Best Dog Crates For Yorkies: Kennel Types, Sizes & More

Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies as they are more commonly known, are energetic, intelligent, inquisitive dogs. Though they are incredibly small, they have huge personalities. Their tiny size makes them popular for families and people living in apartments or smaller homes. It might be hard to believe that the giant personality of the Yorkie fits into a body that only reaches 4 to 7 pounds. Their status as one of the smallest dogs in the world also makes them incredibly popular. This tiny size also makes crate training an advisable idea for this breed. Finding the best crates for Yorkies is essential, as these little dogs must be kept safe and also have a high prey drive, meaning they like to chase after other animals.

Crate training a Yorkie is very beneficial, as it provides a place where he can feel secure, safe, and comfortable. This keeps him safe at night and when owners need to be away during the day. Finding the best crate for your Yorkie is important, and owners must keep a few things in mind before starting. While it might seem that all dog crates are the same, there are some notable differences.

Crate training is a process that should start when your Yorkie is young, and finding the perfect crate is the first step. Different kinds are available, from standard metal to fabric, plastic, and wooden. We look at some of the top choices available to help make the process easier.

At A Glance: Our Favorite Dog Crates For Yorkies

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Buyer’s Guide

When choosing a crate for your Yorkie, several features must be taken into consideration. Firstly, look for something that is the right size for your Yorkie. Secondly, consider the type of kennel that would best suit your lifestyle and your Yorkie’s needs. Thirdly, consider the materials used and the level of durability required.

A little more goes into picking the right kennel than simply having a place to contain your pet. We have created a guide to help you find the best crate for your Yorkie pup.

Purpose

What is the reason behind buying this new kennel? Will this be the main area for your pet? If that is the case, it needs to be large enough for your dog to be comfortable and move around in, durable, and fit in the area in your home you have available. Look at a wire or hard-sided option if this is your pup’s main sleeping area.

If you need this carrier to transport your dog, a soft-sided option might be more appropriate for car travel. If you plan on flying with your dog, you may need an airline-approved travel carrier. Not every crate suits every purpose, so it is essential to remember why you are buying this and what it will be used for.

Construction

Construction and durability are essential considerations. Yorkies, like many other small dogs, have a talent for escaping. They can fit through tiny openings, which owners must consider when picking a kennel. Wire crates have spaces that get larger the bigger the kennel. A crate should be durable as Yorkies can get agitated and may suffer separation anxiety, leading to some destructive behaviors.

The option you pick must be constructed well. High-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship are critical. A poorly built product can pose a safety risk for dogs, especially those that may chew at the bars or try to escape.

Size

Choosing the right size crate for your Yorkie is crucial for their comfort and safety. A too-small kennel can be uncomfortable and cause your pup to feel cramped, while one too-large can make them feel insecure and anxious. The ideal size for any Yorkie should be big enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. For most Yorkies, a 22-inch to 24-inch size will work best. It is very important to avoid getting anything that is too large. Your dog may not feel safe or secure in it and may decide to use the bathroom inside it if there is enough room.

Owners must also consider how much room it will take up in their home, if it is easily portable, and where to store it. Some options come with removable dividers, which are very beneficial. When looking for a new kennel, measure your pet from his nose to the base of his tail. Then add three to four inches of extra space to determine the correct size.

Access

Crates must have an easily accessible entrance and exit. They most often come with one or two doors. Some dogs and owners prefer one entry, though two doors provide easier access. Yorkshire Terriers are incredibly small, so they must be able to get into it easily. Those with a lifted lip at the door or other obstruction might be difficult to navigate. This goes for any breed or size of dog.

Yorkshire Terriers are prone to developing a luxating patella, where their kneecap slides about. This can be very painful. They are also prone to a degenerative hip condition known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease. If your dog is suffering from these issues, or others like arthritis or hip dysplasia, or is overweight, they may have difficulty getting into a kennel that doesn’t have a wide, accessible opening. This may make them lose interest in it altogether.

