Small dogs. generally defined as breeds under 25 lbs, including Chihuahuas, Maltese, Pomeranians, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Miniature Schnauzers. need crates proportioned to their size. A standard 42-inch large dog crate is not a virtue for a 10-lb Chihuahua; it is a liability that wastes space and undermines crating goals. The five picks below are evaluated for small-dog-specific sizing (22 to 30 inches), portability, ease of cleaning, ventilation, and the range of small breeds each accommodates well.
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 24” | ~$35 | Toy breeds and dogs under 15 lbs | 4.8/5 |
| MidWest iCrate 30” | ~$50 | Small dogs 15-25 lbs | 4.8/5 |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate 24” | ~$45 | Calm small dogs and travel | 4.7/5 |
| Petmate Two-Door Top-Load 24” | ~$35 | Top-load convenience | 4.6/5 |
| Amazon Basics Carry-On Pet Carrier | ~$30 | Airline cabin travel for toy breeds | 4.5/5 |
MidWest iCrate 24”. Best for Toy Breeds and Dogs Under 15 lbs
The 24-inch MidWest iCrate provides interior dimensions of approximately 24L x 18W x 19H inches, which is right-sized for Chihuahuas, Miniature Dachshunds, small Pomeranians, Yorkies, and similar toy breeds. The double-door design gives loading and placement flexibility. The included divider panel enables use from puppyhood through adulthood for toy breeds. The fold-flat design means the entire crate stores behind a door or fits in a car without occupying meaningful space. The removable tray cleans in a sink. For toy breed owners, the 24-inch iCrate is the single most appropriate and most cost-effective choice available.
Shop MidWest iCrate 24” on Amazon
MidWest iCrate 30”. Best for Small Dogs 15-25 lbs
The 30-inch iCrate is the correct size for small dogs in the 15-25 lb range including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs, small Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, and similar breeds. Interior dimensions of approximately 30L x 19W x 21H inches give a 20-lb dog comfortable room to move without excess space. The same double-door design, divider panel, fold-flat frame, and removable tray as the 24-inch model apply here. For small dog owners unsure between a 24 and 30-inch crate, default to the 30-inch with the divider set to a tighter position initially. this covers the dog through size fluctuations and ensures a comfortable adult fit.
Shop MidWest iCrate 30” on Amazon
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate 24”. Best for Calm Small Dogs and Travel
The EliteField soft crate in the 24-inch size is the best travel companion for small dogs that are already comfortable with crating. Three zippered doors. front, side, and top. provide access options for quick loading. The mesh panels provide airflow and visibility. The entire unit folds flat and fits in a small bag for air travel, hotel stays, and visits to family. The soft-sided construction is inappropriate for a small dog that paws or chews at the mesh, but for calm, crate-trained small dogs it provides a quieter, softer sleeping environment than wire alternatives. Particularly well-suited for older small dogs that sleep most of the day in their crate.
Shop EliteField Soft Dog Crate 24” on Amazon
Petmate Two-Door Top-Load 24”. Best Top-Load Convenience
The Petmate top-load crate adds a removable roof panel that allows placing a small dog into the crate from above. particularly useful for toy breeds that resist front-door entry or for owners who have difficulty bending low to guide a reluctant dog through a front door. The plastic construction resists odors and cleans with a wipe. Ventilation through door and side vents is adequate but less open than wire alternatives. The removable roof also makes it easy to retrieve a small dog from the bottom of the crate without the dog retreating to the back. For small dog owners who load their dog multiple times daily, the top-load access is a genuine quality-of-life improvement.
Shop Petmate Two-Door Top-Load Crate on Amazon
AmazonBasics Carry-On Pet Carrier. Best for Airline Cabin Travel
For toy breeds under 15 lbs that travel in the aircraft cabin, the AmazonBasics soft-sided pet carrier meets most airline under-seat dimension requirements. The top and front zipper openings provide airline staff and security access, and the mesh panels satisfy airline ventilation requirements. The shoulder strap and top handle allow hands-free carrying through airports. This is not a home crate and should not be used for daily confinement. It is a purpose-built travel carrier for the specific use case of cabin air travel, where a wire or hard plastic crate is not permitted or practical.
Shop AmazonBasics Carry-On Pet Carrier on Amazon
What to Look For in a Small Dog Crate
Size accuracy is the most important factor. a crate too large for a small dog wastes space and creates anxiety. For home daily use, wire crates provide the visibility and ventilation that most small dogs do well with. For travel, soft-sided options compress to minimal volume. Top-load access genuinely improves daily use for small dogs. A removable, washable tray is non-negotiable. The MidWest iCrate line covers most small dog needs with appropriate sizing options and included divider panels.
Final Thoughts
Most small dog owners will be well-served by the MidWest iCrate in either the 24 or 30-inch size depending on their dog’s weight. Add a soft-sided travel crate for trips. Match the crate size to the actual dog, not a general “small” category, and the right choice becomes straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a small dog need?+
Small dogs under 25 lbs generally fit a 24-inch or 30-inch crate. Toy breeds under 10 lbs often do well in a 22-inch crate. Your dog should be able to stand without hunching, turn around fully, and lie with legs extended. A crate that is excessively large for a small dog undermines potty training and can make the dog feel insecure in an oversized space.
Are soft-sided crates safe for small dogs?+
Soft-sided crates are safe for small dogs that do not chew zippers or claw at mesh panels. They offer excellent portability, reduce noise, and create a quieter sleeping environment that many small dogs prefer. They are not appropriate for dogs with separation anxiety or escape tendencies. Use soft crates for calm, crate-trained small dogs during travel or overnight sleep, and wire or plastic crates for dogs still building crating acceptance.
How do I make a small dog comfortable in a crate?+
Place a small dog bed or folded blanket inside to pad the floor. A worn T-shirt with your scent helps anxious small dogs settle. Position the crate in a social room where the dog can see household activity rather than an isolated room. Cover three sides with a light blanket to create a den-like atmosphere. Leave the front panel uncovered. For small dogs, the crate should feel like a secure retreat, not a penalty box.