Best Dog Crate for Small Dogs in 2026: Data-Driven Rankings
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We evaluated seven small dog crates based on strict dimensional constraints, material durability, and assembly mechanics. This ranking prioritizes specific use cases—such as airline compliance for the Petmate Sky Kennel or furniture integration for the New Age Pet ecoFLEX—while quantifying weight limits and assembly times to help owners of breeds under 25 lbs make precise choices.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest 18-Inch iCrate | 9.2 | Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies needing a compact, durable indoor crate with puppy training features |
| 2 | Amazon Basics 24-Inch Wire Crate | 8.8 | Cost-conscious owners prioritizing portability for trips and vet visits for dogs under 20 lbs |
| 3 | Petmate Sky Kennel 21-Inch | 8.5 | Small dogs requiring airline-approved carriers for air travel |
| 4 | EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate | 8.2 | Calm, crate-trained dogs on the go; travel |
| 5 | Amazon Basics Soft Dog Crate | 7.9 | Owners needing a collapsible soft-sided option for occasional travel |
| 6 | Carlson Secure Metal Dog Crate | 7.6 | Small-to-medium dogs requiring a sturdy metal crate for long-term use |
MidWest 18-Inch iCrate
9.2- Tool-free assembly in approximately 30 seconds
- Includes divider panel for growing puppies
- Precision-welded wire with secure slide-bolt latch
- Leak-proof removable tray with black e-coat finish
- Single door limits side access for cleaning
- Strict 10 lb weight limit excludes larger small breeds like Beagles
- Not suitable for dogs exceeding 18.5 x 12.5 x 14.5 inch dimensions
Best for: Tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies needing a compact, durable indoor crate with puppy training features
Amazon Basics 24-Inch Wire Crate
8.8- Budget-friendly pricing tier
- Includes divider panel and removable tray
- Tool-free assembly
- Foldable metal wire design for easy storage
- Metal feels lighter than premium models, potentially less durable
- May not withstand heavy chewing from determined dogs
- Lacks specific airline compliance certifications
Best for: Cost-conscious owners prioritizing portability for trips and vet visits for dogs under 20 lbs
Petmate Sky Kennel 21-Inch
8.5- Airline IATA compliant for air travel
- 360-degree ventilation for comfort
- Constructed from EcoTEC recycled plastic
- Made in USA
- Capacity limited to up to 15 lbs
- Plastic construction less durable than steel for rough play
- Fixed dimensions may not accommodate growing puppies as flexibly as wire crates
Best for: Small dogs requiring airline-approved carriers for air travel
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate
8.2- Three doors for flexible access
- Includes fleece bed for comfort
- Soft fabric construction for lightweight portability
- Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 14 inches
- Soft fabric less durable than wire or plastic for aggressive chewers
- Limited structural support for dogs that lean against walls
- Cleaning fabric interiors is more labor-intensive than wiping plastic trays
Best for: Calm, crate-trained dogs on the go; travel
Amazon Basics Soft Dog Crate
7.9- Two doors for versatile entry points
- Collapsible design for compact storage
- Soft fabric construction
- Dimensions: 26 x 18 x 18 inches
- Lacks rigid structure for dogs that need to stand tall
- Fabric may tear if dog has sharp claws or teeth
- No included bed or divider panel
Best for: Owners needing a collapsible soft-sided option for occasional travel
Carlson Secure Metal Dog Crate
7.6- Steel construction for high durability
- "Fold and Go" design for portability
- Washable pan for easy cleaning
- Capacity: Up to 25 lbs
- Heavier than soft-sided alternatives, making transport more cumbersome
- Metal surfaces can be cold in winter environments
- Limited aesthetic customization compared to furniture-style crates
Best for: Small-to-medium dogs requiring a sturdy metal crate for long-term use
How to choose
Choose steel wire crates like the MidWest iCrate or Carlson for long-term indoor durability, or opt for soft-sided models like the EliteField for lightweight travel if your dog is calm and not an aggressive chewer.
Verify your dog's weight against strict limits, as the MidWest iCrate caps at 10 lbs while the Carlson handles up to 25 lbs, ensuring the crate accommodates your specific breed size.
Select the Petmate Sky Kennel for airline-compliant air travel or the Amazon Basics wire crate for foldable storage, depending on whether you prioritize certified travel features or compact home storage.
Prioritize tool-free assembly and removable trays found in the MidWest and Amazon Basics wire crates for quick setup, whereas soft crates require more labor-intensive fabric cleaning and lack rigid structural support.
Our verdict
The MidWest 18-Inch iCrate is the top pick for tiny breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies needing a compact, durable indoor crate with puppy training features. For owners prioritizing portability and budget for dogs under 20 lbs, the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Wire Crate is the clear runner-up.
Frequently asked questions
Which crate is best for air travel?
The Petmate Sky Kennel 21-Inch is the best option for air travel because it is IATA compliant and features 360-degree ventilation.
What is the maximum weight capacity for the top-rated crate?
The MidWest 18-Inch iCrate has a strict 10 lb weight limit, which excludes larger small breeds like Beagles.
Which crate offers the highest weight capacity?
The Carlson Secure Metal Dog Crate supports up to 25 lbs, making it suitable for small-to-medium dogs requiring long-term durability.
Are there any crates that include a divider panel?
Yes, both the MidWest 18-Inch iCrate and the Amazon Basics 24-Inch Wire Crate include a divider panel for growing puppies.
