6 Best Dog Crates for Chihuahuas in 2023

Whether they’re peeking out the side of someone’s purse or starring in movies, Chihuahuas have all the personality but in half the size.

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Historically, Chihuahuas can be traced back to lost civilizations around the world–including the Aztecs, who many historians consider responsible for breeding the Chihuahuas we’re so familiar with today.

Nowadays, Chihuahuas might not be hunting dogs or hard workers, but many dog owners consider them perfect companions. Keep in mind, however, if you plan on adopting a Chihuahua (or already have), you’re going to need a crate.

Although some crates might look like cages, these kennels can benefit for your Chihuahua in more ways than one. Along with providing your pooch somewhere they can retreat to when they need to relax, crates also keep your Chihuahua from tearing the house apart while you’re gone.

Unfortunately, finding a crate that’s right for your dog can be a challenge. Not all of them are designed for the tiny body and rambunctious personality of a Chihuahua. The good news is we know where to start–keep reading for a closer look at the best Chihuahua crates of 2023.

What is a Good Crate Size for Chihuahuas?

Although it can vary from dog to dog, many Chihuahuas require a crate that’s eighteen to twenty-four inches in length. Chihuahuas that are still puppies or end up on the smaller side may only need eighteen inches while a bigger dog may need all twenty-four.

Keep in mind that, before you buy anything, you’ll need to measure your dog. The best-fitting crates are those that have three to four inches of room horizontally and vertically. If your Chihuahua is unable to stand up without touching the top of the crate, the enclosure is too small.

However, kennels that are too big may only encourage your Chihuahua to use the bathroom inside. Most of the time, your Chihuahua shouldn’t require a cage that’s longer or taller than twenty-four inches.

What to Look for in a Good Crate for Chihuahuas

Before you buy a crate for your Chihuahua, it’s important to know what to look for. If you aren’t careful, you could end up spending money on a crate that your Chihuahua refuses to use (or just isn’t convenient).

One thing to consider is where you live. If you plan on spending a lot of time traveling, a pet carrier, or a plastic cage, might be the best option for your Chihuahua. However, if you don’t plan to take the crate anywhere but your home, a wooden kennel might be a more convenient choice.

Your Chihuahua’s personal preferences can play a large role in what kind of crate you end up buying. If your pup gets anxious about enclosed spaces and walls, a plastic cage would not be the best option. However, some Chihuahuas may feel more secure with walls–in which case, a wire cage may leave them feeling overexposed.

Don’t forget about the convenience either. While a plastic cage can be time-consuming to scrub down and clean, wire cages typically use a removable tray that you can take out and wipe down (or throw in the washing machine). When your pup first begins using the crate, keep in mind that they may end up having a few accidents.

Different Types of Dog Crates for Chihuahuas

One of the most common types of crates that Chihuahua owners use is the plastic crate. Since Chihuahuas are frequent travelers, plastic crates make it easier to transport your pup from place to place. Plastic crates also tend to be more lightweight than wire and wooden kennels, and won’t allow your Chihuahua to escape as easily either.

Wire crates, on the other hand, often resemble cages. While their appearance gives many owners hesitation, these kennels tend to be the most humane choice. Since wire cages use thin metal bars instead of slats or holes, they also provide the most ventilation too.

In hot or humid conditions, a wire kennel may be the best choice for your Chihuahua. Not to mention, many owners find they’re the easiest to clean too. Aggressive chewers may be able to gnaw through plastic or put a dent in wood but chances are, your Chihuahua’s teeth won’t be able to do much damage to metal wire.

Wooden crates aren’t typically designed for small breeds like the Chihuahua, but if you can locate one, they tend to be the most stylish option. Unlike a plastic or wire cage, a wooden cage isn’t meant to be used outside the home. Given how heavy they are to move around, many owners don’t typically use wooden crates for traveling purposes either.

Soft kennels aren’t used for every breed, but they can be especially convenient for small dogs like the Chihuahua. If you spend a lot of time hauling your Chihuahua around time or from vet visits and friends’ houses, soft kennels can make traveling easier. While lightweight, many of these soft cages include mesh panels so that your pup’s airflow isn’t restricted or decreased.

Overall Best Dog Crates for Chihuahuas

Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s talk about the best Chihuahua crates currently on the market.

Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft Dog Crate

Best Overall

Chihuahuas are always on the go, which is why it’s convenient to have a kennel like the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft Dog Crate that can work both inside and outside the home. When you’re traveling, you can secure your Chihuahua inside the crate by zipping up the three doors and using the locking mechanisms.

While the doors are shut, your Chihuahua’s airflow won’t change: the durable mesh panels ensure your pup gets plenty of ventilation. However, when you’re at home, you can unzip those doors and open them up so your Chihuahua can walk in and out of the crate whenever they want.

5 More Highly Rated Dog Crates for Chihuahuas

Why stop at one? Here are five more crates that your Chihuahua can use in everyday life.

Paws & Pals Double-Down Folding Wire Dog Crate

If you’re looking for a cage that’s all about convenience, there’s no better option than the Paws & Pals Double-Down Folding Wire Dog Crate. Unlike some options, which can be difficult to clean or scrub, this one includes a removable tray. If your Chihuahua has an accident in the kennel, all you need to do is take the tray out and clean it. When you need to store the crate, you can easily fold it up for a better fit.

