10 Best Dog Crates for Small Dogs (August 2026) Reviewed
Choosing among the best dog crates for small dogs is less about buying the tiniest kennel and more about giving a toy or small-breed dog enough room to stand, turn, and stretch out without leaving so much spare space that it stops feeling secure. A well-matched crate can support crate training, keep a curious puppy contained, and give an anxious little dog a quiet place to settle.
For this guide, I compared the ten available product records by their published dimensions, door and latch design, materials, carry weight, cleaning features, stated capacity, and travel details. I have not treated a product listing as proof of crash safety or chew resistance, so road-trip shoppers should also read our guide to crash-tested dog crates before making a car-safety decision.
Most picks here are near 24 inches long, which is a common starting point for many small dogs, but measuring your dog still matters more than a breed label. Owners dealing with repeated escapes or panic should look beyond a standard foldable wire crate and compare the locking approach with these dog crates for separation anxiety.
Top 3 Picks for August 2026
The Amazon Basics is my broad home-and-training pick because it combines a divider, two doors, and a fold-flat wire frame. DONORO adds a cover and two slide-bolt latches on each door, while the lightweight Sweetcrispy is the uncomplicated choice for a calm dog and limited storage space.
The best dog crates for small dogs in 2026 cover home, travel, and secure containment
Use the overview to narrow the crate type first, then confirm the interior fit and the kind of door access your room permits. Ratings and review counts shown in the product cards come from the analyzed product records, not a new round of hands-on testing.
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1. Amazon Basics is the best all-round wire crate for a small dog
- Double doors give placement flexibility
- Divider supports puppy growth
- Folds flat for storage
- Removable tray
- Divider can shift in transport
- Tray needs its securing hook
24 x 18 x 20 inches
Double doors and divider
Fold-flat wire crate
This Amazon Basics crate is a practical first stop when I am matching a small dog crate to normal indoor life. Its 24 by 18 by 20 inch footprint gives a compact dog a defined resting spot, and the front-and-side door arrangement makes it easier to work around a sofa, wall, or apartment entry.
The supplied divider is the feature I would focus on for a young puppy. It lets you reduce unused room while the dog is small, then move the panel as the dog grows rather than replacing the entire crate immediately.
The metal frame folds down flat and has a top handle, so it makes sense for owners who need to put the crate away between visits or moves. A removable plastic base tray and a metal hook to secure that tray also make routine cleanup less complicated.
The double-door layout fits rooms with limited access
I would pick this layout when the crate must sit in a corner or beside furniture, because one blocked direction does not remove every way to reach the dog. Open each door fully in your intended location before committing to the placement.
The divider makes this crate most useful for growing puppies
The divider is helpful for gradual crate sizing, not for creating two guaranteed separate pet spaces. Check that it stays seated before travel, since the analyzed record notes that some users report shifting during transport.
2. DONORO is the best equipped wire crate for routine indoor use
- Includes a 600D cover
- Four slide-bolt latches
- Leak-proof tray
- Carrying handle
- Cover is hand wash only
- Initial setup can take time
24 x 18 x 20 inches
Cover included
Two slide bolts per door
DONORO uses the same general 24 by 18 by 20 inch scale as the Amazon Basics pick, but its included 600D Oxford fabric cover changes the home setup. I would consider that bundled cover for a small dog that settles better with reduced visual activity, provided the dog tolerates a covered crate calmly.
Each of the two doors has two heavy-duty slide-bolt latches. That is a meaningful detail for an owner who wants more than one point of closure, though any crate door should still be checked after it is latched.
The leak-proof removable tray and waterproof cover aim at the messy parts of puppy care. The trade-off is maintenance: the cover is listed as hand-wash only, so it is not the easiest option for a household that expects frequent machine-wash cleanup.
The included cover gives nervous dogs more visual privacy
A cover can make the sleeping area feel more den-like, especially in a busy apartment. I would introduce it slowly and keep airflow open; a covered crate should not become a hot, isolated space.
