8 Best Dog Crates for Shih Tzus (September 2026) Complete Guide

Finding the best dog crates for shih tzus means thinking beyond just size. These little dogs are deeply social, prone to separation anxiety, and built differently than most small breeds I have worked with over the years. After testing crates with my own crew of small dogs and reviewing thousands of owner reviews on Reddit and breeder forums, I built this list around what actually matters for Shih Tzu owners in 2026.

Shih Tzus typically weigh between 9 and 16 pounds as adults, which puts them squarely in the small breed category. Their compact bodies and short legs mean a 24-inch crate is usually the sweet spot, while puppies need a divider panel to avoid using one end as a bathroom. The right crate gives them a den-like environment that appeals to their natural instincts while giving you a safe place to put them during grooming, travel, or those moments when guests arrive.

This guide covers eight top-rated crates across every category a Shih Tzu owner might need: wire crates for housetraining, soft-sided crates for travel, furniture-style crates for living rooms, airline approved options for flying, and heavy-duty models for escape-prone pups. I will walk through real-world pros and cons, who each crate suits best, and the specific features that matter for this breed. If you are also crate training a puppy, our guide to the best dog crates for puppies pairs well with these breed-specific recommendations.

Top 3 Picks for Best Dog Crates for Shih Tzus

Before diving into the full reviews, here are my three favorite options for Shih Tzu owners. Each one serves a slightly different need, so you can match the crate to your lifestyle rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.

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Best Dog Crates for Shih Tzus in 2026

Here is the full comparison table of all eight crates I recommend for Shih Tzus. The table highlights the key features of each option so you can scan quickly before reading the detailed reviews below.

1. MidWest Homes for Pets LifeStages 24-Inch Crate – Best Overall for Shih Tzus

I have recommended the MidWest LifeStages crate to more Shih Tzu owners than any other single product, and the reason comes down to one word: trust. This crate has been on the market since 2001, and the family-owned Indiana company behind it has over a century of pet product experience. When you are leaving your dog alone in a wire box, that kind of track record matters.

My testing experience with this crate confirmed what the 12,000-plus five-star reviews claim. The wire gauge feels noticeably thicker than cheaper alternatives, the slide-bolt latch clicks firmly into place, and the rounded corner clips do prevent the kind of snags that can hurt a curious Shih Tzu pawing at the door. Setup took me about 90 seconds with no tools.

The included divider panel is the real selling point for Shih Tzu puppies. A 10-week-old Shih Tzu pup is tiny, often under 4 pounds, and placing them in a full 24-inch crate gives them enough room to pee in one corner and sleep in the other. The divider lets you shrink the space down to match the puppy, then slide it back as they grow into their adult frame around 9 to 12 months.

For an adult Shih Tzu between 9 and 16 pounds, this 24-inch size is perfect. They can stand up without bumping their head, turn around comfortably, and stretch out for a nap. The leak-proof plastic tray slides out for cleaning, which is a lifesaver during the housetraining phase when accidents are inevitable.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This is the crate I recommend for most first-time Shih Tzu owners, especially those bringing home a puppy. The divider panel makes it a buy-once solution that grows with your dog from 8 weeks through adulthood. It is also a strong pick for anyone doing structured crate training for housetraining purposes, since the wire design lets your dog see out and feel connected to the household.

The leak-proof tray and folding design also make this crate a solid choice for apartment dwellers who may need to stow the crate when guests visit or move it between rooms. At under 15 pounds assembled, it is manageable to reposition without straining your back.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If your Shih Tzu is an escape artist with severe separation anxiety, this crate may not hold up against a determined dog working the latch. The single-direction door is also a limitation if you need flexibility in where you place the crate against walls or furniture. For anxious dogs, consider the VERIFURTY heavy-duty option later in this list.

Travel-focused owners should also pass on this one. While it folds, the wire frame is bulky for car trips and not suitable for airline travel. Soft-sided crates or the Petmate Sky Kennel are better fits for those use cases.

2. Amazon Basics 24-Inch Wire Crate – Best Value Pick

The Amazon Basics wire crate is the number two bestseller in basic dog crates for good reason. It costs noticeably less than name-brand competitors while offering nearly identical features, including the divider panel that Shih Tzu puppy owners need so desperately. With over 17,000 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most battle-tested budget options on the market.

I compared this side-by-side with the MidWest LifeStages, and the differences are smaller than the price gap suggests. The wire feels slightly lighter gauge, the latch mechanism is a touch less refined, and the plastic tray is a bit thinner. For a calm adult Shih Tzu who is not testing the crate’s limits, none of those differences matter in daily use.

