Crates for a Poodle and Maltese puppy in one alcove

Two dogs, two different sizes, one alcove — that's a spatial puzzle worth solving carefully. Crate size is the single most important factor here: too small causes distress, too large removes the den-like feeling that makes crates actually work. You're also dealing with two very different size requirements, so stacking or matching footprints becomes critical. To point you in the right direction: what size is your Poodle — toy, miniature, or standard? And is this primarily for overnight sleeping, daytime settling, or both?

That's a helpful picture. A miniature Poodle at 5kg needs roughly a 76cm (30 inch) crate — enough to stand, turn, and stretch without excess space. Your Maltese will mature at around 3–4kg, so she'll ultimately need a 61cm (24 inch) crate. The challenge with under-stairs alcoves is that you need consistent outer dimensions so the crates sit flush. Are you open to stackable crates, or do you need them to sit side by side on the floor?

Perfect — that makes the decision straightforward. I'd go with two Ellie-Bo folding wire dog crates from the same range: a 30-inch for the Poodle and a 24-inch for the Maltese. The 24-inch comes with a divider panel as standard, so you can section it down while your Maltese is small and gradually open it up as she grows. Both crates are from the same product line so they're visually identical — same black wire finish, same folding mechanism, same tray style. They'll sit neatly side by side and look intentional rather than mismatched. Wire is the right material here too: good airflow for overnight use, easy to clean, and your Poodle can see her environment without feeling isolated.

Yes, a 24-inch crate is the standard recommendation for adult Maltese — they typically reach 3–4kg and around 25cm at the shoulder, so 61cm of floor length gives them comfortable standing, turning, and curling space without the excess room that undermines the den effect. You won't need to replace it. The divider just lets you start with a snug 40cm or so of usable space now, which helps with toilet training by preventing her from using one end as a toilet — and you simply move the panel back as she grows over the next few months.

Yes, both fold completely flat — the Ellie-Bo range uses a simple single-door fold-flat design with a carry handle once collapsed. It takes about 20 seconds per crate. They're not the most compact when folded because wire crates never are, but they'll slide behind a sofa or into a cupboard without trouble. You're set.