The French Bulldog (aka Frenchie) is a rising star in the canine kingdom. His squat little body and squishy face are proving to be a big hit with the elderly and young hipsters alike. As such, there are a lot of French Bulldogs out there who need the best crate to rest their handsome heads. We also figured many owners might need a helping hand deciphering the world of crate training.
We sort the wheat from the crate chaff and showcase five of the top containment devices for your Frenchie. From doggy needs to owner budgets, we have reviewed and found something for everyone. It’s also important that you know what to look for in a quality dog crate yourself, so we have compiled a crate buying guide too.
If there’s anything you need to know about the overwhelming world of dog crates for your bat-eared friend, we’ve got it covered. So, let’s jump in headfirst.
At A Glance: Our Favorite Dog Crates For Frenchies
Popular Pick
MidWest iCrate
Best Budget
Precision Collapsible
Soft-Sided Crate
Firstrax Soft Sided Crate
Buyer’s Guide
There are several considerations that you need to take before buying just any old crate. You need to think about it all, from the size to the type and the construction to the purpose. Don’t worry, though, after reading this guide you’ll know how to get the best for your money.
If you’re wondering whether a crate for your Frenchie is the best idea, let us assure you that it is. Crate training not only allows him to enjoy his own space, but it also provides you with peace of mind. It benefits everyone, so it’s definitely something that you need to invest in. You need to crate train him first. But as dog owners ourselves, trust us when we say it’ll transform your life.
Crate Size
The size of his crate is the most important factor to get right. If it’s too big, he’ll only use it as a toilet ground or feel too lonely inside. And if it’s too small, he’ll feel claustrophobic, anxious, and try to break his way out of it. Neither scenario is ideal, and it’ll just ruin any chances you have of crate training him, and at worst, cause serious injuries. So, you need to get the right size.
The Frenchie is a small-sized dog, so you’ll probably need a small-sized crate. We say probably because all brands, and crates, are different. Your Frenchie might need a medium-sized crate. The way to find his perfect crate size is to measure your Frenchie according to the instructions. Frenchies typically require either a 24-inch or 28-inch crate.
Crate Purpose
Your next consideration should be how you plan to use the crate. There are three main types. The first two are for home use, and these are the metal wire crate and the furniture-style crate. The metal-wire crate is the most commonly used because it is effective and less costly than a furniture-style crate that blends into home décor and doubles as an end table.
The last style of crate is a soft-side crate. These are usually for those Frenchies who either travel a lot with their owners. Or for use in the vehicle when being transported to the vet or your local doggy park. They are lightweight but secure and provide adequate ventilation for his safety. They make traveling a much more enjoyable experience for both him and you.
If you are looking for his very first crate, we advise looking for a crate that comes with a training divider. This means that you can buy one crate that grows with him as he develops. This saves you from buying different size crates as he grows. Very simple, but very clever too.
Crate Construction
The construction of the crate is also another consideration. If it is built well, keeps him safe, and lasts a long time, it could last his entire lifetime. It might not last longer than a year if it is poorly made, meaning you have to keep buying a crate every year. Over time, you’ll spend much more money on poor-quality crates than one good-quality crate.
You don’t need to spend a whole month’s paycheck, but you do need to spend a little bit more than the cheapest around. We have found the best balance of quality and cost. The crates listed below offer the best value for money.
The crate you buy needs to be able to withstand his weight. Either when sleeping in it or when being carried in it. Each crate tells you how much weight it can hold, and the better quality ones can take more weight. If he is an active little guy or a chewer, you should invest in a crate made with heavy-duty wire to keep him secure.
Crate Comfort
Crate comfort is also another major factor to consider. Ask yourself this, if your bed didn’t have a mattress on it, would you sleep in it? We didn’t think so. So you cannot expect your Frenchie to sleep on a hard crate pan. Some crates come with a fleece-lined blanket, but some do not. You can also add more blankets and even a pillow if he is a particularly spoiled pup.
For an even more comfortable crate experience, we advise investing in a simple mattress bed. You can buy these separately, and they offer a few inches of foam for support. It is also better for his joints and prevents joint issues and other sores. Be sure to measure the size of the bed so you know that it fits into his crate. Sizing is important here.
Activity Levels
Last but certainly not least, we have a crate tip for you. The Frenchie might be small, but he is active and tenacious.
Before you put him in his crate, be sure that he has his daily fill of activity. Otherwise, he’ll go in and feel the need for speed. He gets the case of the zoomies and potentially tips his crate over. Or, he might try to escape by biting his way through the metal wire, causing himself an injury. So, before crating him, please take this handsome pooch out for a stroll to reduce that excess energy.
Our Favorite French Bulldog Crates
Hopefully, you now know about what type of crate your Frenchie needs including what to look out for to find a high-quality one. After scouring the market, we have found the very best dog crates for Frenchies. Listed below are a variety of crates for all needs and wants. Now, let’s choose the best pick for your pup.
In no particular order, here they are.
Mr. Peanut’s Double Door Collapsible Soft-Sided
- Collapsible crate assembles quickly and easily.
- Aluminum material for strong and sturdy frame.
- Lightweight, durable military-grade nylon fabric.
- Mesh windows provide ventilation and visibility.
- Rounded corners protect home and vehicle.
- Top and side zippered doors for easy access.
- Removable fleece pad and nylon exterior cover are machine washable.
Need description
Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided
- Perfect for car travel.
- Three zippered doors.
- Clips can lock doors for added security.
- Durable steel frame.
- Water-resistant material.
- Easy setup and tear down.
- Accommodates dogs up to 85 pounds.