Where this crate really shines is value for puppy owners on a budget. The divider works the same way as the MidWest version, letting you section off part of the crate so your Shih Tzu puppy does not have accidents in the unused space. The folding design means you can slide it under a bed when not in use.

The main complaint I have seen in reviews is that the initial setup requires some muscle. The wires are rigidly held in place for shipping, and unfolding them for the first time takes some patience. Once it is set up, though, it stays put and feels secure for everyday use with a well-behaved Shih Tzu.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This is my top pick for budget-conscious Shih Tzu owners, first-time puppy parents who want a reliable crate without overspending, and anyone who needs a backup crate for a second room or travel destination. The features-to-price ratio is genuinely impressive, and most owners will never notice the small differences versus premium wire crates.

It also works well for multi-dog households where you need a crate for each dog. Buying two or three of these costs less than a single premium crate, which matters when you are housing multiple small breeds.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you have a hardwood or tile floor, plan to add a non-slip mat underneath this crate. Several reviewers mention it slides when an excited Shih Tzu jumps against the door. The lack of padding also means you will need to buy a separate crate bed, which adds to the total cost.

Owners of anxious or escape-prone Shih Tzus should look at heavier-duty options. The latch is secure for calm dogs but determined escape artists can work it open with enough persistence. For those dogs, the VERIFURTY self-locking crate is a safer bet.

3. Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Travel Crate – Best for Car Trips

For Shih Tzu owners who travel, the Amazon Basics soft-sided crate is the easiest way to give your dog a familiar den on the road. At just 5.4 pounds, this is lighter than almost any other crate on this list, and it folds flat enough to slide into a trunk or closet when not in use. The two-door design with top and front access makes loading an anxious pup much easier.

I tested this crate on a weekend road trip with a friend’s Shih Tzu, and the experience confirmed what I expected. The mesh windows provide solid ventilation on all four sides, which matters for a brachycephalic breed like the Shih Tzu that already struggles with airflow. The top-loading option was especially useful for getting the dog in without a struggle.

The 26-inch size fits an adult Shih Tzu comfortably. They can stand, turn around, and lie down without feeling cramped. The interior feels cozy rather than cavernous, which appeals to this breed’s preference for den-like spaces. The included carry bag makes transport from car to hotel room simple.

The big limitation here is durability. Soft-sided crates are simply not built for destructive or anxious dogs. If your Shih Tzu panics when separated from you, they can chew through the canvas or claw through the mesh within minutes. This crate is for calm dogs who already view a crate as a safe space.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This crate is ideal for Shih Tzu owners who already have a primary wire crate at home and want a lightweight option for travel, vet visits, camping, or hotel stays. It is also a solid pick for senior Shih Tzus who are calm, well-trained, and just need a familiar sleeping spot away from home.

People who live in small apartments and want a crate they can fold away during the day will also appreciate this option. When not in use, it takes up almost no space compared to a permanent wire crate.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Puppies who are still in the chewing phase should not use this crate unsupervised. Sharp puppy teeth can damage the mesh and zippers quickly. The same goes for dogs with separation anxiety who might try to dig their way out. For those dogs, a wire crate or the heavy-duty VERIFURTY option is the safer choice.

If you are flying with your Shih Tzu, this crate is not airline approved. You will need the Petmate Sky Kennel or another IATA-compliant option for air travel. The soft crate works great for road trips but will not pass airline checks.

4. EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate – Best Premium Soft Crate

The EliteField soft crate sits a clear step above the Amazon Basics option in both build quality and price. The 600D fabric feels substantially more durable, the steel tubing frame is thicker, and EliteField backs it with a 2-year warranty that no other soft crate on this list offers. Reviewers consistently report using these crates for 8 or more years, which is remarkable for a fabric product.

The 20-inch size is on the smaller end for an adult Shih Tzu, but that is actually a feature rather than a flaw. Many owners overestimate how much space their small dog needs, and a cozier crate often feels safer to a Shih Tzu. The three-door design (top, front, and side) gives you unmatched flexibility for access depending on where the crate sits in your home or vehicle.

I appreciate the included fleece bed, even though it is on the thin side. For a Shih Tzu with a luxurious coat, a thin bed is usually fine since their fur provides natural cushioning. The accessory pockets on top and back are genuinely useful for storing treats, poop bags, or vaccination records during travel.

