Best Dog Crates for Dachshunds 2026: Size, Safety, and Top Picks
Dachshunds are den animals who often love their crates once properly introduced. A 24” or smaller crate is appropriate for miniature Dachshunds; 30” for standard Dachshunds. The key consideration is that a crate should not facilitate jumping — a crate with a wide door that allows easy entry/exit without a high step is ideal for IVDD-prone Dachshunds. Soft-sided ‘hideaway’ crates appeal to the Dachshund’s burrow instinct.
Internal guide: Dachshund
Quick Comparison: Best Crates for Dachshunds
| Crate | Price | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest Homes iCrate Single Door Dog Crate (24”) | $25–$40 | 24” (Mini) | Top pick for Dachshunds |
| EliteField Soft Dog Crate (24”) | $45–$65 | 24” | Top pick for Dachshunds |
| Petmate Navigator Pet Kennel (Small) | $35–$50 | Small | Top pick for Dachshunds |
| Crown Pet Products Dog Crate Furniture (Small) | $120–$160 | Small | Top pick for Dachshunds |
| PETKIT Dog Crate with Divider (30”) | $40–$60 | 30” (Standard) | Top pick for Dachshunds |
Our Top 5 Crates for Dachshunds
1. MidWest Homes iCrate Single Door Dog Crate (24”)
Price: $25–$40 | Size: 24” (Mini)
A strong option for Dachshunds. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
2. EliteField Soft Dog Crate (24”)
Price: $45–$65 | Size: 24”
A strong option for Dachshunds. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
3. Petmate Navigator Pet Kennel (Small)
Price: $35–$50 | Size: Small
A strong option for Dachshunds. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
4. Crown Pet Products Dog Crate Furniture (Small)
Price: $120–$160 | Size: Small
A strong option for Dachshunds. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
5. PETKIT Dog Crate with Divider (30”)
Price: $40–$60 | Size: 30” (Standard)
A strong option for Dachshunds. This crate offers appropriate sizing, construction quality, and ventilation for the breed’s specific needs. Check sizing charts carefully against your dog’s measurements before purchasing.
Crate Buying Guide for Dachshunds
Sizing Rules
The correct crate size allows your dog to: stand fully upright without touching the top, turn around in a complete circle, and lie stretched out on their side. For puppies, purchase the adult-size crate with a divider panel.
Wire vs. Plastic vs. Soft-Sided
- Wire crates: Maximum ventilation, easy cleaning, fold-flat for storage. Best for home use.
- Plastic/airline crates: Enclosed and den-like; preferred by some dogs. Required for airline travel. Not appropriate for brachycephalic breeds in warm environments.
- Soft-sided crates: Lightweight and portable. Best for calm, trained dogs and travel. Not for destructive dogs.
- Heavy-duty/steel crates: For escape-artists, anxious dogs, or powerful breeds who damage standard crates.
Crate Training Basics
1. Leave crate door open and let the dog explore at their own pace with treats inside
2. Feed meals inside the closed crate briefly, extending duration gradually
3. Never use the crate as punishment
4. Keep initial crating sessions short (10–30 minutes) and build duration over 1–2 weeks
5. Always ensure adequate exercise before crating periods
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size crate for a Dachshund?
A: Miniature Dachshunds (8–11 lbs) need a 24” crate. Standard Dachshunds (16–32 lbs) need 24”–30”. Use the smallest crate they’re comfortable in — it satisfies their denning instinct.
Q: Do Dachshunds like crates?
A: More than most breeds — Dachshunds are natural burrowers with strong denning instincts. A properly introduced crate often becomes a Dachshund’s preferred resting spot. Add a soft blanket they can burrow into.
Q: Is a hard or soft crate better for a Dachshund?
A: For home use, soft crates or wire crates are both good. Soft crates better satisfy the burrow instinct. For travel, a hard-sided carrier (airline approved) is safer and required for flights.
Q: Should I crate my Dachshund at night?
A: Night crating is safe and often recommended for Dachshunds — it prevents them from jumping off furniture unsupervised (IVDD risk). Place the crate at bed height if possible, or use a ramp.
Q: How do I prevent my Dachshund from jumping out of the crate?
A: Use a crate with a low step-in threshold and train a calm exit command. Never force or rush a Dachshund out of a crate. Teaching a ‘wait’ command at the crate door prevents excited leaping.
GetPetPros.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.