Last Updated on October, 2024
“Hey, can you send me the best dog crate for my Shih Tzu? Thanks!”
I remember gazing at this text message, not knowing the answer, being YOU, at that time.
A few weeks later, I knew everything to pick the best dog crates for small dogs.
That’s why you’re in the right place to know the answer. But why trust me?
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Why Trust Me?
At iPetGuides, I always shortlist about 20 crates and bring the list down to about 10-12 options. We buy them and test them ourselves.
When you combine the test results with the opinions of our friends who are small dog parents, I can assure you that this really is the best source to buy the best crate for your small dog.
Since it’s ranked, too, let’s start with the best: Impact’s collapsible crate.
11 Best Crates Suitable for Smaller Dogs
1. IMPACT Collapsible Dog Crate
Impact’s collapsible dog crate is the best for your small dog for many reasons.
For starters, this USA-made crate folds flat (completely collapsible); can be set up in just 60 seconds. It also has two strategically placed military-grade handles to skyrocket portability convenience.
With that convenience comes the small-dog-suitability as the crate comes in six sizes, varying lengths between 30″ to 54″.
Personalization doesn’t stop there; you can buy the crate in six colors, including black.
But I liked the gray one better.
This crate is designed to keep even the most determined dog inside; it is anything but a rugged crate made from premium aluminum.
You’ll be delighted to know that the crate is safely perforated with rounded-diamond-shaped air holes for the best air ventilation too.
When you combine that with the easy-to-use latched door, this metallic crate brings all the peace of mind to dog owners.
Not only that, but you can also buy Impact’s collapsible crate with a lifetime warranty, free exchanges, and free shipping. The cherry on top is that this crate ships assembled.
I don’t need to tell you this is the best crate for small dogs; you know it already is.
Get to know more about this crate through this review.
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Cons
2. Midwest iCrate
If you can’t find Impact’s collapsible crate, MidWest’s iCrate is the ideal substitute for that.
The crate comes in eight sizes, from 18 to 48 inches. So, the crate clearly fits your dog. Not only that, each size comes with a crate divider for any growing puppy.
Being a completely metallic crate, iCrate is safe enough. But you probably shouldn’t expect the resilience of the Impact crate. After all, iCrate is the lightest wire crate under the Midwest brand.
But a silver lining similarity to Impact’s crate would be collapsibility. iCrate folds flat and expands without any tools.
It folds into one piece, and you can lock it so it doesn’t unfold. You also get one or two (depending on the model) carrying handles.
This high-quality crate is coated with a black electro-coated finish. And cleaning accidents by your small dogs is easier thanks to the ABS waterproof plastic dog tray that you can remove.
With rounded crate corners and the general build quality, this crate is an amazing, safe space for all small breeds.
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3. Precision Pet ProValu
My second alternative for Impact’s crate is PetMate’s ProValu crate. I’ll just call it the ‘Precision crate’ to make reading clearer.
The precision crate comes in only one size: 19″ L x 12″ W x 14″ H weighing 8.8 lbs. So, ensure the size works for your dog.
You’ll notice this is somewhat close to a traditional wire crate, but it’s so not.
The door system of this Precision crate is impressive. It features a patented 5-point locking system. Its purpose is to eliminate gaps in the door’s top, sides, and middle. That’s why it’s so strong.
With strength comes reliable safety, too — trust me, your little troublemaker NEEDS that.
PetMate has prioritized durability immensely. The rust-resistant electro-coat is another example of that. Unlike many soft-sided crates, this coat makes the crate last much longer in outdoor settings.
You also get a polypropylene pan for easier cleaning and also a divider panel.
On top of all this, this is a double-door model crate whose second door is on the top.
All these features collectively work together to ensure your dog is content and safe. It’s one of the best collapsible dog crates.
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4. Diggs Revol Dog Crate
Diggs’ Revol crate is pretty unique, and its features make the crate suitable for smaller dogs.
For starters, the crate comes in four sizes with crate lengths of 25″ to 44″. Personalization is higher thanks to the three colors it comes in.
The Revol crate is a mixture of premium plastic and metallic parts. That explains its lightweight nature too. On top of that, the crate folds flat and is quite travel-friendly thanks to the well-placed handle at the top.
The lock is placed at the top right to make sure dogs can’t reach it easily. Although not extremely strong, it’s a decent lock.
Your dog won’t be uncomfortable as it has a removable tray for easy clean-up.
Using the crate is even easier, thanks to the dual-door system. The double doors consist of the standard swing door and the garage door.
I personally loved the overall wire-crate-like build quality with diamond-shaped mesh that ensures safety. It looks safe, and it works safe too.
Your small dog can comfortably spend their days inside this crate with a fully opening single door. The Revol crate truly sets a new standard for dog management for dog owners.