Those who have an aggressive chewer might be excited to learn that this crate includes high-tensile strength steel and a durable coating to ensure the cage doesn’t rust or corrode in bad weather conditions.

GoPetClub Soft Portable Pet Home

Chihuahua owners are always looking for easy, safe ways to transport their dogs and the GoPetClub Soft Portable Pet Home may be the right choice. Although this portable kennel looks soft, it does contain heavy-duty polyester and PVC backing. While not completely waterproof, the polyester is water-resistant so that there won’t be any permanent damage if your pup has an accident.

There’s a removable lamb floor pad so that your Chihuahua can relax in comfort as well as a screen mesh door for added safety. While your Chihuahua will be able to see outside, they won’t be overexposed like they might be in a wire cage.

Petmate Ruff Maxx Kennel for Dogs

Although wire cages are a popular choice for Chihuahua owners, they can also cause your pint-sized pup to feel overexposed and anxious. In that case, the Petmate Ruff Maxx Kennel might be able to provide you with all the security you need.

With 360-degree of ventilation, your Chihuahua can feel secure without losing the kind of airflow they’d get from a wire cage. The kennel’s plastic is also designed for durability–even the most aggressive chewers would have trouble making a dent in this cage.

If you need to travel, this crate is convenient: it meets the USDA and IATA travel requirements.

SportPet Pop Open Kennel Dog Crate

When you and your Chihuahua needs to be on the go, there’s no better choice than the SportPet Pop Open Kennel. Not only can you use the safety straps to secure this kennel in most vehicles, but the zippered door will allow your Chihuahua to look outside and get as much ventilation as he needs without running the risk that your pup will escape.

When you’re done using it, the kennel easily folds down twelve inches so that you can store it anywhere you need to. Keep in mind that, if your Chihuahua happens to have an accident, cleaning this crate is not a big deal: you just need to put it inside the washing machine.

Cool Runners Pet Tube Soft Kennel Car Crate with Carrying Case

While many dog breeds do enjoy car rides, the Chihuahua isn’t always one of them. Given their small size, your pup may feel intimidated by the vehicle (or too enclosed by their kennel). Fortunately, the Cool Runners Pet Tube Soft Kennel Car Crate with Carrying Case may be able to solve that issue.

While it can keep your Chihuahua secure, the size of the tunnel will also give your pooch plenty of room to move around too. Instead of feeling trapped inside the car, your Chihuahua will feel like they’re in their own little world. The tunnel typically goes in the backseat and can be secured to the headrests using the adjustable straps.

Tips for Crate Training Chihuahuas

Now that you know what you should be looking for and have a few ideas about which crate to buy, it’s time to highlight a few tips that can come in handy while you’re crate training your Chihuahua.

  1. You shouldn’t leave your Chihuahua inside the crate for more than a couple of hours involuntarily. Not only can this make your pup anxious, but it may also end up resulting in an accident too.
  2. Don’t use the crate as a form of punishment. All this will do is teach your Chihuahua that the kennel is not a safe place.
  3. Use positive reinforcement (such as treats) to encourage your Chihuahua to voluntarily use the crate. Over time, your Chihuahua will begin to realize that the crate is a good thing.
  4. Be sure to place pillows and cushions on the bottom of the crate so your Chihuahua is as comfortable as possible.
  5. Try using command words like “crate” or “kennel” when you want your Chihuahua to go to their crate.
  6. Be sure to place the crate in an area of the house where you or your family spends a large portion of their time. If you put the crate in an isolated area, your Chihuahua is less likely to use it.
  7. Let your Chihuahua explore the crate on their own terms. Instead of shoving your pup in and closing the door, it’s a good idea to let your Chihuahua discover the kennel on their own first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can my Chihuahua be in the crate?

Most Chihuahuas shouldn’t stay in their crates for longer than two or three hours. Just like people, your pup will want to get up and stretch his legs every once and a while too.

Is it cruel to crate train my Chihuahua?

Crate training, despite what you may hear, is not cruel as long as it’s done correctly. Chihuahuas often view kennels as a safe space for them to lie down. However, owners who leave their dogs in crates for hours at a time or use the crate as a “time out” can do more harm than good.

Why should I crate train my Chihuahua?

Crates can be a sanctuary for your Chihuahua, but they can also prevent your pup from tearing your house apart while you’re away.

What is the best kind of crate I can buy for my Chihuahua?

Although it can vary based on where you live or your dog’s lifestyle, many Chihuahuas do great with soft kennels or wire cages. While a wire cage provides plenty of airflow, a soft kennel can be the easiest way to transport your Chihuahua from place to place.

Why can’t I buy large crates for a Chihuahua?

It may seem tempting to buy your Chihuahua the biggest crate you can find so they have the most room, but this can actually be a mistake. If the crate is so large that your Chihuahua can move from one end to the other with plenty of space in between, your pup may end up using the bathroom in the crate and then moving to the other side.

Conclusion

Now that you understand your Chihuahua’s needs, you can begin looking for crates that fit them. If you still have questions or you’re confused about where to begin, feel free to try one of the best Chihuahua crates that we’ve listed for you above.

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