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The right crate gives a Shih Tzu a safe den for house-training, travel, and rest, but only if it is the correct size and strength. The Shih Tzu is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) toy breed with prominent eyes, so anything that presses on the neck, overheats the dog, or rubs the face needs a second look. This guide walks through what actually matters when choosing the best crate for a Shih Tzu, how to size and compare options, and the mistakes that trip up most owners, all without pushing any single product on you.
📋 Table of Contents
What to look for in a crate for a Shih Tzu
- Just enough room to stand, turn around, and lie flat, no more, during house-training
- A divider panel so a puppy’s crate can grow with it
- Strength matched to the dog: wire or heavy plastic for calm dogs, reinforced steel for chewers and escape artists
- Good airflow and at least two secure door latches
- A removable, washable tray for easy cleaning
Why the Shih Tzu is different
See also: Best Electric Dog Fences for Reliable, Humane Containment • Best Dog Boots for Basset Hound
A Shih Tzu typically weighs 9-16 lb and stands 8-11 inches at the shoulder, with a long, flowing double coat that sheds little but tangles and mats fast, often kept in a shorter ‘puppy cut’. It is an affectionate, easygoing lap dog with modest exercise needs and a stubborn streak. On top of that, the breed is prone to back and knee problems (IVDD and luxating patellas), breathing limits from the flat face, eye injuries, and dental crowding, so the right crate should work with that build and those health tendencies rather than against them.
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Divider Panel, Single Door, Easy to Assemble, 24" x 18" x 20", Black
Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Shih Tzu' because the listing specifies Foldable Metal Wire Small Dog Crate with Removable Tray and Divider Panel, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Midwest 24-Inch Pink Single Door iCrate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Shih Tzu' because the listing specifies for Small Breeds and 12-20 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.
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Midwest 24-Inch Single Door iCrate, for Small Breeds, 12-20 lbs
Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Shih Tzu' because the listing specifies for Small Breeds and 12-20 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.
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24 Inch Small Dog Crate, Dog Cage for Small Dogs & Puppies Under 20 lbs
Included for 'Best Dog Crate for Shih Tzu' because the listing specifies Dog Cage for Small Dogs & Puppies Under 20 lbs, details this guide uses to compare options.
View on AmazonAirflow for a flat-faced dog
A Shih Tzu needs a smaller crate than many owners buy, usually 22-24 in, just big enough to stand, turn, and lie stretched out. The bigger issue is heat. Flat-faced breeds cool themselves poorly, so choose a crate with good ventilation on several sides, keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators, and avoid heavy covers in warm rooms. Wire crates breathe best, while plastic crates are handy for travel if they have side vents. Add a washable pad rather than thick blankets that trap heat, and keep a clip-on water cup inside for longer stays. Many Shih Tzus treat an open crate as a quiet retreat, which is the goal.
Types of crate
Wire crate
Well-ventilated, foldable, and easy to clean, with a divider for growing dogs. The most versatile choice for home use.
Plastic (airline) crate
Cozier and travel-friendly; often required for air travel and better for dogs that like an enclosed den.
Heavy-duty steel crate
For powerful chewers and anxious escape artists; look for thick tubing and chew-proof latches.
Quick comparison
Crate length guide by adult weight:
| Adult weight | Crate length | Common label |
|---|---|---|
| under 25 lb | 24-30 in | Small |
| 25-40 lb | 30-36 in | Medium |
| 40-70 lb | 36-42 in | Large |
| 70 lb and up | 42-48 in | XL / XXL |
How to choose the right crate
- Measure your dog nose-to-tail and floor-to-ear, then add 2-4 inches to each; a Shih Tzu typically needs a 22-24 in (small) crate as an adult
- Use the divider so a puppy cannot soil one end and sleep in the other
- Match durability to temperament: separation anxiety calls for a stronger build
- Place it in a quiet but social corner, never as punishment
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying a crate so large a puppy uses one corner as a bathroom
- Choosing a flimsy crate for a strong or anxious dog
- Leaving a dog crated too long, which no crate can fix
Matching the crate to your Shih Tzu’s life stage
Needs change as a Shih Tzu grows. In puppyhood, prioritize the right size for the current body and something forgiving, since a young Shih Tzu is still growing into the 9-16 lb adult range and re-checks every few weeks keep the fit or portion correct. Through the active adult years, durability and daily comfort matter most because this is an affectionate, easygoing lap dog with modest exercise needs and a stubborn streak. For seniors, lean toward extra support and gentleness, since older dogs feel back and knee problems (IVDD and luxating patellas) more acutely and appreciate easier handling. Buying with the whole timeline in mind saves money and spares your dog the stress of constant swaps.
Care and longevity
Whatever crate you settle on, a few minutes of upkeep doubles its useful life and keeps your Shih Tzu safer. Inspect it regularly for wear, clean it on the schedule the material calls for, and store it dry to prevent odor and damage. Check the fit or suitability at least seasonally, because a Shih Tzu’s weight, coat, and activity all shift across the year. When something is frayed, cracked, outgrown, or no longer doing its job, replace it promptly rather than pushing a worn item one more month.
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a Shih Tzu need?
Size to the adult dog: it should stand without ducking and turn around comfortably. For a Shih Tzu in the 9-16 lb range that usually means a 22-24 in (small) crate, using a divider while young so the space stays right for house-training.
How long can a dog stay crated?
As a rule, no more than a few hours for adults during the day (puppies far less, roughly one hour per month of age). The crate is a resting den, not a full-day containment tool.
Bottom line
The best crate for a Shih Tzu is the one that fits your individual dog’s size, coat, and temperament, is built to handle a small frame, and supports the breed’s known health needs. Measure first, prioritize safety and durability over price or looks, and re-check the fit as your dog grows and ages. Get those fundamentals right and you will spend once instead of three times.
