Choosing the Best Cage for Your Dog | Comprehensive Guide to 10 Recommended Products for Small Dogs

A cage is an essential item for keeping small dogs when they are home alone or during training. Many owners purchase one when bringing home a puppy, but features vary greatly depending on the product. Options range from models with casters to those with removable roofs, and stylish wooden designs—there are plenty of choices. Major manufacturers like Iris Ohyama, Marukan, and Petio offer numerous recommended products, leaving many owners wondering which one to choose.

In this article, we carefully select and evaluate the top 10 best-selling small dog cages, thoroughly examining five key points. We clarify each product’s characteristics and present them in ranking order. Our definition of the best cage is one that makes it easy for dogs to enter and exit, simplifies daily cleaning, and is easy to set up and dismantle. Based on our actual testing, we also explain how to truly choose the right small dog cage, so please use this as a reference.

Five Key Points for Choosing a Small Dog Cage

To find the most suitable cage from many recommended options, we evaluated based on these five points:

1. Ease of entry and exit for the dog
We assess the lock position, release method, and height of any steps, focusing on comfort during daily use. Whether the lock can be operated with one hand and whether it can be done while standing are also important.

2. Ease of cleaning
Since maintaining cleanliness is vital, we evaluate practicality, including mobility with casters, whether the floor tray can be pulled out, and overall weight.

3. Ease of setup and dismantling
We consider whether a first-time owner can assemble the cage, checking for necessary tools, assembly steps, and time required.

4. Durability
We verify whether the material—metal or wood—is strong enough to withstand biting or jumping, and whether it’s suitable for long-term use.

5. Safety features and open functions
We evaluate safety aspects such as whether the cage has an open function that prevents sudden door closures and the design of joint parts at accessible points for dogs.

Evaluation Results of 10 Recommended Dog Cages Selected from Top Sellers on Amazon, Rakuten, etc.

We gathered and tested 10 popular cages from leading e-commerce sites and manufacturers’ latest products. Below, we introduce detailed features and evaluation results for each.

1st Place: Casters for Easy Cleaning | Room Cage (Iris Ohyama)

Overall Score: 4.51 | Price Range: from 4,862 yen

This recommended cage allows smooth entry and exit for dogs whether standing or sitting. The slide lock is positioned high and can be released with one hand, offering excellent operability. The roof can be removed, providing flexible access depending on how the dog enters or exits.

The open function prevents sudden door closures, enhancing safety. Weighing 6.12kg and equipped with casters, it greatly eases daily cleaning. The metal frame offers high durability, suitable for long-term use from puppyhood to adulthood.

Pros

• Slide lock operable with one hand, easy to open/close
• Lock position high, easy for standing owners to handle dog entry/exit
• Lightweight (6.12kg) + casters for effortless cleaning
• No tools needed; easy to assemble with just joint connections

Cons

• Floor tray cannot be pulled out
• Step height of 7.9cm may require caution for puppies

2nd Place: Separates Toilet and Living Space | Combination Circle (HAPET)

Overall Score: 4.43 | Price Range: from 11,300 yen

Ideal for owners wanting efficient toilet training. Features include the ability to separate the toilet area from the living space inside. The slide lock is high-positioned and operable with one hand, even when holding the dog.

It has an open function for safety, casters for easy movement, and a pull-out tray for cleaning. Made of metal for durability. Assembly requires no tools, but panels can be unstable, so two people are recommended. The step height of 11cm is somewhat high, so consider the dog’s age.

Pros

• Toilet and living space separation aids training
• High-positioned slide lock, operable with one hand
• Casters make cleaning easier, tray can be pulled out
• Open function enhances safety

Cons

• Step height of 11cm may be high for puppies or elderly dogs
• Assembly can be tricky; panels may fall if not careful

3rd Place: Low Step, Suitable for Puppies and Seniors | Dog Friend Room with Top Fence (Marukan)

Overall Score: 4.34 | Price Range: from 4,158 yen

Features a very low step of just 3.5cm, making it easy for puppies and elderly dogs to enter and exit without lifting their legs high. The high-position lock can be released with one hand, facilitating entry/exit from both standing and sitting positions.

Made of metal for durability, easy to assemble without tools by connecting corner joints. The open function is included. Step height of 4.5cm is suitable for adult dogs. However, cleaning is more difficult due to weight (7.38kg) and no casters, making movement cumbersome. The tray cannot be pulled out, complicating cleaning.

Pros

• Very low step (3.5cm), suitable for puppies and seniors
• High lock position, easy to operate standing or sitting
• No tools needed; simple assembly with corner joints
• Durable metal construction

Cons

• Heavier (7.38kg), no casters, harder to move
• No pull-out tray, cleaning less convenient

4th Place: Focus on Toilet Training Efficiency | Admate Villa Fort Circle (Petio)

Overall Score: 4.32 | Price Range: from 15,527 yen

A fixed cage with separated toilet and living areas, ideal for efficient training. The high slide lock allows smooth operation while standing, with one-hand operation possible. Open function included for safety.

Step height is 4.5cm, suitable for puppies and elderly dogs. Metal construction ensures durability against biting and jumping. However, it weighs 17.5kg and has no casters, making movement difficult. The tray is hard to remove without lifting the entire cage, increasing cleaning effort. Assembly requires tools not included.