Comfort

Comfort is another significant consideration. You want this to be a comfortable, cozy space in which your Yorkie will feel at home. Most wire options come with a removable bottom that can help prevent spills and accidents on your floor, but it’s not very comfortable to lay on. Some will come with pads or mattresses, and there are also additional products owners can purchase.

It is also essential that a kennel has suitable ventilation and temperature control. You do not want your pint-sized Yorkie to get too cold or overheated. This means that any product you purchase should have some way to allow air to flow in and out.

Kennel training is essential for Yorkies for several reasons. Firstly, it provides them with a safe and secure space they can call their own. This can help reduce anxiety and stress, especially when left alone at home. Secondly, it can help prevent destructive behaviors such as chewing and digging. Yorkies are energetic dogs and need plenty of exercise, but they can also become bored and destructive if left alone for too long.

Crate training also helps with potty training. Yorkies are small dogs with small bladders, so they must go out frequently. By training your Yorkie, you can teach them to hold their bladder and go outside on a regular schedule. This can help prevent accidents inside the house and make potty training easier.

Types Of Crates:

• Wire-sided – Wire-sided crates are durable, sturdy, well-ventilated, and provide maximum visibility. These are generally easy to clean, though some may be hard to move. Many now come foldable, making them easier to move around.
• Soft and fabric-sided – Soft-sided crates are lightweight and easy to move around, making them ideal for indoor use. These have great ventilation and are comfortable. They are also comfortable and easily folded and stored, but they are less durable than wire or plastic crates.
• Hard-sided plastic – Plastic crates are lightweight and easy to transport, making them ideal for traveling. They provide good insulation and are easy to clean but less durable than wire crates.
• Wooden – Wooden kennels are durable and often more aesthetic as they look like furniture. These feel less like a cage and more like a tiny little house for your pup.

Best Crates For Yorkies

Now that you know what to look for when picking the best crate for a Yorkie, we want to explore some of our top picks. Make sure to consider the elements pointed out in our buying guide to help make the best choice for your sweet Yorkie pup. There are several options to choose from, so let’s get into the details.

This MidWest Homes For Pets Life Stages metal crate is a highly reviewed, well-constructed wire option. This one is constructed from heavy-duty steel wire and is exceptionally durable and solid. There are many things we like, starting with durability.

This comes with a leak pan and pan stop, which is helpful. It also features padded feet and rounded corners, which help prevent damage to your home and injury to both pets and humans. It also features a paw-stop and lock-in-place locking tip. This is very helpful if you have one of those clever Yorkies who can work a lock. Additionally, it’s available with both a single and double door. One door is on the short side, and one entry is on the long side. This option has several sizes, though we recommend the 22 to 24-inch for most Yorkies. The 22-inch suits up to 12 pounds. The 24-inch can support up to 25 pounds.

We love that this comes with so many helpful features. Along with rounded corners and padded feet, it has a divider allowing you to split the kennel into two different spaces. It also has a carrying handle. Overall, this is an excellent, very sturdy choice for your Yorkie. Add some blankets and pillows to create a cozy space where they will be happy to curl up and snooze in.

We like this one as a portable option because it is suitable for transporting your pet to the vet or for a five-day camping trip in the mountains. This one is durable, breathable, comfortable, and easy to move. It is made from durable, washable 600D polyester oxford fabric. This one features scratch-resistant, well-ventilated mesh and a detachable and washable cover. Additionally, the inner frame uses strong, lightweight steel tubing for support. This option is easy to assemble and very portable, as it comes with shoulder and hand straps. Both straps are removable.

This kennel allows your pup to see out and be part of what is happening around them, enabling owners an easy view inside. It also comes with a removable dog pad, making it more comfortable. The product is available in five sizes and four different colors. It works inside the house, in the car, in the backyard, and in the great outdoors.

We love that this crate is so durable and has a use in many settings. Additionally, it has three different entrance doors, making it very accessible for the tiny yet mighty Yorkie. Though this is a soft kennel, it’s very durable and quite sturdy. Mesh is included on five different sides and is very ventilated, and dogs will feel comfortable and secure but not closed in.

