Best Large Crates for Small Dogs: Five Wire and Travel Options
A 30- or 36-inch crate can suit a small dog when the dog’s measurements and adult size call for that space; a larger crate is not automatically a better fit. The 36-inch Amazon Basics crate is best for owners who want a foldable wire model with a divider, while the 36-inch Midwest iCrate is listed for dogs weighing 41–70 pounds. The 30-inch options are better for smaller dogs, and the soft-sided crate is intended for portable use.
| Crate | Listed size | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Double Door | 36 inches | Small dogs needing more room or a divider |
| Midwest iCrate | 36 inches | Owners comparing a wire crate with two doors |
| New World Double Door | 30 inches | Small dogs within the listed dimensions |
| Amazon Basics Single Door | 30 inches | Owners seeking a compact folding crate |
| Collapsible Soft Crate | 36 inches | Travel with a calm, crate-trained dog |
Amazon Basics 36-Inch Double-Door Wire Crate
This foldable wire crate measures 36 by 23 by 25 inches and includes a divider panel, removable tray, carrying handle, and two doors. The listed fit guidance is for pets under 32 inches long and 21 inches high, with examples including Corgis, Brittanys, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs.
Best for: Owners of a small dog who need a larger interior or want a divider to adjust the usable space. It folds flat for storage or transport and sets up quickly. Choose this if two doors make placement in your home more convenient.
Limitation: The listed pet measurements are upper limits, not a guarantee of fit. Measure your dog before choosing a 36-inch crate.
MidWest 36-Inch Double-Door iCrate
The iCrate measures 36.5 by 23.25 by 24.75 inches and is listed for dogs weighing 41–70 pounds. Its features include a sturdy metal-wire build, black protective e-coat finish, two slide-bolt latches with Paw Block, a leak-proof tray, rubber feet, and tool-free assembly.
Best for: Buyers who want a 36-inch wire crate with two doors and a removable tray. For a small dog, this option may provide substantial extra room, but the product’s stated weight range is for much larger dogs. Compare the crate’s interior dimensions with your dog’s measurements instead of relying on the size label alone.
Limitation: The manufacturer advises considering the 42-inch model for dogs near 70 pounds, so this 36-inch size is not the best choice for every dog in its stated weight range.
New World 30-Inch Double-Door Crate
This wire crate measures 30.5 by 19.25 by 21.5 inches and is listed for dogs weighing 21–40 pounds. It has two doors, a black e-coat finish, rounded corner clips, slide-bolt latches with Paw Block, a leak-proof tray, rubber feet, and tool-free assembly.
Best for: Small-dog owners looking for a more compact alternative to a 36-inch crate. The product lists French Bulldogs, Welsh Terriers, and Dachshunds as examples. Its double-door layout can offer more placement flexibility than a single-door design.
Limitation: A divider panel is not included. The product guidance says dogs near 40 pounds should be considered for the 36-inch model, so check the adult dog’s size before selecting this crate.
Amazon Basics 30-Inch Single-Door Crate
This 30-by-19-by-21-inch metal-wire crate includes a removable tray and divider panel. Its listed fit guidance is for pets under 26 inches long and 17 inches high, with Beagles, Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, and Chihuahuas given as examples. It folds flat for storage or transport and has a top carrying handle.
Best for: Owners who want a smaller, foldable crate with a divider and do not need a second door. It is a practical comparison against the New World 30-inch model if adjustability matters more than having double-door access.
Limitation: The single-door design offers fewer entry options than the double-door crates. Do not choose it solely because your dog is small; confirm the listed length and height limits against your dog.
Collapsible 36-Inch Soft Dog Crate
This portable crate has a steel-tube frame, four mesh doors, anti-escape zippers, reflective strips, and an interior leash clip. It folds to a listed thickness of 8.6 inches and comes with a shoulder carry bag and soft plush mat. The product states it was tested for dogs up to 70 pounds.
Best for: Travel, camping, road trips, and hotel stays with a dog that is comfortable in a soft-sided enclosure. The mesh panels support airflow, while the foldable frame is designed for tool-free setup.
Limitation: A soft crate is not the same as a metal-wire crate. Avoid this style for a dog that persistently chews, scratches, or pushes against its enclosure; the listed features do not establish suitability for every dog’s behavior.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Large Crate For A Small Dog
How much space should the crate provide?
Use your dog’s actual measurements and the product’s internal space guidance rather than choosing by breed name alone. A properly sized crate should let the dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The products here range from 30-inch to 36-inch models, but their dimensions and fit guidance differ.
Is a 30-inch or 36-inch crate better?
A 30-inch model is the more compact starting point for many small dogs, while a 36-inch crate may suit a longer or taller dog or an owner who needs more room. A divider can reduce the usable area in some wire crates. Avoid buying a larger crate simply because it seems more versatile; confirm that the space suits the dog.
Should you choose wire or soft-sided construction?
Wire crates offer metal construction, trays, and folding storage on several models in this list. The soft crate prioritizes portability, mesh ventilation, and a carry bag. Choose based on your dog’s behavior and where the crate will be used. Follow product instructions and supervise your dog when introducing a new crate.
Do you need one door or two?
A double-door crate gives you more options for positioning the entrance, while a single-door crate has a simpler access layout. Check the room where the crate will sit and make sure the door can open without obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a small dog use a 36-inch crate?
Yes, if the dog’s measurements and needs suit the crate. A 36-inch label alone does not confirm a good fit; check the product dimensions and the dog’s ability to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
Is a divider included with every crate in this list?
No. The Amazon Basics 36-inch double-door and 30-inch single-door models list a divider panel. The New World 30-inch product states that a divider is not included.
Which crate is easiest to store?
The wire Amazon Basics models are described as folding flat, and the soft crate is described as folding to 8.6 inches thick. Compare the folded dimensions with your available storage space.
Is a soft crate suitable for every small dog?
No. Its mesh and fabric construction may not suit dogs that chew, scratch, or try to escape. Consider your dog’s behavior and intended use before choosing a soft-sided option.