6 Best Dog Crates for Bulldogs in 2024

Kate Barrington

Researched & Written by

Kate Barrington


At Pawster, we are committed to presenting the most accurate and up-to-date information to assist you in your pet care journey. When appropriate, we consult licensed and practicing veterinarians to fact-check our professionally written articles.

Known for their well-muscled bodies and fiercely loyal temperaments, there’s no breed quite like the English Bulldog.

Historically, these dogs have a bit of a bloody past: English bulldogs rose to fame after King John used them as “bull baiters.” Once Great Britain banned bloodsports in the mid-1800s, English Bulldogs were at the brink of extinction. Fortunately, bulldog admirers and breeders were able to bring them back from the edge (and breed out many of their “undesirable” traits).

Nowadays, Bulldogs make excellent family companions: not only are they gentle with children and other animals but they’re also mellow and laid back. When he isn’t relaxing at your feet, chances are that your bulldog will want to lie down in his crate.

Despite what some dog owners may tell you about crate training, purchasing a kennel for your bulldog is not cruel or inhumane. In fact, it can take advantage of your bulldog’s natural “den” instincts.

The hardest part for many people isn’t deciding whether or not to buy a crate—it’s finding the right dog kennel for your pup. Luckily, you don’t need to shop alone—we’ve already done all the legwork for you. Below, we’ve reviewed some of the best bulldog crates on the market and highlighted size recommendations.

What is a Good Crate Size for Bulldogs?

Although crate sizes can vary based on your bulldog’s individual measurements and age, it’s generally recommended that adult bulldogs use crates that are forty-two inches in length and thirty to thirty-six inches wide.

Keep in mind that those numbers are just average recommendations. It’s possible that your bulldog may require a smaller crate (especially if they’re still growing) or a bigger one. Before you purchase anything, you should measure your bulldog’s width and height (and then add three to four inches to the measurements). Those final numbers will give you a rough idea about what size the crate should be.

What to Look for in a Good Crate for Bulldogs

The major factor to think about when crate shopping for your bulldog is sizing. Not only do different products come in different sizes but they may also use their own sizing charts too. If your bulldog is still a puppy, one thing you can do to save a little money is to look for crates that include divider panels.

Divider panels allow you to section off different areas of the crate until you’re ready to use them. That way, your bulldog only has to use the space he needs, but you won’t need to buy a bigger crate later on.

Cleanliness is another issue. If your bulldog is still being housetrained, you shouldn’t be surprised if they end up having a few accidents in the crate—especially if they’re left alone for a few hours. Luckily, many wire cages include removable trays so that you don’t need to wipe down the entire crate.

Plastic kennels typically don’t require a lot of scrubbing either, but a wooden crate can be trickier. Before you purchase anything, it’s a good idea to check whether or not the manufacturer has taken any special measures to make the cleaning process simpler.

Different Types of Dog Crates for Bulldogs

When you’re shopping for a crate, all the different choices can feel overwhelming. Not only are there different kinds of crates available, but every type does something different.

For bulldogs, it’s important to understand what a wire cage is. These folding crates look a lot like cages, but they’re often a popular choice for bulldog owners since they offer plenty of ventilation. Unlike some wooden crates or plastic carriers, wire cages use thin wire bars that won’t affect your pup’s airflow. The only downside to a wire cage is that, while it gives your bulldog plenty of air, it can also make your pup feel overexposed too.

If a wire cage makes your bulldog feel anxious, a plastic kennel may be the better option. Plastic kennels usually have a durable shell and handle so that owners can pick the crate up and transport it from place to place. Plastic kennels are frequently referred to as “travel crates”, but you can also use them as indoor cages too.

Soft kennels are another option available to you. Soft kennels use fabric that’s held up with steel tubing rather than metal wire or plastic to enclose your bulldog. As a result, your bulldog’s crate might be a little comfier and easy to transport, but it might not be as durable as a wire cage would be.

Wooden crates can be an ideal choice for an indoor crate. Instead of clashing with your home’s decor, wooden crates use wood that looks more stylish. Although wooden crates aren’t always easy to transport, they can be one of the most durable kennels out there.

Overall Best Dog Crates for Bulldogs

There are plenty of mediocre choices out there, but your bulldog shouldn’t have to settle for mediocre. Here’s the best of the best:

MidWest LifeStages Double Door Dog Crate

Best Overall

One of the trickier aspects of buying a crate can be figuring out where to store it. Plastic kennels, for instance, can be bulky and difficult to fit around your house. Fortunately, storage isn’t an issue with the MidWest LifeStages Double Door Dog Crate. Not only can you fold it up when you’re done with it, but the design also includes handles so that you carry it from one place to another.

If your Bulldog is still growing, you might be relieved to find out that this crate also has a divider panel too. You can section off parts of the crate until your bulldog is big enough to use them.

5 More Highly Rated Dog Crates for Bulldogs

There’s no reason to stop with only one. We’ve added five more of the best bulldog crates for you below:

Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Dog Crate

Another wire crate that may be an ideal option is the Frisco Fold & Carry Single Door Dog Crate. With one large door for your bulldog to walk in and out of, this model is all about security. Once your pup is inside, you can lock the door using the dual latches on the side. If your bulldog is an escape artist, this crate might be able to stop him from pulling a disappearing act.

