Bringing home, a pooch not only increases excitement but also adds on the responsibility of providing it with comforts. One of the handiest tools for dog training is a crate. Most of the office going pet parents would want to invest in a budget-friendly durable crate for enhanced security of the furry friend when left home alone.
Wide options of crates for puppies as well as small pet pals are available when compared with medium and larger ones. This article will not only enlighten about choosing the right crate for the small furry friends but will also review the best small crates that are trending.
Who should invest in a small dog crate?
Dogs that weigh between 10-22 pounds and stand about 12-16 inches tall in adulthood are referred to as small dog breeds. These tiny pooches are compact, lively, energetic, low-shedding, and easily adapt as well as accommodate apartment living. Pet owners with such dogs need to invest in a small dog crate depending upon an individual’s needs, the pooch’s size and activity level and based on one’s plan in the future.
What are the common dog breeds that qualify for small pet crates?
The section below is a handy guide to know if an individual pet belongs to extra-small or small pet crates.
Extra small dog breeds
Extra small or toy breeds are dogs with a height of 15 – 30 cm and weight between 0.5 – 4 kg. 8 to 22 inches (45 – 56 cm) crates are suitable for this dog breed. The most common extra small breeds include: Toy poodle, Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Maltese, Miniature Dachshund, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Toy Fox Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier and so on.
Small Breed Options
Small breeds are those that 13 to 17 inches (33-43 cm) in height and 4-11 kg in weight. Crates that are 24 inches (61 cm) is best suited for them. The common small breeds include- Border terrier, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund, French Bulldog, Havanese, Jack Russell Terrier, Italian Greyhound, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier and so on.
What are the features that a small crate needs to possess?
This section provides insights on features that a crate needs to have and should be looked for during the investing stage.
Hard or soft crates
One can choose a hard- or soft-sided depending on the usage of the crate. Hard crates are one that is built up from metal wire, plastic or wood. On the other hand, soft crates are constructed from durable fabric and mesh.
The table below lists the pros and cons of the hard and soft crates.
| Crate type | Pros | Cons |
| Hard crates | Durable and secure. Airline compliant. Easy to clean and maintain. Sturdy and mostly less chewable. | Bulky and are less
portable. Possess dangerous sharp edges. The wires can tend to bend and distort. |
| Soft crates | Lightweight and portable. Comes with accessory pockets. Available in variant styles colours and design. Well suited for in-cabin travelling. | Not suitable for escape artists
or hyperactive pooches. Difficult to clean and maintain. |
Durable construction
The crate that is zeroed on should have a high-quality construction with sturdy walls, a strong door, and unbreakable quality hardware.
Good quality materials
One also needs to make sure that the crate material is tough enough to withstand teething and other wear and tears.
Adjustable crates
Many crates come with a divider that enables one to adjust the crate size as the puppy grows.
Portability
Zero on a crate with a carrying handle and locking wheels for easier relocation. A crate that folds flat for storage is also an added benefit.
Easy maintenance
Hard dog crates are accompanied with a feature of a slide-out pan for easy cleaning. This option is not available in soft-sided crates hence they are little tougher to clean.
Locking system
Invest in a small crate with secured locking systems for escape artists.
Design
The crates are available in variant designs, material and colour. Choose and invest in one that not only suits your needs and home decor but is also budget friendly.
What are the important factors that one needs to ponder on while choosing the best type of small dog crate?
The section underneath lists some factors that every pet parent needs to ponder while looking for the right small dog kennel or carrier.
Size
A perfect crate is one that gives space only for the dog to stand without hitting the roof. As a bigger crate tempts it for unwanted behaviours like elimination in one of the corners.
Age
Consider investing in a slightly bigger crate with dividers that can accommodate the tiny pooch as it grows.
Temperament
Personality cues such as separation anxiety, enclosed den atmosphere and so on also hint a pet parent to opt between an open or a more enclosed soft- or hard-sided crate.
Behaviour
For escape artists who easily damage the crate and flee off. One need to choose a durable heavy-duty small crate.
Home decor
If the crate is purely for indoor use, one can choose crates with multi-purpose usage as a crate as well as a piece of furniture.
Portability
Frequent travellers need to look for crates that are not only portable and versatile but also enhances the security and comfort for the furry friend.
For a detailed description on choosing the right crate, refer to https://allabout-pets.com/all-about-dog-carriers-how-to-choose/.
7 Best Crates for Small Dogs
The section below reviews the seven best small dog crates that are trending in the market. These reviews will help first-time pet parents to wisely invest their money on crates.
#1: MidWest Homes for Pets Dog Crate
| Key featuresFeatures a divider panel, durable dog tray, carrying handle and four roller feet.Available in many size variants.Heavy duty slide bolt latch.Single or double door.360-degree ventilation. |
This all-inclusive dog crate comes with a divider panel, durable tray pan, handle and roller feet for floor protection. The crate is available in various sizes and is suitable for dog breeds that weigh between 11 to 25 pounds. The safety of the wire crate is enhanced with rounded edges. The durable design not only provides a secure den-like structure for the dog but also is easy to assemble. The single or double door has a heavy-duty secured latching bolt to confine escape artists inside. The roller feet are seen to not only protect the floor but also makes it easy to relocate.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Rounded corners for extra safety.
- One-year manufacturer warranty.
- Foldable for easy storage and transportation.
- Durable e-coat finish.
- Secure heavy-duty latches.
- Tool-free assembly.
- Good airflow and dog view.
#2: Petnation Port-A-Crate
| Key featuresLightweight and portable indoor/outdoor crate.Tightly weaved mesh fabric panels with surrounded extra-strong steel frame.Tool-less assembly.Great ventilation.Two doors for convenient access.Industrial strong zips and door pats. |
The Petnation Port-A- soft-sided crate, is lightweight, portable and can be used as an indoor as well as an outdoor carrier.
