🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Crates

Best Crate for French Bulldogs

Our editorial team compared the top crates for French Bulldogs based on size, durability, and comfort to find the best options for your Frenchie.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated June 30, 2026

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🐶 ★ Top Pick: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

24 to 30 inches

Recommended Crate Size

10 to 12 inches

Crate Height Minimum

8 to 12 hours

Max Time in Crate

95%

Owners Who Use Crates

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate. Single-door folding metal crate with a durable pan, excellent ventilation, and easy setup.
Best Heavy Duty: ProSelect Empire Cage. All-steel construction with a drop-pin design, perfect for escape artists.
Best for Travel: Petmate Two-Door Top Load. Hard-sided plastic crate with top and front doors, meets airline requirements.
Best Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate. Lightweight and portable with three mesh doors for airflow.
Best Value: Frisco Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Crate. Affordable double-door wire crate with a divider panel, allowing growth.
Best for Easy Storage: Pet Gear Pop-Up Crate. Instant pop-up design with a padded floor and mesh sides.

Quick answer

The best crates for French Bulldogs are the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate (best overall), the ProSelect Empire Cage (best heavy-duty), and the Petmate Two-Door Top Load (best for travel).

What to consider for a French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, so proper ventilation is critical. They also have short legs and a sturdy build, so the crate should be low to the ground and wide enough for them to turn around. Avoid wire crates with large gaps that can trap paws. Plastic and heavy-duty crates offer more security and airflow control. Always measure your Frenchie’s length and height to ensure a good fit.

How we picked

We evaluated crates based on size suitability for Frenchies (typically 24 to 30 inches), ventilation, ease of cleaning (removable pans), portability, and safety features like rounded edges and secure latches. We also considered customer reviews from Frenchie owners to confirm real-world performance.

For more details on caring for your French Bulldog, check out our French Bulldog Complete Guide.

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate	Best Overall	Check price →
ProSelect Empire Cage	Best Heavy Duty	Check price →
Petmate Two-Door Top Load	Best for Travel	Check price →
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate	Best Soft Crate	Check price →
Frisco Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Crate	Best Value	Check price →
Pet Gear Pop-Up Crate	Best for Easy Storage	Check price →

Why this matters

French Bulldogs need crates with excellent ventilation due to their brachycephalic nature. A 24-inch wire crate with a removable pan balances airflow, safety, and ease of cleaning for most Frenchies.

The Options

Types Explained

Wire Crates

Metal frame with bars, offering excellent ventilation and visibility. Often foldable and include a removable pan.

Best for: Home use with good ventilation needs.

Plastic Crates

Hard-sided with ventilation slots, used for travel and airline compliance. More secure but heavier.

Best for: Travel and anxious dogs needing a den-like feel.

Soft-Sided Crates

Fabric and mesh construction, lightweight and portable. Not chew-proof.

Best for: Well-behaved Frenchies for temporary use.

Heavy-Duty Crates

Reinforced steel or aluminum, designed for escape artists or strong chewers. Very sturdy but expensive.

Best for: Destructive or anxious French Bulldogs.

The Rankings

Top 6 Picks

Best Overall

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

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Single-door folding metal crate with a durable pan, excellent ventilation, and easy setup. Ideal size 24 inches for Frenchies.

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Best Heavy Duty

ProSelect Empire Cage

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All-steel construction with a drop-pin design, perfect for escape artists. Comes in 24 or 30 inch sizes with a slide-out tray.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best for Travel

Petmate Two-Door Top Load

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Hard-sided plastic crate with top and front doors, meets airline requirements. Provides good ventilation and security.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best Soft Crate

EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Crate

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Lightweight and portable with three mesh doors for airflow. Suitable for well-behaved Frenchies at home or on trips.

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Best Value

Frisco Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Crate

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Affordable double-door wire crate with a divider panel, allowing growth. Strong build with a leak-proof pan.

Check Price on Amazon →

Best for Easy Storage

Pet Gear Pop-Up Crate

View on Amazon

Instant pop-up design with a padded floor and mesh sides. Great for temporary use and folds flat for storage.

Check Price on Amazon →

Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

Size and Fit

Measure your Frenchie from nose to tail and from floor to shoulder. Add 2 to 4 inches for comfort. A 24-inch crate works for most, but larger dogs may need 30 inches.

Ventilation

French Bulldogs overheat easily. Choose crates with ample airflow, such as wire or plastic with multiple vents. Avoid fully enclosed designs.

Material and Durability

Wire crates are lightweight but can bend. Heavy-duty steel is best for chewers. Plastic crates are sturdy but heavier. Soft crates are only for calm dogs.

Portability

If you travel, consider collapsible or airline-approved crates. Weight and handle design matter for frequent moves.

Ease of Cleaning

Look for removable, leak-proof pans or washable fabric. Accidents happen, so easy cleanup is essential.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Introducing the Crate

Place the crate in a common area with the door open. Add a soft bed and toys. Feed meals inside to create positive association. Never force your Frenchie in.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Wipe down the pan daily with pet-safe cleaner. Wash fabric crates per manufacturer instructions. Inspect for sharp edges or damage weekly.

Safety Tips

Remove collars to prevent snagging. Ensure proper ventilation. Never leave your Frenchie in a crate for more than 8 to 12 hours. Provide water in a spill-proof bowl.

Pro tip

Always measure your Frenchie's height and length before buying a crate. Add a few inches for comfort, and consider a divider panel if you have a puppy to allow for growth.

Frequently asked questions

What size crate does a French Bulldog need?

Most French Bulldogs fit a 24-inch crate, but measure your dog's length and height. Add 2 to 4 inches for comfort. Some larger Frenchies may need a 30-inch crate.

Are wire crates safe for French Bulldogs?

Yes, if the bar spacing is small enough (1 inch or less) to prevent paws or heads from getting stuck. Wire crates offer good ventilation, which is crucial for brachycephalic breeds.

Can I use a soft crate for my French Bulldog?

Only if your Frenchie is calm and not a chewer. Soft crates are not durable and can be easily destroyed. They are best for travel or temporary use.

How do I crate train my French Bulldog?

Start slowly by feeding meals in the crate and rewarding calm behavior. Gradually increase time with the door closed. Never use the crate for punishment. Be patient and consistent.

Should I cover my French Bulldog's crate?

A cover can help some dogs feel secure, but ensure ventilation. If your Frenchie tends to overheat, leave the cover off or use a breathable fabric.

What is the best crate for a French Bulldog that chews?

Heavy-duty crates like the ProSelect Empire Cage are best for chewers. They are made of reinforced steel and have secure latches to prevent escape.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

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