Key takeaways
- Wire crates offer airflow and visibility, fold flat for storage, and usually include a divider panel so a puppy’s space can grow with it. Their weakness is that some small dogs feel exposed; a fitted cover fixes that.
- Plastic kennels feel enclosed and den-like, which many toy breeds prefer. They double as travel kennels for car rides and, in compliant models, for airline cargo. They do not fold, so they take up space when not in use.
- Collapsible premium crates such as the Diggs Revol use a mix of aluminum, steel, and plastic, with a garage-style door and a top hatch. They cost several times more than a basic wire crate but are easier to set up and gentler on small paws.
The best crate for most small dogs is a 22- to 24-inch double-door wire crate with a divider, such as the MidWest iCrate, while dogs that travel often or prefer a den-like space do better in a top-loading plastic kennel like the Petmate Two Door Top Load. The right pick depends less on brand and more on getting the length right for your dog’s adult size, because a crate that is too big for a small dog undermines house training and one that is too small is simply unkind.
Start With Size: What “Small Dog” Actually Means for a Crate
Crate makers label sizes by length, and small dogs span a surprisingly wide range, from a 4-pound Chihuahua to a 25-pound French Bulldog. Measure your dog standing, from nose to the base of the tail, and add 2 to 4 inches. Then measure from the floor to the top of the head (or ear tips, if they stand up) while sitting, and add 2 to 4 inches. The crate’s interior, not its exterior, needs to clear both numbers.
| Typical breeds | Adult weight | Recommended crate length | Minimum interior height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chihuahua, Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian | 3-8 lb | 18-22 in | 13-15 in |
| Maltese, Toy Poodle, Papillon, Shih Tzu | 6-15 lb | 22-24 in | 15-18 in |
| Dachshund (standard), Pug, Boston Terrier | 12-25 lb | 24-30 in | 18-21 in |
| French Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Cavalier | 15-28 lb | 30 in | 20-21 in |
Long-bodied breeds are where people get caught out. A standard Dachshund may weigh only 20 pounds but needs a 30-inch crate to stretch out, while a 20-pound Pug fits comfortably in a 24-inch model. Use length, not weight, as the deciding measurement.
Wire, Plastic, or Wood-Look: Which Type Fits Your Situation
Small dogs live in three main crate types, and each solves a different problem.
- Wire crates offer airflow and visibility, fold flat for storage, and usually include a divider panel so a puppy’s space can grow with it. Their weakness is that some small dogs feel exposed; a fitted cover fixes that.
- Plastic kennels feel enclosed and den-like, which many toy breeds prefer. They double as travel kennels for car rides and, in compliant models, for airline cargo. They do not fold, so they take up space when not in use.
- Collapsible premium crates such as the Diggs Revol use a mix of aluminum, steel, and plastic, with a garage-style door and a top hatch. They cost several times more than a basic wire crate but are easier to set up and gentler on small paws.
Five Small-Dog Crates Worth Shortlisting
MidWest iCrate (22-inch and 24-inch)
This is the default recommendation for good reason. It comes in single- and double-door versions, folds flat in seconds, includes a divider panel, and has a removable plastic pan. The 22-inch size suits most dogs under about 10 pounds, while the 24-inch handles up to roughly 20 pounds of compact build. Expect a price in the budget range, typically $30 to $50 for small sizes.
Diggs Revol (Small)
The Revol is aimed at owners who want something that looks better in a living room and is easier to fold. Its sliding garage-style door can be locked partially open, and the top hatch lets you lift a small puppy in and out without crawling into the crate. It is a premium purchase, usually in the $250 to $350 range, so it makes the most sense if the crate will be in daily use for years.
Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel
For tiny breeds that are nervous about being pushed through a front door, the top-loading hatch is genuinely useful: you lower the dog in from above. The 19- and 24-inch sizes cover most toy breeds. It is also practical as a car crate and vet carrier, and generally costs $35 to $70.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
If you fly with your dog or drive long distances, the Ultra Vari Kennel is a heavier-duty plastic option with metal door and vent hardware and ventilation on multiple sides. The smaller sizes (around 21 to 28 inches) fit most small dogs. Prices typically range from $45 to $90 depending on size.
Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Crate
Frisco’s wire crates follow the same blueprint as the iCrate, with double doors, a divider, and a carry handle when folded. They are a sensible alternative when you want a second crate for a bedroom or a relative’s house without spending much, usually $30 to $55 in small sizes.
Decision Matrix: Matching the Crate to Your Life
| Your situation | Best type | Shortlist pick | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| House-training a puppy | Wire with divider | MidWest iCrate 24 in | Divider limits space so the pup will not soil one end |
| Anxious toy breed under 8 lb | Top-load plastic | Petmate Two Door Top Load | Enclosed walls, lowering in from above is less stressful |
| Frequent car or air travel | Rigid plastic | Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel | Sturdier shell, metal hardware, ventilation |
| Crate stays in the living room | Collapsible premium | Diggs Revol Small | Cleaner look, easy fold, top hatch |
| Second crate on a budget | Wire | Frisco Fold & Carry | Low price, folds flat for storage |
Setup Realities Small-Dog Owners Overlook
Bar spacing matters more with tiny dogs. On some larger wire crates, the gaps between bars are wide enough for a very small puppy to get a paw or even a head stuck. Stick to crates sized for small dogs, where wire spacing is tighter, and avoid buying a 36-inch crate for a Yorkie “to grow into.”
The pan is the first thing to wear out. Plastic trays crack at the corners after repeated removal and scrubbing. Most major brands sell replacement pans for roughly $10 to $25, so a cracked tray is not a reason to replace the whole crate.
Bedding should be thin at first. Puppies often chew or soil thick beds. Start with a washable crate mat and upgrade once the dog is reliably clean overnight.
Placement shapes behavior. Small dogs are social, and a crate tucked away in a cold garage or a back room tends to produce more whining. A corner of the main living area or the bedroom works better, away from direct heat vents and sunny windows.
How Long Can a Small Dog Stay Crated?
Small breeds have small bladders. A common rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold it for about one hour per month of age, up to a ceiling of roughly 4 to 5 hours for adult toy breeds during the day. Overnight stretches are usually longer because the dog is asleep. If your schedule regularly exceeds that, plan for a midday walk, a dog walker, or a playpen with a potty pad attached to the crate. When in doubt about a specific dog’s needs, your veterinarian can advise based on age and health.
Bottom Line
Measure first, then buy. For most small dogs, a 22- or 24-inch MidWest iCrate with a divider delivers everything you need at a low price. Choose a top-loading Petmate kennel for nervous toy breeds, the Ultra Vari Kennel for travel, and the Diggs Revol if the crate is a permanent part of your living space and you are happy to pay for convenience.
