When I first tried traveling with Maven, my little French Bulldog diva, I learned very quickly that just tossing her in the back seat with a blanket was not going to cut it. Two minutes into the trip, she had wriggled onto the armrest like the queen of the highway, giving me side-eye as if to say, “You think a mere seat is enough for me?” 😏
The truth is, French Bulldogs are not just any dog when it comes to travel safety. Their unique build — stocky bodies, short necks, and that oh-so-smooshy face — means you can’t just grab any old harness and call it a day. Whether you’re heading to the vet, on a weekend road trip, or planning a cross-country adventure, a safe, well-fitted travel harness is as important as your seatbelt.
Today, we’re diving into exactly how to choose the perfect harness for your Frenchie, so you can hit the road stress-free.
Why Your French Bulldog Needs a Travel Harness 🐕🦺
French Bulldogs are prone to a few travel-specific risks:
- Airway sensitivity from their brachycephalic build.
- High center of gravity that makes them tip over easily in sudden stops.
- Curious personalities that may lead them to explore the car mid-drive.
A safe harness:
- 🛡️ Keeps them secure in case of a sudden stop or accident.
- 🐾 Prevents them from distracting you while driving.
- ❤️ Reduces stress by keeping them comfortably contained.
When I traveled with my first Frenchie, Novacane, I didn’t realize how much movement she had in the back seat until she popped up in my peripheral vision mid-lane change. Lesson learned — the right harness is non-negotiable.
Key Features to Look For in a Travel Harness 🔍
Not all dog harnesses are created equal — especially for French Bulldogs. Here’s what to prioritize:
- 🐶 Crash-tested certification – Look for harnesses tested by the Center for Pet Safety or similar organizations.
- 🐕 Wide, padded chest plate – Distributes force evenly across their chest, reducing injury risk.
- 🩺 Adjustable straps – Ensures a snug, comfortable fit without restricting breathing.
- 📏 Proper sizing for Frenchies – They often need a medium girth but shorter neck fit.
- 🔗 Seat belt compatibility – Harness should connect directly to the seatbelt or via a sturdy tether.
Measuring Your French Bulldog for the Perfect Fit 📏
Before you buy, measure your Frenchie in three spots:
- Neck circumference – Around the base of the neck.
- Chest girth – The widest part, just behind the front legs.
- Length – From base of neck to base of tail.
📌 Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s sizing chart — “Medium” in one brand might be “Small” in another.
With Maven, I’ve learned to size up if she’s between sizes — Frenchies need wiggle room for those muscular shoulders.
Top Safe Travel Harnesses for French Bulldogs 🏆
Here are some excellent options, all known for safety and Frenchie-friendly design.
1. Sleepypod Clickit Sport 🐾
- 🛡️ Crash-tested & CPS-certified.
- 🐕 Padded vest-style harness.
- 📏 Great adjustability for stocky builds.
Why Maven loves it: The vest design keeps her snug without digging into her chest.
2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness 🚙
- 🩺 Broad, padded chest plate.
- 🔗 Seat belt loop included.
- 🐶 Lifetime warranty.
Why I love it: Easy on-off clips make it simple to use for quick trips.
3. EzyDog Drive Safety Travel Harness 🏁
- 🛡️ Crash-tested to EU standards.
- 🐕 Durable, seatbelt-grade webbing.
- 🩺 Padded panels for comfort.
Why it’s great for Frenchies: Secure fit that still allows natural sitting or lying positions.
Harness vs. Carrier: Which is Best for Your Frenchie? 🤔
Sometimes, a carrier can be safer for tiny or nervous Frenchies — but it depends on your travel style.
- 🐕 Harness: Great for most adult Frenchies, especially those who like to see out the window.
- 🐶 Carrier: Ideal for very small, senior, or anxious dogs who need a cozy enclosed space.
Maven? Harness all the way — she likes to supervise traffic.
Travel Safety Checklist for Harness Use 📋
Before every trip:
- 🐾 Check straps for wear or fraying.
- 📏 Make sure the harness is snug but not tight (you should fit two fingers under each strap).
- 🔗 Attach to the seatbelt using manufacturer’s instructions — no DIY hacks.
- ⏱️ Give your Frenchie time to settle before driving off.
Training Your French Bulldog to Love Their Harness ❤️
Frenchies can be stubborn (shocking, I know 😏), so getting them to accept a new harness takes patience.
- 🐶 Introduce slowly – Let them sniff and explore the harness before putting it on.
- 🐕 Short practice sessions – Use it during calm car rides to build positive association.
- 🍖 Reward generously – Treats, praise, and belly rubs after each successful wear.
Maven used to “pancake” on the floor when I brought out a new harness. Now, she wiggles into it because she knows it means adventure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
- ❌ Using a regular walking harness for travel — it’s not built for crash safety.
- ❌ Leaving the harness too loose — can cause injury in sudden stops.
- ❌ Attaching to a collar — risk of neck injury is too high.
- ❌ Skipping acclimation — a stressed dog is a distracted driver’s worst nightmare.
Affiliate Tip: What to Pair with Your Travel Harness 🛍️
If you’re building your Frenchie’s travel kit, consider adding:
- 🐾 Car seat cover – Protects seats from fur & paw prints.
- 🐕 Collapsible travel bowl – Keeps water accessible.
- 🍖 Travel-friendly treats – Small, low-mess rewards.
- 🐶 Portable fan – Vital for brachycephalic breeds in warm weather.
My Harness Packing Routine 🧳
When we travel, Maven’s harness is always clipped and ready. I keep:
- 📅 Harness & tether in the back seat.
- 🐾 Backup leash in the glovebox.
- 🐕 Emergency vet card tucked in the harness pouch.
That way, we can hop in the car anytime without scrambling.
Final Thoughts 🚗❤️
Traveling with a French Bulldog is a little like traveling with a toddler — adorable, opinionated, and prone to drama if unprepared. But with the right harness, you’re not just keeping them safe; you’re giving yourself peace of mind.
Whether you choose the Sleepypod, Kurgo, or EzyDog, remember:
A safe Frenchie is a happy Frenchie — and a happy Frenchie makes for the best co-pilot. 🐾
Maven certainly thinks so. The moment her harness clicks into place, she gives me that look that says, “Okay, chauffeur, let’s roll.” And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.
🐾 Meet Maven: A Book Full of Snorts, Sass, and Heart
Maven the Maybe-Something-Else is a heartwarming and hilarious picture book that celebrates identity, imagination, and the weirdly wonderful ways our pets show us who they really are. Inspired by the true story of a little Frenchie with a big personality, this story helps kids learn to love themselves — quirks and all.
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