Best Crates For Dachshunds

Whether you are looking for a new crate for your incoming Dachshund puppy or hoping to persuade your resident pooch to get off the couch and into a crate, you’ve come to the right place. There are many things to consider when picking the best crate for your Dachshund, and with so many crate options to choose from, it can be daunting.

When it comes to crates, there isn’t a one size fits all approach. You need to work out what you want to use the crate for, what size you need, and how much you want to spend. Do you want one door or two? A soft-sided or hard-sided? And you need to measure your miniature or standard-sized Dachshund to find the perfect fit. They need enough room to move around comfortably but not too much that they can use their crate as a potty.

Lots of things to think about, right? This is why we have created a buying guide to help you work through everything you need to consider. We have also scoured the market to find the best options, saving you time and headaches. So, in true Dachshund style, let’s dig into the details.

At A Glance: Our Favorite Dog Crates For Dachshunds

Buyer’s Guide

There’s more to buying a crate than you might think, so we’ve created a guide to help you find the best crate for your Dachshund.

Purpose

What is the primary purpose of this crate? Is it the main sleeping area for your pooch? If so, it needs to fit the space you intend to keep it in and be durable as it will have heavy usage. Your budget might steer your decision, but there are many options, from portable wire crates to more stylish wooden furniture crates.

Or do you need a carrier to transport your pup? Soft-sided crates are available for traveling in the car. To fly with your Dachshund, you must purchase an airline-approved travel carrier. Whatever the reason, there is something here for you. But remember that not all crates suit all purposes, so it is crucial to understand what you need this crate for.

Construction

Dachshunds might be small, but they are famous for their energy, stubbornness, and digging skills. This means you want to invest in a durable and tough crate that can withstand a dog attempting to break free if they get bored. Doors with double latches are an additional escape-resistant feature. Dachshunds are renowned for suffering from separation anxiety, so your Weiner is bound to attempt an escape at some point.

Metal wire crates have many benefits but must be high-quality, well-constructed, and sturdy. A poorly designed metal crate can pose a risk to dogs trying to bite their way out. They should also come with metal clips for security. Most wire crates are collapsable, making them easy to transport. And most also come with a slide-in tray that acts as a flat surface for your pup’s comfort and protects your floors against liquids.

Access

Crates need to be easily accessible for both entry and exit. Otherwise, your pooch might feel unsafe or uneasy. Crates usually come with one or two doors. Many owners prefer one door for ease. But if you plan on moving it around the home or using it in the car, a crate with two doors provides easy access.

Dachshunds have some of the shortest legs in the canine kingdom, combined with a long back, so you have an additional consideration. The door must be simple and safe for your short pooch to climb in and out of. If the door is too high, it poses a risk of injury or intervertebral disc disease, and your Dachshund won’t bother with it. Although most small-sized crates are suitable for small-sized pups, you need to make sure it’s accessible for Fido.

Size

Dachshunds are small-sized dogs with short legs and long spines. You need a crate small enough to help them feel safe and secure but big enough that they can stand with their head up and turn around comfortably. Finding the right size for your pooch is essential for successful crating. If it’s too large, they might use one end as a potty area, making potty training even more complicated. If you plan on traveling with the crate, you need to think about the ability to store it and get it in and out of the car easily.

Most standard-sized adult Dachshunds need a crate around 30″. A 24″ crate might be more suitable for miniature Dachshunds. Not all brands measure their crates in the same way, and not all Dachshunds are the same size, so be sure to follow individual measuring instructions to ensure the best size for you. If you have a puppy, look for a crate with a divider that allows the crate to grow with your developing Dachshund. This could save you from buying a new crate once they become a fully-fledged adult.

Comfort

Another key consideration is the comfort of the crate. Because if it isn’t comfy, you can be confident your Dachshund will turn their nose up at it. Some crates come with fitted pads or beds, but many don’t. If you choose a crate without a mattress or pad, you must invest in an additional bed because your Dachshund cannot lay on the wires, tray, or wooden base.

Air ventilation and temperature control are also essential for your dog’s comfort. Your Dachshund must stay cool in the warmer months or while traveling for their health. So windows or breathable mesh material are essential. You must protect your pup from the cold in the winter seasons and shelter them, and some crates come with covers for this reason.

Our Favorite Crates For Dachshunds

Now that you know what to look for in a crate for your Dachshund, let’s explore our favorite picks. Remember every consideration in the buying guide to ensure the best choice for you and your Weiner. There are several options to choose from, so read through each and its features.

Frisco is Chewy’s brand, offering top-quality products at budget-friendly prices, which is why they are so popular. This is their heavy-duty wire crate made with heavier, thicker wire than their standard products. This is an excellent choice for Dachshunds and their escape artist ways. The wire is electro-coated, making it more durable, and the corners are rounded as an additional safety feature.

You can fold this crate away without any tools, which is great when you’re on the go. The handle means you can carry it easily, and it comes with a removable plastic tray making cleanup a breeze. This crate features one lockable door, a preferred feature for some owners and spaces. It also has a dividing panel allowing the area to grow with your pup.