Frisco has created this soft-side crate for indoor and outdoor used, can be assembled and disassembled without any tools, and can be folded up easily when not in use. It is lightweight and easy to carry around, thanks to the padded handle. It has a water-resistant base and durable fabric that can be washed easily by hand. Each corner is rounded for his safety too.
This crate has three zippered doors, meaning that he has available entry and exit points no matter where you take him. They also have lockable clips for extra security. The doors are made of mesh, and can be held open for ultimate ventilation. This crate comes in a wide variety of sizes to accommodate all Frenchies, and it can withstand up to 85 pounds in weight thanks to the sturdy steel frame.
We love that this product comes in various sizes and can take up to 85 pounds in weight. Meaning that if you have a small or a porky Frenchie, this soft-sided crate provides different options.
Go Pet Club Double Door Collapsible Soft-Sided
- Cozy fleece floor pad.
- Soft sides and ample ventilation.
- Handy clips for security.
- No tools needed to assemble or disassemble.
- Weighs about 10 pounds.
- Measures 28 x 20.5 x 20.5 inches
For Frenchies on the go, this is the ideal soft-sided crate. It is durable and made with steel tubing. This carrier is covered with a water-resistant nylon shell, good for both indoor and outdoor use. It has two zippered doors, one on the front and one on the top, for easy access and safe entry and exit points. This crate comes in two stylish colors.
The handle allows you to carry him around with ease. And when you aren’t using the crate, it can be fastened with the clips to be stored away neatly without ruining its shape. The sides are ventilated with meshed material, and the washable fleece-lined pad keeps him comfortable and warm when needed. It has a storage pocket, and it comes with a 30-day warranty.
We love that this product is reinforced with sturdy steel tubing to keep its shape for comfortable transportation.
MidWest iCrate Double Door Collapsible
- Foldable design.
- Lightweight and easy to transport.
- Includes crate-sized bed, privacy cover, & 2 pet bowls.
- Secure slide-bolt latch and rounded corners.
- Machine washable bed and crate covers.
Here we have the best option for puppy Frenchies. This product offers you the whole shebang, including a solid double door, a bedpan, a crate cover, a fleece-lined bed, two snap-fit bowls, a training divider, and a free crate-training DVD. This saves you bundles of time and ensures that you’re ready for your dog’s arrival.
This crate is secure, with a trusted side bolt that he can’t open from inside. The corners are also rounded for his safety. It comes in different sizes, catering to all Frenchie sizes. MidWest offers this crate with a one-year warranty. So, you can be sure that it is made with the best quality materials and last you longer than other crates available.
We love that this product isn’t just a crate. It offers the crate bumper package for new Frenchie moms and dads.
Precision Pet Products Provalu Double Door Collapsible
- Heavy-duty wire frame with looped wire hinges.
- Simple to store and transport with convenient handle.
- Rust-resistant, long lasting, black electro-coat finish.
- Rounded corners eliminate sharp edges for safety.
- Easy to clean with superior leak-proof plastic pan.
Precision Pet Products have created this crate with simplicity in mind. But don’t let that fool you because it is ideal for Frenchies who need a simple crate without fuss or frills. The crate is made with thick metal wiring to keep him secure, even when he wants to get out. It is described as heavy-duty, so even the chewiest of pooches do well in this crate.
This budget pick is collapsible, and it comes with a handle, which is great for transportation. It also has looped wire hinges to keep it locked into place when your Frenchie isn’t using it and comes with a divider panel for his training needs and has two doors for easy home placement. It is rust-resistant and coated in a black electro-coat finish for durability. The removable plastic pan is easy to clean too.
We love that this product is the best option for Frenchies on a budget without compromising on quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some owners hate the idea of crate training, but many of us are crate converts. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that you might still have in your mind.
Do I need to crate train my French Bulldog?
Yes, you do need to crate train your Frenchie. Many owners put their dog in the crate and lock it before he’s had a chance to sniff around. This is a big mistake. You will scare him and ruin any chance of him going in there again. So, take the time to learn about crate training, and be patient with the process. And, more importantly, him. He might get it quickly, or he might take a bit longer.
How do I measure my French Bulldog for his crate?
The most common way to measure your Frenchie for his new dog crate is to measure him, in inches, from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail. Then, get him to stand or sit and measure from his paws to the tip of his head. Add four inches to those measurements, and you’ll have the perfect crate size. You need to double-check measurement instructions before placing an order, as all crate sizes are different.
How long should my Frenchie stay in his crate?
You should keep your French Bulldog in his crate according to the following guidelines:
- 8 – 10 Weeks: 30 – 60-minute training sessions
- 11 – 14 Weeks: 1 – 3-hour training sessions
- 15 – 17 Weeks: 3 – 4-hour training sessions
- 17+ Weeks: 4-hours at a time
A crate is not designed for Frenchies to be stored in all day. This is cruel. You should only use it for a few hours at a time when you leave him alone or transport him. When you are at home, you can leave the door open, and he can go to and from as he pleases.
Are these crates suitable for air travel?
Not all crates are suitable for air travel. And not all airlines follow the same guidelines. If you are a frequent flyer, check with your favorite airline about what crate guidelines to follow. If this is what you seek, we have an airline-approved in-cabin flight crate guide. Additionally, not all airlines allow flat-faced breeds, such as the Frenchie, to travel. So, you need to check this out too.
Final Thoughts
The French Bulldog is a cheeky little chap who deserves the very best. Hopefully, we have demystified the confusing world of canine crates and helped you find your Frenchie the very best crate available.
Our recommendations are tops based on our thorough research and the testimonials of other dog owners. This is why we feel confident that they are of excellent quality, durable, and comfortable. But don’t forget to crate train your Frenchie — we guarantee you will both reap the benefits.