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Quick answer
UK crate guides put an adult French Bulldog in a 30–36 in crate1. Trained Puppy lists French Bulldogs for 30–36 in crates.
Your dog may differ, so measure to be sure.
Get an exact crate sizeFrench Bulldog size and build: what it means for a crate
| Chest girth | about 45–65 cm (our estimate)2Estimate Estimate: no published source gives chest girth for this breed yet, so measure your dog. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11–12.5 kg3,4 Breed standard ideal weight: dogs 12.5 kg, bitches 11 kg. Many pet Frenchies fall outside this. |
The UK breed standard gives an ideal weight of 12.5 kg for dogs and 11 kg for bitches, and describes a cobby, muscular body with a deep, wide brisket3,4. A Frenchie is compact in length but broad.
UK crate guides list French Bulldogs for 30–36 inch crates1.
French Bulldogs are brachycephalic (flat-faced), and the RSPCA warns that flat-faced dogs can struggle in the heat5. Good airflow is one of the most important things in a Frenchie's crate.
How to measure your French Bulldog for a crate
- Stand your dog on a level floor. Measure its length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail, where the tail joins the body. Don't include the tail6.
- Ask your dog to sit. Measure its sitting height from the floor to the top of its head, or to the tips of its ears if they stand up. Measure sitting, because some dogs are taller sitting than standing6.
- Add space. UK guides suggest adding 5–10 cm to each measurement6, and Pet Crates Direct suggests about 6 inches (15 cm)7. We suggest adding 10 cm, the middle of that range, and treat 5 cm as the snug minimum.
- Compare your two numbers with each crate's length and height. The crate needs to clear both. Check the width too: your dog should be able to turn round comfortably8.
- Check whether the brand gives inside or outside measurements. Wire crates lose very little space inside, but plastic crates and wooden furniture-style crates can be noticeably smaller inside than out.
French Bulldog measuring tips
- Frenchies' upright "bat" ears are often the highest point when they sit. Measure sitting height to the ear tips6.
- Measure length from the nose to the base of the tail. On a flat-faced dog the nose adds little, so the body is almost all of it.
- Watch your Frenchie turn round: broad dogs need more width than their length suggests.
More detail, including weighing and measuring a wriggly dog, is in our complete guide to measuring your dog.
French Bulldog crate size by brand
In the UK, crates are usually sold by their length in inches: a "36-inch" crate is about 91 cm long. Brands round differently, so always check the actual dimensions in the table.
Ellie-Bo
Standard Dog Cage
Wire crate. Folding wire cage from a UK brand. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider for each size separately. Ellie-Bo sells a matching divider separately for each size9.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| S (24 in) | 61 × 46 × 51 cm | 24 × 18.1 × 20.1 in |
| M (30 in) | 76 × 53.5 × 60 cm | 29.9 × 21.1 × 23.6 in |
| L (36 in) | 91.5 × 61 × 66 cm | 36 × 24 × 26 in |
| XL (42 in) | 107 × 71 × 79 cm | 42.1 × 28 × 31.1 in |
| XXL (48 in) | 122 × 79 × 86.5 cm | 48 × 31.1 × 34.1 in |
Highlighted rows match the 30–36 in range UK guides give for an adult French Bulldog. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in cm, converted to inches).
Check price on AmazonMidWest
iCrate Folding Dog Crate
Wire crate. Folding wire crate with a divider panel included. Dimensions are published in inches. MidWest includes a divider panel with this crate10.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 24 in | 61 × 45.7 × 48.3 cm | 24 × 18 × 19 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 48.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 19 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 58.4 × 63.5 cm | 36 × 23 × 25 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 71.1 × 76.2 cm | 42 × 28 × 30 in |
| 48 in | 121.9 × 76.2 × 83.8 cm | 48 × 30 × 33 in |
Highlighted rows match the 30–36 in range UK guides give for an adult French Bulldog. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonAmazon Basics
Folding Soft Dog Crate
Fabric crate. Fabric crate on a folding frame. Dimensions are published in inches. No divider panel is offered for this crate.
| Size | L × W × H (cm) | L × W × H (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 26 in | 66 × 45.7 × 45.7 cm | 26 × 18 × 18 in |
| 30 in | 76.2 × 53.3 × 53.3 cm | 30 × 21 × 21 in |
| 36 in | 91.4 × 61 × 61 cm | 36 × 24 × 24 in |
| 42 in | 106.7 × 78.7 × 78.7 cm | 42 × 31 × 31 in |
Highlighted rows match the 30–36 in range UK guides give for an adult French Bulldog. Figures are as the brand publishes them (in inches, converted to cm).
Check price on AmazonPuppy crates and dividers
French Bulldogs are small to medium dogs, and smaller dogs reach adult weight sooner than large breeds11. A divider in an adult-size crate works well for a puppy.
A divider panel is a removable wall that shortens the inside of a crate. It lets you buy the crate your dog will need as an adult and make it smaller for a puppy, then move it back as your puppy grows. MidWest includes one with the iCrate10; Ellie-Bo sells one to fit each cage size9.
Whatever the divider setting, your puppy should still be able to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch8. Check this every week or two while your puppy is growing, and move the divider back as soon as it looks cramped.
