In this article I will introduce you to the best dog crates for small dogs in 2023.
I have read through more than 20 article reviews for a wide variety of products and summarized the most important findings for you.
In the end, three products emerged that convinced me the most.
Among them is my personal test winner, the TrendPet foldable dog box TPX-Pro. But the other models are also of the best quality.
Since every dog owner and every four-legged friend has individual needs and preferences, it was important to me to present different models and to offer a selection.
I hope that there is a suitable dog box for you too.
My dog box for small dogs favorites
All 3 dog boxes for small dogs in comparison
TrendPet Foldable Dog Box TPX-Pro
The TrendPet foldable dog box is made of fabric. Aluminum tubes ensure stability, which are particularly light and therefore hardly weigh when carrying the bag.
There are two entrances, one on the front and one on the side of the bag. You can also create a passage for your home.
All sides are equipped with mesh inserts and can be closed and darkened if necessary. As a dog owner, you can react to any weather and every need of your four-legged friend.
The manufacturer advertises that the interior is five centimeters higher than in comparable boxes. So your four-legged friend has more headroom.
morpilot Foldable dog carrier
The dog bag from morpilot is made of sturdy polyester. The fabric has breathable mesh on three sides, which allows good air circulation.
The bag is easy to clean. It is usually sufficient to treat the surface with a soft brush. In the case of stubborn dirt, the inner cushion can also be cleaned in the washing machine.
With the help of different shoulder straps, the bag can either be hung over the shoulder or carried with two handles. The handles are provided with a comfortable material that does not rub.
On the outside there is a small compartment where small items can be stowed.
Karlie Airplane Box Nomad
The Karlie Airplane Box for Small Dogs is a plastic dog box. It is therefore significantly more stable and durable than a bag made of polyester.
The door consists of a metal grille secured by a safety lock. On the sides you will find small ventilation grilles that ensure a good air supply.
The box has a handle on the top for easy carrying. Those who like to travel can also take the box with them, according to most airlines.
What should you look out for when buying a dog box for small dogs?
Small dogs have their advantages and disadvantages. This also applies to their transport in a dog box.
Probably the biggest advantage is that there is the largest selection of transport crates and boxes for small dogs, whether for at home or on the go. While there are often only a few products to choose from for larger dogs, there are countless dog boxes in small sizes. This gives you a much larger selection.
Another advantage is that robust and heavy materials do not necessarily have to be used, but a fabric dog box is often sufficient.
In addition, small dog boxes do not take up so much space in the car. They can be stowed away more easily and are also much more comfortable to carry than larger boxes in terms of weight.
Since small dogs do not take up much space, it is also possible to transport several animals in one box.
It should be ensured that the four-legged friends get along very well – even in stressful situations. Furthermore, not too many small dogs should be transported in one box, as in the event of an accident, the animals are much more unsafe in a larger box than in a box that fits their size.
And this is where we come to one of the biggest mistakes when transporting small dogs. Many owners mean well, sometimes too well, and get their dogs a huge box so that they can move around a lot when driving.
This is meant nicely, but can be very dangerous for the small dogs, as they can be thrown around in the box if you brake hard or have an accident, for example, and injure yourself badly.
Padding large boxes with pillows and blankets can also be dangerous if they bury the dog underneath or the four-legged friend gets entangled in it. Owners of small dogs should be aware of this problem. A box that is too large can pose a major hazard.
How do you get a dog used to a dog crate?
When getting used to it, it is important that the dogs are slowly and carefully introduced to the box. Traveling too hasty with an unfamiliar box can trigger claustrophobia in dogs and lead to a phobia of tight spaces.
Then you will have a bigger problem when traveling in the future than if you approach it a little more slowly and patiently the first time.
It is best to put the new box in the apartment first, open it and let the dog explore the new object on its own. You can feed your four-legged friend in the box so that he associates this place with something positive and is «forced» to go inside.
If the dog feels comfortable and is not afraid in the box, you can start closing the door for a short time.
A few seconds are enough. If the dog remains relaxed, you can slowly increase the time and also start leaving the room for a short time. The dog should always be observed so that you can react immediately in panic situations.
Over time, the dog gets used to staying in the small dog crate. For the first car ride in the back seat of the car, it is advisable to take a human helper with you who can intervene in an emergency without the driver having to find a place to stop first.
Conclusion: The test winner
For me, the TrendPet Foldable Dog Box TPX-Pro performed best in this test. This fabric dog crate is ideal for small dogs as it is light and spacious. The mesh nets attached all around ensure good ventilation.
The fact that there are two entrances is very practical, especially for getting the dog used to the box. In this way claustrophobia can be effectively avoided.