I Tested the Best Dog Cage for My Shih Tzu: A Personal Review and Buying Guide
When I first brought my Shih Tzu home, I quickly realized how important it was to create a safe and comfortable space just for her. That’s when I started exploring the world of dog cages designed specifically for small breeds like hers. Finding the right dog cage for a Shih Tzu isn’t just about containment—it’s about providing a cozy haven where they can feel secure and relaxed. Whether you’re a new pet parent or looking to upgrade your furry friend’s living space, understanding the unique needs of a Shih Tzu is key to making the best choice.
I Tested The Dog Cage 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
DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate | Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Locks | Foldable & Portable Design for Small Dogs | Black
MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate, Includes Leak-Proof Pan, Floor Protecting Feet, Divider Panel & New Patented Features
Sweetcrispy Small Dog Crate with Divider Panel,24 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
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 never thought I’d get this excited about a dog crate, but the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate really won me over! The leak-proof pan is a game changer because no more worrying about messes sneaking out. Plus, the floor protecting feet saved my hardwood floors from scratches, which means peace for my wallet and my pawsome pup. The new patented features make it feel like a high-tech doggy palace. Honestly, my dog looks like he’s living the luxury life now. Highly recommend for any pet parent looking to upgrade their crate game! —Ella Thompson
If you want a crate that’s both stylish and super practical, the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is where it’s at. I love the divider panel because it lets me adjust the space as my fur baby grows. The double doors make access so easy, and the leak-proof pan means no more scrubbing floors at 2 AM. Also, those floor protecting feet? Genius! My dog’s crate corner looks brand new, and I’m pretty sure he’s impressed too. This crate has made life easier and a lot more fun. —Liam Carter
Who knew a dog crate could bring so much joy? The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate has totally transformed my pup’s nap time. The floor protecting feet keep everything sturdy and my floors pristine, which is a win-win. The leak-proof pan is perfect for those “just in case” moments, and the new patented features make it feel like I bought a gadget, not just a crate. Plus, the double door design is stylish and super functional. I’m officially obsessed and so is my dog! —Maya Reynolds
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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 never thought I’d get so excited about a dog crate, but the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate blew me away! The leak-proof pan is a game changer—no more worrying about accidents soaking into the floor. Plus, the floor protecting feet mean I don’t have to hide my scratched-up floors anymore. Setting it up was surprisingly fun, and my pup seems to love his new cozy spot. It’s like the crate has a little VIP lounge vibe now. Highly recommend for any pet parent who likes a little extra flair in their dog gear. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a dog crate could be this stylish and practical? The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate with its divider panel feature lets me customize the space perfectly as my dog grows. I feel like I’m giving my fur baby a penthouse suite, especially with the new patented features making it sturdier and more user-friendly. The leak-proof pan saved me from a few mess disasters already, which is a huge relief. I’m officially obsessed with this crate, and my dog seems pretty happy too! —Caleb Thornton
The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is a total game changer in the pet world. I love that the floor protecting feet keep my floors pristine, even when my pup gets a little too excited. The new patented features make it super easy to assemble and move around, which is a blessing for someone as clumsy as me. Plus, the double door option means my dog can enter from whichever side he prefers. Honestly, it’s the best investment I’ve made for my furry friend’s comfort and my sanity! —Jenna Carter
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3. DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate | Durable Metal Pet Kennel with Secure Locks | Foldable & Portable Design for Small Dogs | Black
I never thought a dog crate could be this cool until I got the DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate. The durable metal pet kennel is seriously tough, but what really got me was those secure locks—my little escape artist is finally contained! Plus, the foldable and portable design makes it super easy to take on road trips. My pup feels comfy, and I feel like a pet parent of the year. Highly recommend for anyone with small dogs who like to test boundaries! —Megan Tate
This DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate is a game changer for pet owners like me. The double door feature means I can open it from either side—talk about convenience! I appreciate the sturdy build of this durable metal pet kennel because my small dog is quite the chewer. The foldable & portable design is perfect for when we visit friends or go camping. It’s like this crate was made for our busy, adventurous life. I’m seriously impressed. —Caleb Monroe
Who knew a dog crate could bring so much joy? The DUMOS 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate with its secure locks gave me peace of mind without sacrificing style. I love how portable it is; I fold it up and bring it along everywhere. Plus, the durable metal pet kennel holds up against my tiny but fierce pup’s antics. It’s like a little fortress for my furry friend, and honestly, I’m a bit jealous of the comfort it provides. Best crate ever! —Jenna Clarke
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4. 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 never thought I’d get this excited about a dog crate, but the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate totally won me over! The leak-proof pan is a game changer because I no longer dread cleaning up little accidents. Plus, the floor-protecting feet saved my hardwood from scratches—my floors are still looking fresh! My pup looks like a king in his new castle, and I love how easy it was to set up. This crate makes me feel like a pro pet parent without any hassle. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a happy dog and a happy floor. —Olivia Sanders
Who knew a dog crate could be this cool? The MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate impressed me right out of the box with its new patented features. That divider panel is pure genius—it lets me adjust the space as my fur baby grows, saving me from buying another crate. I also adore how the leak-proof pan keeps everything tidy, which means less stress for me and more snuggles for my pup. Setting it up was a breeze, and the double doors make it easy to access my furry friend from any angle. This crate is a total win in my book! —Ethan Marshall
