Even today, Pugs are a sought after breed, and often a popular choice for people who live in cities. Unlike some toy breeds, Pugs are almost always up for an adventure and they’ll gladly follow you wherever you go.
However, if you do go somewhere your Pug can’t follow, you probably won’t want to leave them unattended (at least, not for the first couple of months). Many Pug owners choose to invest in a crate not only because it prevents their dog from tearing the house apart, but because it also gives their pup somewhere to relax and lie down.
That being said, finding the right crate for your Pug can be difficult. Along with sizing, you also have to worry about the different types of crates out there. Fortunately, you don’t need to be confused—we’ve compiled all the information you need about the best Pug crates below.
Many Pugs end up weighing around twenty-four to twenty-eight pounds. Depending on the age of your pup, you may end up needing a crate that’s twenty-four inches long (or even thirty). In many cases, this ends up being the medium or intermediate size.
However, you should never purchase a crate without first measuring your Pug’s height and width. Many brands recommend that you add two to three inches onto the measurements you get so that your Pug will have enough room to move around inside their kennel.
Crates that are too big may end up only encouraging your Pug to use the bathroom while those that are too small can leave your pup in a cramped position for hours at a time.
Your Pug has specific needs, which is why it’s important to know exactly what to look for in a good crate.
Comfort is always a concern for crates. Although your Pug might not be able to leave the crate if you close the door, you still want to ensure they’re comfortable. Kennels that come with crate mats or allow you to place pillows and blankets on the bottom tend to be much comfier for your pets to rest in than those that don’t.
Where you live is another concern. If you plan on leaving the crate outside for any length of time or live in humid conditions, a wire cage might be your best option since it provides plenty of ventilation for your Pug. Travel-wise, pet carriers tend to be much more convenient if you plan to take your Pug on the go.
It might not seem like a huge deal, but you’ll want a crate that’s easy to clean. Not only could your Pug have an accident inside the crate, but unless the kennel is cleaned on a regular basis, it may develop an odor. While wire cages are typically easier to clean, plastic cages tend to be more difficult. Try looking for products that take explicit measures to make the cleaning process easier.
Although it may depend on the circumstances, many owners end up choosing a wire cage for their Pug. Not only will a wire crate give your Pug all the airflow and ventilation they need in hot or humid weather but aggressive chewers won’t be able to bend or break these crates either.
However, wire cages can often leave your Pug exposed—which can be an issue if you’re traveling. In that case, many owners decide to use a plastic crate instead. Plastic crates use sturdy material but are lightweight so that you can easily pull and haul them wherever you need to go.
One downside to a plastic cage, however, is that they aren’t always as easy to clean. Unlike wire crates, which use removable trays, some plastic kennels may need to be scrubbed down.
The last option is a wooden crate. While they won’t fare well outside, wooden crates will fit almost anywhere inside the house. These sleek, stylish kennels usually complement most home decor as well and come in a variety of different sizes, colors, and styles for you to pick from.
Now that you understand the different types of kennels, it’s time to look at the best Pug crates on the market.
Although wooden cages may not be the best option if you plan to travel with your Pug, the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Dog Crate could be an ideal addition to your home. Not only does this crate includes a flawless veneer surface that’s smooth to the touch (and comfortable for your Pug), but it also has an easy setup as well.
One advantage of this crate has over other options is its “gate mode”. If you need to, you can transform this kennel into a gate that will section off areas of your home or apartment.
One may not be enough—which is why we’ve taken the time to highlight five more of the best Pug crates out there.
Although not all wire cages are designed for portability or travel, the MidWest iCrate Double Door Fold & Carry Dog Crate is. With two different doors that make clean-up easier, this kennel is all about convenience and safety.
Not only can you easily remove the composite plastic pan whenever your Pug has an accident, but the rounded corners inside of the kennel will prevent your pup from getting injured on a sharp corner. If you need to transport your Pug anywhere, the slide bolt latch ensures your Pug will stay inside the crate (and the door won’t accidentally open).
When you need to transport your Pug from place to place, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is the way to go. With three zippered doors and locking mechanisms, there’s no way your Pug will be able to pull a disappearing act.
While secure, the crate also won’t compromise your pup’s ventilation or airflow—it includes durable mesh panels so that your Pug can breathe as much as they need to. Those doors also include straps so that you can open them up and access your Pug anytime you need to.
For a crate that can help you transport your Pug from place to place without any hassle, the SportPet Pop Open Kennel Dog Crate might be exactly what you and your pup need. Unlike some crates, which end up sliding all over your backseat while you drive, this one includes safety straps so that you can secure the kennel to the seat you place it on.
If your Pug happens to have an accident while you’re out and about, there’s no reason to throw the crate away (or spend hours scrubbing it). All you need to do is place it in your washing machine and then let it air-dry before your Pug uses it again.
While a wire cage can usually provide the best airflow, these open crates can also make your Pug feel anxious and overexposed. When you’re traveling, wire cages may not even meet safety regulations.
Fortunately, your Pug can have all the security he needs without sacrificing ventilation with the Petmate Ruff Maxx Kennel for Dogs. While it uses a durable plastic shell that can keep your Pug from escaping, there are holes on all sides of the crate. What many owners love is that the crate also meets the IATA and USDA travel requirements.
Although your Pug would happily trot alongside you, there may be a more convenient way to transport your pup: the GoPetClub Soft Portable Pet Home. While this soft kennel uses a lamb floor pad for maximum comfort, it’s also designed for durability too.
The heavy-duty polyester helps prevent the risk of rips and tears while the water-resistant material ensures there’s no lasting damage from accidents or spills. There’s even a screen mesh door so that your Pug can peer outside without being too exposed. When you need to store it, this crate folds up to less than two-inches thick.
Related: Best Dog Carriers For Pugs
Just because you know what type of crate to buy or what to look for doesn’t mean you understand how to crate train your Pug. Follow these tips to ensure you’re doing things safely and correctly:
In most cases, your Pug can stay in a crate for up to three or four hours. For dogs that are any younger than six months, leaving them in for hours can produce feelings of anxiety and depression. Once your Pug is old enough to be trusted, going inside the crate should be a voluntary choice.
Despite what some dog owners may say, crate training your Pug is not cruel (if you do it correctly). As long as you stick to the crate training tips, your pup’s kennel can be a safe space for them.
Puppies who are left unattended may end up tearing apart your house. Not to mention, your Pug will need somewhere they can comfortably relax after a tiring play session or a long day. While it may be a challenge at first, crate training your Pug can benefit both you and your Pug in the long-term.
If you plan to leave the house for an hour or two and can’t trust your Pug not to destroy the house, it may be a smart idea to put your pup in his crate. In some cases, owners may choose to put their Pugs in a crate if they’re having important guests over as well. However, once your Pug gets a little older, it’s a good idea to limit the amount of involuntary time your Pug spends in his crate.
You should only purchase crates that give your Pug a few inches of room on every side. Anything bigger may encourage your pup to use the kennel as their personal restroom.
You’ve got your tips and recommendations—which may mean it’s time to start searching for the right crate for your Pug. However, if you’re still confused about where you should begin the process (or just have questions), don’t feel shy about trying one of the products that we’ve listed for you above.