For how to introduce a crate to a puppy, and how long it can be used for, follow the RSPCA's and Dogs Trust's step-by-step guidance8,12. Blue Cross also has advice on using indoor kennels13.
Home crate vs car crate
The Highway Code says that in a vehicle, dogs and other animals must be suitably restrained so they can't distract you or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. It lists a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard as ways of doing this14.
A home crate and a car crate do different jobs. At home, size is all about comfort: your dog should be able to stand, turn, lie down and stretch8. In the car, the crate also has to fit your boot and stay put when you brake.
- Measure the boot, not just the dog. Measure the boot floor's length and width, and the height of the opening. In hatchbacks and estates the tailgate often slopes in, so the usable height at the back can be lower than at the front.
- Secure the crate. A crate that slides or tips over when you brake doesn't restrain your dog. Use the car's load-lashing points or a strap if the crate allows it, and follow the maker's instructions.
- Check the crate is meant for cars. Folding wire home crates are made for the home. If you want a crate for the car, check what the maker says about vehicle use and how to secure it.
- Think about heat. Cars heat up fast. Choose a crate with good airflow, keep it out of direct sun, and never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day.
French Bulldogs in the car
Flat-faced dogs can struggle in the heat5. Never leave your Frenchie in a parked car on a warm day, and keep a car crate out of direct sun while driving.
Wire, plastic or fabric?
Wire
Metal wire crates fold flat, give plenty of airflow and let your dog see out. Most come with a removable tray, and many take a divider. They're the most common choice for home use. Some dogs settle better if part of the crate is covered, but always leave plenty of sides open for air.
Plastic
Plastic crates (often sold as carriers) are enclosed and den-like, easy to wipe clean and common for travel. The walls take up space and airflow is lower, so check the inside dimensions and ventilation.
Fabric
Fabric crates on a folding frame are very light and fold small, which suits trips and holidays. They're only for calm dogs that don't chew, dig or push at the sides, and they're harder to clean.
Which suits a French Bulldog?
- Wire: The best airflow of the three types. Usually the best choice for a flat-faced dog.
- Plastic: More enclosed, so it can get warm. If you use one for travel, choose good ventilation and keep it out of the sun.
- Fabric: Can trap heat, and isn't a good match for a dog that struggles in warm weather.
Fit checks: is the crate big enough?
Stand up
Your dog can stand up without stooping or touching the roof8.
Sit up
Your dog can sit up without its head or ears touching the top13.
Wag its tail
Dogs Trust's list includes room to wag its tail12. If the tail hits the sides every time, the crate is tight.
Room for the bed
Measure the crate floor, not the outside, and choose a bed or mat that lies flat inside it.
Common mistakes
- Putting the crate in a sunny window or next to a radiator.
- Choosing an enclosed plastic or fabric crate for everyday use without thinking about airflow.
- Measuring sitting height to the top of the head instead of the tips of the ears.
- Measuring the dog standing for height. Measure sitting, to the top of the head or ear tips6.
- Including the tail in the length. Measure to where the tail joins the body6.
- Buying a small puppy crate and replacing it every few months, instead of an adult-size crate with a divider.
- Comparing outside dimensions of a plastic or furniture-style crate with your dog's measurements. Check the inside size.
- Forgetting the car. A crate that suits your living room may not fit your boot.
French Bulldog crate questions
What size crate does a French Bulldog need?
UK crate guides put an adult French Bulldog in a 30–36 in crate1. In the brands we cover that means Ellie-Bo Standard Dog Cage: M (30 in) or L (36 in); MidWest iCrate Folding Dog Crate: 30 in or 36 in; Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate: 30 in or 36 in. Measure your dog's length and sitting height and add about 10 cm to be sure.
How do I measure my French Bulldog for a crate?
Measure length from the nose to the base of the tail with your dog standing, and height from the floor to the top of the head or ear tips with your dog sitting6. Add about 10 cm to each, then compare with the crate's length and height.
What size crate for a French Bulldog puppy?
Many owners buy the adult-size crate and use a divider panel to make it smaller while the puppy grows. Your puppy should always have room to stand, turn around, lie down and stretch8.
Are crate sizes in inches the actual length?
Roughly. The number is the crate's nominal length: a 36 in crate is around 91 cm long, but brands round differently. Check the dimensions in the size table.
Do I need a crate in the car?
The Highway Code says dogs must be suitably restrained in a vehicle, and lists a dog cage as one way, along with a seat belt harness, pet carrier or dog guard14. A crate is one option, not the only one.
What size crate does a French Bulldog need?
UK crate guides list French Bulldogs for 30–36 in crates1. Measure length and sitting height to the ear tips, add about 10 cm, and pick the crate that clears both.
Is a plastic crate OK for a Frenchie?
For short trips, with good ventilation and out of the sun. For everyday use, a wire crate gives much better airflow, which matters for a flat-faced dog5.
Is my Frenchie safe in a crate in the car in summer?
Flat-faced dogs can struggle in the heat5. Keep the car cool, keep the crate out of direct sun, and never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day. If your Frenchie struggles to breathe or seems distressed, stop and contact a vet.
Find your French Bulldog's crate sizeFrench Bulldog harness guide