6 Best Dog Crates for Dachshunds in 2024
Quick Guide
- What is the Best Dog Crate for a Dachshund?
- What is a Good Crate Size for Dachshunds?
- What to Look for in a Good Crate for Dachshunds
- Different Types of Dog Crates for Dachshunds
- Overall Best Dog Crates for Dachshunds
- 5 More Highly Rated Dog Crates for Dachshunds
- Tips for Crate Training Dachshunds
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Although Dachshunds were originally praised for the way they fought badgers and lured them out of their dens, most present-day Dachshunds are family companions. Despite their small size, these dogs will gladly follow their loved ones anywhere.
When the adventures are over, Dachshunds need somewhere to relax and unwind—like a crate. While crates can look a lot like cages, crate training doesn’t mean locking your pup up. Many Dachshunds come to see their crates as a sanctuary or place of solace rather than a cage.
Most of the time, the biggest issue isn’t deciding whether or not to purchase your dog a kennel—it’s being able to find the best Dachshund crates. Some brands may claim that their crates are high-quality but not all of them can deliver on that promise.
Fortunately, you don’t need to guess which ones will—we’ve already researched for you. Keep reading for ideas about which crates may work for you, what to look for, and answers to the frequently asked questions of Dachshund owners.
What is the Best Dog Crate for a Dachshund?
What is a Good Crate Size for Dachshunds?
While it can vary from dog to dog, most adult Dachshunds require a 30-inch kennel. Some smaller female Dachshunds may only need a 24-inch crate, but that’s less common. Keep in mind that these numbers just refer to the most common measurements.
Before you start buying anything, you’ll want to measure your pup’s height and width and then add three or four inches to those numbers. This is roughly the size you’ll want your Dachshund’s crate to be.
First-time dog owners might be tempted to buy the largest size so their Dachshund will have plenty of room to move around, but this can do more harm than good. In many cases, unnecessarily large crates can encourage your pup to use the bathroom inside.
What to Look for in a Good Crate for Dachshunds
The first thing to consider when purchasing a dog crate for your Dachshund is sizing. Not all brands will make the crate size you need—after you measure your Dachshund, you’ll need to keep those numbers in mind when shopping. A product may seem like the perfect choice, but if it’s too big for your Dachshund, it’ll end up being worthless.
Many owners don’t always consider how easy a crate is to clean when shopping, but hard-to-clean kennels can be a hassle later on. When you first begin crate training your Dachshund, you shouldn’t be surprised if your pup uses the bathroom inside of it. With some cages, cleaning up can take hours. Others, however, include removable cleaning trays that you can take out (or include waterproof bases so there’s no lasting damage).
Different Types of Dog Crates for Dachshunds
While some crates may look similar, there are several different types out there.
The first type to be aware of is a wire crate. What many Dachshund owners appreciate about wire crates is how easy they are to store and transport. Many wire crates are foldable—so when your Dachshund isn’t using it, you can fold it up and store it around your home or vehicle. Another upside is that wire crates are easy to clean. Many of them include removable trays that you can slide out and wipe down or rinse off whenever you need to.
However, wire cages aren’t always the first pick for Dachshund owners. Instead, many of them choose to invest in soft kennels. While soft kennels aren’t always as easy to clean as wire cages, they are usually comfier for your Dachshund to sleep in. Since they don’t use wire bars, a soft kennel can also offer some anxious or nervous Dachshunds more coverage as well.
Portable dog carriers are what many owners turn to if they need to transport their Dachshund anywhere. Dog carriers, or plastic kennels, are made of exactly that: plastic. Plastic carriers often have handles so that you can pick the kennel up and take it wherever you’re going. Keep in mind that not all plastic carriers are designed to be indoor crates as well.
Overall Best Dog Crates for Dachshunds
| Our 2024 Picks: Dachshund Dog Crates | |||
| Rank | Dog Crate | Price | Rating |
|
Best Overall |
 |
$ |
A+
|
|
#2 |
 Firstrax Petnation Port-A-Crate E Series Indoor and Outdoor Dog Crate |
$ |
A+
|
|
#3 |
 |
$ |
A
|
|
#4 |
 |
$ |
A-
|
|
#5 |
 |
$$$ |
B+
|
|
#6 |
 |
$ |
B+
|
Your Dachshund deserves the best of the best. Here’s what we’ve found:
Petmate Sky Kennel
Best Overall
Traveling with your Dachshund can be tricky but the Petmate Sky Kennel may be able to make the process a little easier. With a sturdy plastic shell that protects your pup while you’re on the go, you don’t need to worry about your dog being overexposed (or escaping). Unlike some other products, this crate is made in the USA and meets most airline requirements.
Keep in mind that, along with the kennel, every purchase comes with a “Live Animal” sticker and a clip-on food and water cup. That way, when you’re on a plane or train, those around you will know the crate holds a live animal.
5 More Highly Rated Dog Crates for Dachshunds
In case you need multiple crates or a different type, here are five more of the best Dachshund crates to pick from:
Firstrax Petnation Port-A-Crate E Series Indoor and Outdoor Dog Crate
Whether you’re taking your Dachshund out to the park or hauling him to vet visits, chances are that you’re going to need a portable pet carrier like the Firstrax Petnation Port-A-Crate E Series Indoor & Outdoor Pet Home.