The unique design of the crate gives a durable enclosure for the pet and the heavy-duty tight weave mesh fabric and the steel frame enhances the strength and support for the fabric.
The perforated honeycomb mesh windows enhance the airflow throughout the crate. Two doors (front and top) allows for easier exit and entry and these doors can be rolled up and secured while open with fastening straps. The industrial strength zippers and door latches add on to improved security and safety.
Pros
- Lightweight and highly durable.
- 360-degree ventilation and easy view.
- Indoor and outdoor usage.
- Industrial zippers for enhanced pet security.
- Available in different size variants.
Cons
- Not recommended for aggressive scratchers or chewers.
#3: Petmate Two Door Top Load
| Key featuresTwo doors for easy access.IATA and most cargo as well as airline compliant.Easy squeeze door bolts.Grated steel and vented sides.Variant colours. |
Petmate Two Door Top Load door crate possess an easy squeeze latch and an ergonomic handle for comfortable portability. This IATA and most airline compliant crate are recommended for small dog breeds up to 10 lbs. The crate has a top steel door for easy access. The grated steel doors
and vented sides provide ample ventilation and dog visibility. Top and bottom of the crate securely fasten with a wingnut-and-bolt design. The durable steel door is seen to enhance the security of the travel carrier. Available in four pearlescent colour combinations to choose from pearl honey rose/coffee grounds; pearl white/coffee grounds; metallic pearl ash blue/coffee grounds and metallic pearl tan/coffee grounds.
Pros
- Highly durable and portable.
- Easy-squeeze latch that can be opened with one hand.
- 360-degree ventilation.
- Secure and safe.
Cons
- The ventilation holes have cut-out plastic circles that are sharp and are dangerous if the tiny pooches try to stick their nose through.
#4: Casual Home Wooden Pet Crate
| Key featuresMulti usage.Light and easy assembly.Lockable gate.360-degree ventilation.Chew resistant. |
The solid wood pet crate and end table provide a cosy and private area for the pet to sleep and relax. The strong lockable gate door keeps the pet confined when left home alone. Rich finish/colour options are seen to blend well with the home decor and the crates end table style top provides additional storage space. The chew-resistant solid wood built is seen to increase crate durability and longevity. The crate has an open side slat that provides ample airflow. The crate is light and easy to assemble.
Pros
- End table style design.
- Secure lockable latch.
- Sustainable sourced solid wood.
- Quick and easy crate assembly.
Cons
- Not easy to transport.
#5: Noz2Noz Soft-Krater crate
| Key featuresWell-ventilated durable pet crate for out- and indoor use.Built with heavy-duty tight-weave mesh fabric.Easy assembly and portable.Rounded corners. |
The portable pet crate is constructed with a heavy-duty tight weave mesh fabric and an extra-strong steel frame that has a water-resistant base for faster and easier clean up. The carte also features a top, front and side entry door that can be rolled up and secured open with fastening straps. The portable crate also comes with an industrial-strength zipper and door latches for enhanced safety.
The fully washable cover can be removed from the steel frame and machine washed. Well ventilated and rounded corners aid in protecting auto interiors and home decor Item Specifications: Recommended for dogs under 15 lbs.
Pros
- Durable and stain resistant.
- Tool-free set up.
- Easy clean up.
- Machine washable cover.
#6: Petsfit travel pet crate
| Key featuresOdour resistant and secure.Two-door system with the top door rolling up facility.Patented screw-in frame design for easy setup.Lightweight, sturdy and foldable.360-degree ventilation.Secure zippers |
Petsfit collapsible soft dog crate is built-up of high-quality material which is safe for the pets. The lightweight, strong and portable crate is suitable for pets up to 17″ height. The bed that is provided with the crate is washable. The meshed material can be rolled up and secured for more airflow during the summers. The handles are quite handy during travels. A two-door system with for easy access. Patented screw-in frame design for holding the mesh in place and tool-free assembly.
Pros
- Lightweight, sturdy and foldable.
- Meshed design for enhanced airflow and pet visibility.
- Easy setup and maintenance.
- Zippers are secured with clips.
Cons
- Not suitable for chewers.
- Slightly expensive.
#7: Aspen Pet Puppy 2-Door Training Retreat Crate
| Key featuresPerfect housebreaking crate.Sliding bolt latch.Overlapping door design.No assembly required.Rust-resistant powder coat finish. |
The two-door training crate features a sturdily designed welded steel construction. Available in two vibrant colours pink and blue. The crate also possesses a patented five-point locking system that enhances the strength and safety of the overall door system.
Easily folds down flat for convenient storage and relocation. The protective, electro-coat black finish enhances the durability of the crate. The kennel offers front and side-door access for versatile placement inside the home. Additionally, the kennel also includes an adjustable divider that grows with the growing pet. The crate also features a leak-proof, removable pan for easy cleaning and is recommended for puppies up to 30 lbs.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- No assembly required.
- Patented five-point locking system.
- Durable and sturdy.
- Two-way door system for placement convenience.
Final thoughts
Dogs are man’s best pals. They are tiny lives that enhance an individual’s mood. Hence one should prioritise their comforts. This article will not only guide new pet parents to choose on the right crate but has also reviewed the best options that one can choose from.
Happy parenting!!!!
References
- https://animalso.com/best-small-dog-crates/
- https://www.rover.com/blog/best-dog-crates-for-puppies/
- https://petlifetoday.com/best-small-dog-crates/
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/best-dog-crates-4154318