We like this option for many reasons. It is durable and doubles as an elegant side or end table. This one is designed to provide comfort to your pet but also to look like a piece of furniture that fits in with your living room. It also comes with a soft, removable dog bed. This one is recommended for dogs under 20 pounds. However, the top can hold up to 120 pounds. This is a wonderful option for smaller homes or owners who need to utilize every bit of space.

This kennel has double doors and good ventilation, which is very important. The product uses durable wire and has a secure sliding lock. This one is available in multiple sizes as well. Straightforward to assemble, and owners appreciate the furniture-like style and extra storage space. Inside, it feels cozy and secure, allowing dogs to see out without feeling too closed in.

We love the craftsmanship and durability of this kennel. We also really appreciate the aesthetic and that no comfort is sacrificed. Additionally, including a soft dog bed to go inside means dogs can be comfortable as soon as it is assembled.

We like this hard-sided carrier for several reasons. It’s heavy-duty, airline-approved, waterproof, and very durable. Also very easy for owners to assemble and suitable for dogs of all life stages. This comes in several sizes, including small, but we recommend the medium for most Yorkies. The medium size will support up to 11 pounds and includes two feeding bowls.

Additionally, the medium size comes with removable wheels, making this an excellent choice for traveling. The wheels make it very easy to move, which is helpful, especially for owners who may have difficulty transporting their pets. The wheels make it much easier to transport your pet from one place to the next. The only size that does not come with wheels is small. The medium size has an easily accessible wire door.

We love the durability of this design, which also makes it very easy to clean. The addition of wheels makes this a winner in our book, as transporting pets from home to car, to the vet, and elsewhere can be cumbersome and complex for some pet owners, especially those who may experience mobility issues.

This is a wonderful choice for Yorkies because it feels less like a crate and more like a house. Additionally, it doubles as an end table. This is available in various colors and sizes. For the Yorkie, a small size would be best. This kennel uses non-toxic recycled plastic wood polymer composite material. This material does not warp, split, or crack. The spindles of the kennel are stainless steel tubing, and it features a stainless-steel latch.

This provides a secure spot for your pet to relax without feeling like they are being kept in a cage. This one allows pets to see out and fits in just about everywhere. The door latches are made to be very secure and unable to be wiggled open by your pet. In addition, the material does not fade and will outlast many other materials. This is also very easy to clean. Simply wipe it out with a damp cloth. Add a mattress or dog pad for optimal comfort.

We love the design of this one as well as the fact that it is made from material that does not absorb odors. This one works best for adult dogs who are well-trained. It may not withstand the heavy-duty chewing of some puppies. We also appreciate the use of reclaimed wood and plastic, making this an environmentally friendly product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a Yorkie stay crated?

Yorkies have small bladders and need to go outside frequently, so it is essential not to leave them in a kennel for too long. Generally, adult Yorkies can be crated for up to six hours at a time, while puppies should not be left for more than two to three hours.

Do Yorkies like crates?

Yorkies like feeling secure, and a kennel provides them with a safe spot that is their very own. With the proper training, Yorkies will be perfectly comfortable and happy in their crates. Adding blankets, toys, and treats will make a kennel more enticing to your pup. Yorkies love burrowing under blankets, so placing a soft, fuzzy one in their kennel s a wonderful idea.

What size crate should a Yorkie be in?

A Yorkie needs a crate that is at least 22 inches. Between 22 and 24 inches will work best. Make sure to measure your dog and provide a few inches of extra room so they can comfortably move about, stretch, and lay down.

Final Thoughts

Crate training is a process, and it will take some time for your Yorkie to be comfortable with their new area. It is worth putting in the extra effort and time, as it is essential that your pup has a safe, secure place to sleep and be when you are not home.

Make sure to let your pup out to use the restroom regularly, and provide plenty of treats, blankets, and toys. It is crucial to pick a top-quality crate at the beginning of your training process. You want to ensure the crate is comfortable, durable, and safe. Hopefully, the options we have presented above helps you find the best crate for your Yorkie.