5 Best Dog Crates For Chihuahuas In 2024

Today, the Chihuahua’s friendly personality makes them the perfect companion. When they aren’t following you around outside, your Chihuahua is probably lounging around the house. If you’re planning to adopt a Chihuahua or already have, one item you’ll need is a crate.

Despite some of the controversy surrounding crate training, organizations like the Humane Society still recommend it. Typically, your biggest challenge as an owner won’t be deciding whether or not to buy your Chihuahua a kennel—it will be finding the right one.

Luckily, you don’t have to go through the shopping process alone. Below, we’ve reviewed the best Chihuahua crates and answered some of the most frequently asked questions that Chihuahua owners have.

Overall Best Dog Crates For Chihuahuas

Here’s the best of the best:

Best Overall-JESPET Pets Soft-Sided Crate

When you’re on the go, convenience and safety are your major priorities. Fortunately, the JESPET Pets Soft-Sided Crate manages to take care of both. With a steel tube frame that holds the soft kennel together, there’s no complicated set up with this product. When you’re done using it, the crate has a collapsible design that makes it easy to store.

The durable material is also designed to ward off aggressive chewers and resist tearing or ripping. Keep in mind that, if your Chihuahua has an accident inside the crate, it’s not a big deal: there’s a waterproof base and the cover is machine washable.

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4 More Highly Rated Dog Crates For Chihuahuas

Here’s five more of the best Chihuahua crates on the market:

ECOFLEX End Table Covered Decorative Dog & Cat Crate

Most crates only serve one purpose: to confine your Chihuahua. The ECOFLEX End Table Covered Decorative Dog & Cat Crate, however, is multifunctional. Not only can you use it to keep your pup confined, but it also doubles as a flat surface to rest your feet or other objects on.

One unique advantage of this crate is, on top of working indoors, you can also take it on the go too. If you and your Chihuahua need to go anywhere, all you need to do is take the wooden panels off and pick the kennel up.

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Pet Gear Generation II Soft Crate

Wooden crates might be stylish, but they can be a hassle to transport or move around. Fortunately, that’s where the Pet Gear Generation II Soft Crate comes in. With durable material and a steel tube frame that keeps the crate upright, not even aggressive chewers will be able to take a chunk of this product.

There’s also a removable fleece pad and waterproof mat to make sure your Chihuahua is comfortable (and doesn’t leave permanent odors behind from accidents). There are three different doors your Chihuahua can walk in and out of as well as two storage pouches for you to use.

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Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series Indoor & Outdoor Crate

For a convenient crate that will allow you to take your Chihuahua anywhere he needs to go, the Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series Indoor & Outdoor Crate might be the best choice.

With multiple doors for your Chihuahua to enter and exit from and a sturdy steel frame, not even the most aggressive chewers will be able to cause a dent in this product. There are rounded corners on the crate so that it doesn’t damage your vehicle or home during transport. While he’s inside, your Chihuahua will still be able to peer out of the mesh panels and get a clear view of his surroundings.

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Petmate Compass Kennel

Some crates can take hours to set up and assemble but construction isn’t an issue with the Petmate Compass Kennel. With a quick-latch design that lets you securely lock your pup inside, not even the sneakiest escape artists will be able to pull a disappearing act with this product.

Unlike some crates, there’s increased ventilation so your pup won’t feel like their airflow is restricted or affected while they’re inside. One convenient advantage of this product is that it also meets most airline requirements. There’s no reason why your Chihuahua can’t go on adventures with you.

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 Related: Best Harnesses for Chihuahuas

What Is A Good Crate Size For Chihuahuas?

Although it can vary depending on your Chihuahua’s individual measurements and age, most Chihuahuas use a thirty-six-inch crate. Measurement-wise, it may seem as if your Chihuahua only needs a thirty-inch crate, but it may benefit you to buy the larger size. Since many Chihuahuas like to spread their hind legs out when they lay down, the bigger crate lets them do so.

Keep in mind that, barring special circumstances, you probably don’t want to purchase a crate any bigger than thirty-six inches. Doing so will only encourage your Chihuahua to use the bathroom inside.

What To Look For In A Good Crate For Chihuahuas

Transportation is always a concern when you’re thinking about buying a crate. Even if you don’t intend to take your Chihuahua on frequent trips, chances are you’ll need to haul them back and forth from the vet at some point. In that case, you’ll need a portable crate. Most of the time, plastic crates or soft kennels include handles and are easy to transport.

Sizing is also a big deal. Finding a crate that fits the Chihuahua’s unique measurements can be a challenge, but one way to save a few bucks is by looking for kennels that include divider panels. Divider panels allow you to confine your Chihuahua to one part of the cage until they’re big enough to use the entire thing. Some owners may choose to use divider panels if they know their Chihuahua is still growing.

You’ll also want a crate that’s easy to clean. While wire cages with removable cleaning trays or plastic kennels tend to be the easiest to wipe down, a wooden crate or soft kennel can be a little trickier. If you know cleanliness is going to be an issue, it’s a good idea to look at the product’s description and see if the manufacturer has taken any specific steps to make the cleaning process more convenient.

