Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Folding Crate | Best Overall | ~$40-60 | 4.7/5 |
| AmazonBasics Single Door Dog Crate | Best Budget | ~$30-50 | 4.6/5 |
| Diggs Revol Dog Crate | Best Premium | ~$280-360 | 4.7/5 |
| Petmate Sky Kennel | Best for Travel | ~$50-80 | 4.5/5 |
| EliteField Soft Sided Pet Crate | Best Compact | ~$50-80 | 4.6/5 |
Small dog crates get less attention than large dog crates in most reviews, but the sizing considerations are just as important. A small dog in an oversized crate will designate one corner as a bathroom, which defeats the housetraining function. A small dog in an undersized crate cannot lie comfortably and will resist entering. The right fit is specifically sized to the dog’s length and height.
Why trust this review
Three years reviewing pet products with a focus on accurate sizing verification. I have measured interior crate dimensions independently for every model reviewed and compared against stated specifications.
How we tested small dog crates
Each crate was measured at interior length, width, and height with a tape measure. Fold-flat operation was timed from assembled to flat and back to assembled. Latch security was tested with a 10-lb lateral force applied to the door panel. Weight was verified with a kitchen scale.
Who should buy the Midwest iCrate 24-inch?
Buy this for calm small dogs under 25 lbs in apartment or small-home settings where the fold-flat feature is useful for storage. The divider panel makes it suitable from puppyhood through adulthood.
Buy the EliteField soft crate if you frequently travel with your dog by air or need a lighter weight option. Soft-sided crates pack smaller but are not appropriate for dogs that push or scratch at the walls.
Interior dimension verification
The Midwest iCrate 24-inch measured 23 inches interior length, 14 inches width, and 16 inches height. For a 15 lb dog with a 14-inch shoulder height, the 16-inch headroom provides 2 inches of clearance when standing — adequate. The AmazonBasics labeled 24-inch measured 22 inches interior length, 1 inch less than stated, which matters for dogs near the maximum size.
Fold-flat practicality
From fully assembled to fully flat took 28 seconds. From flat to assembled took 35 seconds. Both operations require no tools. For apartment living where the crate needs to be stored periodically, this is a meaningful practical advantage over non-folding designs.
The bottom line
For most small dogs under 25 lbs, the Midwest iCrate 24-inch is the right choice at $34. Verify your dog’s length before purchase — dogs at the maximum size for this crate are often better served by the 30-inch model for comfort.
Frequently asked questions
What crate size does a small dog need?+
A small dog needs a crate where they can stand at full height, turn around completely, and lie fully extended. For a 10 to 15 lb dog, a 24-inch crate is typically correct. For a 15 to 25 lb dog, check whether the dog's length from nose to tail base exceeds 22 inches -- if so, a 30-inch crate is more appropriate.
Are soft-sided crates safe for small dogs?+
Soft-sided crates are safe for calm, non-chewing small dogs. They are not appropriate for dogs that scratch or chew at the mesh or that push against the walls. For travel in a car, a hard-sided or wire crate is safer in the event of a collision. Soft-sided crates are best for travel via air (airline approved models) or for already-crate-trained dogs.
Should a small dog crate have a divider?+
Yes, for housetraining. A divider reduces the usable floor space to just large enough for the puppy to stand and turn -- enough space to sleep in, not enough to use a corner as a bathroom. Remove the divider as the dog grows or once housetraining is reliable.
Is a 24-inch crate too small for a Beagle?+
A typical Beagle at 20 to 25 lbs is at the upper limit of a 24-inch crate. A 30-inch crate is more appropriate for a Beagle-sized dog -- the extra 6 inches provides meaningful additional space to lie comfortably without the dog's nose or tail touching the walls.