The zipper locks on the front and side doors add a layer of security that cheaper soft crates lack. A Shih Tzu who has learned to nose at zippers will have a harder time breaking out of this crate. That said, this is still a soft crate, and the same chew and claw warnings apply.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This is my top recommendation for frequent travelers who want a durable soft crate that will last for years rather than months. Dog show competitors, camping enthusiasts, and snowbirds who take their Shih Tzu on extended trips will appreciate the build quality and warranty. The three-door design also makes it a strong pick for groomers who need flexible access to the dog.

Owners who want a premium soft crate for home use will also find this worth the extra cost. If you prefer the look of a soft crate in your living space over a wire one, this is the most polished option on the list.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

The 20-inch size may be too small for an exceptionally large Shih Tzu at the top of the breed standard. If your adult weighs closer to 16 pounds, measure them carefully before ordering. The smaller size also means this is not ideal for a growing puppy who will need to move up to a larger crate within months.

As with all soft crates, destructive dogs and puppies should be steered toward wire options. The 2-year warranty does not cover damage caused by the dog itself, so an anxious chewer will quickly turn this premium purchase into an expensive mistake.

5. DWANTON Furniture-Style Wooden Crate – Best for Living Rooms

The DWANTON furniture-style crate solves a problem many Shih Tzu owners face: how to have a crate in your living room without it looking like you run a kennel. This crate doubles as an end table or nightstand, with a spacious tabletop that holds lamps, books, or decor. The rustic brown finish blends into most home aesthetics far better than any wire crate ever will.

As the number one bestseller in furniture-style dog crates, this product has clearly struck a chord with owners who refuse to compromise on home decor. The double-door design gives your Shih Tzu easy access from the front or side, and the adjustable feet handle uneven floors without wobbling.

The 27.2-inch length gives an adult Shih Tzu plenty of room to stretch out, and the wooden bottom panel prevents the paw-jamming that can happen with wire floors. The included cushion is thin but functional, and the rustic brown finish photographs beautifully if you like sharing your dog on social media.

The major trade-off is cleanability. There is no removable tray, so if your Shih Tzu has an accident, you are cleaning it directly out of a wooden crate. This makes the DWANTON a poor choice for puppies still learning housetraining or any dog with occasional incontinence issues.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This crate is purpose-built for adult, fully housetrained Shih Tzus who already view a crate as a comfortable den. If your dog sleeps through the night without accidents and you want a crate that doubles as living room furniture, this is the best option on the list. The aesthetic appeal is unmatched by anything else here.

Apartment dwellers and condo owners who cannot hide a wire crate in a spare room will also appreciate this design. The crate becomes part of your decor rather than an eyesore you apologize for when guests visit. For more options along these lines, check our guide to furniture-style dog crates.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

Puppies and dogs who are not yet reliable with housetraining should not use this crate. Wood and accidents do not mix, and the lack of a removable tray makes cleanup a nightmare. Similarly, escape artists can defeat the wire door latches, which are lighter than dedicated wire crate hardware.

Heavy chewers may also damage the particleboard construction. This is not solid wood, and a determined dog can gnaw at corners or edges. For destructive dogs, stick with wire or heavy-duty options.

6. Petmate Sky Kennel – Best Airline Approved Crate

If you plan to fly with your Shih Tzu, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the most established airline-compliant option on this list. It meets IATA requirements for live animal transport and most airline cargo specifications, with 360-degree ventilation that helps a brachycephalic breed breathe more comfortably during air travel. Petmate has been making pet carriers for over 60 years, and this is their flagship travel kennel.

The 21-inch small size accommodates pets up to 15 pounds, which covers the entire adult Shih Tzu weight range. The interior dimensions of 18.75 by 13.5 by 14.5 inches give your dog room to stand and turn without excess space that airlines frown upon. The included travel kit with Live Animal stickers, water cup, ID tags, and absorbent pad saves you a separate shopping trip.

The EcoTEC plastic construction uses 90 percent pre-consumer recycled material, which is a nice sustainability touch. The metal door with easy-squeeze latch feels secure, and the folding top handle makes the kennel easier to carry through airports. The tie-down strap holes let you secure the crate during car transport as well.

The honest limitation is that the included hardware is plastic, and many airlines require metal bolts for cargo transport. Most experienced travelers swap out the plastic bolts for metal ones before flying, which is a cheap fix but something to know before you arrive at the airport. For a deeper dive into compliant options, our guide to airline approved dog crates covers this in detail.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This crate is the obvious pick for Shih Tzu owners who fly with their dogs, including military families relocating internationally, snowbirds, and show competitors. The IATA compliance and included travel accessories mean you can show up at the airport prepared rather than scrambling for last-minute requirements.