Since this is a soft kennel, storing this crate is effortless. When you’re done using it, all you need to do is fold it flat and put it away. On the sixteen-inch and twenty-inch models, the manufacturer includes padded handles so that towing your Dachshund from place to place doesn’t become painful.
While it’s designed for transportation, the Firstrax Pet Home can easily work as an indoor crate too.
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Dog Crate
One issue that some owners may find when crate shopping for a Dachshund is finding the right size. While Dachshunds are considered a small breed, they’re usually too big to fit inside an extra-small size. Many crates may only come in sizes that fit medium and large breeds. Fortunately, that isn’t an issue with the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft Dog Crate.
With this product, there’s no complicated set-up to deal with. The soft kennel is easy to assemble, and when you don’t need it, you can fold it back up and store it. There are three zippered doors for your Dachshund to walk in and out of as well as mesh panels to ensure good ventilation.
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate
It doesn’t matter if you’re constantly on the go or your Dachshund never leaves home: the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft-Sided Dog Crate works as both an indoor kennel and portable carrier. There are three different ways for your Dachshund to enter and exit the crate as well as mesh panels to make sure their airflow isn’t compromised.
If you’re worried about cleaning up after your Dachshund, there’s no reason to be. The EliteField crate includes a removable cover and mat that you can take out and wash. When you’re done with the kennel, all you need to do is fold it up.
Merry Products Wooden Decorative Dog & Cat Crate
Plastic crates may be great for transportation and wire cages may be easy to clean, but almost nothing is as stylish as the Merry Products Wooden Decorative Dog & Cat Crate. With wooden panels and a removable plastic tray that you can slide out whenever you need to, this kennel offers both convenience and style.
Since the top of the crate is closed, some owners may choose to use the flat surface like a coffee table. That way, you can take advantage of the flat surface and keep your Dachshund close by.
While you will need to put it together, assembling or disassembling this crate may be easier than similar products.
Precision Pet Products Provalu One Door Dog Crate
If your Dachshund is an aggressive chewer, you might want to consider investing in a tougher crate like the Precision Pet Products Provalu One Door Dog Crate. With this sturdy wire frame and looped wire hinges, it’s unlikely that your Dachshund will be able to dent or scratch the bars.
It also features a divider panel so that you can section off areas of the crate until your Dachshund gets bigger. This can especially come in handy if your Dachshund is still growing and doesn’t quite fit into the kennel.
Tips for Crate Training Dachshunds
You might have found the perfect crate for your Dachshund, but that doesn’t mean you understand how to crate train your pup yet. Here a few handy tips to keep in mind:
- Putting your Dachshund in the crate shouldn’t be a punishment. You should only ever put your Dachshund in the crate out of necessity—not because you’re trying to give them a time-out. If your pup begins to think of their kennel as the place they go when they misbehave, they’ll ever climb inside voluntarily.
- One way to help jumpstart positive associations with the crate is by feeding your Dachshund their meals inside. Although you may not want to feed your dog every meal in the kennel, putting food inside will help your Dachshund see the crate as a positive thing.
- Put the crate in the living room or den. Your dog is unlikely to spend much time in their crate if they feel isolated from the family. Putting the kennel in a well-populated area of the home will give your pup somewhere to retreat to without feeling left out.
- You can begin leaving your Dachshund in the crate for longer periods once your pup will stay in the kennel quietly for thirty minutes.
- Try crating your pup for short periods when you’re at home so they don’t begin to associate their kennel with being left alone at home. If your Dachshund thinks you’re going to leave every time they step inside the crate, they’ll never use it voluntarily.
- You can use treats to lure your Dachshund inside the kennel. If your dog isn’t naturally curious about the crate, one way to spark interest is by sprinkling a few of his favorite treats inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my Dachshund be in the crate?
Although adult Dachshunds may be able to stay in the crate for several hours, puppies younger than six months old shouldn’t be left alone for more than three or four hours.
Is it cruel to crate train a Dachshund?
Contrary to what some owners may tell you, crate training isn’t cruel. In many cases, it can prevent your Dachshund from tearing apart the house while you’re gone (or accidentally hurting themselves). However, it is cruel for owners to lock up their Dachshund for several hours at a time several days of the week. All dogs, Dachshunds included, require social interaction and exercise to remain physically and mentally fit.
Why should I crate train my Dachshund?
Crate training can be beneficial for both you and your Dachshund: not only will it give you a secure spot to put your pup while you’re out, but kennels can also serve as safe spaces for your Dachshund to relax and unwind in.
When is it appropriate to put my Dachshund inside their crate?
While organizations like the Humane Society advise that adult Dachshunds should be able to enter and exit their crate when they please, there still may be times when you need to temporarily lock your pup inside. For instance, if you’re having important guests over and are worried your Dachshund might act up, it may be appropriate to use the crate. Dachshunds that are still puppies and prone to misbehaving may need to stay in their crates while you’re running errands or are out of the home.
How do I know if the crate is too big?
If your Dachshund can use the bathroom at one end of the crate and walk to the other side without touching their mess, then the crate is too big. As a general rule, you want the crate to give your pup three or four inches of extra space to move around, but not much more than that.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve got all the information you need, it might be time to think about starting the crate shopping process. Luckily, you don’t need to start from the beginning—with the best Dachshund crates that we’ve highlighted above, you’ve got a head start. Now it’s time to cross the finish line.
