing security, price, and durability. Well-adjusted JRTs in households with consistent exercise routines will accept it readily. For escape artists, the ProSelect Empire solves the problem at a mid-range price. The Diggs Revol Small is the premium choice for owners who want lasting quality and a presentable home aesthetic.
For related reading, see best dog crates for small escape artists and best small dog crates. Review our product evaluation process at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a Jack Russell Terrier need?+
Most adult Jack Russell Terriers need a 24-inch crate. JRTs typically weigh 13 to 17 pounds and stand 10 to 15 inches tall. A 24-inch crate provides adequate room to stand, turn, and lie stretched without so much extra space that the dog uses a corner as a bathroom during early crate training. Some compact JRTs fit in a 22-inch crate, but 24 inches is the safer starting size.
Are Jack Russell Terriers hard to crate train?+
Jack Russells are among the more challenging small breeds to crate train because they have high energy, a low boredom threshold, and a strong independent streak inherited from their terrier working background. They respond best to short initial sessions with high-value food rewards and consistency. Attempting to crate an under-exercised JRT typically results in persistent barking, scratching, and escape attempts. Adequate exercise before crating is essential.
Can a Jack Russell Terrier escape a standard small dog crate?+
Yes, easily. JRTs are strong for their size, highly motivated, and persistent. They routinely pop single spring latches, bend thin wire, and work crate corners apart over time. A 24-inch crate with dual-bolt latches and heavier-gauge wire is the minimum for a JRT that shows any interest in escaping. For confirmed escape artists, step up to a steel-tube or solid-construction option sized for small dogs.