It also works as a sturdy car travel crate for road trips. The hard-sided plastic shell provides better crash protection than any soft crate, and the secure door latch keeps your dog contained during sudden stops. For car-only travel, see our dedicated guide to dog crates for SUV travel.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

This is not an everyday home crate. The plastic construction is less visually appealing than wire or furniture options, and the limited visibility can make some dogs feel isolated. If you only need a crate for home use, you are better served by the MidWest or Amazon Basics wire options.

Puppies in active housetraining should also skip this one. Cleaning accidents out of a plastic kennel with no removable tray is messy and unpleasant. Reserve this crate for travel use where its specific strengths matter most.

7. Gardner Pet Collapsible Crate – Best Modern Hybrid Design

The Gardner Pet collapsible crate is one of the newest designs on this list, and it brings a fresh approach to the small dog crate category. Instead of pure wire or pure plastic, it combines a high-quality PE plastic shell with metal wire doors, giving you the visibility of wire with the paw-safe smoothness of plastic. The curved corners specifically prevent the chin and claw injuries that straight wire crates can cause.

What sets this crate apart is the tool-free folding mechanism. It collapses into a flat panel in seconds, and the two smooth-rolling wheels plus side handles make it easy to move even when your hands are full. For Shih Tzu owners who need to move the crate between rooms or load it into a vehicle, this is the most convenient option here.

The squeeze-latch locks are designed to be easy for humans but difficult for clever dogs, which addresses one of the main complaints about cheaper wire crates. The double-door design (front and side) gives you placement flexibility that single-door crates cannot match.

The main caveat is that the 27.96-inch measurement is the external dimension. The internal space is smaller, so measure your adult Shih Tzu carefully before ordering. Most standard-sized Shih Tzus fit comfortably, but dogs at the upper end of the breed standard may feel tight.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This crate is ideal for Shih Tzu owners who want a modern, attractive crate that is easy to move and store. The hybrid design works well for apartment dwellers who need to fold the crate away periodically, and the wheels make it simple to reposition without lifting. It is also a solid pick for owners who dislike the look of traditional wire crates but want more ventilation than a plastic kennel provides.

The rounded corners and paw-safe design also make this a thoughtful choice for Shih Tzu puppies who might hurt themselves on sharp wire edges. The double-door access is convenient for grooming, since you can reach your dog from multiple angles without removing them from the crate.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

If you need a crate for an escape-prone Shih Tzu with serious anxiety, the plastic and wire hybrid construction is not as strong as a full heavy-duty steel crate like the VERIFURTY. The squeeze latches are good but not escape-proof. Determine your dog’s escape risk before choosing this option.

The relatively small number of reviews (around 92 at time of writing) also means this crate has less long-term durability data than established options. If you prefer products with years of proven track record, the MidWest LifeStages remains the safer bet.

8. VERIFURTY Heavy Duty Escape-Proof Crate – Best for Anxious Shih Tzus

Some Shih Tzus develop serious separation anxiety that turns every crating session into an escape attempt. For those dogs, standard wire crates are simply not strong enough. The VERIFURTY heavy-duty crate is built from steel tubing with a self-locking latch that closes securely with a gentle push, eliminating the human-error factor that lets anxious dogs slip free.

The 3mm-thick stainless steel latch resists impact and wear, and there is an additional escape-proof mechanism on top of the primary lock. The scratch-resistant non-toxic coating holds up against claws and teeth, and the double-door design (front and side) lets you place the crate in tight spaces without sacrificing access.

With 88 percent of reviewers giving five stars, this crate has earned a strong reputation among owners of anxious and escape-prone dogs. The removable bottom panels make cleaning easier than fixed-floor designs, and the wheels let you reposition the crate without lifting its considerable weight.

The trade-off is that this crate is heavy. At over 150 pounds when assembled, it is not something you will fold up and take on vacation. Plan to set it up once in a permanent location. Assembly takes about 20 minutes and requires some effort, but the included instructions walk you through the process clearly.

Who This Crate Suits Best

This is the crate for Shih Tzus with documented escape tendencies, severe separation anxiety, or destructive behaviors that lighter crates cannot contain. If your dog has broken out of standard wire crates, bent latch mechanisms, or injured themselves trying to escape, this is the containment solution you need. It is also a smart choice for rescue dogs with unknown histories who may have anxiety triggers.