The four slide bolts suit dogs that paw at one simple latch
Two latches per door add a layer of closure compared with a one-latch setup. This is still a standard wire crate, not a verified escape-proof or crash-tested unit, so it is not my automatic answer for a powerful chewer or a dog with severe confinement distress.
3. VERIFURTY is the strongest listed choice for a persistent small escape artist
- Self-locking latch
- Heavy-duty steel
- Removable bottom panels
- Wheels included
- Listed shipping weight is very high
- Not made for frequent carrying
24.8 x 17.9 x 21.8 inches
Self-locking latch
Wheels and removable floor
The VERIFURTY is the different kind of crate in this group: a heavy-duty steel kennel built around a self-locking latch and an escape-prevention claim. When a small dog can work a conventional latch or bends lighter hardware, I would start the comparison here instead of assuming the dog’s size makes a basic wire crate adequate.
It measures 24.8 by 17.9 by 21.8 inches and has double doors, removable bottom panels, and a scratch-resistant non-toxic coating. Wheels can help reposition the crate around a room, but the record’s listed 151-pound shipping weight is a cue to plan its location before assembly rather than expect a grab-and-go crate.
I also appreciate the stated 20-minute assembly and fewer-screw approach because heavy crates are less pleasant to rebuild. Do not confuse strength-oriented construction with a vehicle-safety rating; no crash-test result appears in the supplied product data.
The self-locking latch is the deciding feature for latch-focused escape attempts
This is the pick I would examine if your dog targets the door hardware rather than merely whining or pushing at a panel. Watch the dog during supervised use first, since the safest response to panic can involve training help rather than simply more metal.
The wheels make room changes easier but not travel effortless
Wheels are useful on a hard floor when the crate has an assigned home spot. They do not make this a light travel carrier, and a small dog still needs a stable, secured setup in any vehicle.
4. Sweetcrispy is the lightest simple wire crate for calm small dogs
- Only 8.95 pounds
- Folds flat quickly
- Removable tray
- Smooth edges
- One door limits placement
- Tray may shift while cleaning
24.41 x 16.77 x 18.5 inches
Single door
Foldable iron frame
At 8.95 pounds, the Sweetcrispy is one of the easier wire options here to move from one room to another. I would use its 24.41 by 16.77 by 18.5 inch format for a calm small dog when a straightforward sleeping crate is more important than extra doors or added accessories.
It has a single door with a heavy-duty latch, high-quality iron construction, smooth edges, and a removable plastic tray. The foldable design is the main appeal for a compact apartment, guest room, or occasional trip where a crate needs to disappear into a closet after use.
The shorter 16.77-inch width deserves a careful check with a broad-chested small breed. I would measure the dog’s turn-around space rather than rely on the word “small,” and I would not select a lightweight single-door crate for a dog known to force latches.
The low carry weight is best for owners who store the crate often
A fold-flat crate is useful only if it is manageable enough to move, and this one is listed under nine pounds. That makes it a sensible backup crate or a temporary home crate for a dog that is already comfortable with wire containment.
The single door works best when the front stays unobstructed
Choose the location first because the door needs a clear swing path. If the crate must sit sideways beside a bed or in a tight hallway, the double-door models above give more placement choices.
5. Morpilot is the best soft travel crate for a crate-trained small dog
- Seven-pound carry weight
- Auto-lock zippers
- Four mesh panels
- Shoulder strap and bowl
- Not for airline travel
- Not suited to escape artists
23.6 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
Three mesh doors
7-pound soft travel crate
The Morpilot is a soft-sided travel crate that weighs seven pounds and folds down to a compact profile. I would reserve this type of carrier for a dog that is already crate-trained and does not claw, chew, or throw itself against fabric when frustrated.
Its 23.6 by 16.5 by 16.5 inch body uses reinforced 600D Oxford fabric with a metal frame, three mesh doors, auto-lock zippers, storage pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap, a foldable bowl, and removable plush padding. Those are useful travel details for a day trip, a hotel stay, or a visit where the crate doubles as a familiar resting place.
The four-panel mesh approach offers strong visibility and ventilation, but the product record expressly says it is not designed for airline travel. That limitation matters because a soft carrier’s suitability depends on the specific airline and trip, not a general label.
