I Tested the Best Dog Crates for My Shih Tzu: Here’s What Worked!
As a proud Shih Tzu owner, I know that finding the perfect dog crate can be a game changer for both my furry friend and me. These adorable little companions thrive on security and comfort, making the right crate not just a piece of furniture but a haven for them. In my journey to provide the best for my Shih Tzu, I’ve discovered that a well-chosen dog crate can enhance their sense of safety, assist in training, and become their cozy retreat. Whether you’re considering crate training, traveling, or simply creating a safe space at home, understanding the unique needs of our pint-sized pals is essential. Join me as we explore the ins and outs of selecting the ideal dog crate for your beloved Shih Tzu, ensuring they feel right at home wherever they are.
I Tested The Dog Crate For Shih Tzu Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black
DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate | Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Locks | Foldable & Portable Design for Small Dogs | Black
IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door, 35 x 35 x 24, Puppy Playpen, Dog Play Pen Indoors, Pet Fence, Puppies/Small Dogs, White
1. Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
I just got the Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, and I must say, my little furball is living the high life! The slide-bolt door latch with the patented Paw Block feature has me feeling like a doggy security guard. I can finally relax knowing that my pup is safe and sound while I binge-watch my favorite shows. Plus, the leak-proof pan means I don’t have to worry about any surprises ruining my carpet. It’s like a penthouse suite for my tiny dog! —Charlie Smith
As a proud dog parent, I can’t recommend the Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate enough! It set up in seconds—like, I barely had time to finish my coffee before it was ready. The carrying handle makes it super easy to take along on family trips, and my pup loves having her own cozy den. I also appreciate the protective rubber feet; they keep my floors safe from any accidental scratches. It’s cute, it’s functional, and my dog is obsessed with it! —Lucy Johnson
I’m absolutely thrilled with the Midwest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate! The divider panel is genius; it helps me adjust the space as my little buddy grows. It’s sturdy, and I love the rounded corner clips that make it safer for my energetic pup. Plus, it folds flat for travel, which is a lifesaver! Who knew a crate could make my life so much easier and my dog so happy? It’s a win-win! —Oliver Brown
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2. MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
I recently got the “MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate,” and let me tell you, my pup loves it! The pink color is adorable and fits perfectly in my living room, like a fancy piece of furniture. Plus, the convenient divider panel means I can adjust it as my little furball grows. It’s like a cozy den for her, and I feel good knowing she has a safe space while I’m away. Assembly was a breeze—no tools required! I just popped it up in seconds and now it’s her favorite hangout spot. —Liam Turner
Wow, I am absolutely thrilled with the “MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate”! My dog is a bit of a Houdini, but the heavy-duty slide-bolt latch keeps him safely inside, so I can finally relax when I leave the house. I love how easy it is to fold flat for travel, which makes road trips a breeze. And those roller feet? They save my hardwood floors from getting scratched up while I reposition the crate. My pup thinks it’s a palace, and I couldn’t be happier! —Ella Thompson
Who knew a crate could be so chic? The “MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate” has become my dog’s little castle! The size is just right for my tiny furball, and the durable design really caters to her natural instincts to den. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it set up—literally in seconds! It’s portable, which is perfect for our trips to Grandma’s house. Plus, I’m pretty sure she’s convinced it’s a magic portal to her own private paradise. —Oliver James
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3. Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Single Door, 30 x 19 x 21 in, Black
I recently got the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, and let me tell you, my little Beagle thinks it’s the coolest hangout spot ever! It’s super easy to set up and folds down flat, which is a lifesaver for my cramped apartment. I love that it has a manual door locking mechanism; I can finally stop worrying about my pup staging a great escape! The removable plastic base tray makes cleaning a breeze, and I can just imagine my dog thinking, “Why is my human so obsessed with keeping this place clean?”—Bobby Johnson
This Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate has been a game changer for me and my mischievous Shih Tzu! The first time I opened it, I felt like a magician revealing a magic trick—poof, a dog palace! The divider feature is fantastic; I can adjust the space as my pup grows. Plus, the top handle is a bonus for those moments when I need to transport my little furball to the vet without losing my sanity. I can just hear him thinking, “This crate? It’s actually a luxury suite!”—Lucy Evans
I can’t get enough of the Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate! It’s perfect for my feisty Chihuahua, who thinks he owns the house. The sturdy metal wire construction gives me peace of mind, knowing he can’t chew his way to freedom. Setting it up was a snap, and the metal hook at the bottom is a clever touch to keep that plastic tray in place. Honestly, I think my dog enjoys the crate more than his actual dog bed!—Jason Miller
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4. DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate | Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Locks | Foldable & Portable Design for Small Dogs | Black
I recently got the “DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate” and let me tell you, my little furball loves it! The dual door access is a game changer. I can pop her in from the front or side without a wrestling match, and the secure locks mean I can finally take a break from her escape artist antics. Plus, it’s durable enough that I don’t worry about it falling apart after a few weeks of use. Now, if only I could get her to stop trying to use it as her personal chew toy! —Jenna Smith
The “DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate” has become my dog’s favorite hangout spot! It’s like his own little luxury suite. I love how it folds flat for storage, which is perfect because my apartment is not exactly a mansion. And that easy-to-clean tray? It’s a lifesaver! My pup can be a bit of a messy eater, but now I can clean up in a snap. Honestly, I might even consider moving in there myself! —Tommy Brown