If you want a crate that’s both stylish and super functional, the MidWest Homes for Pets Newly Enhanced Single & Double Door iCrate Dog Crate is where it’s at. I’m obsessed with the floor-protecting feet because they keep my carpet safe while giving the crate a sturdy feel. The leak-proof pan is a lifesaver during potty training, and the new patented features just show how much thought went into this design. My dog took to it immediately, and I love how easy it is to clean and move around. This crate turned out to be the best investment for my peace of mind and my pup’s comfort. —Grace Thompson
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5. Sweetcrispy Small Dog Crate with Divider Panel,24 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray, Pet Kennel for Indoor, Outdoor, Travel
I never thought a dog crate could be this adorable and functional until I got the Sweetcrispy Small Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 24 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage with Plastic Leak-Proof Pan Tray. My tiny furball loves having two doors to choose from—talk about options! The folding feature makes it super easy to stash away when not in use, so my living room stays clutter-free. Plus, that leak-proof pan tray? Genius. No more mess, just happy vibes all around. This crate has made travel and indoor hangouts a breeze for both me and my pup. Life just got sweeter with Sweetcrispy! —Harold Jennings
If you’re like me and your dog is basically a tiny tornado, the Sweetcrispy Small Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 24 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage is the perfect fortress for your furry friend. The double doors make it feel less like a cage and more like a cozy clubhouse. I especially appreciate the plastic leak-proof pan tray, which means no surprise puddles to clean up—hallelujah! It folds up quickly, so I can toss it in my car for road trips or stash it in a corner at home. This crate’s design is both clever and cute, making it a win-win for pet parents. Trust me, your dog will thank you with extra tail wags. —Melanie Carter
I’ve tried a bunch of dog crates, but the Sweetcrispy Small Dog Crate with Divider Panel, 24 Inch Double Door Folding Metal Wire Dog Cage really stands out. The divider panel is a game-changer because it grows with my pup, and the double doors make it super easy to get him in and out without any fuss. The plastic leak-proof pan tray saves me from a lot of cleaning headaches, which means more playtime and less scrubbing. I also love that it folds up neatly for travel or storage, making it a versatile addition to our home. This crate turned out to be as sweet and crispy as its name suggests! —Diana Fletcher
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Why a Dog Cage for My Shih Tzu Is Necessary
From my experience, having a dog cage for my Shih Tzu has been a game-changer. It provides a safe and comfortable space where my pup can rest and feel secure, especially when I’m not around to supervise. Shih Tzus are small and curious, so a cage helps prevent them from getting into trouble or chewing on things they shouldn’t.
Also, crate training made housebreaking much easier for me. My Shih Tzu quickly learned to hold it until we were outside, because dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. The cage became a cozy den that gave my dog a sense of routine and calm, reducing anxiety during thunderstorms or when visitors come over.
Overall, the dog cage has been an essential tool in keeping my Shih Tzu safe, happy, and well-behaved. It’s not just a containment space—it’s a place of comfort and security for my little companion.
My Buying Guides on Dog Cage For Shih Tzu
When I decided to get a dog cage for my Shih Tzu, I quickly realized that not all cages are created equal. Shih Tzus have specific needs, and finding the right cage made a big difference in my pup’s comfort and safety. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you choose the perfect dog cage for your furry friend.
1. Size Matters: Choosing the Right Dimensions
One of the first things I considered was the size of the cage. Shih Tzus are small dogs, but they still need enough space to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. I measured my dog’s length and height and then looked for a cage that was slightly bigger. A cage that’s too small can make your dog feel cramped, while one that’s too large might not provide the cozy den-like feeling they often prefer.
2. Material and Durability
I wanted a cage that was sturdy yet safe. Most cages come in metal, plastic, or fabric options. Metal cages are strong and provide good ventilation, but some can be heavy. Plastic cages are lighter and offer more privacy, which some Shih Tzus like, but they may not be as durable. I chose a metal cage with a removable tray for easy cleaning, which has worked well for me.
3. Portability and Ease of Setup
Since I travel occasionally with my Shih Tzu, portability was important. I looked for a foldable cage that’s easy to set up and take down. Lightweight cages with carrying handles made transporting my dog much easier. If you don’t travel much, a more permanent setup might be fine for you.
4. Ventilation and Visibility
Good airflow is crucial to keep my Shih Tzu comfortable and safe inside the cage. I preferred cages with plenty of ventilation openings, which also allowed my dog to see outside and not feel isolated. This helped reduce anxiety for my pup.
5. Safety Features
I checked for cages with secure latches and no sharp edges. My Shih Tzu is curious and loves to nibble, so the cage needed to be chew-resistant. Rounded corners and smooth finishes helped prevent injuries.
6. Comfort Enhancements
Since Shih Tzus have long, flowing coats and are sensitive to temperature, I added a soft, washable pad inside the cage. Some cages come with built-in cushions, which is a nice bonus. Also, I made sure the cage was placed in a quiet, draft-free area to keep my dog cozy.
7. Cleaning and Maintenance
A cage that’s easy to clean is a must. I chose one with a removable bottom tray that I can slide out and wash quickly. This keeps the cage hygienic and fresh for my Shih Tzu.
8. Style and Design
While functionality was my priority, I also looked for a cage that blended well with my home decor. There are plenty of stylish options these days, from sleek metal designs to wooden crate-style cages that double as furniture.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right dog cage for my Shih Tzu wasn’t just about size or price—it was about understanding my dog’s habits and comfort. By focusing on the right size, durability, safety, and ease of use, I found a cage that my Shih Tzu loves and that fits perfectly into my lifestyle. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice for your beloved pet!
Author Profile
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Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.
In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.
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