Best Dog Crate for Japanese Spitzs (2026)
Japanese Spitzs are intelligent, affectionate companions bred for close human bonding, making proper crate training essential to prevent separation anxiety and destructive behaviors. Their thick, fluffy coats and playful nature mean they need adequate space to move comfortably while maintaining the secure den environment that supports their obedient, companionable temperament.
The ideal crate for a Japanese Spitz balances size precision—they weigh 15–19 pounds and stand 12–15 inches tall—with design features that support their training needs. Look for wire or plastic construction that offers visibility and ventilation, a divider panel for puppies, and portability for a breed that thrives on close family companionship and frequent outings.
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Our Top Pick
MidWest Homes iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate 24"
The #1 bestselling dog crate on Amazon — a reliable, affordable fold-flat option that works for most small breeds and is easy to store between uses.
MidWest Homes
MidWest Homes iCrate Single Door Folding Dog Crate 24"
Best budget crate for small breedsToo small for most adult Japanese Spitzs (15–19 lbs), but suited for undersized puppies during early training phases before graduating to a 30" crate.
- Folds flat in seconds for travel/storage
- Includes divider panel for puppy training
- Leak-proof removable plastic pan
New World Pet Products
New World Pet Products 24" Double Door Folding Crate
Best alternative to MidWest for small breeds- Front and top door entry — useful for cats or small dogs
- Includes divider panel and floor tray
- E-coat finish prevents rust
MidWest Homes
MidWest Skudo Plastic Dog Travel Crate
Best airline-approved crateIATA-approved design suits Japanese Spitzs' role as companion travelers, with four-sided ventilation ideal for their thick white coats during car or airline cabin trips.
- IATA-compliant for airline cabin and cargo
- Ventilation on 4 sides
- Easy assembly — no tools required
How to Choose the Right Crate Size for Japanese Spitzs
Japanese Spitzs typically weigh 15–19 pounds, making a 24" to 30" crate the optimal fit. A crate that's too large encourages soiling in one corner; too small creates anxiety in a breed prone to stress. The 30" MidWest iCrate provides ideal dimensions for their compact frame while allowing comfortable turning and lying down without excess space.
Because Japanese Spitzs are intelligent and obedient, they respond exceptionally well to positive crate training. Choose a crate with a divider panel if you have a puppy—this supports house-training by naturally limiting space as they grow. Wire crates allow visibility, which satisfies their need to monitor family activity, a trait central to their affectionate, companionable nature.
Consider portability for a breed bred as a traveling companion. Japanese Spitzs enjoy outings and car trips, so lightweight, foldable designs like the MidWest iCrate or collapsible Frisco model support their active lifestyle. If separation anxiety emerges despite their obedient nature, the Impact aluminum crate's escape-proof design provides security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size crate does a Japanese Spitz need?
A 24" to 30" crate suits adult Japanese Spitzs weighing 15–19 pounds. The 30" MidWest iCrate is ideal, allowing comfortable standing, turning, and lying down without excess space that encourages soiling. Puppies benefit from divider panels to adjust dimensions as they grow.
How do I crate train a Japanese Spitz?
Start crate training early using positive reinforcement—treats, praise, and play. Japanese Spitzs are obedient and intelligent, responding well to consistency. Keep initial sessions short (5–10 minutes), gradually extend duration, and never use the crate as punishment. Their companionable nature means they'll associate it with safety and family presence.
Can Japanese Spitzs travel in wire crates?
Yes; wire crates allow the visibility Japanese Spitzs need to monitor surroundings, reducing travel anxiety. However, soft-sided or plastic airline-approved carriers like the MidWest Skudo work well for car trips and flights, offering ventilation suitable for their thick white coats while limiting motion during transport.
Japanese Spitz Full Breed Profile
Temperament, health conditions, care guides, and adoption resources.