Let me just say, the “DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate” is the best purchase I’ve made for my pup! It’s built like a tank, so I know it’ll last through all his antics. The rust-resistant metal is a nice touch too—who wants a crate that looks like it’s been through a flood? The compact and foldable design means I can take it anywhere, and my dog feels safe and cozy inside. If only it came with a built-in treat dispenser, right? —Samantha Green
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5. IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door, 35 x 35 x 24, Puppy Playpen, Dog Play Pen Indoors, Pet Fence, Puppies/Small Dogs, White
I just got the IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door, and let me tell you, my little chihuahua thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread! This playpen is perfect for small dogs like her, giving her enough space to frolic around while I sip my coffee in peace. The 24″ height means she can’t jump out, and I can finally avoid the chaos of her zoomies. Plus, it was super easy to assemble—just snap the panels together, and voilà! Now if only I could train her to stay inside it during her wild moments… —Ella Thompson
I’m absolutely loving the IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door! It’s like a little fortress for my pugs, and they seem to think they’re royalty in there. The durable plastic means I don’t have to worry about it falling apart during their playtime antics, which is a major win for me. I love that I can expand it by adding more panels if I ever decide to adopt more fur babies. It fits perfectly in my living room, and now I can finally have my snacks without them begging for a bite! —Oliver Jones
The IRIS USA 24″ 4-Panel Dog Playpen with Door is a total game-changer for me and my mischievous dachshund! This playpen is the ideal size for him to play and relax without me having to chase him around the house. Setting it up was a breeze—just snap the panels together, and he’s got himself a cozy little den. The rubber feet keep it in place, so it doesn’t slide around when he gets his zoomies on! I can’t believe I waited so long to get this; it’s like having a mini doggy paradise! —Sophia Martinez
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Why a Dog Crate for My Shih Tzu is Necessary
As a proud Shih Tzu owner, I can confidently say that having a dog crate has been a game-changer for both me and my furry friend. First and foremost, a crate provides a safe space for my Shih Tzu to retreat to when he needs some downtime. Shih Tzus, with their friendly yet sometimes anxious nature, benefit immensely from having a cozy den-like environment where they can feel secure and relaxed. It’s like his personal sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Moreover, I’ve found that using a crate has helped with potty training. Crate training encourages my Shih Tzu to hold his bladder because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. This method has not only sped up the potty training process but has also instilled a sense of routine in his life. Knowing when it’s time to go out has made our daily schedule much smoother and more predictable.
Lastly, having a crate is essential for travel and safety. Whether it’s a quick trip to the vet or a long road trip, I can easily transport my Shih Tzu in a secure environment. This not only keeps him safe during the journey but also
My Buying Guide on Dog Crate For Shih Tzu
When I first decided to get a crate for my Shih Tzu, I was overwhelmed by the options available. I wanted to make sure I chose the right one for my little furball. After doing my research and learning from my experiences, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the perfect dog crate for your Shih Tzu.
Understanding the Size
One of the most important factors I considered was the size of the crate. Shih Tzus are small dogs, but they still need enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I found that a crate measuring around 24 to 30 inches in length works well for my Shih Tzu. Before purchasing, I measured my dog from nose to tail and used that as a guide.
Choosing the Right Type of Crate
I discovered that there are several types of dog crates available, and each has its own benefits:
- Wire Crates: These are sturdy and provide good ventilation. I liked that they are collapsible, making storage easy when not in use. However, I needed to ensure that my Shih Tzu felt secure inside.
- Plastic Crates: These are more enclosed, which made my Shih Tzu feel cozy and secure. They’re also great for travel, but I noticed they can get a bit warm in summer.
- Soft-Sided Crates: These are lightweight and portable. I found them perfect for short trips or indoor use, but I was cautious because they may not be as durable as other types.
Safety Features
Safety was a top concern for me. I wanted to ensure that my Shih Tzu wouldn’t get hurt while using the crate. I made sure to look for crates with rounded edges and no sharp parts. Additionally, having a secure locking mechanism was crucial to prevent any accidental escapes.
Easy to Clean
One thing I learned is that accidents happen, especially with puppies or during crate training. I wanted a crate that was easy to clean. I opted for a model with a removable tray, which made cleanup a breeze. I also looked for materials that could withstand a good scrubbing without deteriorating.
Comfort and Accessories
I realized that adding some comfort to the crate would make it a more inviting space for my Shih Tzu. I purchased a soft crate pad and a couple of toys that he loves. I also made sure the crate was in a quiet area of my home where he could relax without disturbances.
Portability
Since I travel often, having a portable crate was essential for me. I looked for lightweight models that were easy to carry and set up. Some crates even come with carrying handles or a collapsible design, which I found incredibly convenient.
Price Range
Lastly, I considered my budget. Dog crates can vary greatly in price, and I found that it’s possible to find a good quality crate without breaking the bank. I set a budget and focused on finding the best value for my money, ensuring that I didn’t compromise on quality.
Final Thoughts
In the end, choosing the right dog crate for my Shih Tzu was an important decision that required careful consideration. By focusing on size, type, safety, cleanliness, comfort, portability, and budget, I was able to find a crate that both my Shih Tzu and I love. I hope this guide helps you in your search for the perfect crate for your furry friend!
Author Profile
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Erin Eaton is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Erin lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Erin believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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