Different Types Of Dog Crates For Chihuahuas

For a friendly, low-maintenance breed like the Chihuahua, many owners choose to use a soft kennel. Unlike wire cages or plastic carriers, a soft kennel uses thick fabric and mesh panels to provide your pup with a comfier place to relax and sleep. While soft kennels can be easier to store, they can also be less durable too. If your Chihuahua is an aggressive chewer, a soft kennel may not be the best choice.

A much better option may be a wire cage. Wire cages may look like inhumane at first glance, but most Chihuahuas end up loving these crates since they provide plenty of visibility and ventilation. Even if your pup is confined, they’ll still be able to see their surroundings. Another positive is that if your Chihuahua tries to chew on the bars, they probably won’t cause any damage.

Plastic carriers are another choice. If you plan on your taking your Chihuahua to the vet or out of town with you, plastic carriers are typically the most convenient crate to travel with. These durable kennels shelter your Chihuahua from the outside world and usually include handles so that you can pick the container up.

Tips For Crate Training Chihuahuas

You might have all the knowledge you need to start shopping, but that doesn’t mean you understand what to do with a crate once you have one. If you’re new to crate training, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. The crate should never be used as a punishment or “time-out” for bad behavior. If your Chihuahua begins to think of their crate as the place they go when they misbehave, they’ll never walk inside voluntarily. Not to mention, putting your Chi in a “time-out” is unlikely to be an effective way to stop bad habits.
2. Try feeding your Chihuahua a few of their meals inside the crate. To get your Chihuahua to start associating positive experiences with the crate, one thing you can do is give your pup a few of their meals inside the crate. Don’t be surprised if your Chihuahua starts climbing inside the kennel whenever they think it’s time to eat.
3. Place the kennel in a spot of your home where you or your family spends a lot of time. It might seem natural to put the crate somewhere that’s “out of the way”, but doing so will only make your Chihuahua feel isolated from his family. Instead, try putting the kennel somewhere in the house where you or your family spend a lot of time. Not only will it make your Chihuahua feel better about crate time, but they may end up going inside more voluntarily.
4. Lure your Chihuahua inside the cage with a few of his favorite tasty treats. If your Chihuahua doesn’t seem too interested in getting inside their crate, one thing you can do is put a few of their tasty treats in it. Chances are, your Chihuahua will decide to give it a second glance.
5. Let your Chihuahua stay inside the crate for at least thirty minutes before you try crating him for extended periods. It’s not a good idea to put your Chihuahua in the crate and then leave the house if your Chihuahua has never been inside for a long time. A good rule of thumb is to wait until your pup can quietly stay in the kennel for thirty minutes before you try leaving him home alone.
6. Let your Chihuahua discover the crate by himself. Instead of trying to force your Chihuahua inside the crate, it’s usually better to let your pup find it himself. Most dogs are naturally curious anyway. Forcing him inside will only cause anxiety, and make him less likely to climb inside voluntarily.
7. If you want your Chihuahua to go inside the crate when you command him to, try using positive reinforcement. Every time your Chihuahua gets in without having to be put in, give your pup a treat. Sooner or later, your Chihuahua will start to connect the dots and realize that getting inside the crate equals treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Stop Crate Training?

There isn’t an exact time frame for when you should stop crate training your Chihuahua. While some owners choose to stop training as soon as their Chihuahua grows out of the chewing stage, others may not stop for at least a year. Since these are relatively low-energy dogs, you may be able to stop crate training after six months (or whenever you can trust your Chi not to destroy the house).

How Long Can My Chihuahua Be In The Crate?

If your Chihuahua is still a puppy (especially one that’s being house trained), you shouldn’t leave him in the kennel for more than three or four hours at a time. Adult Chihuahuas may be able to hold their bowels for longer, but dogs that are crated for several hours regularly may begin to feel anxious or isolated.

Is It Cruel To Crate Train A Pet?

As long as you crate train your Chihuahua correctly and only crate your pup when it’s necessary, crate training is not cruel or inhumane. Some owners may use crates as a way to keep their Chihuahuas locked up all the time, and that practice in itself can be cruel.

Why Should I Crate Train My Chihuahua?

Crate training your Chihuahua can be a matter of safety. While you’re running errands, the last thing you want to think about is your Chihuahua destroying the house or accidentally injuring himself. Besides that, crate training can also teach your pup they have somewhere safe to go when they want to relax.

When Should I Put My Chihuahua In The Crate?

If you’re afraid your Chihuahua will destroy the house while you’re out for a few hours, it might be an appropriate time to put your pup in the kennel.

Conclusion

You’ve got all the information you need—which means it might be time to at least start thinking about purchasing your Chihuahua a crate. If all the choices available seem overwhelming, try checking out of the best Chihuahua crates that we’ve highlighted for you above.