Interested to know more details about the Diggs Dog Crate? Check out our in-depth Diggs Crate review.
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Cons
5. GUNNER G1
Gunner makes amazing dog kennels, and their G1 crate is crowned as the world’s safest travel crate, and it suits smaller dogs amazingly.
This crate is 5-star crash tested and is the only double-walled rotomolded crate in the market.
Your small dog will experience maximum comfort thanks to the element-repellant windows and its special materialistic capabilities; 12% cooler and 20% less energy to stay warm.
The comfort factor further increases thanks to the removable drainage plug. Your dog can sit comfortably on the recessed floor until you pull that plug and let the water out.
The reversible door with the powerful lock ensures safety. The backup latches increase that. The wreck-proof Aluminum frame complimented the door system, unlike most other crates.
Crate training will be easier as it’s a well-covered crate.
Since it’s a travel-friendly crate, you’ll notice its features like built-in tie-down pins, strong carry handles, a wider base, and even non-slip feet.
This USA-made feature-packed crate comes in four sizes and five colors.
With a lifetime guarantee, this virtually indestructible crate is another great crate option for your dog.
Chechout the comprehensive review of Gunner G1 dog crate here.
Pros
Cons
6. Lucky Dog® Dwell
The next alternative is the Lucky Dog Dwell crate.
It’s not one of the traditional wire crates, although it looks like one.
For starters, it has exceptionally smooth double-panel sliding doors.
Additionally, it has a second typical door for easy access. Double-door systems are great for small breeds.
The super-secure door latch system ensures security, and it also has a carrying handle for secure moving.
Although it comes in five sizes from 24″ to 48″ length, you can choose a smaller size for small dogs.
Being collapsible, the Lucky Dog Dwell small crate features patented, easy-snap corner stabilizers to prevent unwanted crate collapsing.
The build quality of this dog kennel is terrific, thanks to the rust-resistant frame. There’s no way a dog can chew and damage the frame, unlike with a soft-sided crate.
It’s a relief that you can pay with 4 interest-free installments with ShopPay.
Lucky Dog Dwell crate might not be as good as Impact’s collapsible crate, but it sure delivers enough as an alternative.
Pros
Cons
7. Rock Creek ALUMINUM DOG CRATE
Rock Creek’s aluminum crate might work for you if you’re into colorful crates.
The personalization factor is quite higher, with seven colorful colors and four sizes. For your small dog, the smallest you get is a 30″ crate — double-check the dimensions.
Looking similar to Impact’s collapsible crate, this crate also has a dependable beefy door accompanied by a main latch and two secondary butterfly latches.
That’s not all; there’s optimal hexagonal ventilation all around the crate.
Did you know that Rock Creek’s aluminum crate was the only crate with an internally welded frame?
That skyrockets the strength. The cherry on top is recessed and easy-to-carry handles.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that your dog will love this crate. But one clear downside is that it is not collapsible. But it comes fully assembled with a 10-year warranty.
Rock Creek’s aluminum crate is truly unique as a substitute crate.
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8. Fable Crates
As soon as you land on their product page, you’re eligible for a 15% discount; take it.
The Fable crate is different and suitable for smaller dogs for many reasons. The main one is that it’s a wooden crate, a crate/end-table home decor item.
You can get two surface finishes, and three sizes whose smallest is 24.5″ deep x 18″ wide x 20.5″ high, and the largest is 40.2″ deep x 28″ wide x 29.2″ high.
Although the crate has no strong lockable door, it has an innovative gate. This can be either whitish or acrylic (transparent). I loved how these ‘gates’ can be slid into the top of the crate to save space.
Fable crates have 360 ventilation with rounded square ventilation holes. These holes are present in the gates too.
One reason why I felt hesitant is that Fable doesn’t accept returns. On top of that, the limited-edition walnut finish crate takes up to 5 months to arrive.
I wouldn’t say it’s chew-proof, as some smaller dogs can truly be hyperactive. But for a well-tamed, calm small dog breeds, the Fable crate is yet another great alternative.
Read our comprehensive review of the Fable crate.
Pros
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9. Aspen Pet Traditional Kennel
Is it a crate or a bucket, you may ask, and my answer is that it’s a mixture. This is the Aspen Pet’s traditional kennel.
Unlike traditional metallic crates, the Aspen crate is made from premium plastic. Not just any plastic but 90% pre-consumer plastics, making it an amazingly eco-friendly product.
Usually, plastic kennels aren’t that recommendable for large dogs, but we’re considering small dogs, so it’s all good.
This special crate comes in one size of 28″ L x 20″ W x 20.5″ H dimensions and one color, gray. The recommendation is for dogs weighings between 20-30 lbs.