The soft frame serves calm road trips and short stays best
I would choose the Morpilot for portability and a comfortable temporary den, not for managing destructive behavior. Set it up at home before the trip so the dog meets the mesh space as a normal resting place rather than a surprise.
The three-door mesh design gives flexible access and airflow
Multiple access points can be helpful when the crate sits in a car, hotel room, or a crowded living area. Keep all zippers fully closed and inspect the mesh before each outing, particularly if the dog has ever tested a carrier seam.
6. FDW is the best foldable double-door crate for a narrow home setup
- Tool-free assembly
- Front and side doors
- Divider panel
- Leak-proof ABS tray
- Latch feedback is mixed
- May be small for bigger small breeds
24 x 16 x 19 inches
Double doors and divider
Tool-free folding wire crate
FDW’s 24 by 16 by 19 inch wire crate is another light option at eight pounds, with front and side doors that can make a narrow apartment layout less awkward. I would compare it closely with the Amazon Basics if a smaller width works for your dog and tool-free deployment matters.
The product data lists a high-tensile wire gauge with epoxy coating, a divider panel, a leak-proof ABS composite tray, a carrying handle, and rust and corrosion resistance. It also says the crate can be deployed in minutes without tools, which is useful for households that bring the crate out for visits or trips.
One wording point needs care: the divider is described as a way to separate pets, but I would not place two dogs together in a divider-equipped crate without close assessment of fit and behavior. The record also notes that some users report flimsy door latches, so inspect the closure before relying on it.
The side door solves placement problems beside furniture
Two entry directions let you pick the access route that stays open in your room. This small detail can decide whether a dog kennel for small dogs fits your home routine or becomes a bulky obstacle.
The divider helps adjust sleeping space during puppy growth
A divider can reduce excess area during house-training stages, then slide back as the dog grows. It is not a replacement for measuring, because a dog that cannot stand or turn easily has outgrown the selected crate size.
7. Simple Deluxe is the best basic dual-bolt crate for daily training
- Dual sliding bolts
- Two-door access
- Divider included
- Removable ABS tray
- Weighs 11.2 pounds
- Some assembly feedback is mixed
24.41 x 16.54 x 18.5 inches
Double doors
Divider and dual sliding bolts
The Simple Deluxe provides the familiar double-door, divider-panel formula in a 24.41 by 16.54 by 18.5 inch crate. I see it as a solid daily-training candidate for an owner who wants both a front and side entrance plus dual sliding bolt locks.
It uses high-tensile wire gauge, includes a leak-proof ABS composite tray, folds for travel, and is listed at 11.2 pounds. That weight is still manageable for a home crate, although it is less appealing than the very light wire models if you expect to carry it often.
The divider is again useful for adjusting available space, but the product record also mentions that some customers find assembly could be tighter. I would set it up during daylight, work each door several times, and look for a flat, level base before inviting a dog inside.
The dual sliding bolts suit ordinary crate-training routines
Two bolts can make the door feel more secure than a simple single-point closure. This does not make the crate a substitute for a heavy-duty kennel when the dog has a proven history of escaping or damaging wire panels.
The 11.2-pound frame is better for one regular location
This crate folds for transport, yet its weight points more toward a stable home base than frequent carrying. Choose a quiet spot away from direct heat, drafts, and heavy foot traffic so the dog can treat it as a rest space.
8. DUMOS is the most travel-focused soft carrier for dogs up to 30 pounds
- Stated airline approved
- Steel frame supports shape
- Washable pad
- Storage bag included
- Not for aggressive chewers
- Zippers may be sticky
24 x 18.1 x 21.5 inches
Stated up to 30 pounds
Soft carrier with steel frame
DUMOS is a 24 by 18.1 by 21.5 inch soft carrier with a stated capacity of up to 30 pounds, a reinforced steel frame, waterproof 600D Oxford cloth, and three-sided mesh doors. I would consider it for a small dog that needs a travel carrier with more structured sides than a fabric-only bag.
