Best Dog Crates For Chihuahuas: Ratings, Reviews, & Crate Sizes

Looking for the best dog crate for your Chihuahua? Finding a perfectly sized dog crate for your pint-sized pup can be challenging. In fact, many dog owners don’t like the idea of putting their beloved friends in a crate at all. But once you’ve started to crate train, you’ll realize just how useful they really are.

For training, for a good night’s sleep for Fido, and peace of mind for you, there are many reasons why your Chihuahua needs a crate in his life. But before purchasing a crate, you’ll need to figure out what your budget is, what type of crate you need, and what size to get your pup. There are also many different dog crate manufacturers and models to choose from, making it even more confusing.

In our buyer’s guide, you’ll find all the important factors you should consider before making a purchase, including material construction, budget, and more. We’ve also gone in-depth and reviewed our top picks. Let’s continue on to find your Chihuahua the perfect dog crate!

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Buyer’s Guide

It’s vital to understand exactly how to choose the best dog crate for your Chihuahua. What might be the best choice for one small dog might not be suitable for another. Before we jump in and review our favorites, we’ve compiled an in-depth buying guide so that you know how to choose the best option for your pint-sized pup.

Crate Purpose

Firstly, ask yourself what this crate is for? This reason will determine what type of crate you choose. If it’s somewhere for him to sleep and rest, you can choose a simple wired crate. Or you can opt for a more stylish furniture crate that functions as a crate, but looks more like furniture.

If it’s for traveling, you will want to select a soft-sided crate that is portable and easy to carry. The perfect crate for a car will ideally be crash-tested. If you fly with your dog frequently, you’ll need to look for an Airline approved travel carrier or kennel, which has different requirements than a standard wire dog crate.

Crate Construction

Most Chihuahuas aren’t large dogs. This means your pup probably doesn’t need a super-strength crate compared to the crate you’d buy for a German Shepherd. But equally, this doesn’t mean that you can make do with a poorly designed and cheaply constructed crate. Chihuahuas are feisty, and if he realizes he can get out, he probably will. So you need a high-quality crate that will keep him secure, and avoid bad behaviors.

If you are seeking a metal crate, look for a sturdy and robust crate that describes itself as ‘heavy-duty.’ Most crates will have clips that slide into place. Metal crates are usually collapsible, which means you can transport it around. Many crates also come with a removable tray, which makes it more comfortable to lay on compared to wire and easy to clean.

You also need to think about access. Some crates come with a single point of entry, but some come with double doors. Double doors are ideal for those who will use this crate in vehicles and have easier positioning for home use. If you opt for a soft-sided crate, look for an access window with a zippable lock, rather than velcro, for extra security.

Crate Size

As mentioned, most Chihuahuas are small. The size of the crate you get is key to a happy Chi. If it’s too small, he’ll feel uncomfortable and will not get into it. Equally, if it’s too big, he won’t feel secure or treat it as his safe space. Instead, he’ll treat it as a big enough space for him to be naughty in, as well as maybe use it as his pooping ground.

A typical Chihuahua will only weigh up to six pounds in weight, and he only measures up to eight inches tall. But, be sure to measure your Chi before ordering your crate, and each product will have its own size specs too. Usually, a small-sized crate will be the right size for your pup, unless your dog is on the small side. Small crates run at least 24 inches in length.

Crate Comfort

Comfort is also an essential factor to consider. Some of our recommendations below come with a comfy foam fleece-lined bed. But some do not, and the sassy Chihuahua will not want to lay on a hard plastic base. And it also isn’t healthy for him to do either. If the crate doesn’t come with a base, you need to look for a simple bed to slide into the crate.

Our Favorite Crates For Chihuahuas

Hopefully, now you have a much better idea about how to choose a crate for your Chihuahua. in this next section, we highlight our favorite dog crates that are ideal for the Chihuahua’s smaller body.

Keep in mind, that if your dog is younger, it’s best to look at a crate that comes equipped with a divider. This will allow you to use them when they are young, but also as they mature. Let’s take a look in more detail at each dog crate (in no particular order) and why they’ve made our list of favorites.

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This wire crate is as simple as they come, but it is super robust and sturdy. Made with thicker metal, it is Frisco’s heavy-duty option. This is ideal for the super sassy Chihuahua, who likes to make good his escape when you leave him to his own devices. The wire has black electro-coating, making it more durable and made to last longer.

It has two doors, so it will fit into almost any space in your home, both with secure locking. This crate comes with a divider panel, and it also has a removable plastic tray for easy cleaning. Assembly is easy, and you don’t need any tools. And you can collapse it, click it in place, and take it wherever you need, and it also has a handle too.