You can clearly see how all of its nuts and bolts are plastic too. This and the PVC frame eliminate the risk of rusting.
The Aspen crate has a dependable mesh door with one lock. Once again, it’s strong enough to keep a well-tamed dog. After all, it has perfect 360 ventilation for the best comfort.
With one year limited warranty, this USA-made Aspen crate is definitely recommendable.
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10. AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate
Amazonbasics is recognized for producing budget-friendly cages. Their foldable metal crate definitely suits your dog.
This is a traditional wire crate that comes in six impressive sizes from 22 “L x 13” W x 16 “H and 48 “L x 30” W x 32.5 “H. The crate’s value goes higher as you can buy all these crates with a crate divider.
The gap between each metal wire is 15mm, which makes the crate immune to wire bending. This build quality is complemented by a door accompanied by a dependable lock.
What about portability? The crate is collapsible, and you get a top carry handle.
Your small dog’s comfort is further guaranteed with optimal ventilation by design and the removable plastic tray for easier cleaning.
However, pet parents must remember that the Amazonbasics crate is designed for indoor use. This limits the occasions of usage, undeniably.
For a standard wire crate, Amazonbasics crate delivers enough as long as you’re comfortable with its limitations.
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Cons
11. Carlson Pink Metal Dog Crate
I know some dog parents love cute pinkish crates. Luckily, I found a solution for that need for smaller dogs with the Carlson pink crate.
This crate comes in one standard size, 24 “L x 18” W x 19 “H, and it fits the smaller dog’s size requirement.
As the product name says, it’s an all-pink crate. But don’t let the color fool you; it’s made from durable alloy steel.
Certified to both JPMA and ASTM standards, this crate folds flat easily for easier transportation.
The cherry on top of this design is the durable lock accompanied by well-spaced wires. With that comes the slide-out tray for easier cleaning.
Coming at a very low price, this crate lacks several performance features compared to crates like Impact’s collapsible crate and Gunner G1.
But as for the last recommendation, it performs impressively.
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Buying Guide for the Best Small Dog Crate
Buying smaller crates is not the same as buying regular ones. You can follow this buying guide so you can evaluate a potential crate better.
- Pick a size that covers the entire growth, ensuring they can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, not too small or too large.
- The material has to be sturdy and durable to withstand your small dog’s activity level.
- Pay close attention to the safety and security features at all times — ventilation, locks, and smooth interior.
- Consider how easily portable it is with carrying handles and carrying orientation too.
- Build quality & design is important as most pet parents like pleasant-looking crates.
- Get an easily cleanable crate that makes your life easy
Next, let me teach you how to measure your dog for the perfect crate size.
If you want to get to know the overall best kennels on the market, checkout this article.
How to Measure Your Dog for the Perfect Dog Crate Size?
All dogs must have enough space in their cage. Measuring that is actually simpler than you’d expect.
Measurement #1: Measure the distance from the dog’s nose tip to the tail’s base. Add a few inches to this measurement, and this is a potential crate length.
Measurement #2: Measure the distance from the standing floor to the tip of their ears when raised up. Remember that the dog must be standing. Add a few inches to this measurement, and this is your potential crate height.
Measurement #3: Measure the width of your dog’s torso and add twice as the extra inches as you did for crate length and height. This is your crate width.
You can consider these numbers and get a matching size. It’s always best to avoid getting crates based on weight too.
Just to be on the safe side, check if the manufacturer has their own sizing guide.
You can also checkout our crate size guide.
How to Use a Smaller Dog Crate? Crate Training 101
Your dog doesn’t know what to do with the crate, and it’s your job to make it to your advantage and get them well crate trained.
Let me walk you through it.
Step 1: Let them explore the crate on their own.
Step 2: start bringing the feeding bowl near the crate gradually.
Step 3: Place treats and toys inside the crate and let them go inside.
Step 4: After they start going inside, practice a phrase like “go to bed” or “go to crate”.
Step 5: close the crate door for brief periods, and praise and treat the dog for being calm.
Step 6: increase the closed-door time while continuing appraisals and treats.
Step 7: After playtime, evening walks, and showers, take them to the crate.
Step 8: keep the door closed, get away from it, and increase their alone time.
As you go, you’ll notice how your smaller dog prefers to use the crate as if it’s their own place. That’s the plan, and it’s not difficult when you’re patient and understanding.
Now that it’s done, how would I rate the top 3?
In Conclusion
Accompanying your small dog with a crate is one of the best investments. It keeps them safe and brings you peace of mind — that’s the whole purpose of it.
But with a crate like Impact’s Collapsible Crate, you can ensure that one crate does it all and beyond. Its features make the crate the hallmark of dependable crates for small dogs.
So, I hope you make the right one-time investment, and this review was helpful!
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