Pros

• Toilet and living space separation improves training
• High slide lock, operable while standing
• Low step (4.5cm), suitable for various ages
• Durable metal build

Cons

• Very heavy (17.5kg), difficult to move
• No casters; cleaning and relocation cumbersome
• Tools needed for assembly, not included

5th Place: Easy to Clean and Set Up | Easy Cleaning Circle with Roof (Iris Ohyama)

Overall Score: 4.19 | Price Range: from 8,345 yen

Designed to reduce cleaning effort, with a full-open door for easy access to the interior. The tray can be removed without lifting the cage, and casters facilitate movement. Weighs less than 8kg, making it lightweight and user-friendly.

No tools required for setup, suitable for first-time owners. However, opening the door involves removing two fasteners, which may be inconvenient with one hand. Step height is 10cm, slightly high for some dogs. The joint parts are at accessible points, but safety considerations should be noted.

Pros

• Removable tray simplifies cleaning
• Casters for easy movement
• No tools needed for assembly
• Lightweight (under 8kg)

Cons

• Door operation may be difficult with one hand
• Step height of 10cm may be high for some dogs

6th Place: Wooden Design, Focus on Durability | Wooden Interior Circle (Iris Ohyama)

Overall Score: 4.15 | Price Range: from 13,280 yen

A stylish wooden design that blends naturally into home decor. Made of sturdy wood and metal, suitable for long-term use. No joint parts are accessible to dogs, preventing tampering.

Easy to assemble by inserting parts at corners, ideal for beginners. The high slide lock allows operation without bending. Open function included. Step height of 5.9cm is suitable for adult dogs. However, heavy weight (18.3kg) and no casters make moving difficult. The tray cannot be removed without lifting the entire cage, complicating cleaning.

Pros

• Durable, long-lasting construction
• Safe design with inaccessible joints
• Easy assembly with corner parts
• High slide lock for convenience

Cons

• Very heavy (18.3kg)
• No casters, hard to move
• Difficult to clean due to tray removal method

7th Place: Compact and Foldable | Foldable Pet Cage (Amazon)

Overall Score: 4.11 | Price Range: from 6,530 yen

Ideal for owners who want quick storage when not in use. Folds easily for compact storage and portability. Made of durable metal, suitable for active dogs.

High lock position allows entry/exit while standing, and one-handed release is possible. The tray is removable for cleaning. Step height is 9.8cm, slightly high for puppies or seniors. No casters, so moving frequently is cumbersome.

Pros

• Foldable for easy storage and transport
• Durable metal construction
• High lock position, easy to operate standing
• Removable tray for cleaning

Cons

• Step height of 9.8cm may cause tripping
• No casters; moving is manual

8th Place: Stylish Wooden Design | Wood Pet Circle (Fukuwara)

Overall Score: 4.10 | Price Range: from 12,890 yen

A natural wood aesthetic that fits well in home interiors. Available in S (small dogs) and L (medium dogs) sizes. Made of high-quality metal and wood, resistant to biting. No accessible joints at dog contact points for safety.

The tray is removable for cleaning. The sliding door opens smoothly. Assembly requires tools and some effort. The roof is fixed, so no top entry. No casters, so placement is fixed. Step height of 12.3cm may be high for some dogs.

Pros

• Attractive, natural look
• Easy-to-clean tray
• Safe joint design

Cons

• Assembly with tools needed
• Heavy (over 18kg)
• No roof removal, top entry not possible

9th Place: Focus on Interior and Style | Natural Furniture Pet Circle (Iris Ohyama)

Overall Score: 4.04 | Price Range: from 20,687 yen

A stylish, spacious cage with a furniture-like design, blending into modern interiors. Suitable for larger small dogs and medium breeds. Made of metal with a refined finish, resistant to biting.

The large side door opens 180°, making entry easy. Step height is 5cm. Very heavy (21.7kg), no casters, so moving is difficult. Lifting the entire cage is necessary for cleaning, which is labor-intensive. Installation and disassembly require two people and tools, suitable for experienced users.

Pros

• Elegant, interior-friendly design
• Large door for easy access
• Low step height

Cons

• Very heavy, difficult to move
• Heavy lifting for cleaning
• Assembly needs tools and two people

10th Place: Easy Setup and Dismantling | Pet Cage (FEANDREA)

Overall Score: 3.96 | Price Range: from 13,800 yen

Designed for frequent setup and removal, suitable for temporary use or travel. Made of sturdy metal, handles active dogs well.

High-positioned lock for easy entry/exit while standing. Requires removing two hooks, which may be inconvenient with one hand. Step height is 9cm, manageable for adult dogs. Weighs 15.5kg, no casters, so moving is difficult. Cleaning is less straightforward.

Pros

• Foldable for quick setup/dismantling
• Durable metal
• Suitable for temporary or travel use

Cons

• Hook removal can be cumbersome
• Heavy (15.5kg)
• No casters; moving is manual

How to Choose the Best Cage for Your Dog’s Life Stage

Based on our evaluations, here are tips for selecting the ideal cage:

For puppies and senior dogs
Prioritize low steps. Examples: Dog Friend Room with Top Fence (3.5cm), Admate Villa Fort Circle (4.5cm).

For daily cleaning ease
Opt for cages with casters and pull-out trays. Recommended: Room Cage, Combination Circle.

For toilet training
Choose cages with internal separation features, such as the Combination Circle or Admate Villa Fort Circle.

For interior aesthetics
Wooden designs like Wooden Interior Circle or Natural Furniture Pet Circle create a cozy space.

For temporary use or portability
Foldable cages like Amazon’s model or FEANDREA are convenient.

Choosing the right cage depends on your lifestyle and your dog’s needs. From the 10 recommended options introduced here, find the one that best fits your home.

Supervised by: Yuki Otani (Dog Groomer, Trainer, Pet Sales Expert, Pet School Instructor)
Guide: Rio Sasaki (Lifestyle Specialist)