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Quick answer
UK crate guides put an adult Chihuahua in a 18–22 in crate1. Trained Puppy lists Chihuahuas for small 18–22 in crates. The smallest crates we list are 24 in or bigger.
Your dog may differ, so measure to be sure.
Get an exact crate sizeChihuahua size and build: what it means for a crate
| Chest girth | about 26–40 cm (our estimate)2,3Estimate Estimate: no published source gives chest girth for this breed yet, so measure your dog. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.8–2.7 kg4,5 Breed standard (Smooth and Long Coat): up to 2.7 kg, 1.8–2.7 kg preferred. |
The UK breed standard gives a weight of up to 2.7 kg, with 1.8–2.7 kg preferred4,5. Trained Puppy lists Chihuahuas for small 18–22 inch crates1.
The crates we list start at 24 inches (Ellie-Bo and MidWest) and 26 inches (Amazon Basics)6,7,8, which is bigger than the 18–22 in UK guides suggest for this breed. We haven't added charts for smaller crates yet. A bigger crate isn't unsafe, but it can feel less den-like; a divider panel can make the space smaller.
How to measure your Chihuahua for a crate
- Stand your dog on a level floor. Measure its length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, where the tail joins the body. Don't include the tail9.
- Ask your dog to sit. Measure its sitting height from the floor to the top of its head, or to the tips of its ears if they stand up. Measure sitting, because some dogs are taller sitting than standing9.
- Add space. UK guides suggest adding 5–10 cm to each measurement9, and Pet Crates Direct suggests about 6 inches (15 cm)10. We suggest adding 10 cm, the middle of that range, and treat 5 cm as the snug minimum.
- Compare your two numbers with each crate's length and height. The crate needs to clear both. Check the width too: your dog should be able to turn round comfortably11.
- Check whether the brand gives inside or outside measurements. Wire crates lose very little space inside, but plastic crates and wooden furniture-style crates can be noticeably smaller inside than out.
Chihuahua measuring tips
More detail, including weighing and measuring a wriggly dog, is in our complete guide to measuring your dog.
Chihuahua crate size by brand
In the UK, crates are usually sold by their length in inches: a "36-inch" crate is about 91 cm long. Brands round differently, so always check the actual dimensions in the table.
Ellie-Bo
Standard Dog Cage
Wire crate. Folding wire cage from a UK brand. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider for each size separately. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider separately for each size13.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| S (24 in) | 61 × 46 × 51 cm | 24 × 18.1 × 20.1 in |
| M (30 in) | 76 × 53.5 × 60 cm | 29.9 × 21.1 × 23.6 in |
| L (36 in) | 91.5 × 61 × 66 cm | 36 × 24 × 26 in |
| XL (42 in) | 107 × 71 × 79 cm | 42.1 × 28 × 31.1 in |
| XXL (48 in) | 122 × 79 × 86.5 cm | 48 × 31.1 × 34.1 in |
Highlighted rows match the 18–22 in range UK guides give for an adult Chihuahua. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in cm, converted to inches).
None of this brand's sizes matches the 18–22 in guidance for a Chihuahua. Its smallest crate may still suit your dog: measure, and use the size finder to check.
MidWest
iCrate Folding Dog Crate
Wire crate. Folding wire crate with a divider panel included. Dimensions are published in inches. MidWest includes a divider panel with this crate7.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 61 × 45.7 × 48.3 cm | 24 × 18 × 19 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 48.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 19 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5 cm | 36 × 23 × 25 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 71.1 × 76.2 cm | 42 × 28 × 30 in |
| 48 in | 121.9 × 76.2 × 83.8 cm | 48 × 30 × 33 in |
Highlighted rows match the 18–22 in range UK guides give for an adult Chihuahua. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
None of this brand's sizes matches the 18–22 in guidance for a Chihuahua. Its smallest crate may still suit your dog: measure, and use the size finder to check.
Amazon Basics
Folding Soft Dog Crate
Fabric crate. Fabric crate on a folding frame. Dimensions are published in inches. No divider panel is offered for this crate.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 in | 66 × 45.7 × 45.7 cm | 26 × 18 × 18 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 53.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 21 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 61 × 61 cm | 36 × 24 × 24 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 78.7 × 78.7 cm | 42 × 31 × 31 in |
Highlighted rows match the 18–22 in range UK guides give for an adult Chihuahua. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
None of this brand's sizes matches the 18–22 in guidance for a Chihuahua. Its smallest crate may still suit your dog: measure, and use the size finder to check.
Puppy crates and dividers
Small dogs reach adult weight sooner than large breeds14. A small crate with a divider suits a Chihuahua puppy.