The listing calls it airline approved and includes anti-escape zippers, washable padding, and a storage bag. Before a flight, I would verify the exact airline’s current size, placement, and carrier rules because carrier acceptance is set by the airline, not by a product listing alone.
At 8.36 pounds, it is portable enough for errands and visits without being a featherweight. The important limitation is behavioral: soft walls are not a good match for an aggressive chewer, and sticky zipper reports mean a pre-trip zipper check is sensible.
The stated 30-pound limit makes this a roomy small-dog carrier
Capacity is not the same as fit. Measure the dog’s standing height and body length, then compare those numbers with the interior shape so the dog can lie down comfortably without being loose enough to slide around.
The airline label needs route-specific confirmation before booking
Air travel rules differ by airline and can change, so I would check the carrier requirements before packing. For vehicle travel, a soft carrier also does not establish crash protection; use a travel arrangement designed for the safety standard you need.
9. PETSFIT is the most cushioned collapsible crate for small dogs around 18 pounds
- Lockable zippers
- Patented spiral steel frame
- One-inch cushion
- Only 6.7 pounds
- Stated fit is about 18 pounds
- Not for dogs over that listed fit
24.02 x 18.11 x 16.93 inches
Lockable zippers
1-inch cushion and steel frame
PETSFIT is the lightest soft option here at 6.7 pounds, while its full-steel frame and lockable zippers address two common concerns about fabric crates: losing shape and an inquisitive dog opening a zipper. I would put it on the short list for a small dog that is calm in a soft crate but benefits from added structure.
The 24.02 by 18.11 by 16.93 inch crate has 600D fabric, a patented adjustable spiral frame, a waterproof bottom liner, a side storage pocket, and a one-inch thick cushion. The supplied product information says it fits small dogs around 18 pounds, so that stated guidance matters more than the exterior length alone.
Its rapid setup and fold-down format can be especially useful in a studio apartment or as a portable rest zone. Still, lockable zippers should not be read as a guarantee against a frantic dog; soft walls remain best for dogs with relaxed crate manners.
The one-inch cushion helps create a comfortable portable rest spot
The thicker included cushion is the standout comfort detail for a dog that naps in the carrier during a visit or outing. Check it for dampness and keep bedding appropriate for the dog’s chewing habits and temperature needs.
The listed 18-pound fit is the limit to check before ordering
I would not stretch a stated capacity simply because a dog is technically small. A long-bodied or tall small breed can need more floor length or headroom than its weight suggests.
10. SportPet Designs is the best hard-sided collapsible carrier for road trips
- Hard-sided protection
- Twist-lock metal gate
- Folds flat
- Washable interior
- Not stated for airline use
- Heavier than soft carriers
24.5 x 16.5 x 16 inches
Hard sides and metal gate
Up to 25 pounds
The SportPet Designs carrier combines hard-sided plastic walls with a metal twist-lock gate, then folds flat when it is not needed. I would consider this form factor for vet visits, road trips, or a small dog that settles better with a more enclosed carrier than an open wire crate.
It measures 24.5 by 16.5 by 16 inches, weighs 9.77 pounds, and has a stated capacity up to 25 pounds, with a maximum pet height of 14 inches and length of 22 inches. The carrying handle, ventilation slots, and washable interior make the daily handling case easy to understand.
The hard sides can feel more protected during ordinary transport, but the record says it is not airline approved and it does not provide a crash-test claim. I would use it for the stated road and home roles, then consult a dedicated guide if heavy-duty containment is your priority; our comparison of heavy duty dog crates is a useful next read.
The hard-sided body suits dogs that prefer a more enclosed carrier
Ventilation slots provide airflow while the plastic shell blocks more visual movement than wire or mesh. Let the dog explore it with the door open at home first, so the carrier does not become associated only with car rides or appointments.
The listed height and length limits determine fit more clearly than a breed name
A dog up to 25 pounds may still be too tall or too long for this carrier, which is why the 14-inch height and 22-inch length limits matter. Measure from floor to the top of the head while standing, then from chest to rear while relaxed.
