Crate training can be beneficial to any dog because it provides them with structure and a safe place to spend time that is all their own. Choosing the right crate can significantly help with crate training and your dog’s comfort level. If you have a small dog, it can be difficult to find a crate that doesn’t seem entirely too big. The right size crate can make a big difference for your dog’s training, as well as their level of comfort.

We’ve reviewed the best of the best crates for small dogs to help you find the best crate to start your dog on the crate training journey or to replace an old crate.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites – 2024 Update

The 9 Best Crates for Small Dogs

1. Midwest Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate – Best Overall

For the best overall crate for small dogs, check out the Midwest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate. This coated metal crate contains a plastic tray that slides out for easy cleaning without you having to take your dog out of the kennel. It has a front and side door with double slide latches on each to keep your dog securely inside.

It’s fully collapsible and has a carrying handle for easy transport. It includes a divider panel, which allows you to adjust the size of the kennel if you’re dealing with a very small dog. It also has four rubber roller feet, which protect your floors from the metal kennel base. This crate is sturdy, but it’s also quite heavy at 24 pounds, so it’s not ideal for everyone.

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2. Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate – Best Value

The best crate for small dogs for the money is the Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate. This dog crate only has one door, and the XXS and XS versions only have one door latch. The S-size crate has a double-latching door. It’s available in multiple sizes, depending on just how small your dog is, and it has a slide-out tray for easy cleaning. It’s collapsible and has a carry handle for easy storage and transport. It includes a divider panel and is a lightweight crate option that retails for a great value.

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3. Frisco Broadway Dog Crate Credenza – Premium Choice

The premium pick for crates for small dogs is the Frisco Broadway Dog Crate Credenza, which doubles as a beautiful piece of wooden furniture in your home. This credenza crate is available in three colors to match any décor. It’s quite large for a small dog and does not come with a divider panel. It’s collapsible for storage when needed, and it includes two crate mats for maximum comfort. It features multiple sturdy locks that keep everything safely in place, and it’s intended for pets up to 40 pounds, so you’ll be able to keep décor on top of it, too.

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4. Petmate Vari Dog Kennel – Best for Puppies

If you’ve got a new puppy that needs a kennel, the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel is the top pick. This plastic kennel isn’t collapsible, but the top half does come off for easy access to your puppy or for cleaning. It’s more enclosed than some of the other options, helping your puppy feel safe and secure. It only has one door, but the latch is secure, and this kennel is approved for travel on some airlines. The plastic is eco-friendly, and this kennel has a carrying handle and a seat belt loop for transportation. It has an internal moat that helps keep your puppy clean and dry if they have an accident or spill their food or water.

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5. Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series

The Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series is a soft-sided crate with top, side, and front entry doors. The doors are secured via zipper, which may not be secure enough for some dogs, but they do have a zipper-lock option. This crate is collapsible and breathable, thanks to its nylon mesh panels. The rounded corners help protect your home and car, and since the metal frame is covered by soft fabric, there’s little risk of your walls or floors being scratched. The base is water-resistant to keep spills out and accidents in, protecting your floors from your puppy and your puppy from spills in the home or damp grass. This crate retails for a moderately premium price.

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6. EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate

The EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate has three locking zipper doors and features breathable mesh panels for maximum airflow. It’s available in 13 colors and is made with a lightweight, durable steel frame, soft nylon, and mesh. It includes a fleece crate bed and a carry case for transportation. The carrying case and fleece bed are machine washable, but the crate itself is spot-clean only. It’s fully collapsible for storage. Some people have reported the mesh being torn by determined scratchers, so this crate may not be the best pick for dogs prone to scratching and escape attempts. It does retail for a moderately premium price.

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7. Pet Gear The Other Door Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate

The Pet Gear The Other Door Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate actually has four doors, one of which opens up out of the way like a garage door. It’s made of sturdy metal and plastic, and the base is insulated and designed to not crack in cold weather. A color-coordinated plush bolster bed is included with the crate. It has a built-in handle and wheels for easy transportation, as well as a carry case. It retails for a premium price, and some people report some of the latches that hold this crate together are not very sturdy, making this a poor choice for escape artists and anxious dogs.

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8. Merry Products Double Door Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table

The Merry Products Double Door Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table is a metal crate that includes snap-on wooden pieces that transform it into an end table. The pieces snap off, and the crate is fully collapsible for storage. It has two doors, but both doors only feature one slide latch. This retails for a premium price since it is essentially a piece of furniture. It includes a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning and a divider to alter the size of the crate. Since the wooden pieces are made to snap off, the crate may be somewhat wobbly and pieces may be prone to popping off if not snapped into place properly.

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9. New Age Pet ecoFLEX Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table

The New Age Pet ecoFLEX Single Door Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table is another nice option if you want to disguise your dog’s kennel as an end table. It’s made of reclaimed polymers and wood fibers, making it an eco-friendly product. It is not collapsible and may take around 20 minutes to put together. It only has a single door with a latch that is not secure enough for escape artists. The manufacturer does not recommend using this kennel as a training kennel or for rambunctious dogs. It’s available in four colors to match your home’s décor. It’s only made for dogs up to 20 pounds, so it’s not a good option for larger small dogs.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Crate for Your Small Dog

Crate training is an important thing for any dog to learn. Not only does it teach them boundaries and provide them a safe haven, but it also keeps them safe and secure when you aren’t home. At some point in your dog’s life, they’ll likely end up in a cage at the vet clinic or in a boarding facility, so it’s essential that your dog knows the basics of kenneling and doesn’t feel like it is a punishment or something to be afraid of. Here’s a video further discussing the importance of crate training your dog.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you’ve found these reviews useful in finding the perfect crate for your small dog. The best overall pick is the Midwest Ultima Pro Double Door Collapsible Wire Crate, which is built to be tough and secure. If you’re on a budget, the Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Crate is a great pick but may not be sturdy enough for anxious dogs or escape artists. If you’ve got a big budget, you’ll love the Frisco Broadway Dog Crate Credenza, which doubles as an attractive piece of furniture for your home. For puppies, try the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel, which is perfect for vet visits and early crate training.

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Featured Image Credit: Nigel Wiggins, Shutterstock