A divider panel is a removable wall that shortens the inside of a crate. It lets you buy the crate your dog will need as an adult and make it smaller for a puppy, then move it back as your puppy grows. MidWest includes one with the iCrate7; Ellie-Bo sells one to fit each cage size13.
Whatever the divider setting, your puppy should still be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch11. Check this every week or two while your puppy is growing, and move the divider back as soon as it looks cramped.
For how to introduce a crate to a puppy, and how long it can be used for, follow the RSPCA's and Dogs Trust's step-by-step guidance11,15. Blue Cross also has advice on using indoor kennels16.
Home crate vs car crate
The Highway Code says that in a vehicle, dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained so they can't distract you or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. It lists a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard as ways of doing this17.
A home crate and a car crate do different jobs. At home, size is all about comfort: your dog should be able to stand, turn, lie down and stretch11. In the car, the crate also has to fit your boot and stay put when you brake.
- Measure the boot, not just the dog. Measure the boot floor's length and width, and the height of the opening. In hatchbacks and estates the tailgate often slopes in, so the usable height at the back can be lower than at the front.
- Secure the crate. A crate that slides or tips over when you brake doesn't restrain your dog. Use the car's load-lashing points or a strap if the crate allows it, and follow the maker's instructions.
- Check the crate is meant for cars. Folding wire home crates are made for the home. If you want a crate for the car, check what the maker says about vehicle use and how to secure it.
- Think about heat. Cars heat up fast. Choose a crate with good airflow, keep it out of direct sun, and never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day.
Chihuahuas in the car
A small carrier or crate should be secured so it can't slide or tip. The Highway Code lists a pet carrier as one way to restrain a dog in a vehicle17.
Wire, plastic or fabric?
Wire
Metal wire crates fold flat, give plenty of airflow and let your dog see out. Most come with a removable tray, and many take a divider. They're the most common choice for home use. Some dogs settle better if part of the crate is covered, but always leave plenty of sides open for air.
Plastic
Plastic crates (often sold as carriers) are enclosed and den-like, easy to wipe clean and common for travel. The walls take up space and airflow is lower, so check the inside dimensions and ventilation.
Fabric
Fabric crates on a folding frame are very light and fold small, which suits trips and holidays. They're only for calm dogs that don't chew, dig or push at the sides, and they're harder to clean.
Which suits a Chihuahua?
- Wire: Airy and easy to see into. Check the bar spacing is narrow enough for a very small dog.
- Plastic: Small plastic carriers are common for tiny dogs and useful for travel.
- Fabric: Light and portable for a calm adult. Not for chewers.
Fit checks: is the crate big enough?
Stand up
Your dog can stand up without stooping or touching the roof11.
Sit up
Your dog can sit up without its head or ears touching the top16.
Wag its tail
Dogs Trust's list includes room to wag its tail15. If the tail hits the sides every time, the crate is tight.
Room for the bed
Measure the crate floor, not the outside, and choose a bed or mat that lies flat inside it.
Common mistakes
- Buying a crate with bars wide enough for a tiny dog to squeeze through.
- Not securing a small carrier in the car.
- Measuring the dog standing for height. Measure sitting, to the top of the head or ear tips9.
- Including the tail in the length. Measure to where the tail joins the body9.
- Buying a small puppy crate and replacing it every few months, instead of an adult-size crate with a divider.
- Comparing outside dimensions of a plastic or furniture-style crate with your dog's measurements. Check the inside size.
- Forgetting the car. A crate that suits your living room may not fit your boot.
Chihuahua crate questions
What size crate does a Chihuahua need?
UK crate guides put an adult Chihuahua in a 18–22 in crate1. In the brands we cover that means Ellie-Bo Standard Dog Cage: no matching size; MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate: no matching size; Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate: no matching size. Measure your dog's length and sitting height and add about 10 cm to be sure.
How do I measure my Chihuahua for a crate?
Measure length from the nose to the base of the tail with your dog standing, and height from the floor to the top of the head or ear tips with your dog sitting9. Add about 10 cm to each, then compare with the crate's length and height.
What size crate for a Chihuahua puppy?
Many owners buy the adult-size crate and use a divider panel to make it smaller while the puppy grows. Your puppy should always have room to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch11.
Are crate sizes in inches the actual length?
Roughly. The number is the crate's nominal length: a 36 in crate is around 91 cm long, but brands round differently. Check the dimensions in the size table.
Do I need a crate in the car?
The Highway Code says dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle, and lists a dog cage as one way, along with a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog guard17. A crate is one option, not the only one.
What size crate does a Chihuahua need?
Trained Puppy lists Chihuahuas for 18–22 in crates1. Measure length and sitting height, add about 10 cm, and compare.
Is a 24 inch crate too big for a Chihuahua?
It's bigger than UK guides suggest, but not unsafe. A divider panel can make the space smaller and cosier.