The right small dog crate begins with a standing-and-turning measurement
Measure your dog while standing from the floor to the top of the head or ears, then add a little comfortable clearance. Measure body length from the chest to the base of the tail, and compare both figures with the crate’s usable interior dimensions rather than its outer dimensions.
A correctly sized crate lets a dog stand without crouching, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. It should not be so vast that a puppy can sleep at one end and use the far end as a toilet area during house training.
For many small dogs, an 18 by 24 inch area is often discussed as a useful starting range, but it is not a rule for every Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian, Dachshund, or mixed breed. Long-bodied, tall-legged, broad-chested, and still-growing dogs need an individual measurement check.
The best crate type depends on your dog’s behavior and your destination
Choose a wire crate when you need adjustable visibility, airflow, divider options, and flat storage for home use. The Amazon Basics, DONORO, FDW, and Simple Deluxe models fit that role, with double doors helping when floor space is tight.
Choose a soft crate when portability and low carry weight matter and your dog is already comfortable with fabric walls. Morpilot, DUMOS, and PETSFIT have mesh ventilation and travel-oriented details, but the supplied records do not position them as answers for destructive chewing or severe escape behavior.
Choose a hard-sided carrier when you want a more enclosed shell for ordinary transport and home use. The SportPet has plastic sides and a metal gate, while the VERIFURTY has the strongest security-oriented hardware in this list for an owner comparing home containment options.
The safest crate setup keeps airflow, access, and cleaning simple
Place the crate in a room where the dog can be near household life without being directly in a busy path. Keep it away from direct sun, heaters, cold drafts, and cords that a small dog could reach through the sides.
Check latches and tray hooks before each use, especially after folding a wire crate for storage. A washable pad or clean crate mat can make the space inviting, and our list of heated dog beds can help with cold-weather comfort when used according to its safety instructions and only with dogs that will not chew cords.
For a puppy, start with short, calm sessions, meals, and rewards around the open crate. Do not use the crate as punishment; if a small dog shows intense distress, repeated escape attempts, or self-injury risk, contact a qualified veterinarian or behavior professional.
The best apartment crate placement leaves a clear door path and a quiet retreat
In a small apartment, the crate’s door swing can matter as much as the crate dimensions. Double-door designs make it easier to put the long side against a wall, while a soft collapsible crate is easier to pack away when guests arrive.
Give a resident dog one predictable crate location rather than moving it every day. If you have a yard and are comparing a different kind of contained outdoor space, these outdoor dog kennels cover a separate, larger-scale setup.
FAQs
What type of crate is best for a small dog?
The best type depends on the dog and use. A foldable wire crate suits home training and ventilation, a soft crate suits calm crate-trained dogs on short trips, and a hard-sided or heavy-duty crate can suit dogs that need more enclosure or stronger hardware. Choose a crate that lets the dog stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Where should a new dog sleep the first night?
Set the new dog’s crate or bed in a quiet, temperature-comfortable spot near you, especially if the dog is unsettled in a new home. Take the dog out for a toilet break before bedtime, keep the first night calm, and avoid forcing a frightened dog into a closed crate.
Should small dogs have small crates?
Small dogs need correctly sized crates, not automatically the smallest crate available. The crate should allow the dog to stand without crouching, turn around, and lie down naturally. For puppies, a divider can limit unused space while still allowing those basic movements.
Do vets recommend dog crates?
A crate can be a helpful management and rest tool when introduced gradually and used humanely. It can support house training, supervised safety, travel routines, and a den-like rest area, but it is not a cure for anxiety and should not be used for excessive confinement or punishment.
Conclusion
Among these best dog crates for small dogs, I would start with the Amazon Basics for a typical home setup because its divider, two doors, fold-flat frame, and removable tray cover the basics without adding specialized travel or containment claims. Pick DONORO when the included cover and extra slide bolts fit your routine, VERIFURTY when latch security is the main concern, and a soft or hard carrier only when its travel role matches your dog’s behavior.
Measure first, introduce the crate patiently, and treat every stated weight limit or airline label as a prompt to verify the exact fit and rules for your dog in 2026.