We love that this heavy-duty crate is made with extra thick and heavier wire and a secure lock that keeps your Dachshund secure and safe.

EliteField offers this lightweight crate for those who are always on the go. Whether it’s to the park, grandma’s, or the vet, simply grab this soft-sided crate that folds away in seconds. It is constructed with light steel tubing to keep its shape and carry your pup without worry. The material is easy-to-clean polyester, which you can wipe with a damp cloth. The doors are zippered for additional security.

This crate has four windows allowing your pooch to see out of, which is excellent for anxious travelers. The meshed material keeps them contained while also allowing important air circulation to keep them comfortable. And finally, if they don’t want to see out or need extra shade, each window has a curtain. This crate comes with a free carry case and a fleece bed, making it extra snuggly for diva Dachshunds.

We love that this soft-sided, super lightweight crate is excellent for traveling.

Frisco offers this luxury dog crate for pampered pups and modern homes. This furniture-style crate blends into any room because it doesn’t look like a dog crate. Instead, it looks like a stylish end table or cabinet but with a gorgeous Dachshund chilling inside. This is also a top pick for owners with several Dachshunds because it is big enough for two of them to relax in.

This crate is made from sturdy and durable wood with a strong metal frame inside, and you can lift the lid for easy access or clean up. It comes in three color options, black, white, and vibrant blue. The single door features two sturdy locks that your Dachshund cannot reach to open. This pick is best saved for Dachshunds who are already crate trained and are just looking for their own space to wind down.

We love that this furniture-style crate looks stylish in any home and can withstand up to 250 pounds. Meaning it can double up as a table, making it functional too.

MidWest offers this crate along with everything else you need to get you going on your crate journey. It comes with a comfy bed, crate cover, and two small bowls for water and food when you need to leave them on their own for a while. The cover shelters anxious pups and is machine washable for an easy clean. This is a two-door option for simple access, no matter where you place it in your home.

The double doors each have a secure latch to prevent escapes. The corners are rounded, so no one scrapes their skin: owner and Dachshund included. This crate also comes in a wide range of sizes which is great for extra small or exceptionally large Dachshunds who need a different size. A divider is provided, allowing you to crate-train your growing pups. It is easy to assemble and features a handle for your transporting ease.

We love that this crate kit is an excellent investment for owners and Dachshunds starting their crate journey. It comes with everything you need and more.

This PetMate crate is the best option for jet-setting Dachshunds. It meets the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements for travel without worry or hassle, and it features a sturdy and comfortable handle. It comes in many sizes, so you can be sure to find the best shape for your pup. The internal moat means that Fido stays dry during their travels. And it’s also great for training too.

The top and bottom compartments lock together securely with latches or nuts and bolts, depending on the size you choose. Either way, it is safe and secure for your pup. They also feature strap holes allowing you to zip-tie them together for added security and peace of mind while traveling. The eco-friendly plastic is durable and heavy-duty, essential for pesky Dachshunds. The wired door and ventilation holes ensure air circulation.

We love that this crate is another top traveling pick, but this one meets USDA & IATA requirements for transporting your pooch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dachshunds Be Crate Trained?

Yes, you can crate train your Dachshund, and it is a valuable tool for all dogs and their families. Not only will it give your pup their own safe space to unwind, but it can also reduce anxiety in dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. Crate training your Weiner can be a long process as many whine in their crate at first, but it is worth it for both of you.

What Size Crate Does My Dachshund Need?

Most adult Dachshunds need a 24″ or 30″ crate, but all dogs are different. Each crate has measuring instructions, so follow these before choosing a size.

Most crates require you to measure your Dachshund’s length from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail (not the end) and add two to four inches. To measure their height, have them sit and measure them from the floor to the top of their head. Add two to four inches to get the necessary height of the crate. It’s essential to check if there’s a weight limit too.

How Long Can I Leave My Dachshund In Their Crate?

Crates are not for containing your dog for long periods and should not be left there for longer than a few hours during the day. If you have to leave them for longer, try gating a room and leaving their crate door open. Of course, many Dachshunds sleep in their crate overnight. If this is the case, ensure you take them out last thing at night before sleep and when you wake up.

Can I Take These Crates On Airplanes?

To fly with your Dachshund, you need a sturdy crate that is airline approved. Some airlines have a provision for small dogs to travel as carry-ons in soft-sided carriers, but this is not always the case. Always check with your airline for up-to-date guidance because animal transport rules are subject to change. And not all airlines have the same rules.

Final Thoughts

Crate training can be a long process, especially for dogs prone to separation anxiety like Dachshunds. But it is a worthwhile exercise because it gives your pup a safe space to recharge their batteries. And it gives you peace of mind that they are not running riot around your home when you are not there. Crate training your pooch means that you can also travel with them without any issues.

Picking a top-quality crate is vital to successful training because if they don’t feel comfortable in it, or it isn’t durable and safe, it’s no good. Pick the best one for your needs using all the information in the buying guide. All options above are Weiner approved, and we hope we have helped you find the best crate for your Dachshund.