Need a Crate for Your Frenchie? Ventilation Matters
French Bulldogs need crates with top airflow due to breathing issues. Our guide explains why the MidWest iCrate is a safe, easy-clean choice for most Frenchies.
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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.
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
#1
Best Overall
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate
View on Amazon
Single-door folding metal crate with a durable pan, excellent ventilation, and easy setup. Ideal size 24 inches for Frenchies.
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.
02
Ventilation
French Bulldogs overheat easily. Choose crates with ample airflow, such as wire or plastic with multiple vents. Avoid fully enclosed designs.
03
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.
04
Portability
If you travel, consider collapsible or airline-approved crates. Weight and handle design matter for frequent moves.
05
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.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Crates, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