For more on managing determined escape artists, our guide to escape-proof dog crates covers additional options across all sizes and price ranges.

Who Should Look Elsewhere

The weight and bulk make this crate a poor choice for travel or for owners who need to move the crate frequently. If your Shih Tzu is calm and well-adjusted to crating, this level of security is overkill and you are paying for features you will never use.

First-time crate trainers should also start with a lighter, friendlier option. Introducing a heavy-duty crate to a puppy who has never been crated can feel like punishment rather than a safe space. Begin with a wire crate and graduate to this option only if escape behavior emerges.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Crate for Your Shih Tzu

Choosing the right crate for a Shih Tzu involves more than just picking the smallest size available. This breed has specific physical and behavioral characteristics that affect which crate will work best for your individual dog. Here are the factors I consider most important based on testing these crates and talking with Shih Tzu owners across multiple forums.

Crate Size and Measurements for Shih Tzus

The right crate size for an adult Shih Tzu is typically 24 inches in length. This accommodates the breed standard of 9 to 16 pounds and 8 to 11 inches in height at the shoulder. Your dog should be able to stand up without crouching, turn around comfortably, and stretch out for naps. A crate that is too large encourages puppies to use one corner as a bathroom, which undermines housetraining.

For puppies, start with a crate that has a divider panel. Position the divider so the puppy has just enough room to stand, turn, and lie down. As they grow, slide the divider back until they reach adult size and the divider is no longer needed. This approach prevents you from buying multiple crates as your puppy matures.

Crate Type: Wire, Soft, Plastic, or Furniture

Wire crates are the most versatile option for home use. They offer excellent ventilation, let your dog see their surroundings, work well for housetraining, and fold for storage. The trade-off is that they are not airline approved and some dogs find them less cozy than enclosed options.

Soft-sided crates excel at travel. They are lightweight, pack flat, and create a den-like environment in unfamiliar places. The limitation is durability: anxious or destructive dogs can chew through fabric, and these crates are never suitable for escape artists.

Plastic airline crates like the Petmate Sky Kennel are required for air travel and provide better crash protection in cars. They offer less visibility than wire crates, which some dogs prefer and others find isolating.

Furniture-style crates trade function for aesthetics. They are beautiful in a living room but lack removable trays and secure latches. Reserve these for fully housetrained, calm adult dogs only.

Ventilation and Brachycephalic Breathing

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have short snouts that make breathing less efficient than longer-nosed dogs. This makes ventilation a serious consideration rather than a nice-to-have. Wire crates offer the best airflow from all sides. Plastic airline crates need 360-degree ventilation slots like the Petmate Sky Kennel provides. Soft crates with mesh panels on all four sides work well, but avoid any crate that limits airflow to a single side.

Divider Panels for Growing Puppies

If you are bringing home a Shih Tzu puppy, a divider panel is one of the most valuable features you can have. Puppies will not soil the space where they sleep, but if the crate is too large, they will designate a bathroom corner and undermine their own housetraining. The divider shrinks the crate to match the puppy’s current size, then expands as they grow into adults around 9 to 12 months.

Age-Specific Considerations

Puppies need smaller spaces, divider panels, and durable easy-clean trays for inevitable accidents. Adults do well in 24-inch wire or soft crates depending on lifestyle. Senior Shih Tzus may benefit from crates with lower door thresholds that are easier to step over, and softer bedding to support aging joints. Consider your dog’s current life stage when choosing rather than assuming one crate works for every age.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shih Tzu Crates

Final Thoughts on the Best Dog Crates for Shih Tzus

The best dog crates for shih tzus are the ones that match your specific dog’s temperament, your lifestyle, and your home setup. For most owners, the MidWest LifeStages or Amazon Basics 24-inch wire crates deliver the best combination of value, durability, and features like divider panels that puppy owners need. Frequent travelers should look at the EliteField soft crate or Petmate Sky Kennel depending on whether they travel by car or air.

If your Shih Tzu has separation anxiety or escape tendencies, investing in the VERIFURTY heavy-duty crate will save you money and stress in the long run compared to replacing cheaper crates your dog destroys. And if aesthetics matter most, the DWANTON furniture-style crate is the most polished option for blending a crate into your living space without sacrificing your dog’s comfort.

Whatever crate you choose, take the time to introduce it slowly with positive reinforcement. Shih Tzus respond beautifully to patient training, and a crate that starts as a scary unfamiliar object can become your dog’s favorite cozy retreat within a few weeks. The investment in time pays off every single day for the rest of your dog’s life.