We love that this crate includes a divider panel, which allows you to adjust the size as he grows older. This makes it a great first option for puppy Chihuahuas.

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This is another wired crate, which also offers a double-door setup. Meaning that no matter what space you want to fit it into, he will be able to get in and out with no problems. But this isn’t just a crate, it offers the whole shebang. This means if you are just setting up with your new Chihuahua puppy, this is a fantastic and convenient option.

This product also comes with a one-year limited warranty, so you can be sure that everything included is of good quality. The bed is fleece-lined, meaning that it offers a super soft comfort that feels warm on his paws and nose. And the crate cover provides an extra layer of security that most dogs crave. Both are machine washable for an easy clean.

We love that this crate offers you the whole set – the crate, the crate cover, two attachable bowls, and the inner fleece bed.

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This crate is a soft-side option, making it ideal for traveling around with your Chihuahua. It has a handle on the top for your ease, and it folds down into a carry case for easy transport. It is made with heavy-duty material both inside and out, so he will feel secure as you carry him. The material is also water-resistant, meaning the rain will not phase his new hairdo.

The base is made with foam and is fleece lined for his comfort. Each side has a meshed window panel with covers. Which is ideal for climate control to prevent your Chihuahua from feeling too stuffy. It also has subtle storage pockets for all of his traveling essentials and four ground stakes for sturdiness. The door is zippable for his security too.

We love that this crate is made with water-resistant material and four ground stakes. Making it an excellent option for those who like to take their Chi on adventures such as camping or the beach.

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This is another soft-side crate option that comes in a beautiful two-tone color scheme. But the material isn’t just pretty, it is also made with nylon, and it is wire-framed, which makes it a heavy-duty crate. The material is water-resistant and easy to clean with a damp cloth. The foam base is lined with faux sheepskin for ultimate comfort, and the bed cover is machine washable.

Each side has a large meshed window, meaning that you can control the ventilation to keep your Chi comfortable. The entry window is zippable for your control. There are two pockets for storage and a strong handle for you to carry him. This soft-sided crate comes with a limited lifetime warranty. This means you can be sure that it is made with the best materials and craftsmanship.

We love that this soft-sided crate comes in bright colors for the fashion-conscious Chihuahua.

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This is the best option for those Chihuahua owners who do not like the sight of crates in their house but know that they need one. This crate combines style with function, and together they create a comfortable crate for your Chi to rest his head. It is made with solid wood veneer and metal rods. The door is hinged, and it slides across completely, meaning it doesn’t stick out.

It is stylish and simple and will match every décor, and it comes in black or white. It doubles up as an end table too, and it can take up to 300 pounds in weight. With the solid wood, it can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. Slide your Chi’s bed into it, and he’ll sleep the night away in style and comfort. Tools are included for you to set it up, and although it is quite big, it gives those Chi’s who are claustrophobic the space to stretch.

We love that this crate looks like house furniture, making it a stylish option for the home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it a good idea to crate train my Chihuahua?

Yes, crate training is a useful tool for all dogs and their families. Not only will it give your Chihuahua his own space to go to, but it is also known to reduce anxiety in dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. The Chihuahua is one of those dogs. It also gives you peace of mind for those times when you have to leave him home alone.

How do I measure my Chihuahua for a crate?

Dimensions are typically given in inches and represented by length, width, and height. To get the ideal length size, measure your Chihuahua from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail (not the end of his tail), and add two to four inches.

To measure his height, get him to sit with his bottom to the floor and measure from his paws to the top of his head. Again, add two to four inches. Many crates also come with a weight limit, but thankfully, you only have a few pounds to worry about.

Can I take these crates on airplanes?

Potentially. But, every airline will have its own crate guidance, so you must check with them first before booking your Chihuahua a seat. If you travel a lot and your Chi is going to join you, you might want to check your favorite airline’s guidance before purchasing a crate. There are several Airline-Approved dog carriers that will meet most airline safety standards.

Can you stack crates?

No. You should not stack crates, not even with the tiny Chihuahua. Accidents happen, and should they happen when there is no one home, it could be a fatal mistake for your Chihuahua. So, please never stack crates.

How long should my Chihuahua stay in a crate?

Never put your Chihuahua in a crate for more than a few hours. Otherwise, he will become anxious, and it will ruin all the time and effort you have put into his training.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, after reading our Chihuahua crate guide, you are now clearer on how to choose the right crate for your Chihuahua. From the wire crate to the soft-sided crate, to a crate come furniture piece, there is something here for every Chi and every owner.

Be sure to follow our crate training advice, and he should fall in love with it in no time. The right crate can transform his daily life. It will provide your pup with their own space they can enjoy. The right crate will also reduce the potential for your pup’s anxiety when you have to leave each day.