Small dogs need crates sized to their specific small dimensions - a crate sized for a large or medium dog overwhelms a Chihuahua or Dachshund and reduces both housetraining effectiveness and the den-feeling that small breeds respond to. These five crates are selected for correct small-dog sizing, comfort features appropriate for small breeds, and portability that suits small-dog lifestyles.
| Crate | Size Options | Construction | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate 24” | 24”, 30” | Wire with divider | Most small breeds, everyday use | 4.8/5 |
| Diggs Revol Small | 19”, 25” | Aluminum composite | Home-use, moderate energy | 4.8/5 |
| AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Carrier | 18”-24” | Soft-sided fabric | Toy breeds, travel, calm dogs | 4.6/5 |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate Small | 20”-24” | Soft-sided fabric | Calm small dogs, den-seekers | 4.6/5 |
| Petmate Two-Door Top Load Carrier | 19”-24” | Hard plastic | Travel + daily use dual purpose | 4.5/5 |
MidWest iCrate 24” - Best Crate for Small Dogs Overall
The MidWest iCrate 24” is the most practical all-around crate for small dogs - it is correctly sized for most breeds under 25 lbs, includes a divider panel for puppy stages, uses a double-door design for room placement flexibility, and folds flat for storage. The wire construction provides airflow, and the removable plastic tray makes cleanups fast. Small dogs that may grow from puppy to full adult size benefit from the divider, which can be adjusted to create the correctly snug den space at each stage. For any small dog without specific anxiety or destructive tendencies, the 24” iCrate covers the daily crating need completely and reliably.
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Diggs Revol Small - Best Home-Friendly Crate for Small Dogs
The Diggs Revol in small configurations (19” and 25”) is the best option for small dog owners who want a crate that integrates into home spaces without the visual disruption of a wire crate. The aluminum composite construction handles small breeds with no difficulty, the optional crate cover creates a den environment, and the rounded bar interior has no sharp wire edges that small dogs might injure themselves on. The top-door entry is particularly useful for small dogs in training - lifting them in calmly from above bypasses the door-entry anxiety that some small breeds develop. The fold-flat design makes storage practical for smaller homes.
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AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Carrier - Best Soft-Sided Crate for Small Dogs
The AmazonBasics soft-sided carrier provides the enclosed fabric den environment that toy breeds and small dogs typically prefer at the lowest available price point. The mesh panels provide ventilation while blocking visual stimulation on solid sides, the soft padded floor is comfortable without additional bedding, and the lightweight design makes it easy to move between rooms or take in a vehicle. Appropriate for calm small dogs that accept their crate without escape attempts. For small-dog owners who want a dual home-and-travel option that creates a consistent environment in both settings, this carrier bridges daily crating and travel use effectively.
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EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate Small - Best Dedicated Soft Crate for Small Dogs
The EliteField 3-Door in small sizes provides more structural stability than a basic pet carrier while maintaining the enclosed soft-sided den design that small dogs prefer. Three door options - front, side, and top - give entry flexibility useful for training and room placement. The steel frame holds shape better than flexible carrier alternatives, and the full side coverage creates a more complete den environment than mesh-heavy designs. For small dog owners whose priority is maximizing the den-like environment for an anxious small breed without any escape or destruction tendencies, the EliteField 3-Door small is the most den-complete soft option available.
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Petmate Two-Door Top Load Carrier - Best Dual-Purpose Crate for Small Dogs
The Petmate Two-Door Top Load combines a front door with a top-loading hinged lid, making it useful both as a daily crate and an airline-compatible carrier for small dogs. The hard plastic shell is easy to clean, more secure than soft-sided alternatives, and the top-load entry makes crating small dogs who resist front-entry crates significantly easier. The ventilation grid on multiple sides provides adequate airflow. For small dog owners who travel by air occasionally and want a single crate that serves both daily home use and travel without maintaining two separate enclosures, the Petmate provides that dual functionality in a practical format.
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What to Look For in a Small Dog Crate
Size the crate to the small dog’s actual dimensions - most small dogs prefer a snug den-sized space, and sizing up “for comfort” often reduces housetraining effectiveness and the calming den effect that small breeds rely on. Soft-sided and enclosed designs suit small dogs’ natural burrowing tendencies better than open wire crates in many cases. No sharp wire edges on the interior - small dogs with fine fur and delicate builds are more susceptible to wire abrasion injuries than large breeds. Portability matters for small dogs whose crates travel between rooms, vehicles, and travel destinations. A divider panel is essential for puppies so you can size correctly at each growth stage.
Final Thoughts
The MidWest iCrate 24” is the correct starting crate for most small dogs - right-sized, practical, and proven for everyday crating. The Diggs Revol small is the best home-integration upgrade. For calm small dogs that prefer a completely enclosed space, soft-sided options from EliteField or AmazonBasics create the most den-complete environment. Size small, not large - a small dog in a correctly snug crate trains faster, feels safer, and crates more willingly than the same dog in an oversized space.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a small dog need?+
Small dogs under 10 lbs typically fit a 18"-24" crate. Dogs 10-25 lbs generally need a 24"-30" crate. Always measure your specific dog - nose to tail base plus 2-4 inches for length, floor to top of head seated plus 2-4 inches for height. Small dogs often prefer a snug crate that feels like a den rather than an oversized space. A crate that is too large for a small dog can cause housetraining difficulty and reduce the calming den effect.
Are soft-sided crates good for small dogs?+
Soft-sided crates work well for many small dogs, particularly those that accept crating calmly and do not attempt to escape. The enclosed fabric design creates a natural den environment that small dogs - especially breeds prone to burrowing like Dachshunds and Chihuahuas - respond to positively. Soft crates are not appropriate for small dogs with destructive behavior or escape tendencies, as even a small dog can exit a soft crate quickly. For travel and calm daily use, soft-sided options are the lightest and most portable choice.
Can I use a carrier as a crate for a small dog?+
Hard-sided travel carriers designed for airline use can double as small dog crates for short periods. They provide the enclosed den environment small dogs prefer and are appropriately sized for most toy breeds. However, most airline carriers are not designed for extended daily crating and may not have adequate ventilation or a removable floor tray for cleaning. A dedicated wire or composite crate provides better long-term daily crating functionality; a carrier is better reserved for its primary travel and transport purpose.