There’s also a divider panel included so that you can expand the crate as your bulldog gets bigger.

GoPetClub Soft-Sided Dog Crate

Although wire cages may be convenient to store and set up at home, they aren’t always the easiest to transport. If you plan to take your pup anywhere, the GoPetClub Soft-Sided Dog Crate may be an ideal choice. While the soft kennel is lightweight, it uses heavy-duty polyester material that can stand up to stains and water damage. Even aggressive chewers are unlikely to rip or tear this fabric.

Since bulldogs require plenty of airflow, you might be relieved to find out that there’s a screen mesh door to make sure your pup gets all the ventilation he needs.

Paws & Pals Double-Door Folding Wire Dog Crate

If you’re trying to house train your Bulldog or just a crate that’s convenient and easy to use, the Paws & Pals Double-Door Folding Wire Crate may just be what you’re looking for. This is a popular option for owners that have bulldogs that like to chew or gnaw on the bars.

With high-tensile steel wire, this product goes above and beyond by including protection against rust and corrosion. If you need to take it apart or minimize it for storage, the crate has a collapsible design that allows you to fold it up within seconds.

Mr. Herzher’s Original Wicker Pet Residence

Some of your favorite furniture might be wicker and now your dog can enjoy the same luxury with the Mr. Herzher’s Original Wicker Pet Residence. Unlike wire cages or plastic kennels, which often clash against your house’s decor, this crate might be able to blend in seamlessly.

The rhino wicker material doesn’t absorb liquid as some other choices might. If your Bulldog has an accident, you don’t need to worry about it leaving behind a permanent odor. When you need to put your bulldog inside for a while, there’s a spring-loaded door latch that you can use to make sure your pup stays secure.

Merry Products End Table Covered Decorative Dog & Cat Crate

While wooden crates can be a little bit more expensive than other options, their high-quality construction and stylish design are usually worth the steeper price tag. The Merry Products End Table Covered Decorative Dog & Cat Crate is no exception.

With wooden panels that can double as a table surface, some owners may even choose to use this crate as a coffee table. If your bulldog happens to have an accident, you don’t need to throw the crate out: all you need to do is take out the removable cleaning tray and give it a quick scrub.

Tips for Crate Training Bulldogs

You have all the information you need to find the right crate, but that doesn’t mean you’ll know what to do with it. Here a few quick tips to keep in mind while you’re crate training your bulldog:

  1. Place the crate in a well-populated area of your home. Your bulldog wants to be with you. Chances are, if you put your bulldog’s crate in a part of the house where you never go, he’s probably not going to spend much time there. Instead, try putting the crate in the living room, kitchen, or even your bedroom.
  2. Never use the crate as a form of punishment or “time-out”. Putting your pup in the crate when they misbehave may seem like an effective way to deal with bad habits, but it rarely works out the way you want it to. Even worse, using the crate as a form of punishment will teach your bulldog that the kennel is something to fear or avoid.
  3. Use treats to lure your bulldog into the crate. If your bulldog doesn’t seem very interested in interacting with his new crate, one trick to arouse interest is by putting treats inside. Once your bulldog realizes there is something yummy inside the kennel, they won’t be able to stay away.
  4. Let your pup discover the crate on his own. You should never force your bulldog to get inside a new crate. Not only will this elicit fear and anxiety, but your bulldog will be less likely to voluntarily climb inside later on.
  5. Try letting your bulldog stay in the crate for short intervals before you leave him alone. Before you try leaving your bulldog at home in the crate, you should make sure that he’s at least able to quietly stay inside for thirty minutes. Once your bulldog can do that, he can probably last a few hours without you. If your bulldog is unable to stay inside for half an hour without constant whining, you may need to try shorter intervals first and work your way up.
  6. Every time your bulldog voluntarily climbs inside the kennel, don’t forget to give him a treat. This positive reinforcement will encourage your pup to do the same in the future (and teach him the kennel is a good place to be).
  7. Try giving your bulldog some of their meals inside the crate.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I stop crate training?

It can be difficult to determine when you should stop crate training your bulldog, but many owners decide to quit once they can trust their pup not to completely destroy the house. Depending on the dog, that point may come after three months or three years.

How long can my bulldog be in the crate?

If your bulldog is still a puppy, he shouldn’t stay in the crate longer than three or four hours. Younger puppies typically can’t hold their bladders for long periods. Adult bulldogs may be able to last longer, but you still don’t want to leave your dog in their crate for long periods like ten or twelve hours.

Is it cruel to crate train my bulldog?

As long as you do it correctly, crate training is not cruel. In many cases, your bulldog may appreciate being introduced to their crate and begin viewing it as a “den”.

Why should I crate train my bulldog?

Crate training your bulldog can not only stop your dog from destroying the house while you’re running errands, but it can also give your pup somewhere to rest and relax after a long day. Crates, especially those that have roofs, can feel like “dens”.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve got a head start on the shopping process, it’s time to cross the finish line. If you’re still feeling a little confused or worried about finding the right kennel for your bulldog, feel free to check out one of the best bulldog crates that we’ve already reviewed for you.

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